Leaders are made, not born. Grounded in this essential understanding, in this course, we will fuse leadership theory, leadership skills and leadership-in-action to offer a meaningful investigation and rigorous pursuit of leadership. You will analyze the actions of famous leaders, debate characteristics of effective leadership and strengthen habits of leadership in your own life. Applying critical thinking and creativity, you will engage in a series of authentic, collaborative projects, providing opportunities to practice leadership skills and shape your personal leadership philosophy. Through action and reflection, this course is intended to get you to think about the qualities of leadership in new ways, develop a fuller appreciation of your talents as a leader and harness your leadership capabilities to positively impact our school and community.

AVID courses encourage learners to pursue college readiness (and eventual enrollment). Typically, the courses offer activities that enable learners to learn organizational and study skills, enhance their critical thinking skills, receive academic assistance as necessary, and be motivated to aspire to college education. Student application and acceptance is required to enroll in AVID program.

The Capstone Seminar course offers the opportunity to investigate areas of interest. Course objectives may include improvement of research and investigatory skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills, group process skills, problem-solving, critical-thinking skills, career exploration, or work experiences.

MTSS Study Hall is a structured study hall with a low learner to educator ratio designed to increase student success. MTSS Study Hall aims to improve organization skills, study skills, self-advocacy skills, responsibility, and independence. Learners are assisted in developing skills through monitoring organizational systems, weekly grade and assignment checks, assistance in advocating for needs and accessing accommodations, and meeting expectations to use work time appropriately.

Are you interested in how diverse Learners learn? This class is a study of the characteristics of the exceptional student which includes gifted and talented, culturally diverse, and those with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities. Learners will learn techniques to use to differentiate lessons for a variety of learners. Learners will also learn skills needed to be a paraprofessional. (Optional dual credit – VCSU 240)

This class is designed for general education learners interested in developing leadership skills and learning about individuals with disabilities. The learners work together in an integrated, positive fashion, to promote socialization, independence, and strong friendship bonds that last throughout high school and beyond. It will give learners the ability to expose learners to new social opportunities and expand their support network. (Optional Dual Credit through VSCU – Educating the Exceptional Student and could also go on to complete training toward an Applied Behavior Analysis, which could lead to industry certification.)