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Pathways We Offer

Grades 9–12 · Irvine & Online

Psychology & Cognitive Science

Students explore why people think, feel, and act the way they do — from decision-making to memory to social behavior. A hands-on introduction for anyone curious about the mind.

What students work on:

Foundations of psychology: cognitive, developmental, and social
Research design and how psychological studies are evaluated
Applied projects connecting theory to real behavior and decision-making

Great fit if: your student is curious about people, the mind, or considering psychology, neuroscience, or social science in college.

Business & Economics

Students get a practical grounding in how companies operate and how markets shape the decisions around them. Ideal for anyone thinking about entrepreneurship, management, or economics down the line.

What students work on:

Core business concepts: strategy, operations, and marketing fundamentals
Micro and macroeconomic principles through real-world cases
Applied projects such as a business plan or market analysis

Great fit if: your student is drawn to entrepreneurship, management, or economics and wants hands-on exposure before college coursework.

Finance

Students build a working understanding of money, markets, and investing — skills that apply well beyond the classroom. A strong starting point for future finance, accounting, or business analytics students.

What students work on:

Personal finance, investing basics, and financial statement literacy
Introduction to markets, valuation, and financial decision-making
Applied projects like building a mock portfolio or investment case

Great fit if: your student is interested in finance, accounting, or business analytics and wants a practical foundation.

Communications & Media Studies

Students learn how stories are built and shared across journalism, marketing, and digital media. A natural fit for anyone drawn to writing, content creation, or storytelling in any form.

What students work on:

Principles of media literacy, journalism, and digital communication
Persuasive writing and public speaking fundamentals
Applied projects such as a media campaign or short-form content piece

Great fit if: your student is interested in journalism, marketing, film, or communications and enjoys storytelling.

Environmental Studies

Students examine environmental challenges from both a scientific and policy lens, connecting classroom concepts to real-world issues. A good starting point for future scientists, policymakers, or engineers alike.

What students work on:

Environmental science fundamentals: ecosystems, climate, sustainability
The policy and economic dimensions of environmental issues
Applied projects such as a local sustainability audit or research brief

Great fit if: your student cares about climate and sustainability and is considering environmental science, policy, or engineering.

Public Policy

Students explore how laws and policies are shaped, debated, and put into practice through real case studies. Well suited to students considering law, government, or public service.

What students work on:

Foundations of government, civic systems, and policy analysis
Case studies on real policy debates and decision-making processes
Applied projects such as a policy brief or mock legislative proposal

Great fit if: your student is interested in law, government, international relations, or public service.

Architecture & Design

Students learn to think like designers — balancing creativity with structure, function, and the needs of the people who use a space or product. A strong intro for future architects, designers, or urban planners.

What students work on:

Design thinking fundamentals: form, function, and user-centered design
Introduction to architectural concepts and spatial reasoning
Applied projects such as a design portfolio piece or model concept

Great fit if: your student is creative and analytical, and considering architecture, industrial design, or urban planning.

STEM + Humanities Integration

Students work at the intersection of technical and humanistic thinking, pairing STEM concepts with the communication skills needed to explain them. Great for students who don't want to choose one lane over the other.

What students work on:

Interdisciplinary projects that pair technical skills with humanities thinking
Practice translating STEM concepts into clear written and verbal communication
Applied projects such as a research piece bridging a technical and humanities topic

Great fit if: your student doesn't want to choose between STEM and the humanities — and is exploring fields like bioethics, science journalism, or design.

Academic Pathways

Most students are asked to pick a college major long before they've had a real taste of what that field actually involves. Our Academic Pathways programs close that gap — giving students structured, hands-on exposure to disciplines like psychology, business, media, policy, and design, so their eventual choice is based on experience, not guesswork.

Academic Pathways in Irvine

Guided exploration across today's most in-demand fields — helping students test their interests, build real skills, and discover the direction that fits them before they have to choose a major.