Course Information Sheets

This is the capstone course in the CTE Software and Systems Development pathway in which students expand their programming knowledge beyond AP Computer Science A. This course will have an emphasis on building and applying concepts in data structures. Students will learn such topics as generics, linked lists, stacks, sets, hash tables, maps, graphs, heaps, priority queues, and trees. Students will do performance analysis (Big O) and develop applications pertaining to each data structure. In addition, students will utilize topics in search, sorting, design, file i/o, networking, and multithreading. Lastly, foundational concepts regarding AI, data science, and machine learning will be taught. Students will learn the application and math behind such models as decision trees, linear regression, logistic regression, Naive Bayes, clustering, and reinforcement learning.

Athletic injury prevention is emphasized through pre-participation physical exams, exercise programs, preventative taping, proper fitting of equipment, and protective braces.

This class is designed to help students develop skills that require Architectural graphic & design abilities. It also provides an understanding of how visual arts apply to real world problems through the use of a computer-aided design system. Students are guided through a series of projects using computer aided design (CAD) software. Integrated throughout the course are occupational preparation standards that include basic academic skills, communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, workplace safety, technology and employment literacy. Students will work individually and in teams to solve a variety of design problems assigned by the instructor or jobs developed from the community. This course will allow students to increase their potential of successfully entering and participating in advanced college and/or career programs.

This second course of the Architectural Design Pathway. This CTE course will begin to introduce students to more real, semester-long projects that involve more advanced architectural concepts surrounding material, program, site analysis and building structure. Students will be expected to produce compelling and visually appealing projects around speculative client briefs, culminating in a portfolio that prepares students for real world internships in the architectural field.

The course provides a comprehensive, practical introduction to enterprise communication technologies and managerial information systems. Scholars evaluate and apply digital platforms for document design, technical presentations, and quantitative data analysis, while critically examining personal and institutional digital identity. Emphasizing ethical governance and communication theory, the curriculum trains students to draft executive correspondence, technical reports, and strategic presentations across varied organizational contexts. Students master industry-standard software—including operating systems, word processing, database management, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing—to satisfy institutional digital literacy standards. Integrating foundational concepts in human capital management, data analytics, and leadership theory, the course develops core competencies in administrative problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and collaborative governance.

The course immerses scholars in the practical mechanics of organizational structure and enterprise operations. Through experiential pedagogy, students assume executive leadership and operational governance roles, establishing simulated business entities and evaluating optimal ownership structures. Utilizing the Virtual Enterprises platform, students navigate international trade dynamics within a global simulated market—managing key corporate functions including human capital, operational logistics, strategic marketing, and capital allocation. Throughout the curriculum, students integrate principles of managerial ethics, strategic communication, and financial stewardship to execute high-level decision-making, conflict resolution, and cross-functional collaboration.

Commercial Art II is the second-year, advanced-studio course in MVHS’s Commercial Art pathway, dual-enrolled with Foothill College GID 35 (Graphic Design Studio III) in the fall and GID 60 (Careers in the Visual Arts) in the spring — earning both high school and community college credit for the same body of work. Students design and produce real-world graphic design projects at a professional level of craft — brand identity systems, multi-page publications, websites, and packaging in the fall — then apply that skill set to their own career direction in the spring, researching the visual-arts industry and completing a self-directed capstone that culminates in a public portfolio showcase.

Computer Science I introduces students to the foundational principles of computer science, computational thinking, and modern IT fundamentals. Designed for beginners, this course builds technical literacy through a progressive, hands-on programming curriculum. Students begin by developing algorithmic logic using visual drag-and-drop block environments to program physical robots. They then transition to text-based coding, acquiring core syntax and problem-solving skills in Python before advancing to object-oriented programming concepts in Java.

AP Computer Science A / CTE Software & Systems Concentrator is the equivalent of a first-semester college-level introductory computer science course designed to bridge computer science theory with industry-aligned software engineering practices. As a CTE Concentrator course in the Software and Systems Development pathway, students expand their foundational programming skills by focusing on object-oriented programming (OOP), data structures, algorithms, and full software lifecycle development using Java.

Digital Communications I is a year-long, project-based course in which students research, photograph, design, and produce the official Mountain View High School yearbook, using Walsworth's Yearbook 360 publishing software to meet real production deadlines. The course is structured around authentic staff roles: four student Editors in Chief lead day-to-day production on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while Mr. Chang provides direct technical instruction on Mondays. Digital Communications I is dual-enrolled with Foothill College PHOT 5 (Introduction to Photography); students who complete the fall-semester dual-enrollment requirements earn 4 quarter units of UC/CSU-transferable Foothill College credit and a 1.0 GPA bump for the semester.

The course advances students' creative and technical competencies in digital media production and contemporary mass communications. Scholars apply narrative frameworks, journalistic methodologies, and visual storytelling techniques to conceptualize, produce, and refine original audio-visual content for diverse target audiences. Utilizing industry-standard software and field-grade production equipment, students master the technical protocols of media acquisition, editing, linear broadcasting, and digital streaming. The curriculum prepares scholars for diverse professional pathways within visual communications—including digital journalism, sports broadcasting, podcast production, photojournalism, strategic brand identity, and multi-platform content creation. Program completers synthesize their technical expertise and strategic communications skills through the compilation of a professional portfolio geared toward market readiness.

The course serves as the culminating experience in the journalism curriculum; this capstone course integrates advanced newsgathering, ethical reporting, and multi-platform media production. Scholars operate a converged newsroom environment to conceptualize, edit, and distribute news content across print, digital, and broadcast channels. Students master the technical and strategic workflows of weekly newspaper layout, digital web publishing, content management systems (CMS), and live/recorded media broadcasting. Through rigorous deadline-driven assignments, scholars apply media law, journalistic ethics, and editorial judgment to real-world coverage, culminating in a professional, industry-ready portfolio evaluating advanced reporting and technical production competencies.

Engineering I is the first concentrator course in the CTE Engineering Pathway. It is a requirement for the second course, Engineering II. It will provide students with a broad and solid foundation for further study in the engineering fields and an expectation of a career in engineering.

In this second year course, students build on their computer modeling skills with OnShape to design and create mechanical systems. Students will push beyond the fundamentals of mechanical engineering while using CAD assemblies as their primary communication tool. Mechanical designs will allow for the investigation and application of applied physics concepts such as mechanical advantage and torque versus speed relationships. Students will learn how to power motion using motors and robotics electronics as well as apply basic programming to control their mechanical systems. Students will also learn how to apply statistical analysis to designs in order to objectively characterize performance and guide future design iterations using evidence to support design decisions. Students will add to an existing digital design portfolio to showcase their major projects, and will use a personal notebook to document and communicate daily work.

Foundations of Health Careers and Sports Medicine introduces students to the diverse career opportunities within the healthcare and sports medicine fields. Students will explore a variety of professions, learning about the education, skills, and daily responsibilities required for each role.

Health Careers II is a “concentrator” course designated to provide students with specific content knowledge and a chance to explore the healthcare industry within the Patient Care pathway. Students will explore the use of several different types of instrumentation that are utilized in medical, clinical, laboratory settings, and the major career fields. Students will then be able to distinguish between technical, professional, and entry-level positions within each area and will learn entry-level knowledge and skills that apply to a variety of health occupations.

Health Education focuses on contemporary health issues affecting teens. This course is designed to support students in developing health literacy & positive health attitudes, comprehending essential health concepts, & practicing & promoting health enhancing behaviors & necessary health skills.