Electives

Recommended Prerequisite:  Consent of counselor

Academic Tutor is a course in which students, under the supervision of a classroom teacher, tutor other students in a specific academic subject-area such as Mathematics, English, Science, World Language, or Social Science.  Counselor recommendation is required.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Teacher approval

AVID 1-2     001595, 001596                                                                                                            

AVID 3-4     001597, 001598 

AVID 5-6     001599, 001600 

AVID is a program designed to prepare under-represented students for college.  They commit to completing the University of California A-G requirements, repeating in summer school any class in which they earn a "D" or an "F," and taking an AVID class each year.  Students must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A.  This elective class has college tutors who assist students in other classes, teaches note-taking and organization skills and requires that students keep a notebook.  Students also learn time management, test-taking strategies, writing across the curriculum, and the inquiry method.  Additionally, students have guest speakers and take field trips to colleges.  These courses meet the UC “g” Elective requirement.

Recommended Prerequisite: Teacher approval; previous enrollment in AVID lower-level courses for three years; enrollment in at least one Honors or AP course

AVID Senior Seminar 1-2 follows the weekly structure of all AVID classes, with two days of teacher-led curriculum per week, two days of tutorials, and a day allocated for guest speakers, mini-courses taught by college instructors, and visits to colleges, museums, art galleries, or drama productions.  The course involves substantial critical reading and writing, preparation for external exams such as the Advanced Placement and Subject A examinations, and weekly Socratic seminars. Students enrolled in the course are required to complete weekly timed writings and analytical discourses in subjects across the curriculum. In addition, students are required to make oral presentations to the class on topics related to college entrance, contemporary issues, and social concerns. This course has been approved to meet the UC “g” Elective requirement.

Academic Tutor/Science is designed for students seeking to further their knowledge in a science course while serving in a leadership position to assist in daily activities of a science classroom.  Responsibilities in the classroom will prepare the student for career pathways such as lab tech, science educator, and research scientist.  This course reinforces many of the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs).  Students will be involved with the planning, administering and instruction of lessons.  Students will serve as a mentor for their peers enrolled in the science course by tutoring students, teaching proper safety protocol and use of lab equipment.  Successful completion of this course will earn elective credit.

Recommended Prerequisite:  Instructor approval required

Planning and Leadership is a course in which students are taught leadership skills, parliamentary procedure, group processes, planning, and organization.  Members of the Planning and Leadership class actively participate in student activities and student government.  

Positive Psychology & Wellness is a proactive, forward-thinking academic experience designed to help you grow—not just in knowledge, but in self-awareness and resilience. This unique and inclusive course empowers you with the skills to navigate life’s challenges, from academic pressure and technology use to relationships, self-image, and mental well-being. Through mindfulness, self-reflection, and empathy-building, you’ll develop confidence, strengthen your sense of self-value, and learn to approach the world with a healthier mindset. By becoming more aware of your thoughts, words, and behaviors, you’ll gain the tools to make positive choices—now and in the future—leading to a more fulfilling and joyful life. More information here.

This course meets the UC/CSU “g” Electives requirement.

Reconnecting Youth is not just a class—it’s an experience designed to help you grow, reflect, and connect. This unique course goes beyond textbooks, focusing on who you are rather than just what you know. Through mindfulness practices and meaningful discussions, you’ll explore topics like self-image, racism, addiction, sexual orientation, mental health, immigration, body image, gender identity, and religion.

By learning to stay present and engaged without judgment, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of yourself and others. This course will challenge you to think critically, communicate effectively, and recognize the ways we are all interconnected. If you’re ready to grow, build confidence, and strengthen your voice, Reconnecting Youth is the class for you!

This course is designed to further students' development and understanding of how values and perceptions placed on race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture have shaped and continue to influence individuals and society in the United States.  The course will be rooted in the four foundational disciplines of ethnic studies:  African American Studies, Asian American Studies, Chicano Latino Studies, and Native American and Indigenous Studies.  It will also examine other racialized peoples in the United States. The purpose of this course is to learn about the perspectives of these groups while allowing students from all backgrounds to better understand and appreciate how race, culture, ethnicity, and identity effect and impact their experiences. The course aims to build self-awareness, and foster active social engagement while encouraging students to be socially and politically conscious. By examining the constructs of race, ethnicity, nationality, and culture, students will develop respect, empathy and value for individuals and groups of people locally, nationally, and globally.  This elective course will earn PUSD elective credit and meets the UC requirement for "g" Elective credit.