Electives Hero

Electives

The elective courses offered at the Academy provide cadets with the opportunity to develop their interests while maintaining a balanced academic schedule. These classes encourage intellectual curiosity and independent thought. Courses span many areas of study from video production to technology classes. Courses are designed to get boys excited and ignite the creative spark in their areas of interest. With a focus on hands-on activities and developing real world skills, our cadets learn about computers, media, unmanned aerial systems, cybersecurity, and the arts.

Academic Approach

Elective classes follow the same academic standards as other courses at the Academy.  The entire curriculum is designed to promote personal initiative, organization, time management, effective communication, and positive interpersonal relationships.  These elective courses stimulate academic engagement and motivation.

 

Aviation Course

Warrior Aviation Course

Citing the growing shortage of pilots, the Army and Navy Academy offers a four-year aviation course designed to stimulate interest in aviation careers.

The University of California-approved Warrior Aviation Course (WAC) connects aviation/aeronautics, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses with other core subjects. The course prepares cadets for future careers as certified pilots of commercial and military aircraft as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones). Cadets will also receive college credits to help them pursue aviation at a four-year college or university.

Cadets enrolled in this four-year program will learn about different aspects of flight, aviation, and aerospace from a certified pilot and instructor. The course will provide cadets with a comprehensive curriculum and ground school on scientific theory and practice. This course will serve as a prerequisite for the Instrument Pilot course.

By enrolling in our Warrior Aviation Program, students get a head start on the path to a very successful college experience and future career. Cadets will not only be prepared to take and pass the Private Pilot written exam, but will be thoroughly prepared for college, future leadership roles, and a possible career in the aviation sector.

Completion of this dynamic hands-on course should also ultimately lead to passing the FAA Private Pilot Exam and earning a Pilot License.

To read more about our Aviation program, visit the main page for this elective HERE.

Aviation Course - Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

Warrior Aviation Course: Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

As part of our aviation program, this class is an opportunity for students to become proficient with the proper and mechanical use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Popular with boys, they get to move around campus as they handle the ground control of the drone flights.

Early preparation and skill can lead to career interests as UAS pilots, sensor operators, projects managers, and field technicians. For instance, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical offers a Bachelor of Science degree and over the years, a number of Army & Navy Academy graduates have attended Embry-Riddle as their university of choice.

Computer Science Discoveries

Computer Science Discoveries

Computer Science Discoveries is an introductory computer science course for students in grades 7-12.

Mapped to CSTA standards, the course takes a wide lens on computer science by covering topics such as: problem solving, programming, physical computing, user centered design, and data. It inspires students to new levels of skill as they build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems.

Computer Science - AP

AP Computer Science
This advanced placement (AP) course introduces students to computer science through programming. Fundamental topics in this course include: the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language.

Computer Science Principles - AP

AP Computer Science Principles:  This is an introductory college-level advanced placement computing course that introduces students to the breadth of the field of computer science. Students learn to design and evaluate solutions and to apply computer science to solve problems through the development of algorithms and programs. They incorporate abstraction into programs and use data to discover new knowledge. Students also explain how computing innovations and computing systems, including the internet, work in the real world applications. They explore potential impacts and contribute to a computing culture that is both collaborative and ethical.

Cyber Security

Cyber Security (Fall Semester) – Cyber Security is an introductory course designed to challenge the cadet to think about modern technology from a perspective of user control and personal responsibility.The course will teach the concepts of encryption, software and hardware security, social engineering, open source software, and most importantly digital ethics. Cyber Security cadets will participate in CyberPatriot competitions hosted by the USAF JROTC program to test our skills, and get hands-on experience defending a computer system from an organized attack. The course will begin by covering the history of code making and code breaking, before moving onto the Linux Operating system, the command line, case studies of recent cyber security attacks, and training for CyberPatriot competitions. Along the way, we will introduce and implement basic programs using Python and Shell scripting.  In order to take this class, you need to agree to uphold a strong ethically based code of conduct.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Support Class 

English learners focus on developing advanced reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in the English language.

The class introduces students to the academic vocabulary that they will need in order to be successful in the core content classes.

Every course supports and prepares the English learner with ESOL textbooks and technology-based lessons with differentiated instruction. This helps us address the individual needs of every international student in this program.

This class is designed to facilitate the transition into mainstream English.

Game Development

Game Development (Spring Semester)  

Game Development will take the cadet through the entire process of designing and creating a video game, with the primary focus on programming a two dimensional game playable in a web browser. 

The course will begin with a brief overview of the history of game design, and move quickly into research and the design process. 

Students will be required to produce a game “one-sheet” that will sell their idea, along with a road map and journal to detail their plan as it progresses. 

Next, students will use digital content creation tools like Blender and Photoshop to create basic artistic assets, before jumping into programming the user interface and gameplay of their chosen project. 

Once the first version of their idea is complete, we will iterate through two more design stages, receiving feedback from the instructor, fellow cadets, design mentors, and friends and family. 

With each iteration of the design, the cadet will have more freedom to pursue their own creation. 

The course will truly blend research, writing, design, problem solving, applied mathematics, and computer programming.  The goal is to apply all of the academic lessons learned to create something unique and meaningful.  It is not required that you have your own computer, but depending on the tools you desire to use, it may be helpful.

Learning Strategies - Required or Optional

Learning Strategies

Students find this class very beneficial, in particular, if they have ever had an IEP or  504 plan, and/or have ever received a diagnosis from a practitioner for mild to moderate issues (e.g. ADD, ADHD, auditory processing, dyslexia, dysgraphia).

If the class is required as a condition of enrollment, the student must take this class to support their academic efforts.

However, if the class is not required, but you have an interest in enrolling, please speak with the Admission Office after receiving your offical acceptance notification. Limited spaces are available and additional fees apply.

 

Video Production

Video Production 

Video Production, a UC approved high school course (grades 9-12), is designed for students to learn the elements and technigues to produce news-style packages, multi-camera broadcasts and short films.

Students will learn to write scripts, storyboard, schedule, communicate with talent and production, use appropriate sound and lighting, camera techniques, and editing.

A variety of news broadcasts, film and readings will be evaluated for use in student productions.

Students will learn to critiqe their own work and that of peers and professionals.

Emphasis will be placed on the ways in which news broadcasts and films are connected to hsitory, as well as to other art forms, subject areas, and careers.

 

Visual and Performing Arts – High School

The Academy offers a robust offering of Visual and Performing Arts electives taught by well reputed professionals in theater, art, and music.

Over the years, working partnerships with local theaters, galleries, and music performances have enhanced skills and talents. Students exhibit artwork locally, perform on stage and in concerts.

In addition, our marching band performs regularly in (military review) parades during all main campus events and off-site performance venues. In the past, the band has performed at Knott’s Berry Farm, U.S.S. Midway, and in Washington D.C.

Venturing beyond campus, Southern California is the home to artistic and cultural venues, including: Carlsbad Village Theater, Oceanside Museum of Art, Balboa Park Museums, U.S.S. Midway Band Performances, and more.

Classes include various levels in the following: art, photography, band, guitar, music technology, video production, and drama. Read More

VPA - Art - Middle School

Middle School Art

Grades 7-8 – One Semester

This course will serve as an introduction to Art, specifically designed for Middle School Students. Students will develop artistic work through a variety of materials and techniques. Students will be introduced to the beginning artistic concepts of line, color, space, form, shape, and texture.

VPA - Band - Middle School

Middle School Band

Grades 7-8 – Full Year

The objective of the Middle School Band class is to provide a foundation for musical literacy and instrumental proficiency. Cadets will be given a thorough grounding in pitch, scales, melody, harmony, meter and rhythm, texture, dynamics, articulation, and form, as they learn to play a band instrument. Students with previous band experience will have the opportunity to work on additional musical projects in the early part of the course and will be excellent role models and mentors for the students with no previous experience.

Yearbook

Yearbook

Grades 9-12  – Full Year

Yearbook allows students to produce a high quality yearbook to be enjoyed by everyone in our community. During the course of the school year, cadets will learn the importance of personal interviewing, journalistic writing, taking photographs, creating layout and design, and meeting predetermined deadlines. They will also learn to combine journalistic integrity, budgeting, and teamwork to produce a well-crafted and memorable publication.

Do you offer Learning Strategies classes for students with mild to moderate learning differences?

Students with mild to moderate learning differences are encouraged to apply. In particular, the Learning Strategies Program at Army and Navy Academy is well equipped to support boys with ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Auditory Processing, Autism, and Aspergers.

Accepted applicants may be required to enroll in the Learning Strategies class or it may be optional as a condition of their enrollment. Contact the Admission Office to learn more. 

Does the aviation course prepare you to become a pilot?

The Warrior Aviation Course is a four-year track that will put you on a path to pass exams and even earn a pilot’s license. Also, check out the elective class for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and our aviation club. Drones are a great way to be outdoors and exercise technical skills. 

Do students learn technology skills as part of STEAM?

In case you are unfamiliar with the acronym, STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Our electives offer a number of options. Due to technology being highly popular, many students enroll in different computer science electives, cyber security, and Advanced Placement (AP) computer science classes. They also often engage in clubs and activities in these areas. 

Computer Science
Is the Academy well-known for their visual and performing arts program?

The Academy offers top-notch working professionals as instructors in art, design, music, theater, and other electives.  The marching band has played at USS Midway, Knott’s Berry Farm and won competitions over the years. Art students have exhibited at local galleries and students have performed at the well known New Village Arts Theater in Carlsbad.  

marching-band
Is ESOL similar to ESL?

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is similar to English as a Second Language (ESL) as both emphasize learning speaking, writing, and grammar skills in English. As some students come from countries where they learn multiple languages, the ESOL designation is often used at boarding schools. 

Prospective international student? Contact the Admission Office to learn more about TOEFL requirements and application details for international applicants. 

 

Are the required academic classes college prep?

All of the required classes, along with electives have been approved to comply with the University of California (A-G) curriculum standards. 

What are the benefits of Advanced Placement (AP) electives?

Advanced Placement (AP) classes help your college applications stand out when applying to colleges and universities. In addition, you will have a chance to enhance your learning through more rigorous classes.  Army and Navy Academy offers many choices in the visual and performing arts and computer science.

For required classes, visit our Academic Overview and check each department for AP and Honors Classes. Once enrolled, counselors will assist you with your academic scheduling and college applications.