Career Technical Education

Prospect High School offers a robust Career Technical Education program providing industry-level experience and education. Upon completion of a pathway, students receive the following recognition at graduation:
- 2-Year Pathway: Prospect CTE Pin
- 3-Year Pathway: Prospect CTE Cord
- 4-Year Pathway: Prospect CTE Stole
Explore the CTE pathways, course sequences, and prerequisites offered at Prospect High School below.
Pathway Descriptions
Financial Management Courses
DIGITAL TOOLS FOR BUSINESS ▼ View Details
This course is the introduction for students beginning the Financial Services CTE pathway. Students will investigate the field of financial management and its industry standards.
- Course Level: Introduction
- Prerequisite: None
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Applied Arts
- UC/CSU Area: Electives (g)
BUSINESS ACCOUNTING & PERSONAL FINANCE 1 ▼ View Details
An intermediate course providing an overview of accounting principles and cycles. Ideal for students pursuing post-secondary business opportunities or the Financial Services industry.
- Course Level: Concentrator
- Prerequisite: None
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Elective
- UC/CSU Area: Electives (g)
Digital Filmmaking Courses
Digital Filmmaking 1 ▼ View Details
This course is a hands-on, project-based introduction to filmmaking. Through instruction and project creation, students learn the three phases of the production process while experiencing both technical and creative aspects of filmmaking.
- Course Level: Concentrator
- Prerequisite: None
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
Digital Filmmaking 2 ▼ View Details
This course builds on skills from level 1 while students work individually and as team members in the production of films and other media projects. An emphasis is placed on learning the visual language of film.
- Course Level: Capstone
- Prerequisite: Digital Filmmaking 1 or Instructor Approval
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
Digital Filmmaking 3 ▼ View Details
The capstone for the pathway. Students create original films using industry-standard equipment with a focus on the role of the director and finding an individual voice as a filmmaker.
- Course Level: Advanced Capstone
- Prerequisite: Digital Filmmaking 2 or Instructor Approval
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
Digital Filmmaking 4 Honors ▼ View Details
The final course in the pathway. Students take on leadership roles (Producer) and develop advanced planning and artistic aptitudes for employment and post-secondary education.
- Course Level: Advanced Capstone
- Prerequisite: Digital Filmmaking 3 or Instructor Approval
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Visual & Performing Arts
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
- Honors/AP Value: UC/CSU Weighted
Theatre Arts Courses
Theatre Arts 1 - Beginning ▼ View Details
This course introduces all aspects of theatre arts. Students study acting principles, character analysis, movement, and improvisation, while gaining a working knowledge of theatre history and theatrical design.
- Course Level: Introduction
- Prerequisite: None
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, Electives
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
Theatre Arts 2 - Production & Performance ▼ View Details
Focuses on styles of acting and theatrical production. Class work centers on scene study—including research, direction, and stage management—using monologues from various eras and genres.
- Course Level: Concentrator
- Prerequisite: Theatre 1
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, Electives
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
Theatre Arts 3 - Directing for Stage ▼ View Details
An extension of the program focusing on directing. Students develop leadership skills through collaborative projects, focusing on concept creation, peer coaching, and critical analysis.
- Course Level: Concentrator
- Prerequisite: Theatre 2
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, Electives
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
Theatre Arts 4 Honors ▼ View Details
Advanced course focusing on leadership and producing. Students master the business of theatre and the production process while deepening their artistic skills as actors and directors.
- Course Level: Concentrator
- Prerequisite: Theatre 3
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, Electives
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
- Honors/AP Value: UC/CSU Weighted
Technical Theater Courses
TECHNICAL THEATER 1- TECHNOLOGY & DESIGN ▼ View Details
This course develops knowledge in all technical aspects of theatrical production, including scenery, lighting, sound, and stage management. Students gain hands-on experience and crew for two productions.
- Course Level: Introduction
- Prerequisite: None
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, Electives
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
TECHNICAL THEATER 2- STAGE DESIGN ▼ View Details
Continues to refine concepts from level 1 while broadening focus to include research techniques, sketching, drafting, and model building. Students directly design and construct sets, costumes, and lighting for school productions.
- Course Level: Concentrator
- Prerequisite: Technical Theater 1
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, Electives
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
TECHNICAL THEATRE 3 – PRODUCTION STAFF ▼ View Details
Focuses on the staff aspects of production, including roles as technical director and lead designers. Participation in rehearsals and performances beyond the school day is required.
- Course Level: Concentrator
- Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 2
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, Electives
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
TECHNICAL THEATRE 4 HONORS – THEATRE LEADERSHIP ▼ View Details
Deepens focus on leadership and production management. Students must produce a production and complete an internship with a professional theatre company.
- Course Level: Concentrator
- Prerequisite: Technical Theatre 3
- Graduation Credit: Visual & Performing Arts, CTE, Electives
- UC/CSU Area: Visual & Performing Arts (f)
- Honors/AP Value: UC/CSU Weighted
Engineering Courses
PLTW: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN ▼ View Details
Designed for students interested in pursuing an Engineering Career. Students use industry-standard 3D modeling software, AutoDesk Inventor, to solve problems and document their work in an engineer's notebook.
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Applied Arts
- UC/CSU Area: College Prep Electives (g)
Computer Science Courses
Computer Programming ▼ View Details
An introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming and data manipulation. Through a project-oriented approach, students use tools like Scratch, Python, and Java to create interactive applications, games, and art while learning software design and debugging strategies.
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Mathematics
- CTE Course Level: Capstone
- UC/CSU Area: Elective (g)
Advanced Placement Computer Science ▼ View Details
An introductory college-level course focused on program development and implementation to solve complex problems. Students study algorithms, fundamental data structures, and the use of logic and formal methods.
- Prerequisite: Integrated Math 3/STEM or Algebra 2 and Programming
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Mathematics, Applied Arts
- UC/CSU Area: Elective (g)
- Honors/AP Value: UC/CSU Weighted
Work Experience
General Work Experience Education (GWEE) ▼ View Details
Designed for juniors and seniors, this course combines supervised part-time employment with academic preparation. Students develop desirable work habits while meeting on campus at least once per week to complete required assignments and paperwork.
- Prerequisite: Must be 16+ and employed by first meeting; jobs must be instructor-approved.
- Graduation Credit: CTE, Applied Arts
- CTE Course Level: None
- UC/CSU Area: None