Electives Selection Survey
We believe that to prepare each student for college in the 21st century, we should support students to explore different interests. Guided by this belief, DSST Byers High School has created a high-quality project-based electives program along four strands (Engineering, Computer Science, Visual Arts and Music Performance & Production). Within these courses, we empower students to explore and better understand themselves and the world around them. We teach students to actively take risks, innovate, think critically, and communicate effectively. We develop students’ community and cultural awareness, aesthetic appreciation, self-confidence, and self-discipline. With these tools we strive to develop graduates who live active, healthy, fulfilling lives.
Courses & Courses Selection: For 9th and 10th grade, students are able to explore any of our 4 strands at an introductory level . All courses are one trimester long. During orientations, students will be able to select their preferred courses for the school year, noting that electives are assigned via a lottery process and 10th grade students have first pick. 11th Grade students participate in an Internship and choose a single intermediate course aligned with one of the strands to take when they are not in their internship. 12th grade students complete a Senior Project that his ideally aligned to their chosen strand and are also encouraged to enroll in advanced course offerings that align to their chosen strand in Senior year.
Certificates and Badges: As students pursue and focus on a single strand throughout their time at DSST: Byers they are able to work towards attaining either a STEM Certificate or Arts Badge. These recognize students’ work along a particular strand and can be provided as evidence to colleges of this focus throughout high school.