Career Pathway Opportunities at Gar-Field HS

Environmental Engineering

Environmental engineering focuses on protecting people from the effects of adverse environmental effects, such as pollution, as well as improving environmental quality. Environmental engineers can assess the impact of engineering projects on air, water, soil, and noise levels; plan and design equipment and processes for safe treatment and disposal of waste material; and assess what may cause long-term problems for the environment. They also use engineering principals to solve environmental problems. Gar-Field’s Environmental Engineering has two pathways depending on student strengths and interests; both include the Personal and Professional Skills course in 12th grade.

Environmental engineering is a branch of engineering focused on protecting people from the effects of adverse environmental effects, such as pollution, as well as improving environmental quality. Environmental engineers work to improve waste disposal, public health, recycling, and water and air pollution control.

Students in PWCS can explore environmental engineering as part of the International Baccalaureate Programmes at Gar-Field and Unity Reed High Schools, the Center for Environmental and Natural Sciences at Freedom High School, and the Engineering, Design, and Construction pathway within Pathways to Global Citizenship at Gainesville High School.

Computer Science

The most important essential life skill taught in computer science is problem-solving. Students study the design, development, and analysis of software and hardware to solve problems in a variety of business, scientific, and social contexts. Because computers solve problems to serve people, there is a significant human side to the GFHS Computer Science Program, which offers a 4-year pathway:

9th—Advanced Computer Math (Intro to JAVA)

10th--Advanced Placement Computer Science A

11th—IBDP SL Computer Science

12th—IBDP HL Computer Science

Note: This is not a transfer program, but transfer students can apply to the IB Program at GFHS and indicate they want to participate in our Computer Science Program.

Lead Instructor: Larry Baker, [email protected]

Law and Public Safety

The Law and Public Safety Program (LPSP) of study focuses on methods used by public safety leaders to protect a democratic society. The Law and Public Safety Program at Gar-Field HS offers two distinct pathways—Criminal Justice or Military Science (MCJROTC).

The Criminal Justice program is designed for students who are considering a career in criminal justice and/or want to learn more about the criminal justice system from a law enforcement perspective. Students will apply knowledge with courts, corrections, and law enforcement through practical scenarios involving up-to-date trends in public safety. The course prepares students to understand the knowledge of the three major components of the criminal justice system with the police, courts, and corrections while also gaining a working knowledge of the potential careers in these fields.

Criminal Justice Pathway
Lead Instructor: Jamel Perkins, [email protected]
Military Science Pathway
Lead Marine Instructor: LtCol E.W. Kelly, Sr. USMC (Ret), [email protected]

Military Science—Marine Corps JROTC

The Marine Corps Junior ROTC program prepares “high school students for leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens.” The MCJROTC program produces successful students and productive adults while fostering a constructive and disciplined learning environment.

Areas of study include:

• Leadership
• Citizenship
• Personal Growth and Responsibility
• Public Service
• Career Development
• General Military Subjects

The GFHS MCJROTC Program has a long history of service and community involvement. Cadets have opportunities to participate in many MCJROTC extracurriculars, after-school, and summer programs.

Lead Marine Instructor: LtCol E.W. Kelly, Sr. USMC (Ret), [email protected]