Level 1   (Adv.  Accounting available online)

Grades: 9-12

**Excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a degree in business

**Industry Certifications, Business Honor Society, Future Bus. Leaders of America are available to all business students

**Taking a business course makes a student eligible for Internship (working a real job and earning credit towards graduation!)

Students will learn concepts related to the tracking of financial activities for a business. Students will use the computer lab and accounting software to see real world applications of the skills they just learned. Students gain instant feedback from our online accounting skills website.  Guest speakers and real-life examples are integrated into the class to help students make genuine connections to the curriculum.

There is generally no homework for this class except preparing for tests.  Basic math skills (addition, multiplication, etc.) is beneficial, but you don’t have to be a math genius!

 Mr. Moore

Business Law:

½ Year Course (Fall Semester) (Packaged with Business Management)

Grades: 9-12

**Excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a degree in business

**Industry Certifications, Business Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America are available to all business students

**Taking a business course makes a student eligible for Co-Op (working a real job and earning credit towards graduation!)

Students will learn a wide variety of law related topics to include sources of law, court systems, court procedures, crimes, torts, civil trial procedure, contracts, consumer law, among other topics.  Group discussions, mini-projects, case studies, career exploration, and a mock trial are among some of the fun learning experiences in Business Law.  Guest speakers and field trips are integrated into the class to allow students to make genuine connections to the curriculum.

There is generally no homework for this class except preparing for tests.  You will gain great knowledge about legal topics that will help you later in life whether you pursue a law career!

Mr. Moore

Business Management

1/2 Year Course (Spring Semester Packaged with Business Law)

Grades: 9-12

**Excellent preparation for students interested in pursuing a degree in business

**Industry Certifications, Business Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America are available to all business students

**Taking a business course makes a student eligible for Co-Op (working a real job and earning credit towards graduation!)

Students will learn a wide variety of management related topics to include:  business formation, product development, marketing, operations, personnel/human relations, and communications among many other topics.  Students will build a comprehensive business plan to support topics learned. Many fun projects, class activities, and computer simulations are used in a very “hands-on” learning environment. Guest speakers and field trips are integrated into the class to allow students to make genuine connections to the curriculum.

There is generally no homework for this class except preparing for tests.  Thinking about opening your own business?  Get a head start by participating in a wide variety of business experiences.

Mr. Moore

Hear from students about this course

Grades: 9-12

This project-based course develops students understanding and appreciation of the business world.   Topics covered include types of businesses, business management, marketing, why businesses succeed or fail, entrepreneurship, careers in business, and professional communication.  This class participates in a stock market investment simulation game, where teams of students get to trade stocks and bonds, competing with students across Virginia. 

This course is ideal for students seeking to understand if Business might be a possible college major.  The course is designed as an overview, covering a range of topics over the school year. Students will take an industry certification in this class.

Students in this class can participate in the internship program as well as join FBLA.  FBLA is a co-curricular student organization, offers opportunities in leadership, community, and competitive events.

All course work is completed during class time.  There is no homework requirement.

Mrs. Grammo

Grades: 9-12

Cybersecurity Fundamentals focuses on the evolving and all-pervasive technological environment with an emphasis on securing personal, organizational, and national information. Students will be introduced to the principles of cybersecurity, explore emerging technologies, examine threats and protective measures, and investigate the diverse high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand career opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.

• Opportunities to compete in Cyber Patriot and CyberStart America.
• Opportunities to compete in FBLA Cybersecurity events.

Student Testimonials: 

I've never taken cybersecurity ever before this is my first time…I'm realizing that I wish I had taken this earlier …Don't regret later, take it now

There's always more that you can learn, especially with technology evolving so much, so fast!

Mrs. Harrison

Grades: 9-12

This product-oriented course introduces the student to multimedia presentations, desktop publications, and web page creation.  Hands-on activities are used as students develop advanced skills in graphic design, desktop-publishing, interactive multimedia, and Web-site design. Students work with sophisticated hardware and software, applying skills to real-world projects.  Software that may be used but not limited to Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft PowerPoint.  To start the year of we look at design principles, and fair use and copyright laws. We look at career opportunities in Design. Students will take an industry certification.

Students in this class can participate in the internship program as well as join FBLA.  FBLA is a co-curricular student organization, offers opportunities in leadership, community, and competitive events.

Mrs. Grammo

Grades 9-12

This course is focused on helping students achieve proficiency in Microsoft Office, specifically the programs Word, Excel and PowerPoint.   Students have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification for each application. The Microsoft Office certification fulfills the Industry Certification requirement for all Standard Diploma graduates

This class is entirely project-based.  Students practice skills in-class with immediate feedback from the teacher. There is no homework assigned.

Adding a Microsoft certification to a student’s resume helps them stand out and get hired.  According to Microsoft/IDC research, 91% of hiring managers consider certification as part of their hiring criteria

Mrs. Harrison

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite : Information Systems

This course is focused on helping students improve their skills in Microsoft Office, specifically the programs Word, Excel and Microsoft Access. Students have the opportunity to earn Microsoft Office Expert certification for each application. The Microsoft Office certification fulfills the Industry Certification requirement for all Standard Diploma graduates

This class is entirely project-based.  Students practice skills in-class with immediate feedback from the teacher. There is no homework assigned.

Adding a Microsoft certification to a student’s resume helps them stand out and get hired.  According to Microsoft/IDC research, 91% of hiring managers consider certification as part of their hiring criteria

Mrs. Harrison

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite: Programming or  AP Computer Science

Advanced Programming in Python: Students will continue to develop their problem-solving skills through an analytical approach that develops a step-by-step solution for the problem.  We continue to explore more languages and software to expand their knowledge and interests.  This course teaches a wide variety of programming techniques, both basic and more advanced, uses of a variety of programming languages.

Mr. Lalli

Grades 9-12

Programming in Python: Students will be introduced to the foundations of programming and the basic concepts used no matter what the programming language being used.  The goal of the class is to develop problem solving skills and a logical thought process that can be applied to all aspects of life.  The systematic, step by step approach necessary to write an effective programming hopefully will help each student develop an analytical approach toward all their classes.  This class will use Python Language

Mr. Lalli

Grades 9-12

Programming in Python: Students will be introduced to the foundations of programming and the basic concepts used no matter what the programming language being used.  The goal of the class is to develop problem solving skills and a logical thought process that can be applied to all aspects of life.  The systematic, step by step approach necessary to write an effective programming hopefully will help each student develop an analytical approach toward all their classes.  This class will use Python Language

Mr. Lalli

Grades 10-12

The AP Computer Science Principles course is designed to be equivalent to a first- semester introductory college computing course. In this course, students will develop computational thinking skills vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends. The course engages students in the creative aspects of the field by allowing them to develop computational artifacts based on their interests. Students will also develop effective communication and collaboration skills by working individually and collaboratively to solve problems and will discuss and write about the impacts these solutions could have on their community, society, and the world.

Mr. Swanson

Grades 10-12

Internship is a Work-Based Learning experience that places the student in a real workplace environment to develop and practice career-related knowledge and bring together skills and knowledge for a specific career field related to the student’s career interests, abilities, and goals. Internships may be paid or unpaid. Meaningful and authentic connections are made to classroom learning and accompanied by structured reflection activities.

• •Students must be enrolled in a Career and Technical Education course or taking Econ/Personal Finance course at Westfield
• •Student must have continuous employment throughout the entire school year
• •Students should achieve a minimum of 280 hours for the school year (70 hours per quarter).

Student testimonials:

• “I love getting school credit for my job!”
• “I am learning more about what I want to do when I get older”

Ms. Edwards

Grades 9-12

Marketing is a course where students (9th – 12th grade) will examine activities in marketing and business. Topics will include professionalism in the workplace, product planning and positioning, promotion, pricing, selling, economic issues, and the impact of technology on the marketplace. Students earn a Fine Arts and CTE Credit toward graduation credits.  Juniors and Seniors in the course can do the Internship program and get credit for their job.

No homework!! All work is done in class if you use your time wisely.

Students in Marketing classes can join DECA!

Students testimonials:

• “Projects in this class are so fun!” 
• “I get to be so creative with the projects I do!”
• “I love the real-world projects in this class!”
• “I love DECA!”

Industry Certification Exams: Workplace Readiness, NRF Customer Service

Ms. Edwards

Grades 10-12

Prerequisite - Marketing 1

Designed for students interested in building on their knowledge from prior marketing courses.  Students participate in supervisory and management activities focuses on the marketing mix, purchasing, financing, human resources, global marketing, pricing, and emerging technologies. 

Coursework is done in class with very few homework assignments.  Grades are a combination of assessments and assignments.

Students have worked on creating real-life solutions for current business and marketing issues, developing strategies for dealing with public relations issues, and creating and promoting new or revised products and services.

Industry Certification Exam: NRF Customer Service

Ms. Edwards

Grades 9-12

Designed for students interested in the fashion industry.  Learn basic marketing and apparel and accessories industry skills.  Focus is on fashion marketing and promotion, merchandising, general marketing skills and design via authentic projects. Students experience forecasting fashion trends, examine the impact of trends and technology on fashion,

Coursework is done in class with very few homework assignments.  Grades are a combination of assessments and assignments.

Students have worked on creating Ugly Sweaters and mini-fashion shows, wedding planning projects, designing fashion “critter” families based on specific fashion decades and styles and non-traditional material apparel and accessory product design.

Ms. Schaffler

Grades 10-12

Designed for students interested in gaining an in-depth knowledge of the apparel and accessories industry and skills utilized in various apparel businesses.  Students will develop advanced fashion marketing skills including a focus on merchandising, marketing research, economics, management and sales promotion.

Coursework is done in class with very few homework assignments.  Grades are a combination of assessments and assignments.

Students have worked on developing marketing brochures, rebranding well-known fashion brands, recommending marketing changes to current campaigns, and developing solutions to real-life business and marketing scenarios.

Ms. Schaffler

Grades 10-12

Designed for students interested in developing a fundamental understanding of marketing concepts and theories as they relate to the sports and entertainment industries.  Students will learn about customer service skills, branding, product development, pricing and distribution strategies, sales and promotion techniques, and the use of social media, sponsorships and endorsements in the sports and entertainment industries.

Coursework is done in class with very few homework assignments.  Grades are a combination of assessments and assignments.

Students have worked on developing a rebranding strategy for a current sports or entertainment business, creating  new product or service and marketing it, dealing with controversy and public relations in the sports and entertainment industries, and creating an advertising campaign for an event.

Mrs. Curry

Grades 11-12

Designed for students to build on prior knowledge of sports, entertainment, and recreation marketing. This course focuses on the principles of management and planning supported by research, financial, economic, ethical, and legal concepts. Students will be able to plan and execute an event, establish a sports, entertainment, or recreation marketing product/business, and develop a career plan. Marketing simulations, case studies, projects, teamwork, guest speakers, and DECA competitions provide many opportunities for application of instructional competencies.

Coursework is done in class with very few homework assignments.  Grades are a combination of assessments and assignments.

Students have worked on managerial and leadership issues facing sports & entertainment organizations, recognizing contributions of entertainment industries, developing mission and organization statements, and looking at entrepreneurial opportunities in the sports and entertainment fields.

Ms. Schaffler

Grades 10-12

This course introduces students to the exciting world of creating, owning, and launching their own business. Students will learn concepts and techniques for planning an entrepreneurial venture, using design thinking and business model development. Students will learn about financial statements, marketing principles, sales and customer service, and basic economic principles for successful operation. Entrepreneurship is a +.5 “bump” course and may be offered as a Dual Enrollment course for college credit and GPA +1.0 “bump”.

Coursework is done in class with very few homework assignments.  Grades are a combination of assessments and assignments.

Students have worked on developing their own business, analyzing existing entrepreneurial businesses, researching skills and characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, understanding marketing principles, and developing leadership skills.

Ms. Schaffler

Required course for graduation

EPF prepares students to function effectively as consumers, savers, investors, entrepreneurs, and active citizens.  Throughout this course students gain knowledge of day-to-day and long-term financial transactions as they apply their knowledge through a variety of personal finance scenarios. 

The relationship between those personal decisions and the United States’ economy is also explored.  Students learn about markets types, and the relationships among local, Federal, and global economies.

In addition to an online simulation, EPF offers several opportunities for students to demonstrate their understanding.  Projects include Career Research, Roommate Budget, Brand Comparison, Buying/Leasing a Car and House, Cupcake Revolution, and Stock Investment Portfolio.  Course work is completed during class time.  There is no homework requirement for EPF. 

Student are eligible to join FBLA or DECA.

Industry Credential - W!SE Financial Literacy Exam

Former students say:

• “It is interesting.” 
• “It seems useful in real life.”
• “The pacing of the course is pretty much perfect.”
• “Teaches real world strategies.“
• “Projects we do apply our understanding of the material.”
• “I've learned a lot already which will help me in the future.”

Ms. Edwards

Required course for graduation

One/weighted +.5 course

The Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) Honors course expands and enriches the standard EPF curriculum by incorporating project-based learning and curriculum extensions that will require students to analyze the costs and benefits of economic policies to society and to themselves.

In addition to being able to define, identify, and understand financial and economic systems, students in this honors course will analyze the differences between domestic and global policies and the evolution, and oftentimes unintended consequences, of those policies. Students will be able to explain the operation of current financial and economic systems, anticipate advantages and disadvantages of evolving systems, and consider how they can best take advantage of these changes to ensure economic security for our nation and for themselves.

Course work is typically completed during class time.  There is no homework requirement for EPF Honors. W!SE Financial Literacy Exam (Industry Credential) will be offered in this course.

Ms. Edwards

Teachers for Tomorrow (TfT) is an approved Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) program offered to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in education. The program is designed to attract high school students to the field of education through exposure to a world-class curriculum and hands-on experience that focuses on teaching.

• Courses Available: Level 1

Level 1 fosters student interest, understanding, and appreciation of the teaching profession and allows secondary students the flexibility to explore careers in education based on the interests of the student. Students build a foundation for the structure and governance of teaching, how to apply professional teaching techniques in the classroom, and have the opportunity to participate in field experiences. This course is available to 11th and 12 graders only. 

Program Benefits

• Introduction to the teaching profession
• Classroom observations
• Teaching experience before college

Watch this video to learn more! 

Aerospace 1 – Grades 9-12

Aerospace 2  -  Grades 10-12 (prerequisite – Aerospace 1)

The Aerospace Technology classes provide students with an overview of basic aerodynamics, aviation history, aircraft structures, flight instruments, airport operations, human space flight, and space technologies.  

Lessons are designed to be both educational and fun in order for students to develop an interest and appreciation of aerospace technologies and careers.

Lab activities involve building and flying model aircraft, flight simulators, designing 3D airport models (in groups), etc.   Guest speakers from the aerospace industry are also invited into the classroom to share their experiences.

Activities are intended to be completed in class.  If students use time wisely in class, there should be no homework.

Aerospace II progresses into competition level glider building, RC aircraft, and drone exploration.

Chuck Cowell

Grades 9 -12

STEM Design is an introductory level course that merges curriculum from Design and Technology and Basic Technical Drawing.

This class is designed to be a “hands on” approach to exploring technology and engineering.  Students will learn how to draw and interpret basic building plans, use problem solving skills to design and build functional projects, identify and learn the basic steps of the engineering design process, build teamwork skills, and explore various careers within the fields of engineering and technology.

Examples of projects include designing, building, and testing the following:

Balsa wood bridges, mouse trap cars, solar powered cookers, balsa wood towers, catapults, etc.

Chuck Cowell

Grades 10 -12

This class is designed to be a “hands on” approach to exploring technology and engineering.  Students will learn how to develop assemblies, do physics-based simulations and complete complex simulations.  In this course students will use problem solving skills to design and build functional projects, learn the basic steps of the engineering design process, build teamwork skills, and explore various careers within the fields of engineering and technology.

This course builds on skills used in STEM Design to build higher level projects and designs.

Mr. Chye

One/weighted +.5 course

Grades 10-12

STEM Engineering- Students examine technology and engineering fundamentals in relation to solving real-world problems. Students investigate engineering history, including major engineering achievements, and they examine the principle engineering specialty fields and their related careers. Students practice engineering fundamentals, using mathematical and scientific concepts, and they apply the engineering design process through participation in hands-on engineering projects. Students communicate project-related information through team-based presentations, proposals, and technical reports.

Mr. Chye

One/weighted +.5 course Grades 11-12.

Advanced STEM Engineering- The course is an advanced level STEM course.  Students will complete advanced level team problem solving and engineering design related to solving real-world problems. Students will use Inventor Professional for stress analysis, structures, physics, and mechanics.

 Mr. Chye

Level 1

Grades 10-12

Explores all aspects of the Criminal Justice field. Students will learn how to process and investigate Crime Scenes as well as identify, collect and examine evidence. Students will also learn the History of Law Enforcement and how the laws in the United States have evolved, over the years. Level 1 students will hear from several guest speakers from various Law Enforcement agencies in the DC area.

Students will “investigate” mock crime scenes.  Interact with Police Officers and Federal Agents who speak in the classroom

All work is done in the classroom. This includes all classwork, projects, Tests and Quizzes. No Homework assignments are required for this class.

Level 1 is a prerequisite for Level 2

Chuck Ponsart