While Rosary Academy offers an impressive array of academic classes, extracurriculars, and clubs, Rosary also offers specialized course trajectories called Pathways. The first pathway called STREAM (science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math) was created in 2017 to help high-achieving students focus their education on being well-rounded.
Rosary’s Pathways assist students in focusing their high school courses on their future college major and career. According to Principal Mr. Basford, Pathways are a unique opportunity that allow students to pursue academic excellence with a concentration on their future: “Our Pathways program emphasizes practical skills, providing students with hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world careers…Beyond academic advantages, students also acquire essential life skills such as time management, communication, and problem-solving. Our Pathways empower students by combining academic rigor, practical experiences, and industry connections.”
Additionally, each individual pathway includes a two-year internship opportunity and a final project senior year that reflects the knowledge each student gained throughout their Pathway experience. Most Pathways also require online classes in addition to regular school courses.
Pathways are very important to many students, but some Royals and incoming students may not be aware of just how many different Pathways there are and how many amazing opportunities each individual Pathway provides.
Computer Science
Rosary’s Computer Science Pathway lends itself to students interested in coding, graphic design, game design, and similar careers. The Computer Science course places an emphasis on math and science classes. It also includes Graphic Design, fine arts, or AP Computer Science electives.
Another requirement for the Computer Science Pathway is involvement in Rosary’s Royal Rebels Robotics Team or a similar program. This Pathway also requires two online courses, but with a wide variety of options, students can target which best fits their goals.
Computer Science Pathways Student Juliana Valadez ‘26 explains, “My favorite aspect of the Pathways Program is the opportunities granted, both academic and social. Through the Pathways Program, I can discuss STEM related topics with like-minded individuals, allowing for friendships and new connections.”
Engineering
The Engineering Pathway focuses heavily on advanced math and science courses. The Engineering Pathway is designed for a range of careers and college majors in the engineering industry and even for careers outside of engineering. Students in this Pathway are expected to participate in the Robotics team or an equivalent program.
Senior Sara Garcia shares, “The Engineering Pathway gave me the opportunity to focus my studies and extracurriculars on a specific topic, and even though I’m studying architecture, engineering was a great tangential topic.”
Medical
The Medical Pathway is designed for students looking to go into any part of the medical field, even animal medicine. This program concentrates on science courses. The Medical Pathway also provides internships at well-known hospitals like CHOC, Providence St. Jude, as a well as an orthodontist’s office.
Senior Jeanna Shermetta adds, “Being a part of the medical pathway here at Rosary is preparing me tremendously for my college career because it allowed me to take additional science classes, which helped me to develop a deep understanding of the essential scientific principles in healthcare. I also completed an internship, which provided me with valuable hands-on experience and gain essential skills such as patient interaction and familiarity with medical procedures. Also, I loved being able to get that experience (I worked at a dental office for my internship) because I was able to really get experience in the medical field and make sure that nursing was something that I really wanted to do.”
Sports Medicine
The Sports Medicine Pathway is a very specific Pathway with a focus on anatomy, kinesiology, and physiology. In addition, students will attend six sports matches with Rosary’s athletic trainer to apply their knowledge to actual players.
Junior Kayla Tolentino explains, “My favorite part about being a Pathways student is interning with athletic trainers, physical therapists, and coaches. I love sports in general, so being involved with athletes, observing their movements, and treating their injuries is such a valuable experience.”
Law
The Law Pathway is engaging and perfect for students looking to pursue law and government. Aside from regular classes, the Law Pathway encourages electives in psychology, sociology, criminology, and speech and debate. It also includes participation in Rosary’s Mock Trial team or Model United Nations Club.
Junior Elaina Borbon shares, “Last summer, I took a college business law course for the Pathway, and I learned a lot about the marketing aspect and real-life situations and cases. It was really interesting to see how law connected with the business area. My favorite part about being a Pathways student is the opportunities I get to experience firsthand, such as having the chance to intern at firms.”
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Pathways includes three areas of focus: an Acting Concentration, a Musical Theatre Concentration, and a Technical Concentration. Each specific concentration includes academic courses and electives focused on the student’s individual interest.
Trinitas performer Makayla Palos Rodriguez ‘24 explains, “I am very grateful to have been able to be a part of the Performing Arts Pathway at Rosary. Through this experience, I’ve not only learned new concepts and gained many skills, but also forged new connections with girls from every grade. Overall, I think my favorite part was being able to tailor my high school education to my passion for theatre over the entire four years.”
Coming in the 2024-2025 school year: Leadership
The Leadership Pathway is designed to apply basic leadership skills to academics while learning about different leadership techniques and helping students gain confidence. This course requires few mandatory classes but a lot of leadership and service experience throughout a student’s high school career.
Rosary’s Activities Director and proctor of the Leadership Pathway, Ms. LaBonte ’09, explains why this pathway is so important: “I think it’s important for students who want to grow their leadership abilities to take courses and participate in events that will help them achieve that goal.”
To learn more about Rosary’s Pathways, visit the Rosary website, and click the “Pathways” section under the “Admissions” tab. If you are an incoming freshman or transfer student interested in any of these Pathways, fill out your application soon; they are due by June 1.
