Students at the Science and Engineering School (SES) in Sacramento said the school’s hands-on science, technology, engineering and math curriculum gives them clearer college and career pathways and stronger practical skills.

Those who spoke described SES as a pathway school focused on engineering and manufacturing skills, cited project-based work including 3D printing, laser cutting and solar-car races, and said a recurring "defensive learning" assessment called SACS (Skills for Academic and Career Success) helps students demonstrate proficiency and plan next steps.

"SES is a science and engineering school, and that's our focus as a pathway school," Student 1 said, adding that the program is meant for students who choose a science- or engineering-focused pathway. Other students highlighted the school’s labs and equipment as "hands on" and said projects — this year’s solar cars and a planned solar regatta — let them apply skills competitively, including travel to California State University, Sacramento to race the solar cars.

Students described SES as a relatively small, application-based school that enrolls students from across Sacramento rather than by neighborhood. "We are a smaller school compared to other high schools ... we are, like, around 500 students," one speaker said, and several said that size creates continuity from seventh through 12th grade and fosters a supportive, team-oriented culture.

Speakers also described a multi-grade assessment practice they called "defensive learning," administered in eighth, 10th and 12th grades. "Students do it in eighth grade, tenth grade, and twelfth grade... they have to answer questions, ... connect it back to those skills," Student 9 said, referring to SACS and saying the exercise prepares students to explain and defend their work.

Students credited teachers and the school culture with raising expectations while providing guidance. "They have higher expectations for you, but they believe that you can reach those," Student 6 said. Several speakers said the program gives students a clearer idea of college and career choices by senior year and helps them rule out options they do not want to pursue.

Among technical offerings named by students were 3D printing, laser cutting and a manufacturing lab; students said these opportunities become more open and exploratory by grades 10–12. One student described the school’s approach as an alternative for learners who do not thrive in large, comprehensive high schools: "The hands on stuff ... is more fun and interactive so that certain students that can't learn from just talking can learn from visuals," Student 4 said.

Student presenters repeatedly encouraged others to consider the school. "Come check out SES. Hands down, we are the best engineering school Sac City Unified has to offer," Student 1 said.

The remarks in the transcript are testimonials from current students about curriculum, projects and school culture; no formal district action, vote or policy change is recorded in the provided text.