San Marcos Unified previews new 2025'026 courses including ethnic-studies options, JROTC and CTE pathways
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Summary
District staff presented a slate of proposed courses for 2025'026 including ethnic-studies options (world music, dance), Navy JROTC at Mission Hills, integrated CTE (algebra with robotics; alternative energy & green architecture), Unified PE and peer-counseling classes; final approvals are scheduled for February.
District curriculum staff presented a set of proposed courses Jan. 16 for the 2025'026 academic year, including options intended to fulfill the state'9s new ethnic-studies requirement and a set of career-technical and elective pathways.
The ethnic-studies proposals follow the California model curriculum and offer interest-based options. Two courses presented for approval were World Music (grades 9—12), emphasizing folk, traditional and classical music of nonwestern cultures, and Dancing Without Barriers, a dance course taught through an ethnic-studies lens centering Indigenous, African American, Chicano/Latino and Asian/Asian American traditions.
The board was also briefed on new integrated career-education (CTE) offerings: Algebra 1 with Robotics (a math credit that teaches algebra through robotics activities) and an environmental engineering pathway course (alternative energy and green architecture). Mission Hills High School plans a new engineering-technology CTE pathway, with Algebra 1 with Robotics as the first course.
Elective proposals include Unified PE (inclusive leadership-based PE that pairs students with and without disabilities), Esports Gaming Design I (an a-g elective tied to gaming industry skills), Ballet Folklorico Level 2, and Navy JROTC at Mission Hills High School. Mission Hills will introduce Navy JROTC; early years of the program will be district-funded and then transition to a split funding arrangement with the Navy after three years, staff said.
The district is also proposing peer-counseling courses (Peer Counseling 1 and 2) as part of a human/public-services CTE pathway; those classes are connected to the district'9s peer-to-peer grant and aim to prepare students for counseling-related roles while delivering peer supports in schools.
Staff said all courses brought forward for board review already have UC A-G approval where noted and that final board approval is scheduled for February; classes will be added to course catalogs only if viability thresholds are met (typical minimum enrollment usually between 25 and 30 students). Staff and board members discussed outreach strategies to ensure students and families are aware of new offerings.
Ending The board will consider final course approvals in its February meeting; if approved and if minimum enrollment is met, courses will be added to the master schedules for 2025'026.
