Academics

Early College High School (ECHS)
ECHS JFK Logo

Early College High School


Early College students have the option to transfer their Palo Alto College credit to a four-year university for credit towards a bachelor’s degree. This means that you can earn a college degree in less time because you completed college courses during High School. The Early College High School academic experience is offered at no cost to the student. The Early College High School experience saves students both time and money. Our focus is on getting students on a direct college path.

Applications are closed for 2022-2023.
Pathways in Technology ECHS (P-TECH)
JFK PTECH Logo

Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)

Kennedy Pathways to Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) provides students an accelerated Dual Credit opportunity to earn an Associate's degree from St. Philip's College or up to 60 hours of college credit as a High School student. You will be both a Kennedy Rocket and a Palo Alto Palomino at the same time. The PTECH academic experience is offered at no cost to the student. The PTECH experience saves students both time and money.  P-TECH provides the additional opportunity of an Industry Certification.

Applications are closed for 2022-2023.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Career & Technical Education (CTE):

  • Audio and Visual Production - The Digital Communications program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with the production of audio and visual media formats for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures. This program of study may also include exploration into operating machines and equipment to record sound and images, such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment.
  • Animation - The Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories, and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials. 

  • Automotive -  The Automotive program of study teaches CTE learners how to repair and refinish automobiles and service various types of vehicles. CTE learners may learn to collect payment for services or supplies and perform typical vehicle maintenance procedures such as lubrication, oil changes, installation of antifreeze, or replacement of accessories like wiper blades or tires. 

  • Law Enforcement - The Law Enforcement program of study teaches CTE learners about the development of, adherence to, and protection of various branches of law. Students will learn how to appropriately and legally respond to breaches in the law according to statutory rules and regulations as well as investigate how and why the breaches occurred.

  • Programming & Software Development - The Programming and Software Development program of study explores the occupations and education opportunities associated with researching, designing, developing, and testing operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computer applications. This program of study may also include exploration into creating, modifying, and testing the codes, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run.

Learn more in our CTE Programs of Study Brochure.

Core Curriculum

John F. Kennedy High School offers a well balanced education for students in grades 9th-12th. All students will take a core curriculum as well as electives throughout their high school careers.

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
Gear Up
Learn more about Gear Up here.