Human Services

Human Services courses offer students a chance to explore practical skills and career pathways in various fields. Culinary Essentials 1 & 2 introduce foundational cooking techniques and advanced food preparation, including nutrition, menu planning, and basic catering, with a requirement for a Washington State Public Health Card. For those interested in baking, Baking & Pastry 1 & 2 dive deeper into baking, pastry arts, and advanced decorating skills. The Independent Living course teaches essential life skills like personal finance, cooking, and home maintenance, preparing students for independent living. In Interior Design & Housing, students learn design principles and floor plan creation while exploring careers in interior design. Child Development focuses on the growth and development of children, covering physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects, with a look into careers in pediatrics and education. These courses provide a comprehensive foundation for students interested in a variety of careers in the culinary arts, design, child development, and beyond.

Courses in this Pathway

Culinary Essentials 1

Location: Bellevue High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School

This class is an introduction to nutrition and food preparation. Students will learn about healthy food choices and demonstrate skills in fundamental food preparation methods. Units covered will include basic preparation techniques for breads, eggs, dairy, fruits, vegetables and meats. Students will learn to identify and use culinary tools and equipment, including knives, hand tools, and small appliances. Whether you are interested in culinary arts and healthy food choices for yourself or in pursuing a career in the food service industry, this course will provide you with the foundation. This course requires the student to acquire a Washington State Public Health Card.

Culinary Essentials 2

Location: Bellevue High School, Sammamish High School

This course continues to develop a student's knowledge and skills in food preparation and service. After learning the basics in Culinary Essentials 1, it is time to explore the world of foods. Units covered will include more advanced preparation techniques for grains, stocks, sauces, soups, eggs, dairy, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish and pastries. Also included are menu planning, nutritional analysis and some basic catering projects. This course requires the student to acquire a Washington State Public Health Card. Continue your journey while developing your culinary skills.

Baking And Pastry 1

Location: Bellevue High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School

This course is an option following Culinary Essentials 1. This course allows culinary students a more rigorous and in-depth study of baking and pastry work. Areas of study include baking terminology, tool and equipment use, formula conversions, functions of ingredients, and methods used in creating quick breads, yeasted breads, pastries, cookies, and other desserts. The fundamentals of dough and basic decorating skills are covered. The appropriate use of technology and industry standard equipment is part of this course.

Baking And Pastry 2

Location: Bellevue High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School

This course is an option following Baking and Pastry One. This course allows baking and pastry students to continue developing their knowledge through a secondary course of study. Units covered will included more advanced preparation techniques for methods used in creating quick breads, yeasted breads, and pastries. Chocolate, confections, frozen desserts, and international pastries are also included. The advanced decorating skills are covered, as well as pastry artistry and plating. The end of the course will finish with a cumulative bakeshop project. The appropriate use of technology and industry standard equipment is part of this course.

Independent Living

Location: Newport High School

Students gain essential life skills in this extremely important and fun course through a variety of learning experiences. Curriculum explored include: personal finance, credit and consumerism; nutrition and basic cooking; clothing care and repair; basic home maintenance and easy repairs; resumes, careers and goal setting. Classroom activities assist the student in making informed decisions in all areas of everyday life now and in the future.

Interior Design & Housing

Location: Newport High School

Students will use traditional methods and computer programs to create and analyze floor plans and interior schematics. Principles of design, colors and textures will be implemented to create design projects and sample boards with many practical applications. There will also be a focus on the behavioral, social, economic, functional and aesthetic aspects of housing, interiors and furnishings. Careers in and design will be explored.

Child Development

Location: Newport High School

A course that builds a functional understanding of the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of children from conception to adolescence. Students will study the science and research behind the concepts while also having fun learning practical applications. The class will also explore cross cultural and global perspectives. Careers in pediatrics and education will be explored.

Post-Secondary

Seattle Central College – Seattle Culinary Academy: Offers comprehensive programs in Culinary Arts and Specialty Desserts & Breads.
Renton Technical College – Culinary Arts: Provides an Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, focusing on professional cooking techniques applicable to catering services.
Spokane Community College – Culinary Arts: Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts, preparing students for various culinary roles, including catering.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology – Baking Arts: Provides programs in Baking Arts and Culinary Arts, with courses relevant to catering and hospitality management.
University of Washington (UW), Seattle: UW's College of Education is renowned for its comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, preparing students for various educational roles.
Washington State University (WSU), Pullman: WSU offers robust education programs, including a Doctoral program in Education, with a focus on preparing students for diverse educational careers.
Seattle Pacific University (SPU), Seattle: SPU's School of Education offers programs that integrate faith and learning, preparing students for various educational roles.
Central Washington University (CWU), Ellensburg: CWU offers a range of education programs, including a Master’s Degree in Education, with opportunities for specialization.

Careers in this Pathway

Special Education Teachers: These educators work with students who have physical, emotional, or learning disabilities. The increasing inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms has heightened the need for skilled special education teachers.
STEM Teachers: Teachers specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are in high demand. This is driven by the growing emphasis on STEM education to prepare students for careers in an increasingly tech-driven world.
School Counselors: Professionals who support students' mental health and academic success are crucial. Their role has become more prominent as schools recognize the importance of addressing students' emotional and psychological well-being.
Educational Administrators: Roles such as principals, superintendents, and deans are vital for managing schools and educational institutions. Effective leadership in these positions is essential for implementing educational policies and ensuring quality education.
Instructional Coordinators: Also known as curriculum developers, these professionals design and implement educational programs. They play a key role in enhancing teaching quality and student learning outcomes.
Catering Manager – Oversees all aspects of catering operations, including planning menus, managing staff, coordinating logistics, and ensuring customer satisfaction at events.
Event Coordinator – Specializes in organizing and executing events, from corporate functions to weddings, ensuring that catering services run smoothly and meet clients’ needs.
Executive Chef – Leads the kitchen team in creating innovative, high-quality dishes for catering events.
Sous Chef – The second-in-command in the kitchen, helping the executive chef with food preparation and supervision of kitchen staff during large catering events.
Catering Sales Manager – Focuses on selling catering services, developing client relationships, and managing event bookings.