Academic programs
A flexible, college-preparatory pathway tailored to each student's strengths and goals.
A strong academic foundation.
High Bluff Academy offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. Small class sizes allow teachers to know each student well and adapt instruction to their needs and pace.
English
Literature, composition, and honors English — building strong readers, writers, and communicators.
Mathematics
Algebra through calculus, with honors tracks extending into linear algebra, multivariable calculus, and abstract algebra.
Science
Biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science — hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Social science
World and U.S. history, government, economics, and psychology — understanding society, culture, and global issues.
College-preparatory academics
Rigorous coursework with the flexibility to accelerate or reinforce as needed.
Advanced placement at the breadth of a major university.
High Bluff Academy is an authorized AP Capstone school and an official College Board testing site (CEEB 053036) — students complete AP coursework and sit for AP exams on the same campus where they learn every day.
AP Math, Statistics & Computer Science
- •AP Precalculus
- •AP Calculus AB & BC
- •AP Statistics
- •AP Computer Science Principles
- •AP Computer Science A
AP Sciences
- •AP Biology
- •AP Chemistry
- •AP Environmental Science
- •AP Physics 1 & 2
- •AP Physics C: Mechanics
- •AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
AP English & History
- •AP English Language
- •AP English Literature
- •AP Seminar
- •AP Research
- •AP U.S. History
- •AP World History
- •AP European History
- •AP African American Studies
AP Social Sciences, Languages & Arts
- •AP U.S. & Comparative Government
- •AP Macroeconomics & Microeconomics
- •AP Psychology
- •AP Human Geography
- •AP Business Principles & Personal Finance
- •AP Spanish, French & Chinese Language
- •AP Art History
- •AP Music Theory
AP course availability may vary based on student enrollment and demand.
Six distinctive pathways through HBA.
Beyond the core diploma, students can shape their AP and honors coursework into a focused track. Each pathway pairs a sequence of demanding courses with a capstone credential that signals real depth to admissions readers.
- Pathway 01
Data Science & Quantitative Reasoning
The mathematics, programming, and modeling foundation for the most quantitative degrees at university.
- →AP Statistics
- →AP Calculus BC
- →AP Computer Science A
- →Honors Linear Algebra
- →Honors Multivariable Calculus
- →Honors Mathematics of Machine Learning
CapstoneAWS Cloud Practitioner certification
- Pathway 02
Engineering & Robotics
From classical mechanics to mechatronics — the design pathway for future engineers.
- →AP Physics 1
- →AP Physics C: Mechanics
- →AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
- →AP Calculus BC
- →Intro to Robotic Engineering
- →AP Computer Science A
CapstoneIndependent engineering portfolio reviewed by a working engineer mentor
- Pathway 03
Pre-Medical & Life Sciences
Foundations deeper than the standard three sciences for future physicians, biologists, and researchers.
- →Honors Chemistry
- →AP Biology
- →AP Chemistry
- →AP Environmental Science
- →AP Psychology
- →AP Statistics
CapstoneBioethics seminar with an independent literature-review project
- Pathway 04
Visual Arts & Publication
Classical drawing foundations paired with digital production craft and a real publication credit.
- →Studio Art
- →Digital Art
- →AP Art History
CapstoneCo-credited contribution to a professionally printed hardcover book, offered in partnership with our partner organization Pacific Crest Institute (PCI)
- Pathway 05
AP Capstone Diploma
The College Board's most recognized research distinction, earned alongside other coursework.
- →AP Seminar (live instructor only)
- →AP Research (live instructor only)
- →Plus four additional AP exams in subjects of the student's choice
CapstoneAP Capstone Diploma — explicitly recognized by Stanford, the UC system, NYU, and many others
- Pathway 06
Global Studies & Modern Languages
Four years of language alongside the world's most consequential history and politics.
- →AP World History
- →AP Comparative Government & Politics
- →AP Human Geography
- →Four years of Spanish, French, or Chinese — through AP
- →Model UN seminar
CapstoneIndependent research paper on a contemporary global issue
Pathways are advisory — they reflect the most common ways HBA students stack coursework. Counselors work one-on-one with each family to tune the sequence.
High-impact summer programs.
High Bluff Academy is widely recognized for its exceptional summer programs, which have supported thousands of students in strengthening core skills, exploring new subjects, and preparing for college-level coursework.
- • Live group classes on campus starting June 8, 2026
- • Flexible online, hybrid, and in-person options
- • Official College Board testing site (CEEB Code: 053036)
- • Six-, seven-, and eight-week course formats
Online & hybrid learning.
For students who need additional flexibility, High Bluff Academy offers online and hybrid options that maintain the same academic rigor and personalized support as our on-campus programs.
If you do not see the course you are interested in, many classes can be offered online through our virtual learning platform or taken one-on-one with an in-person teacher.