Explore the Program

Apply Meet the Director 4-Year Plan Course Descriptions

Engineering begins with curiosity—asking how things work, identifying problems, and designing solutions that improve lives.

JSerra’s four-year Engineering Magnet Program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on experiences in manufacturing, aerospace engineering, digital electronics, and robotics. Students develop technical knowledge, creative problem-solving abilities, and the teamwork and communication skills needed for college engineering and related STEM fields.

Rooted in the Catholic understanding that faith and reason work together in the pursuit of truth, the program teaches students to design responsibly, consider the human consequences of innovation, and use their talents in service of the common good.

Why Study Engineering at JSerra?

Design the Future with Confidence

Whether students are interested in aerospace, robotics, electronics, manufacturing, or another STEM field, JSerra provides an immersive four-year experience modeled on the collaborative design environment of college engineering programs. Students graduate with technical foundations, practical experience, and the confidence to approach complex challenges with creativity, integrity, and purpose.

Program Highlights

Four-year honors engineering curriculum
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School
Hands-on design and engineering challenges every year
Industry-standard CAD software and engineering tools
Robotics, manufacturing, electronics, and aerospace coursework
Team-based projects that develop leadership and communication
Guest engineers and STEM professionals
Opportunities for engineering competitions
Engineering Magnet graduation cord and diploma recognition

The field of engineering is so broad that there is plenty of room for inquisitive minds to do great things and achieve success.

- Dr. Jan Kilduff, Science Teacher and Program Founder

What You Will Experience

A Four-Year Journey of Discovery

Each year builds upon the last as students progress from foundational engineering principles to specialized disciplines including manufacturing, aerospace engineering, robotics, and digital electronics. Along the way, they learn industry-standard design software, collaborate on increasingly complex projects, and develop the analytical mindset that prepares them for college-level engineering study.

Robotics & Automation

Manufacturing Systems

Aerospace Engineering

Team
Projects

Prototype
Design

Guest
Speakers

Digital
Electronics

Problem
Solving

Meet the Director, Dr. Samuel Lardy

Dr. Samuel Lardy brings a multidisciplinary background in chemistry, applied mathematics, and scientific research to JSerra’s Engineering Magnet Program. He earned bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and applied mathematics from Loyola Marymount University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from UC San Diego.

Since joining JSerra in 2021, Dr. Lardy has encouraged students to approach engineering with curiosity, collaboration, and thoughtful innovation. Under his leadership, students learn to connect scientific understanding with practical design and consider how engineering can be used to serve others and improve lives.

Back to Top

From Theory to Real-World Application

Classroom to Cutting Edge

Engineering is learned by doing. Students don't simply study engineering concepts—they apply them through hands-on projects that challenge them to design, test, improve, and present real solutions. Whether programming robots, designing aerospace systems, modeling products in CAD software, or solving complex engineering problems, students gain practical experience that prepares them for college engineering programs and future careers.

More importantly, they learn that great engineers combine technical excellence with ethical responsibility. Guided by Catholic values, students are challenged to ask not only, "Can we build it?" but also, "Should we?" and "How can this serve the common good?"

Four Years of Progressive Learning

A curriculum intentionally designed to build mastery.

Back to Top

Year 1

FRESHMEN | Building the Foundation

Computer Integrated Manufacturing Intro Honors

Explore how products are designed and manufactured while developing foundational engineering skills through computer modeling, robotics, automation, and hands-on design.

Year 2

SOPHOMORES | Engineering Solutions

Principles of Engineering Honors | Algebra 2/Trigonometry Honors

Apply engineering principles, advanced mathematics, and the engineering design process to solve real-world challenges with creativity, precision, and critical thinking.

Year 3

JUNIORS | Exploring Your Specialty

Students choose one (1) of the following year-long courses:

Aerospace Engineering Honors
Digital Electronics Honors
Robotics

Choose a specialized engineering pathway—from aerospace and digital electronics to competitive robotics—while gaining deeper technical knowledge through hands-on projects and real-world applications.

Year 4

SENIORS | Preparing for What's Next

Students choose one (1) year-long course not taken during Junior year:

Aerospace Engineering Honors
Digital Electronics Honors
Robotics

Refine your engineering interests through advanced coursework, collaborative design challenges, and specialized experiences that prepare you for college engineering programs and future careers.

Engineering Courses & Descriptions

A Four-Year Journey of Discovery

The Engineering Magnet features a thoughtfully designed sequence of honors courses that builds knowledge and skills year after year. Through engaging coursework, hands-on experiences, and real-world applications, students gain a deeper understanding of engineering concepts while preparing for college and future careers.

VIEW COURSES

VIEW COURSES

Computer Integrated Manufacturing Intro Honors | Grade 9

Principles of Engineering Honors | Grade 10

Aerospace Engineering Honors | Grades 11-12

Digital Electronics Honors | Grades 11-12

Robotics | Grades 11-12

Quick Stats

4-Year

Honors Engineering

3

Advanced Course Options

Hands-On

Project-Based Learning

PLTW

Distinguished School

PLTW Distinguished School

JSerra Catholic High School is recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW.

I feel confident as a young woman that the Engineering Magnet Program prepared me for incredible opportunities in STEM fields. This program has not only broadened my awareness but also created valuable experiences for future careers.

- Isabella '19

JS Ligature Logo

Ready to Explore Your Future?

Every JSerra Magnet Program combines rigorous academics, real-world experiences, and meaningful mentorship to help students discover where their passions can lead. Explore program requirements, application information, and take the next step toward finding your place in our community.

VIEW REQUIREMENTS & APPLY CONTACT THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR