Special Programs
John H. Francis Polytechnic High School is located in the community of Sun Valley, California, and serves the surrounding communities. Constructed in 1957, the high school received the name of the second oldest high school in Los Angeles after that school became Los Angeles Trade Tech. Historically, the name honors one of the first educators, principals, and superintendents of the district. John H. Francis promoted the concepts of vocational education and student self-government. Both of these ideas are still found in the present-day Poly.In addition to the regular program here at Poly, we have many special programs that involve our students. These are programs which truly reflect the spirit of the school--home to the Proud Parrots.
Academic Decathlon
Advanced Placement
The Agriculture
Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
Blue and Gold Catering
Careers with Children
Cisco Networking Academy
College Office
Gifted and Talented Program
Leadership Program
Mathematics, Science and Technology Magnet
Office Technology
Carl Perkins Program
IMMEX
Title I
TUPE
Vocational Choices
Academic Decathlon
Academic Decathlon is a sport for the brain. Poly students with A, B, or C averages are encouraged to enter the Academic Decathlon class, where they can try out for the nine member team. Students who make the team complete in a District competition where they can win scholarships; prizes; and gold, silver and bronze medals. Academic Decathlon is fun, educational, and valuable to list as an accomplishment on college applications.
Back to Top
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement classes are offered at Francis Polytechnic High School. AP classes which are offered include AP Biology, Calculus, Statistics, Chemistry, English Literature, American History, Physics and Spanish. Students who successfully pass the advanced placement test may earn college credit for their efforts. All instuctors report that advanced reading, writing and research skills are critical to success.
Back to Top
The Agriculture
The Agriculture curriculum consists of three components: horticulture, floriculture, and Future Farmers of America. Horticulture and floriculture classes provide training in nursery operation, floral design, and landscape construction. The FFA is dedicated to the development of leadership cooperation, and citizenship. Poly FFA members participate in local, regional and state contests such as public speaking, parliamentary procedures, committees, fairs, shows, and other activities. The agriculture area at Poly includes several types of gardens, greenhouses, potting rooms, and land devoted to vine crops, citrus, vegetables, and flowers.
Back to Top
Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps
Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps has as its mission to acquaint high school students with the aerospace age, to develop informed citizens, to strengthen and develop character, to promote an understanding of their role as citizens in a democratic society, and to motivate students for careers in the United States Air Force. Students are involved in curriculum that focuses on aerospace and experience, including a leadership course that provides experience to develop discipline, responsbility, communication skills, and citizenship. AFJROTC
Back to Top
Blue and Gold Catering
Blue and Gold Catering Offers students a "hands-on" experience in food service. For twenty years, Poly has offered this food service and hospitality class which prepares students for jobs in the food industry. This class is involved in school receptions, banquets, and outside catering.
Back to Top
Careers with Children
Careers with Children is a vocational home economics program designed to teach students how to work with young children. The course offers a wide variety of experiences for students including telling stories, leading games, directing craft activities, preparing nutritious snacks, and shopping. These skills may later be used in a private nursery school, child care center, or elementary school program.
Back to Top
College Office
The Poly High School College Office is the best place for a student to get anything and everything regarding their future attendance at the nation's hundreds of private and public colleges and universities. Chock full of information, the new college office website will answer all of your questions about scholarships, financial aid, testing, college life, college and universitiy clubs and activities, athletics, and so much more! Virtual tours are even available at dozens of schools nationwide! Visit us and visit us often - we're here to help you!
Back to Top
Gifted and Talented Program
Gifted and Talented Program is intended to cultivate the extremely important resource that are our special young people, those who exhibit gifts and talents well beyond the norm. Teachers are assisted in meeting the needs of these students by modifying curriculum to suit individual needs, interests, and abilities. Gifted students are clustered wherever possible to maximize opportunities for peer interaction. Our program gives the students and teachers new ideas and opportunities, and helps give the students direction in promoting and inspiring the special areas of their character.
Back to Top
Leadership Program
Leadership Program is made up of interested and qualified students willing to plan, organize, and carry out school activities. Some of the activities at Poly include Homecoming, the Welcome Back dance, canned food drives, toy and blood drives, spirit weeks, multicultural fairs, and dances.
Back to Top
Mathematics, Science and Technology Magnet
Mathematics, Science and Technology Magnet is a new program at Poly. This program offers students who are interested in the fields of mathematics, science and technology an opportunity to work together in a hands-on, academic program. Students have the opportunity to go on field trips, develop projects and conduct research. Students must apply through the District to be part of this program. Math, Science & Tech Magnet
Back to Top
Office Technology
Office Technology is a two-period-per-day and five-day-per-week class. Students spend one day a week at the Department of Water and Power using their learned skills in a real office situation.
Back to Top
Carl Perkins Program
Carl Perkins Program allows students to choose a major field and carry through with their plans into a certificate or college program after high school. Vocational teachers team with academic teachers to teach across the curriculum. Students begin in the tenth grade and follow the program through the twelfth grade in Office Technology; Careers with Children, and Catering.
Back to Top
IMMEX
IMMEX is a problem solving software program developed by the UCLA School of Medicine. It has recently been modified for use by secondary teachers. A team of Polytechnic teachers are incorporating the use of their own IMMEX problems into the science and mathematics curricula.
Back to Top
Vocational Choices
Vocational Choices include automotive maintenance, as well as ROP auto mechanics, specializing in tune-up performance and air conditioning, architectural drafting, woodworking and cabinet making, and printing.
Back to Top