Student: Priya (Grade 10) High School: Acalanes High School, Lafayette

Student: Emma (Grade 10) School: Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon

Student: Juan (Grade 10) High School: Northgate High School, Concord

Student: Ava (Grade 11) High School: Northgate High School, Walnut Creek 

Student: Sonia (Grade 11) School: Mission San Jose High School, Fremont

Student: Amelia (7th Grade) Middle School: Fallon Middle School, Dublin

When Liam first came to StrivePath, he was unsure of his academic interests and future goals. A dedicated athlete with a passion for archery, Liam excelled in sports but struggled to connect this passion to an academic pathway. His mother, Sara, wanted him to explore potential college majors but didn’t know where to start. Through a series of personalized assessments and one-on-one conversations, Liam and his consultant uncovered a surprising link between his love for archery and physics. Liam had always been fascinated by the mechanics of a perfect shot, from bow tension to arrow trajectory, but he had never considered it in a scientific context. With this revelation, Liam’s consultant encouraged him to explore introductory physics courses and provided resources on biomechanics and sports engineering. Liam’s excitement was evident—he even began researching how Olympic athletes use physics to optimize performance. By the end of the semester, he was excelling in physics and had presented his findings on archery mechanics in class. Liam now envisions a future where he combines his athletic experience with a degree in biomechanics. His mother, Sara, shares, “StrivePath helped Liam discover a connection we never thought of. He’s not only motivated academically but also has a clear vision for his future.” This experience illustrates the power of aligning personal passions with academic pursuits. StrivePath’s tailored approach uncovered Liam’s unique interests, giving him both direction and confidence as he prepares for college. Book a free consultation today "All case studies are based on real experiences with our students and families. To protect privacy, names and identifying details have been changed."

With course planning deadlines approaching for many school districts—especially in the East and South Bay—it’s important for students and families to make informed decisions. The selections a student makes can impact academic growth, college readiness, and overall well-being. How to Approach Course Planning Each year in high school presents different opportunities and challenges. Freshman year is a time to explore interests, while sophomore year introduces more advanced courses. By junior year, students can deepen their academic rigor with AP, honors, and dual enrollment options, and senior year should maintain momentum while preparing for the next step—college or career. Understanding Course Rigor While some students take multiple AP or honors courses, this path isn’t necessary for everyone. Colleges value students who challenge themselves but also maintain a balance with extracurriculars and personal interests. Mental health should always be a priority when deciding on course load. Math and Subject Pathways Most schools offer structured math, science, English, and world language pathways to guide students from introductory courses to advanced subjects. Some students may decide to accelerate through non-district courses offered online, which can help advance in subjects like math, but this should be used strategically. AP, Dual Enrollment, and Concurrent Enrollment AP courses are rigorous and can boost college applications, but taking too many may lead to burnout. Dual enrollment allows students to take community college courses for both high school and college credit. Concurrent enrollmen t is an option for students who want to explore subjects not available at their high school. Final Takeaways Students should carefully plan their courses, balancing rigor with personal interests and well-being. Always work with the school counseling team to navigate policies on AP credits, dual enrollment, and non-district courses. Additional Resources: (Note: These materials are from San Ramon Valley High School District - check with your home district/school for similar information) High School Profile Course Catalog Non-District Course Policy Subject Pathways Dual Enrollment Policy By understanding their options, students can create a high school experience that supports both academic success and personal growth.

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our Mountain View location, expanding StrivePath’s personalized academic and college advising services to the South Bay community. With established offices in the East Bay, we’ve heard the growing demand for our in-person, student-focused approach from families in the Mountain View, Los Altos, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto areas. At StrivePath, we believe that where students go to college is less important than who they become during the journey. The South Bay is home to a unique high-pressure academic environment, and our mission is to help students and their families refocus on what truly matters: the student’s growth, happiness, and long-term success—not just the college name. Our newest office in Mountain View reflects our commitment to making in-person guidance accessible for families navigating the complex high school-to-college transition.  Meet Kathie, StrivePath’s Mountain View Consultant