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Areas of study

Areas of study

Beyond the core diploma — six focused pathways that shape AP and honors coursework into real depth.

Six distinctive pathways through HBA.

Every HBA student earns the same college-preparatory diploma. An area of study is a way to go deeper — a recommended sequence of demanding courses, each capped with a credential that signals real depth to admissions readers. Pathways draw on the full course catalogue and apply across our in-person and online programs.

  1. 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
    • →Linear Algebra (H)
    • →Multivariable Calculus (H)
    • →Mathematics of Machine Learning (H)
    Capstone

    AWS Cloud Practitioner certification

  2. 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 and Magnetism
    • →AP Calculus BC
    • →Intro to Robotic Engineering
    • →AP Computer Science A
    Capstone

    Independent engineering portfolio reviewed by a working engineer mentor

  3. Pathway 03

    Pre-Medical & Life Sciences

    Foundations deeper than the standard three sciences for future physicians, biologists, and researchers.

    • →Chemistry: In the Earth System (H)
    • →AP Biology
    • →AP Chemistry
    • →AP Environmental Science
    • →AP Psychology
    • →AP Statistics
    Capstone

    Bioethics seminar with an independent literature-review project

  4. 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
    Capstone

    Co-credited contribution to a professionally printed hardcover book, offered in partnership with our partner organization Pacific Crest Institute (PCI)

  5. 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
    Capstone

    AP Capstone Diploma — explicitly recognized by Stanford, the UC system, NYU, and many others

  6. Pathway 06

    Global Studies & Modern Languages

    Four years of language alongside the world's most consequential history and politics.

    • →AP World History: Modern
    • →AP Comparative Government and Politics
    • →AP Human Geography
    • →Four years of Spanish, French, or Chinese — through AP
    • →Model UN
    Capstone

    Independent 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.

Build a pathway with us.

Our counselors help every family turn a set of strengths and goals into a focused four-year plan.

Apply nowCourse catalogueTalk to admissions