Design Thinking • Exploration • Industry Connection

Intersession 2025-2026

October 20 - October 31, 2025

January 26 - February 6, 2026

April 27 - May 8, 2028

October Intersession Course List - coming soon!

Check out this slide deck highlighting some of the classes from last year. New offerings coming soon!

*Attendance is mandatory during Intersession. Students who miss more than 2 days of Intersession or leave early often are at risk of earning an Incomplete in their class(es) so please avoid absences during Intersession.

Intersession Overview • Knowledge in Action

One of the unique educational experiences offered to Design Tech High School students is the opportunity to participate in Exploration classes during three, two-week periods during the school year.

Intersession classes are mandatory instructional time and earn credits for graduation. Intersession for juniors and seniors may also provide an opportunity to complete internships. We will notify you if there are last minute changes in a class.

Intersession helps students

Explore new disciplines and industries
Develop Design Thinking skills and mindsets
Have a meaningful experience outside their daily school context
Visualize their futures as productive and solution-finding members of the community

Course Credits

EXPLORATION
All courses are worth 2.5 credits. Most courses are pass/incomplete.
INTERNSHIPS
Seniors and Juniors may be eligible to participate in an internship (worth 2.5 credits). Internships receive a letter grade.

Intersession Schedule

8:45am - 9:00am Advisory

9:03am - 12:00pm AM Exploration

12:00pm - 12:30pm Lunch

12:33pm - 3:35pm PM Exploration

**All students taking an Afternoon Exploration course have class until 3:35pm, including 11th & 12th graders.

Explorations • Course Offerings

Course/Program Offerings:

Intersession Course List - coming soon!
Check out this slide deck highlighting some of the classes from last year. New offerings coming soon!

Class choices are posted 5-6 weeks in advance. During Intersession registration, students are asked to submit four class choices for AM Exploration and four choices for PM Exploration. Placement is based on submission of the course request before the deadline, class capacity and demand, as well as graduation requirements and other prerequisites.

The goal of Exploration classes to give students a variety of educational experiences, mostly taught by industry professionals.

Internship Program

Internship/Program Offerings:

Intersession Course List - coming soon (scroll down to see Internships)

The Internship Program is offered to Junior and Senior students.

Internships are highly encouraged as they allow students to share design thinking with the greater community, and promote knowledge in action.
They help to broaden the student’s scope and inform potential career paths.
Students apply success skills and Design Thinking mindsets in every internship regardless of career industry, or personal interest.
Note: Community college classes do not pause during Intersession, and may present difficulties in participating in an Internship.
Questions? Please Contact Kelly Mendoza, Internships

Volunteer Drivers

Many volunteers are needed to drive students to or from their exploration classes and field trips. Please check out the routes below to see if you can help!

Volunteer Driver Sign Up

Interested in volunteering as an Intersession Driver? Thank you for your willingness to help out! As a public school, there are several documents you’ll need to read/agree to/submit before working with our students. These can be found on our Volunteer Requirements Form. Please complete the form if you’d like to volunteer. Thank you!

Please Contact Liz Sloan, Intersession Specialist

Intersession Forms

Intersession Forms

Intersession Contacts

Dr. Marbella Alfonzo, Associate Director / Partnerships, Team Leader

Liz Sloan, Intersession Specialist • Registration/Volunteers/Forms

Kelly Mendoza, Internships • Internships

intersession & internships