Innovation and Information Department

Department Philosophy

At Serra High School, the Innovation and Information Department places creative thinking at the center of learning. We form young men who approach challenges with curiosity and imagination, grounded in empathy for the people they serve and empowered to make a difference in the lives of others. Using design thinking principles, students learn to recognize authentic problems and shape thoughtful, practical solutions that contribute to the global good. Our students have presented their projects to fellow students around the world, including in-person visits to schools in Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea. Leadership projects, international collaboration and mentorships give them the confidence to bring ideas to life with purpose.


From design thinking, media literacy, computer programming and app development to entrepreneurship, creative solutions, marketing and AP coursework, our classes build practical skills rooted in innovation and critical inquiry. Serra Padres graduate with the technical fluency and global perspective needed to thrive in college and beyond in a rapidly changing world.

Innovation and Information Elective Courses

  • Principles of Design Thinking
  • Creative Solutions for the Global Good
  • Honors Advanced Solutions for the Global Good
  • Innovation and Information Research Project, independent study
  • Innovation and Information TA
  • Introduction to Business: Entrepreneurship
  • Introduction to Business: Marketing
  • AP Business with Personal Finance
  • Computer Programming
  • AP Computer Science A
  • Introduction to Android App Development
  • Global Leadership Seminar

Honors and AP Courses

  • Honors Advanced Solutions for the Global Good
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Business with Personal Finance

Student Opportunities

Students deepen their creative and critical thinking skills and global perspective through diverse co-curricular experiences.

Clubs: Padre Professionals, Coding, Stocks and Economics, Speech and Debate.

Field Experiences: Field trips introduce students to dynamic innovators at such visionary companies as Zoox, Impossible Foods, Antora Energy and the VC firm Playground.

Industry Connections: Students enrolled in Creative Solutions courses connect with students, teachers and business professionals from around the world.

Creative Avenues: Crazy Short Film Fest, All School Read, Lunchtime Drop-In Read, GraviTrax Lab and opportunities to develop their command of ever-evolving generative AI tools.

Resources

Checkology (News Literacy Project); Civic Online Reasoning (Digital Inquiry Group)

Innovation and Information Faculty

Mr. Chris Houle

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Mr. Rushton Hurley

Mrs. Elizabeth Keate

Ms. Rita Lee

Mr. Patrick Vallez-Kelly