New High School in Irvine Offers Focus on Technology

LAKE FOREST, CA—Orange County has long been a hub of tech and entrepreneurship, as evidenced by the likes of Cylance, a cybersecurity company founded here that was eventually acquired by Blackberry, and the global HQ of Edwards Lifesciences, a medtech company.

Soon there will be a high school where students can focus heavily in tech and entrepreneurship, while customizing their own goals for success.

Westcliff University, will open Westcliff Preparatory Academy in the Fall. It will be located at the university itself, which is in Irvine, but will offer remote learning options to start.

Students will have the opportunity of enrolling in the university as well, so they can earn college credit while they’re still in high school.

The curriculum includes interdisciplinary skills that connect the dots of leadership and entrepreneurship to technology. In class, expect hands-on projects, so students can apply what they’ve learned in the real world.

Professors will work with students and their families to create tailored educational programs—to create the best potential for success for each student.

The catalyst for creating this high school now is based on a perceived gap in the local educational market, Anthony Lee, CEO and president of Westcliff University and the academy told Patch.

“Westcliff Preparatory Academy serves the young, technology-driven would-be entrepreneur by integrating their innovative spirit and passion into the essential elements of a high school education," he said. "Graduates will demonstrate all of the core competencies of a high school degree while concurrently earning college credit, building a professional network and developing the necessary skills to be successful in the business and technology worlds of tomorrow.”

Westcliff is also touting its academy as the perfect environment for students with busy lives and extracurricular activities.

The academy’s athletics program was created to give student-athletes a great deal of flexibility. They will be mentored by Westcliff University coaches and get to practice with its college teams, which provide “elite competitive opportunities,” according to a press release.

The first sport the academy will offer is basketball. Eventually, it plans to add baseball, softball and other sports.

Westcliff Preparatory Academy will start this Fall, with only live online instruction due to COVID-19 concerns. On-campus, in-person classes are planned for the 2022-23 academic year.

Interested families can join an upcoming virtual information session. For more information or to enroll, click here.