Electives....Drama....Yearbook...Robotics....Science Bowl....Art....
Electives....Drama....Yearbook...Robotics....Science Bowl....Art....
Diverse, interesting electives…….
Portola HGM learners participate in a diverse range of electives taught by passionate, expert teachers. These include Video Production, Leadership, Drama, and Science Bowl.
Featured Elective: Biotechnology
Biotechnology…..This laboratory course is designed to provide students with a pathway to a more advanced focus in biotechnology in high school and beyond. This introductory course centers on the basic concepts of biotechnology, which include career profiles, lab methodologies, lab safety, measurement, laboratory equipment use, science research, and technical writing, scientific methods, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, pathology, forensics, and genetic technologies. Students will have the opportunity to explore real-life biotechnology and lab skills by blending theory with hands-on lab activities in order to help develop career and college readiness within the 21st century.
Featured Elective: Advanced Art
Advanced Art students designed and painted this mural at the front entrance to the Portola Garden. It showcases the beauty of California’s ecosystems while introducing viewers to the Portola Garden's restorative work.
Featured Elective: Robotics……
At Gaspar de Portola Magnet Middle School, our robotics program is more than building robots—it’s about building engineers, innovators, and confident young leaders. Across three dynamic elective classes, students dive into the worlds of mechanical engineering, computer science, and creative problem-solving, all through hands-on challenges using VEX IQ robotics.
Our program emphasizes the engineering design process, collaborative teamwork, and public speaking skills that empower students to share their ideas with clarity and confidence. Every project connects to real-world global goals and local community challenges, encouraging students to think like engineers who make an impact.
For students who can’t join the daytime electives, we offer a 10-week after-school enrichment program, giving even more learners the chance to explore robotics, coding, and engineering fundamentals.
Portola Robotics is also home to three competitive VEX IQ teams, where students design, build, and code robots for local competitions. Team members sharpen their skills in C++, JavaScript, and Python, collaborate under pressure, and learn how creativity and perseverance drive innovation.
Whether students dream of becoming engineers, programmers, inventors—or simply want to challenge themselves—our robotics program gives them the tools, confidence, and mindset to shape the future.
At Portola, we don’t just build robots.
We build problem solvers, collaborators, and world-changers.
