The Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) is a high school program designed for 11th and 12th-grade students that emphasizes hands-on experience, real-world projects, and college-level coursework to help students explore their interests and prepare for college, careers, or both. Its mission is to nurture a culture of creativity, innovation, and action, and to cultivate a community of lifelong learners who love what they do. CAL aims to give students a head start in exciting and impactful careers through support from dedicated educators and industry partners.

CAL offers seven unique career pathways, including Health Sciences (with specialized medical and dental tracks), Engineering, Digital Media (Media Lab), Business (Change Lab), Fashion, Art, and Branding (FAB Lab), and Tech Lab. Across these programs, students gain a diverse set of skills. For example, in Health Sciences, they learn patient care and medical terminology, potentially earning certifications like CPR. Engineering students develop CAD, manufacturing, and welding skills. Media Lab focuses on digital storytelling, photography, videography, and graphic design. Change Lab students acquire entrepreneurial, financial, marketing, and leadership skills by launching businesses. FAB Lab teaches sewing, garment construction, fashion history, and brand management. Tech Lab introduces programming, electronics, IT, and cybersecurity. Many programs also emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, professional communication, and building professional networks.

CAL deeply integrates college credit and career readiness. Students can earn college credits through dual credit courses offered in partnership with Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), with some programs allowing students to earn 20+ college credits. These credits are transferable to many two- and four-year institutions. CAL's curriculum is designed with real-world experience, industry partnerships, and work-based learning opportunities. Many courses align with Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards, providing practical skills and certifications relevant to in-demand fields. Students build professional networks, create portfolios, and participate in activities like "Shark Tank-style" competitions to prepare them for future academic and professional endeavors.

Transportation for CAL students from partner high schools to CAL and back is provided via bus, with schedules managed by their home district. Students also have the option to use public transportation, as the Civic Drive MAX station is located across the street from CAL.

For students who drive, parking permits are available for $5.00 at the front office after filling out an online form. All CAL driving rules, school rules, and Oregon State driving laws must be obeyed. Parking permits must be visible from the front of the vehicle, are non-transferable, and all student vehicles must park in the gravel parking lot. Parking in unauthorized areas (e.g., staff, reserved, visitor spots, grass) may result in citations or towing at the owner's expense. CAL is not responsible for loss or damage to vehicles or their contents. Violations of parking policies can lead to disciplinary action, suspension, and/or loss of parking privileges. Students are advised to secure their vehicles and not leave valuables in plain view.

Applications typically open near the end of first semester. You can click on the Enroll Now link at the top of this page.

Students attend the Center for Advanced Learning for half of their school day, spending either the morning or the afternoon at the CAL campus and the remaining time at their home high school. While at CAL, students are enrolled in four classes (two each day) that alternate every other day on a block schedule.
Transportation is provided by the students' home districts to accommodate this split schedule. Students have the choice of having lunch at their home high school or CAL.