For the 2026-2027 school year, Del Mar is looking to expand their course catalog by adding four new courses. The new courses include two classes under the Biomedical Science Pathway, Mariachi Ensemble and Folklórico. Enrolled students will have the opportunity to broaden their educational and cultural experiences.
According to Assistant Principal Loan Ly, the Biomedical Pathway offers principles of Biomedical Science for freshmen and Human Body Systems for sophomores as introductory classes. For upperclassmen, juniors and seniors alike have the opportunity to dual enroll for free at West Valley College’s Orthopedic Technician program, earning college credit and certification free of charge.
“Through this pathway, students will gain hands-on experience and develop skills needed to pursue careers in the healthcare field,” said Ly.
But, what is the Biomedical Pathway? What do you learn in these classes?
The Biomedical Science Pathway is a curriculum that covers topics such as; medicine, genetics, biotechnology and human physiology. Preparing high school students for prestigious and high-earning medical careers.
In Principles of Biomedical Science, students will engage in hands-on activity such as lab work and data analysis to learn about key topics such as: forensics, genetics, microbiology and clinical care. It serves as an introductory class and provides a foundation for the Biomedical program.
The Human Body System curriculum focuses on the anatomical structures and functions of the human body. Students will learn about each core body system (muscular, circulatory, respiratory, etc.) and how each system functions to keep the body healthy.
Guidance counselor Evelyn Beas explains how these classes, although they are targeted towards freshman and sophomores, are still available for upperclassmen to take. But, following the pathway from freshman year opens up opportunities exclusive to upperclassmen, specifically, internships and orthopedic certification completion during senior year.
“How cool would it be if you want to do nursing, and you already have this on a resume, you’re going to stand out a lot,” said Beas, “we’re very proud to bring this to our students.”
In addition to Biomedical courses. Del Mar is also trying to implement Mariachi Ensemble and Folklórico as year long classes.
Folklórico is an ongoing club that has performed during school and at various events, but now it will operate as a class.
Essentially, the curriculum will consist of learning technical skills such as the zapateado techniques and the movement of the skirts, while learning the choreography for dances. In addition to the dancing, a lesson on the history of Folklórico will also be taught to understand the origins of the traditional Mexican dance.
Unlike Folklórico, Mariachi Ensemble will be new to Del Mar. Designed for student musicians with aspirations to experience performing Mariachi. Like Folklórico this class will consist of learning about the history of Mariachi, as well as developing the techniques to perform with the traditional instruments including: trumpet, clarinet, violin, vihuela and guitarrón.
Beas emphasizes that both classes are inclusive to all students.
“The door isn’t shut for students who have zero experience in music,” said Beas, “if you have an interest in learning more about the culture and style of music, definitely hop in.”
She describes students as excited to hear about the implementation of these classes. However, both Beas and Ly state that the biggest challenge is not raising student interest to fully incorporate them into the school.
“We need more students to sign up for Folklórico and Mariachi,” said Ly.
She encourages students to reflect on their course selections before the deadline on April 10.
While Del Mar is hopeful for the success of the Biomedical Program in the following years, Folklórico and Mariachi still face the struggle to gain student attention to spring the development into action.
