Engineering

In the Marianist spirit of adaptation and change, Archbishop Riordan High School is always looking for new approaches to curriculum that provide innovative ways to challenge our students.

Given Riordan’s Bay Area location near major engineering and technology companies, our students have a natural exposure to the many career opportunities and practical applications of engineering. This interest, plus Riordan’s existing strong math and science curriculum, led Riordan to create a four-year honors engineering program with a focus on computer engineering, fabrication, and design.

Why Should You Apply?

This newly designed plan for learning includes texts and exercises from Project Lead The Way and Code HS, both leaders in Science and Technology curriculum design which provides a transformative learning experience. The core experience is an engaging, hands-on classroom environment that develops relevant individual skills and knowledge in Engineering and Computer Science. We will also strive to instill a sense of belonging and cooperation through teamwork. This skill set is valued by many industries as teamwork is essential to success. It also echoes the primary focus for the department this year: “Engineers Solve Problems as a Team.” 

With the many challenges we face as a nation and as a world population, these are truly exciting times for the Engineering and Computer Science field. There is high demand for future engineers and programmers, as problem solvers, in the areas of renewable energy, autonomous transportation and advanced manufacturing in addition to the more traditional areas such as: automobile engineering, propulsion systems and architectural engineering.

Who Should Apply?

The Engineering Program is a highly challenging academic program fit for a mature student. Admission is based on 7th and 8th grade math and science grades, performance on standardized tests, demonstrated ability to handle a rigorous course load, and demonstrated interest in the area of engineering. In addition to taking two engineering courses each year, students are expected to take advanced math and science courses that complement the engineering offerings and prepare them for a college-level engineering major. 

Program Overview

The scope and sequence of the Engineering Program is designed to provide maximum curriculum alignment. In the first year, students take an introductory engineering course which gives an overview of both the practical and theoretical aspects of engineering. Concurrently, they are also enrolled in Intro to Computer Programming which provides a strong technical foundation for the courses they will be taking their sophomore through senior years. Please note that as the program advances, modifications may be made to this course sequence.

For complete Engineering offerings for current and incoming students, click here.

Each year students will take classes to build skills across multiple disciplines, with the goal that they will graduate as proficient programmers, engineers, designers, collaborators, and problem solvers.

My favorite project in engineering has been creating a remote controlled car. I enjoyed creating it because I could see the car coming together along the way. When I made mistakes as I built it, I learned about robotics as I fixed them.

Harrison Carpenter '22

Courses Offered

Frequently Asked Questions

Partnership with Project Lead the Way

Riordan partners with Project Lead the Way to provide an engaging engineering curriculum that teaches hands-on skills. 

Engineering Student Soldering

Makerspace

A place where design, technology, and human innovation intersect. It is a physical space for classes, but more importantly, it is an environment for testing out ideas, collaborating with peers, and building things. Students interested in careers such as design, game and app development, and programming can develop their passions in the Makerspace. All are welcome!

Features:

  • 3D printers with Cura software
  • Laser cutter
  • CNC machine
  • Computers with Autodesk 123D software
  • Traditional carpentry tools: soldering irons, drills, hand-held sanders
  • Materials for circuit boards

Meet the Engineering Team

Kurt Osmer

Kurt Osmer

Email:
Phone Numbers:
School: 415-586-8200 ext. 554
Frank Torrano

Frank Torrano

Email: