ECHS' innovative project-based learning program called Intersession takes place in January each year. Students focus on a series of essential questions on civic issues. They research, analyze and then present solutions to the questions based on application of information and lessons from multiple academic disciplines.

The questions and civic issues by grade are as follows:

• 9th Grade: How can community resources improve our quality of life?
• 10th Grade: What is Progress?
• 11th Grade: What is the past, present and future of the American Dream in Los Angeles?
• 12th Grade: How am I powerful?

The program culminates in a student-led Community Forum held on campus each February.  Students from all grade levels deliver presentations, debate, and discuss the issues in a public forum with adults from the surrounding community.

The forum allows ECHS high school students to demonstrate their academic knowledge, poise, professional presentation, critical thinking, and team-working skills.