Program of Studies 2025-2026

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During 10th and 11th grades, students will have the opportunity to take the PSAT.  Students benefit by both the practice in taking a national test and early identification of academic strengths and weakness to provide opportunities to improve their scores and to guide in selecting future courses of study.  Students can see their progress from the previous years and juniors will enter special scholarship competition such as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.  PSAT measures critical reading, writing and math reasoning skills. This test is administered only in October.

Any 10th, 11th, or 12th grade students should consider taking the ASVAB if they are considering joining any of the military branches or if they are looking for a career inventory.  The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense.  Results of the aptitude test and the interest inventory enable students to evaluate their skills, estimate their performance in academic and vocational endeavors, and identify potentially satisfying careers.

College bound 11th and 12th grade students should take the SAT I which measures critical reading, writing and language, and mathematical reasoning.  A student should begin taking the test by the spring of the eleventh grade and may repeat the test several times.  Most colleges use the highest of the three scores obtained, even if the two scores were earned on separate test sessions.  The tests are given several times each year at high schools in our area. Students must register about six weeks in advance of the test.  Registration bulletins for the test are available in the guidance office and must be completed online at http://www.collegeboard.com.  Students who need assistance with fees to take the test should talk with their counselor.
Similar to the SAT, ACT measures academic achievement in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning.  The experience can help students realize they have the skills to perform college-level coursework.  The test raises college awareness and exposure among all students.  Both the SAT and the ACT tests are optional for many colleges and universities.  Whether or not either test is required for admission must be verified with the college or university of your choice.
The Advanced Placement Program is often known as "AP".  AP courses allow students the opportunity to do college-level work while they are enrolled in high school.  Students who enroll in an AP course should expect extensive reading, writing, and critical thinking activities as a component of course expectations.  In the spring, students are expected to take the nationally standardized AP examinations on the designated date.  Colleges may award academic credit and/or special placement if a student earns a qualifying score on the exam.  Students may take an AP examination, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in an AP course.  A fee is charged at registration.  There is financial assistance for eligible students.  See your school counselor for information.

To earn a high school diploma in Virginia, students must earn the required minimum number of units of credit in effect when that student first entered the 9th grade.  There are two types of units of credit that a student must earn:

  • A standard unit of credit is earned by completing 140 hours of instruction and passing the course.
  • A verified unit of credit is earned by passing a course and its related Standards of Learning test, approved substitute test, or local alternative assessment. Students may repeat certain end-of-course tests to earn the verified credit required for graduation.

In addition to the specific diploma requirements below, student must also complete the following to earn a diploma:

  • Complete an AP, honors, IB, or dual enrollment course, complete a work-based learning experience, or earn a CTE credential.
  • Complete one virtual course.  The course may be credit-bearing or non-credit-bearing.  It may be taught fully online or utilize a blended instruction model.
  • Be trained in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators, including hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  This requirement will be met for all students as part of Health and Physical Education 9 curriculum.  Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan documenting that they cannot successfully complete this training shall be granted a waiver from this graduation requirement, as provided.

Diplomas

Standard Diploma

Subject AreaStandard Credits RequiredVerified Credits Required
English42
Math31
Laboratory Science31
History & Social Sciences31
Health & PE20
World Lang., Fine Arts, or Career & Tech Ed20
Economics & Personal Finance10
Electives*40
   
Totals225
*Two sequential electives are required. Sequential electives refers to any series of courses in which the content increases or expands in the scope and sequence as students move through the various levels of the courses. For example, Art I and Art II or Welding I and Welding II. See the school counselor for a complete list of sequential offerings.

Advanced Studies Diploma

Subject AreaStandard Credits RequiredVerified Credits Required
English42
Math41
Laboratory Science41
History & Social Sciences41
Health & PE20
World Language30
Fine Arts or Career & Tech Ed10
Economics & Personal Finance10
Electives*30
Totals265
  
*Two sequential electives are required. Sequential electives refers to any series of courses in which the content increases or expands in the scope and sequence as students move through the various levels of the courses. For example, Art I and Art II or Welding I and Welding II. See the school counselor for a complete list of sequential offerings.

Credit accommodations provide alternatives for student with disabilities to earn the standard and verified credits required to graduate with a Standard Diploma.  Credit accommodations for students with disabilities may include:
● Alternative courses to meet the standard credit requirements
● Modifications to the requirements for locally awarded verified credits
● Additional tests approved by the Board of Education for earning verified credits
● Adjusted cut scores on tests for earning verified credits
● Allowance of work-based learning experiences through career and technical education courses.

An Applied Studies Diploma will be awarded to students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their Individualized Education Program (IEP), but do not meet the requirements for other diploma types.  For specific course requirements for each type of diploma, consult your child’s school counselor.

Students who do not meet the requirements for any of the available diplomas may be awarded a Certificate of Program Completion when they conclude a course of studies approved by the local school board.  A Certificate of Program Completion shall be awarded to any student who completes the required units of credit for a diploma as required by the Regulations for Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia, but who has insufficient verified units of credit as required by the same.
By the fall of a student’s 8th grade year, an Academic and Career Plan is developed with each student and their parents to show the student’s pathway to high school graduation and postsecondary experience.  This plan will be started during the student’s 7th grade year and is reviewed before 9th and 11th grades to assist with any changes that occur as the student moves through high school.

EL students are required to be assessed by the school division to determine their level of English Language Proficiency (ELP).  Parents will be informed of the student’s ELP level and placement/services available for the student.  Additional information is available from guidance counselors.  In some situations, the student may need more than four years to complete credits needed for graduation from high school.  The school counselor can advise students and parents about planning the courses needed for graduation.
Driver Education will be offered as part of Health and Physical Education 10 for Skyline and Warren County High Schools.  Driver Education (classroom) covers the required 36 hours of instruction needed to then enroll in a private behind the wheel course.  Certificates of completion are presented at the end of the unit.
The Non-Traditional Education Program is an individualized program designed to address the educational and personal needs of students who may be experiencing academic, behavioral, and/or attendance problems in the regular school setting.  Courses will be offered from the four core areas of math, language arts, science, and social studies, as well as other coursework as deemed appropriate.

Students may take advantage of a program which allows them to meet the requirements for high school graduation while simultaneously earning college credits.  In all cases, students must receive prior written approval by the participating high school and the college for particular courses to be taken.  Only those courses that are used for high school diploma requirements or VHSL eligibility will be recorded on a student’s high school transcript and included in class ranking.  Students need to speak with their counselors to determine which courses may be used as diploma requirements.  There is a cost for dual enrolled credits.  It is the responsibility of the student to pay the tuition rate as set by the college at the time of enrollment.  Limited financial assistance may be available.  Please discuss this with the school counselors.

Transfer Virginia is an initiative to provide transparency and access throughout the college transfer process.  The state colleges and universities established two programs to ensure consistent transfer and applicability of dual enrollment coursework that satisfies the general education requirements at any Virginia public institution of higher education.  Students may pursue the Passport (16 credits) or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies (30 credits) programs in which all courses are transferable to Virginia's four-year institutions.

The Early College Scholars Program provides a full semester of college credit before graduating from high school.  Seniors become Early College Scholars by signing an Early Scholar Agreement. To qualify, a student must:

  • Have a “B” average or better
  • Be pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma
  • Take and complete college-level coursework (i.e., Advanced Placement or dual enrollment) that will earn at least 15 transferable college credits.

Early College Scholars receive a diploma seal and certificate from the Governor recognizing their achievement.

Summer School offers repeat courses required for graduation.  SOL testing is available during the summer session.  Seniors who need to repeat a course to meet graduation requirements may be able to complete it in summer school and receive a diploma in August.  Repeat courses are offered at no charge.

The Warren County Public Schools Gifted/Talented Program provides services for students who are identified as gifted in grades K–12.  Programs and services are available for students who are gifted in general intellectual aptitude (grades K-12).

Curriculum and instruction is differentiated for identified students in grades 6, 7, and 8.  Gifted students are cluster grouped in English and math classes. Students may enroll in the GATE elective.

Students in grades 9-12 may take honors classes, Advanced Placement courses, independent study, or may be dual enrolled in college classes.  In addition, they may apply to Mountain Vista Governor’s School for Math, Science, and Technology, which serves students in grades 10, 11 and 12. (See below.)

In addition to classes, programs, and activities provided by the local school system, Warren County’s identified gifted students have opportunities to participate in other programs sponsored by state, or regional groups.  Summer Residential Governor’s Schools are statewide programs available to tenth and eleventh grade gifted students.  Blue Ridge Environmental Studies Regional Summer Governor’s School is available to gifted students in grades five through eight.

Mountain Vista Governor’s School is a regional school for students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade who have the abilities and desire to accept a challenging program of studies that emphasizes science and mathematics.  The program engages students in scholarly investigations of the integrated processes of science with research and extended learning opportunities patterned after the activities of scholars and professionals.  Students attend Governor’s School at Laurel Ridge Community College in the mornings and take classes at their base high school in the afternoons.  There is the opportunity to earn college credits each year by taking Advanced Placement exams and/or by receiving dual enrollment credits.  Students must participate in an application process and be accepted in order to attend.  Once accepted, students may withdraw only at the end of the first semester or at the end of the school year.  A limited number of slots are available to each participating school system. Final applications will be due March 1 of each school year.  Students may be required to take one or more online courses through their base school in order to fulfill graduation requirements.

MVGS offers two science focus options, Physics/Engineering or Biology/Life Science.  Selection of a focus area is made during the 10th grade year, or year one at MVGS.

Prerequisites: Geometry and Algebra II.  Biology is highly recommended but not required prior to acceptance at MVGS.  Biology is required prior to the end of 10th grade year for the Biology/Life Science focus.

Virtual Virginia offers full-time and part-time online instruction to students throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.  Courses are available in a variety of subject areas, including core academic subjects, world languages, career and technical education (CTE), electives, and AP courses.  Each public school student enrolled in VVA retains membership with their enrolling school division.  For additional information about Virtual Virginia’s program, please visit the following website https://www.virtualvirginia.org/student-parent-handbooks/ or contact your child’s school.  WCPS will pay the cost of tuition for those students enrolled, but parent/guardian(s) must complete a financial agreement to repay tuition if the student fails or does not attend the Virtual Virginia course.

Students participating in Virtual Virginia must participate in person in all state assessments applicable to the grade level or course, including SOL testing. Participation in these assessments in person is a condition of enrollment.


Students who demonstrate academic excellence and/or outstanding achievement may be eligible for one of the following awards:
The Governor’s Seal will be awarded to students who complete the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma with an average grade of “B” or better, and successfully complete college-level coursework that will earn the student at least nine transferable college credits in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, or dual enrollment courses.
The Board of Education Seal will be awarded to students who complete the requirements for a Standard Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma with an average grade of “A” beginning with the 9th grade class of 2006-2007 and beyond.
The Board of Education’s Career and Technical Education Seal will be awarded to students who earn a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma and complete a prescribed sequence of courses in a career and technical education concentration or specialization that they choose and maintain a “B” or better average in those courses; or (i) pass an examination in a career and technical education concentration or specialization that confers certification from a recognized industry, trade or professional association or (ii) acquire a professional license in that career and technical education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Board of Education’s Diploma Seal for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) will be awarded to students who earn either a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma and satisfy all math and science requirements for the Advanced Studies Diploma with a “B” average or better in all coursework, and (i) successfully complete a 50 hour or more work-based learning opportunity in a STEM area, and (ii) satisfy all requirements for a Career and Technical Education concentration.  A concentration is a coherent sequence of two or more state-approved courses as identified in the course listing within the CTE Administrative Planning Guide, and (iii) pass one of the following: (a) a Board of Education CTE STEM-H credential examination, or
The Excellence in Civics Education Seal will be awarded to students who earn a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma and complete US History and US Government with “B” or higher and Complete 50 volunteer hours of participation in community service or extracurricular activities.  (Examples: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, charitable work through religious organizations, or any student who enlists in the military prior to graduation.)  Also, the student must have good attendance and no disciplinary infractions.
The Academic Year of Governor’s School Seal will be awarded to students who have completed courses at Mountain Vista Governor’s School during their high school career. Students shall be counseled annually regarding the opportunities for using substitute tests for earning verified credits as provided and the consequences of failing to fulfill the obligations to complete the requirements for verified units of credit.
The Board of Education’s Seal of Biliteracy will be awarded to students who earn a Board of Education-approved diploma and (i) pass all required End-of-Course Assessments in English reading and writing at the proficient or higher level; and (ii) be proficient at the intermediate-mid level or higher in one or more languages other than English, as demonstrated through an assessment from a list to be approved by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The Board of Education’s Seal for Excellence in Science and the Environment will be awarded to students who enter the 9th grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and thereafter, and earn a Standard Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma, and (i) complete at least three different first-level board-approved laboratory science courses and at least one rigorous advanced-level or postsecondary level laboratory science course, each with a grade of “B” or higher; and (ii) complete laboratory or field-science research and present that research in a formal, juried setting, and (iii) complete at least 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities that involve the application or science such as environmental monitoring, protection, management, or restoration.

The top two students at each high school with the highest academic GPA and who meet the criteria detailed below will receive either the Carl and Emily Thompson Scholarship or the Warren County Educational Foundation Scholarship. The scholarships are usually in the amount of $3000 each, but may be adjusted depending on the amount of money available for distribution at the time of graduation.

Criteria for the scholarships are as follows:

  • Recipients must have evidence of acceptance at an accredited, degree-granting college or university.
  • Attendance in grades 9-12 in the Warren County Public School System is required.  Attendance means that the student shall be enrolled in a minimum of two classes at the student’s high school.

The top two students at Skyline High School will be awarded scholarships from the Thompson Scholarship.  The top two students at Warren County High School will also be awarded from the Thompson Scholarship and the Warren County Educational Foundation.