Scheduling

Scheduling Courses

Highlights from the presentation:

Credits for Graduation

Credits for Graduation

 

The state of VA has two diploma offerings, the Advanced Studies Diploma and the Standard Diploma. 

Advanced Studies Diploma

The Advance Studies Diploma is the highest diploma a student can achieve when walking across the graduation stage.  This is considered the college prep diploma, so any student who is preparing to attend college should consider following the requirements for this diploma.  This diploma will not guarantee your entrance into a college, but will set you on the right track. 

Although you do not have to take AP (Advanced Placement) classes in order to earn the advanced Studies diploma, you will need to take advanced classes to gain entrance into more competitive colleges.  Colleges want to see you taking the most challenging schedule that is appropriate for you. 

You will need 26 credits for the Advanced Studies diploma though most of you will earn between 28-30 credits before leaving high school, 26 is the bare minimum.  You will need four credits in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, two credits in HPE, one credit in Economics and Personal Finance and  three credits of a Foreign language.  You may also take two years of two foreign languages such as two Spanish and two French. Though most colleges request three years of one language.   You will also need one Fine and performing Arts or a CTE class such as Tech Ed, FACS, music, Art or a Business class.

Standard Diploma

For the Standard Diploma you will need a minimum of 22 credits with four credits in English, three in Math, Science, and Social Studies. Two Credits in HPE and no Foreign Language is required.  You will need two of your total credits in either Fine and Performing Arts, CTE, or Foreign Language and one of the two needs to be in Fine and Performing Arts or CTE.  S

tudents earning the Standard Diploma will also need one credit in Economics and Personal Finance. Standard Diploma students will need two of their electives to also be sequential such as Art I and Art II, or Tech Drawing and Architecture Drawing.

SOL Requirements

SOL Requirements

There are 11 SOL’s given at the high school level. 

Both the Advanced Studies and Standard Diplomas need a total of 5 tests passed with one each in English Writing, English Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies.

Each student will also be required to take an SOL in Math, Biology, and the English Writing and English Reading.  Once they have met their requirements they no longer are required to take the SOL’s for additional classes.   

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements

All graduating classes have additional requirements. 

For students entering 9th grade in 18-19 and beyond you will need to have a CTE credential or an Advanced class such as an advanced level or AP/DE class.

You will also need to pass the CPR requirement that is given through your Health and PE class. 

Students also need a Virtual Class. This is typically filled through a portion of the Economics and Personal Finance course if it is taken in Prince William County.

Course Catalog

Course Catalog

The course Catalog can be found on Patriot Student Canvas or on the PWCS website. Please review the catalog since it has other valuable information that does not specifically deal with scheduling.