As students progress through high school, describing the typical course sequences becomes more difficult because of the vast number of opportunities available. Eleventh grade students can expect to enroll in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and elective courses. To learn more about the courses available to high school students read our secondary curriculum guides.

What students should know if they are�

Planning Ahead

What you should know about:

• Using the Academic and Career Plan as a map to the future
  Students will continue to work with their school counselors to review and update their four-year academic and career plan (ACP) for high school that includes graduation requirements for each diploma option. A student�s ACP is reviewed and updated on a regular basis to reflect the needs and interests of the student based on the diploma option. Learn More
• Pursuing a specific area of study through career and technical courses and specialty programming
  During the final year of high school, students can continue to expand their academic horizons beyond the core content areas into more specialized and technical courses available at the Advanced Technology Center and the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center. Students may also take advantage of a wide variety of technical and career education courses offered at their home school. Whether a student chooses a center or home school path, these courses provide students with the opportunity to gain important workplace readiness and industry certifications. Career and technical education courses allow students to extend their learning by providing students with co-curricular clubs, job shadowing, internship, or cooperative work experiences.
  
  Students in grades nine through 12 are eligible to attend the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia. Students must complete an application and audition for the intensive programs in dance, music, musical theatre, theatre and visual arts. The applications are available from the school all year and are typically due in December with the adjudication process taking place in January. Students take academic classes at their regular high schools in the morning and attend the Governor�s School for the Arts for three hours every afternoon during the regular school year. For each year they attend, students may earn three credits. Learn More
• Enrolling in online courses
  Throughout the high school years, students have the option of enrolling in an online course to fulfill credit requirements. Online courses are available over the summer for a fee or during the regular school year free of charge. Taking an online course can potentially create more space in a student�s schedule and can be a great way to practice time management skills. All online courses address the same content as their traditional face-to-face versions but are delivered over the internet through a learning management system. This requires daily access to a computer and a high-speed Internet connection. Learn More
• Earning college credit through Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses
  Each of the high schools offer advanced courses through the Advanced Placement Program and Dual Enrollment courses. These opportunities may result in students earning college credit while in high school depending on exam or course performance. The Advanced Placement Program is administered through the College Board and provides students access to college level courses. These courses are delivered at the students� home school and may also be available through Virtual Virginia, the Virginia Department of Education�s online program. In the Dual Enrollment Program, students may take courses that allow them to meet requirements for high school graduation while at the same time earning college credit through Tidewater Community College. Learn More
• Applying to college
  The senior year of high school is a busy time for students who intend to attend college after high school. Many of the college applications require students to write a personal essay. The summer before the senior year is a great time to think about what to include in a personal essay. Students should take every opportunity to attend college fairs and financial aid information meetings and identify teachers to write letters of recommendation for their applications. They should also keep track of the deadlines for applying to their colleges of interest. Students should also plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) with their parent/guardian. The FASFA is released each January and due no later than February 15. Learn More
• Preparing for a future in the military
  Students interested in pursuing a future in the military should explore the various branches and types of services available (i.e., enlisted or officer) and learn more about the entrance requirements specific to each branch and type of service. After deciding on a branch and type of service, meeting with a recruiter is the best way to learn more about preparing to enter the military. Students who are 16 years of age or older are eligible to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a required assessment for students interested in serving as an enlisted member in one of the branches of the military. Students should speak to their school counselors to find out when recruiters will be visiting the school or to arrange to meet with a recruiter. Learn More