Set Yourself Up for Success

PWCS Ready to Launch - Pacing for Success

  • Students completing the courses and other graduation requirements outlined below will be "Ready to Launch" their thriving future by pursuing postsecondary education at institutions of their choice to include Northern Virginia Community College and four-year universities.
  • Students can opt to take a standard level or advanced level (AP, Cambridge AICE, IB) of any required course depending on the program available at their school.
  • Students must complete all requirements for their chosen diploma to include earning verified units of credit for courses which have a Standard of Learning (SOL) test attached.
  • Students are encouraged to research admission requirements for highly selective colleges and universities during their 9th grade year.
Subject Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
English English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12
Math Algebra 1 or higher Geometry or higher Algebra Functions and Data Analysis, Algebra 2, or higher

Algebra 2 or higher

*Four years of math recommended for college-bound students (Algebra 2 or higher)

Science Earth Science 1, Environmental Science, or
Biology 1
Biology 1 or Chemistry 1 Chemistry 1 or Physics 1 Higher level science (AP, IB, etc.)
History and Social Science World History 1 World History 2 U.S. and Virginia
History
U.S. and Virginia
Government
World Language Level 1 or higher Level 2 or higher

Level 3 or higher

*Recommended for highly selective colleges

Higher level language (AP, IB etc.)

*Recommended for highly selective colleges

Health and
Physical Education
Health and Physical Education 1 Health and Physical Education 2    
Electives

Visual and Performing Arts or Career and Technical Education (1 credit)

Sequential Elective (2 credits - Standard Diploma Only) for students who enter 9th grade prior to 2018-19. Required for all students who enter the 9th grade in 2018-19 and beyond.

Other Electives (2 or more credits depending on diploma type)

Additional
Graduation
Requirements
  • CTE Credentialing Exam or one Advanced Course or High-Quality Work-Based Learning experience, as established by VDOE Board guidance on work-based learning
  • Economics and Personal Finance
  • First Aid, CPR, and AED Training
  • Virtual Course

See your school counselor for more information about your high school course plan and your postsecondary education plans!

Academic and Career Planning Tools

Academic and career planning is a process for all students to reflect on their interests, values, and future goals to formulate an evolving plan in support of their future goals and success as contributing citizens. This plan is revisited with each student every year. Additional information and resources are available on the College and Career Readiness website.

Academic Career Plan Portfolio - ACPP (kindergarten through 5th grade)

The Academic and Career Plan Portfolio (ACPP) begins in the elementary school years. Students explore different occupations associated with career clusters based on selected areas aligning with personal interests, values such as dependability & respect, and skills supporting decision making about future goals and interest. Learn more about Virginia Education Wizard. Elementary students learn how to set goals and better understand their own interests and values. They complete career artifacts each year while exploring future career opportunities.

Academic and Career Plan - ACP (6th through 12th grade)

Middle and high school students each have a personal learning plan and course of study that aligns with the student's academic and career goals. Students utilize Naviance, a personalized platform that includes individual self-discovery assessments, goal setting, career and college planning, financial literacy, and academic course planning. Students access Naviance through the single sign-on, Clever, and their Office 365 credentials. Learn more at PWCS Naviance.

Student Vision Profile - (6th through 12th grade)

The Student Vision Profile is a document that contains valuable information about planning for life after high school and making the most of their PWCS experience. The Student Vision Profile is designed to help both students and families engage in the postsecondary planning process. It is a useful guide to support student college and career readiness by including self-discovery, career exploration, and post-high school planning. Each year, your parent/guardian will receive a student vision profile that is customized with information about you and your interests. This document is an excellent tool for you to use to reflect on your after high school plan and to discuss your life choices with members of your family. Learn more at Student Vision Profile.