Accelerated, interdisciplinary and advanced placement courses are available at all of the Newport News high schools. Additional specialized courses are taught at the magnet schools. For example, Technical Theatre Design is available through the Arts and Communication Magnet Program at Woodside High. Students may also enroll in area college courses to earn elective credit while still in high school. Listed below are some of the options that will be of particular interest to academically gifted high school students.
Courses are available in most major subject areas.
Students generally take these classes in the eleventh and twelfth grades. In May, students take nationally administered AP examinations for the specific AP courses they have completed. The application process includes a personal essay and teacher recommendations. Students must maintain honor roll status in order to be accepted into and continue in the program. Beginning in the junior year, IB students take weighted, college-level courses leading to IB exams.