Welcome to Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs
Prince William County Public Schools believes all students deserve the opportunity to perform to their greatest potential. It is the goal of the Advanced Academics and Specialty Programs to provide all students with a learning environment that is challenging, engaging, and meets their individual academic needs.
Advanced Academics in PWCS includes courses, programs, assessments and services that provide opportunities for students to demonstrate college and career readiness and earn post-secondary credit. Specialty Programs allow for career exploration, subject area concentration, and college/university preparation.
All schools in PWCS offer a comprehensive educational program designed to meet the needs of all students. Equitable and inclusive access to our programs is essential for all students and supports the PWCS Strategic Plan.
Advanced Academics Specialty Programs
2023-24 Virtual Programming
The K-8 Virtual Academy will continue for the 23-24 school year. However, Virtual Academy enrollment for next year will be limited to only current grade K-7 Virtual Academy students. Given that the Virtual Academy has been funded through ESSER grant funding and the grant funding is ending at the end of next year, the 23-24 school year will be the last year for this virtual-only programming. Mr. Reed Gillespie, principal, will send letters to current Virtual Academy families on April 17 notifying families that if their child continues to meet the criteria, they have the opportunity to enroll again in the Virtual Academy.
The K-8 Virtual Academy will remain an option on a case-by-case basis for students who meet the medical criteria. Medically fragile criteria apply to students who have any of the following health conditions: cancer, organ transplant, bone marrow transplant, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, or other severe physically debilitating conditions. For all other medical needs, which result in a student temporarily being confined to their home, families will work with the base school or a health facility using the Homebound Process.
Current Virtual Academy grade 8 students (rising grade 9 students) will receive a separate letter providing these families with information about Regulation 630.02-2, Virtual High School, and the process for virtual high school students. In addition, families wanting their current grade 8 Virtual Academy student to continue full-time virtual learning in high school will be referred to their base middle school counselor for support and collaboration with the appropriate high school counseling department.
High Schools will continue to follow the process in the Regulation 630.02-2, Virtual High School, for any virtual-only high school students.