High School Programs

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High School Specialty Programs

Prince William County Public Schools is pleased to provide a wide range of high school program opportunities for our students. Students may participate in the comprehensive program at their base high school, apply for the specialty program at their base high school, or apply to transfer to another high school for a specialty program.

Students may also apply to Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, The Governor's School @ Innovation Park, and the Summer Residential Governor's School Program. We hope you will consider the wide range of choices available to Prince William County students.

Specialty program logos

Information Sessions

Specialty Program information nights are held in the fall and offer an overview of each program and the application process. Program specific information nights are held at each high school.

General Information Sessions

October 24, 2024, 6:00 p.m. on Zoom

Recorded Information Session

Frequently Asked Questions from Information Sessions

General Questions

What is the difference between transport and transfer programs?

Transport programs mean that the student attends all regular classes and non-CTE classes are their base school, and travels to another school for the transport program class.

Transfer programs mean that the student attends the school with the specialty program for all their classes.

Will there be information sessions scheduled for each school? How do you find out when the session is scheduled for? Are they virtual or in-person?
Each school hosting a specialty program holds two information sessions each year where families can learn more about specific programs. The information may be held in-person or virtually. Visit the individual specialty program pages for more information.
Will each high school release the number of spaces available in their transfer program? What happens if more students apply than spaces available?
There is no set number of spaces that programs accept each year. The number of spaces available in a high school transfer program is dependent on how much space the high school has available based on base enrollment, the total number of applicants, and course enrollment.
My child attends a private school or is currently home instructed. What do I need to do in order to apply for my student?
You must live in Prince William County to attend Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). You must complete the application process on the Specialty Program Application Process webpage.
If the specialty program you are interested in is offered at the school you are zoned to attend, do you still have to follow this application process?
Yes, due to the limited seats in each specialty program, you must apply even if the specialty program is located at a school you are zoned for. The only exception is the Pathways to Global Citizenship Program at Gainesville High School. All Gainesville High School students participate in this program.
Can you be accepted in up to three programs at once?
No, you can apply for up to three programs. You must rank your program choices (first, second, and third choice). You will be offered a spot in one specialty program at a time.
I am not sure what program locations I am able to apply to based on my zoned school.
The schools zoned for specific programs can be found online by looking at the programs you are interested in. Visit the individual specialty program pages for more information.
Is there a GPA (grade point average) requirement for the specialty programs?
Each high school specialty program developed their own entrance requirements. Please ask this question at their school-based information session.
If you have a student enrolled in a transfer specialty program and you'd like their sibling to be in the same program as well as the same school, is there an option to make sure they can be enrolled in the same school?
Siblings of students are not guaranteed a position in the same school as their siblings. They can apply for a specialty program at the same location or they can request a traditional transfer under Regulation 721-2.
If I do not get accepted this year, can I try again next year?
Yes, you can do that as long as your program accepts your grade level the following year.
I'm already enrolled in a Specialty Program, do I need to apply every year to remain in the program?
No, you do not need to apply every year. If you are offered a seat in the program, you will remain in the program throughout high school if you continue to meet the program's requirements.
If my student is in a specialty program and would like to change it for next year, how can they do that?
They will need to apply to the new specialty program they are interested. If they are offered a seat in the program, then they will be able to transfer to their new program.
If a student accepts a place at a specialty school by March, and in May is accepted to Thomas Jefferson, can they withdraw acceptance and are there any negative consequences?
Yes, they can withdraw acceptance of specialty program at that time. Once they withdraw from their spot, they will no longer be offered a seat in the specialty program.

Center for the Fine and Performing Arts Questions

Is the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts audition date firm or could it change?

The audition dates are as scheduled:

  • January 11, 2025: Dance, Music Technology, Orchestra, and Vocal Music
  • January 18, 2024: Band, Creative Writing, Piano, Theatre, and Visual Arts
  • January 25, 2024: Snow date
Does the Center Fine and Performing Arts program use a lottery for enrollment?

No, CFPA is one of the four merit-based specialty programs. Students must apply and audition as part of the application process.

Pre-Governor's School Questions

Does the Pre-Governor’s School program have additional application requirements?

Yes, the Pre-Governor’s School program requires activities, an essay, honors/recognitions, and teacher recommendations. You must complete a supplemental application after you complete the specialty program application.

Since the Pre-Governor’s School program is for 9th and 10th grade, what school/program will students attend for 11th and 12th grade?

Students return to their base school after completing the Pre-Governor’s School program, or students have the option to apply to a new specialty program, such as the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park. If offered a seat in a new specialty program, the student would transfer to the location of the specialty program they are enrolled in.

The Governor's School @ Innovation Park Questions

Who can apply for The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park?

You must be entering into 11th grade to apply for the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park (GS@IP) program. Students entering 9th grade can choose to apply to the Pre-Governor’s School program, or another program.

Do I have to attend Pre-Governor’s School program to attend The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park?

No, you do not need to attend the Pre-Governor’s School program to attend GS@IP. Students must complete Advanced Algebra 2, Biology, and Chemistry by the end of 10th grade. Students who want to apply to the Engineering strand should also complete Pre-Calculus and Physics by the end of 10th grade.

Does GS@IP have additional application requirements?

Yes, students applying to the Governor’s School program must complete:

  • The GS@IP Student Application
    • Activities/programs
    • Annotated article
    • Honors/recognitions
    • Podcast
    • Research project
    • Three teacher recommendations
  • A timed essay in early February

Program Specific Information Nights

Dates, times, and locations for program specific information sessions can be found on the program pages below.