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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 can participate in the comprehensive program at their zoned high school, apply for the specialty program at their zoned high school, or apply to transfer to another high school for a specialty program.

We hope you will consider the wide range of choices available to PWCS students.

Key Dates for Specialty Programs

  • Oct. 27
    Information Session: Family Engagement Series Webinar
  • Nov. 2
    Applications Open
  • Dec. 11
    CFPA Applications Close

    Applications for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts program close.

  • Feb. 1
    Specialty Programs Applications Close

    Applications for all other specialty programs close.

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 High School Information Session

October 27, 2026, 6 p.m.

Learn more and Register

Program-Specific Information Nights

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

High School Specialty Programs

Students can also apply to or participate in Growing Our Own Teachers, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, and the Summer Residential Governor's School Program. These programs have separate eligibility requirements, application processes, and deadlines.

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 at 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? 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 there are more students who apply than there are 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 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 five programs at once?
No, you can apply for up to five programs. You must rank your program choices (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth 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 develops its 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 that they are interested in. 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 the 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

When are the audition dates firm for the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts?

The audition dates are as scheduled:

  • January 16, 2027 – Creative Writing, Music Technology, Orchestra, Piano, and Visual Arts.
  • January 23, 2027 – Band, Dance, Theater, and Vocal.
  • January 30, 2027 – Snow date audition day for all concentrations.
Does the Center for Fine and Performing Arts program use a lottery for enrollment?

No, the Center for Fine and Performing Arts is one of the merit-based specialty programs. Students must apply and audition as part of the application process.

Pre-Governor's School Program 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 submit this information as part of 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 have three options:

  • Return to their zoned school after completing the Pre-Governor’s School program.
  • Apply to a new specialty program. If offered a seat in a new specialty program, the student would transfer to the location of the specialty program in which they are enrolled.
  • Apply to The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, which is a transport program.

The Governor's School @ Innovation Park Program 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 the 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 (must attend one virtual session)
    • Friday, February 6 at 6 p.m.
    • Saturday, February 7 at 9 a.m.

Additional Specialty Programs Information

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