Important High School Information

Planning Bright Futures

Students attending high school in Newport News have many options for study as they to prepare for college and careers. Programs at the high school level develop both a strong foundation of general knowledge and skills and specialized competency in areas in which students have particular interests.

All Newport News high schools offer a comprehensive program to prepare students for work or further study at a college, university, or technical program. Courses are offered in English, social studies, math, science, foreign languages, fine arts, health and physical education, and many occupational specialties. All high schools offer advanced placement (AP) instruction and accelerated classes as well as a wide choice of athletics and other activities.

Academic Tech, a cooperative curriculum that integrates academic and technical education from grade nine through two years of post-secondary education, is offered at all high schools. The program emphasizes interpersonal skills, provides occupational training, and offers students flexible scheduling. Five Peninsula school divisions, Virginia Peninsula Community College, New Horizons Technical Center, and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce work together to coordinate the program's curriculum.

In addition to the comprehensive curriculum, students can apply to magnet or academy programs, which allow them to focus more intensely on their career and academic interests. Students must apply to magnet and academy programs. Transportation is provided to all programs.

The Freshman Experience

Ninth grade can be an exciting yet challenging transition year for many students. It is a crucial time in students' social lives and academic careers - a new school, greater independence, a changing social environment and other factors can work against the best intentions of students trying to succeed.

As part of the college, career and citizen-ready philosophy, NNPS helps to ensure an easier transition into high school and provides ninth grade students with the support needed to build a strong foundation for high school success. It is the beginning of the final step on the path towards the goal of graduation. The academic foundation formed during the elementary years, and built upon in middle school, comes together during these years.

In high school, students have four years to experience personal growth, exciting achievements and memorable accomplishments as they journey into a bright future. NNPS' goal is to help students and their families navigate the change while becoming college, career and citizen-ready.