High School POS

Virginia’s graduation requirements set high standards in core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and History and Social Science while reducing the number of required Standards of Learning (SOL) tests for a diploma. These requirements include the Profile of a Virginia Graduate, which outlines the knowledge, skills, attributes, and experiences that employers, higher education institutions, and the Virginia Board of Education consider essential for future success.

What is the Profile of a Virginia Graduate?

A student meeting the Profile of a Virginia Graduate has achieved the Commonwealth’s high academic standards and graduates with workplace skills, a sense of community and civic responsibility, and a career plan aligned with the student’s interests and experiences.

The Five Cs

To meet the Profile of a Virginia Graduate, schools help students develop these five core competencies, known as the "Five Cs":

1. Critical Thinking: Analyzing, interpreting, and questioning to deepen understanding through real-world experiences.
2. Creativity: Being inventive and curious, exploring multiple solutions through inquiry.
3. Communication: Writing, speaking, and advocating in various forms to persuade and inform.
4. Collaboration: Working independently and with others, using empathy to appreciate diverse perspectives.
5. Citizenship: Contributing to the community through leadership and engaging with local and global issues.

The career-planning component of the Profile of a Virginia Graduate encourages students to explore employment options and career paths, starting as early as elementary and middle school. While no specific career-related activity, such as an internship or job shadowing, is required to earn a diploma, school divisions must provide students with opportunities to learn about workplace expectations and career options within their community and beyond.

Standard Diploma: Required Courses & Credits

Additional Graduation Requirements

AP, Honors, Dual Enrollment, Work-Based Learning, or CTE Credential: Students must either: (i) complete an Advanced Placement, Honors, or Dual Enrollment course; (ii) complete a high-quality work-based learning experience, as outlined by Board guidance; or (iii) earn a Career and Technical Education (CTE) credential approved by the Board. The CTE credential may include an industry certification, a state licensure exam, a national occupational competency assessment, or the Virginia Workplace Readiness Assessment.

First Aid, CPR, and AED Training: Students are required to receive training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED), including hands-on practice in CPR. Students with an IEP or 504 plan documenting that they cannot successfully complete this training are eligible for a waiver from this graduation requirement. 

Demonstration of the 5 C’s: In accordance with the Profile of a Virginia Graduate, students must acquire and demonstrate foundational skills in Virginia’s 5 C’s (Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Citizenship). 

Virtual Course Requirement: Students must successfully complete one virtual course, which may be a non-credit-bearing course or a required elective credit-bearing course that is offered online. 

Standards and Verified Credits

For students entering ninth grade in 2018 and beyond, Virginia’s graduation requirements maintain the same number of standard credits for both the Standard Diploma and Advanced Studies Diploma but reduce the required verified credits to five. These include one verified credit each in English Reading, English Writing, Mathematics, Science, and History and Social Science.

High school students can earn verified credits and demonstrate course mastery through locally developed performance-based assessments, particularly in History and Social Science. These assessments provide students with an opportunity to apply their learning and showcase critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and citizenship skills.

Advanced Studies Diploma: Required Courses & Credits

Additional Graduation Requirements

AP, Honors Dual Enrollment, Work-Based Learning, or CTE Credential: Students must either: (i) complete an Advanced Placement, Honors, or Dual Enrollment course; (ii) complete a high-quality work-based learning experience, as outlined by Board guidance; or (iii) earn a Career and Technical Education (CTE) credential approved by the Board. The CTE credential may include an industry certification, a state licensure exam, a national occupational competency assessment, or the Virginia Workplace Readiness Assessment.

First Aid, CPR, and AED Training: Students are required to receive training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED), including hands-on practice in CPR. Students with an IEP or 504 plan documenting that they cannot successfully complete this training are eligible for a waiver from this graduation requirement.

Demonstration of the 5 C’s: In accordance with the Profile of a Virginia Graduate, students must acquire and demonstrate foundational skills in Virginia’s 5 C’s (Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Collaboration, Communication, and Citizenship).

Virtual Course: Students must successfully complete one virtual course, which may be a non-credit-bearing course or a required elective credit-bearing course that is offered online.

Standards and Verified Credits

For students entering ninth grade in 2018 and beyond, Virginia’s graduation requirements maintain the same number of standard credits for both the Standard Diploma and Advanced Studies Diploma but reduce the required verified credits to five. These include one verified credit each in English Reading, English Writing, Mathematics, Science, and History and Social Science.

High school students can earn verified credits and demonstrate course mastery through locally developed performance-based assessments, particularly in History and Social Science. These assessments provide students with an opportunity to apply their learning and showcase critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and citizenship skills.

Students must earn a combination of standard and verified units of credit to receive either a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma. Several changes have been made to the diploma requirements over the past four years. These requirements apply based on the year the student enters ninth grade for the first time, rather than the year they graduate. Additional credit accommodations are available for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) or 504 plans, provided the student meets state criteria.

Standard Credit

A standard unit of credit is earned by taking a high school course of approximately 140 clock hours of instruction and meeting the objectives of the course with a passing grade.

Verified Credit

A verified unit of credit is awarded for a course in which the student earns a standard unit of credit and achieves a passing score on a corresponding End-of-Course (EOC) Standards of Learning (SOL) test or a substitute test approved by the Virginia Board of Education. A list of substitute tests is available in the school counseling department. Students and their families should be aware of the risks of using substitute tests. If a student delays taking an SOL test to receive a passing score on the substitute test, graduation may be delayed.

Locally-Awarded Verified Credit (LVC)

The criteria for the award of Locally Awarded Verified Credit is summarized below:

To qualify for a Locally-Awarded Verified Credit a student must:

• Pass the high school course.
• Score within the 375 – 399 scale range on any administration of the Standards of Learning tests after taking the test at least twice.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the academic content through a locally-administered appeal process.

For students entering the ninth grade for the first time in the 2018 – 2019 academic year and beyond:

• No more than one Locally Verified Credit may be awarded.
• Locally Awarded Verified Credits can be applied toward a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

Students with credit accommodations are not subject to the limit on the number of Locally Awarded Verified Credits.

During 2019 – 2020 and 2020 – 2021, the Virginia Department of Education provided additional waivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your school can explain if any of these apply to you as needed.

Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and assessments are given in English, Mathematics, Science, and History and Social Science. The Algebra I and Geometry SOL tests are administered in middle and high school, as indicated by "SOL" in the course descriptions. Once required verified credits are earned for a content area, a student will not take additional associated SOL tests unless federally mandated for accountability.

Standards of Learning and Verified Credits Requirements for Transfer Students

Students transferring to a Fauquier County high school from a non-public high school, a public school outside of Virginia, or a home school are required to take SOL tests to earn verified units of credit. Transfer students should see their school counselor to determine the number of verified credits.

For more information, please visit the Department of Education website.

Use of Performance Assessment for Locally-Awarded Verified Credits

Fauquier County Public Schools participates in the Virginia Department of Education’s Performance Assessment Program for Locally Awarded Verified Credits. According to VDOE regulations, a high school student must earn a verified credit in one of the following History and Social Science (HSS) courses: World History & Geography to 1500 A.D., World History & Geography from 1500 A.D. to the Present, or VA/US History. As an alternative to SOL testing for History and Social Science courses, FCPS students will be evaluated locally using state-developed performance tasks for their SOL assessment. These tasks include instructor-led formative assessments that help students gain content knowledge, context, and understanding of a concept, followed by a summative assessment that allows students to demonstrate their knowledge. Using VDOE-developed rubrics, FCPS instructors evaluate student performance. A division-wide panel of HSS educators reviews the performance assessments and the student’s course mastery to award Locally Awarded Verified Credits.

IEP, 504, and EL Student Assessments

In place of participating in performance assessments, the IEP Team, 504 Committee, or EL Committee can determine, on an individual basis, that students will participate in the History/Social Science Standards of Learning tests.

The criteria for locally awarded credit for Performance Assessment are summarized below:

To qualify for locally-awarded credit through the Performance Assessment

• Pass the high school course
• Complete the Performance Tasks, one of the HSS courses, and demonstrate understanding as scored by teachers using the rubric.
  • World History & Geography up to 1500 A.D: 3 of 4 performance tasks
  • World History  & Geography 1500 A.D to Present: 2 of 3 performance tasks
  • Virginia and U.S. History: 3 of 4 performance tasks
• Have their performance assessments and course mastery verified by a division-wide panel of FCPS educators.

Standard Diploma

Credit accommodations help students with disabilities earn standard and verified credits needed for a Standard Diploma. Accommodations may include: alternative courses for credit, modifications to Locally Awarded Verified Credit requirements, additional Board-approved tests, adjusted cut scores, and work-based learning through CTE courses

Advanced Diploma

Students with IEPs specifying a world language credit accommodation may substitute two standard credits in computer science for two in a world language. School counselors must inform students and parents of potential college admission impacts.

Credit Accommodations at a Glance

Applied Studies Diploma

Available to students with identified disabilities who meet the requirements of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and criteria set by the Board of Education. This diploma option is for students who do not qualify for the Standard Diploma.

General Education Development (GED) Certificate

For students at least one year behind in credits who wish to earn a high school equivalency credential. Eligible students can enroll in the ISAEP program to receive a GED certificate from the Virginia Department of Education.

Certificate of Program Completion

This certificate is for students who complete a prescribed program of studies defined by a local school board but do not qualify for a diploma.

High school courses completed in middle school count toward diploma requirements. Students who successfully complete French I, Spanish I, Algebra I, and/or Geometry in middle school will earn high school credit. Verified credit can be earned in Algebra I and Geometry by passing both the course and the End-of-Course SOL test. French I and Spanish I credits may apply toward Elective or World Language requirements, while Algebra I and Geometry credits fulfill mathematics requirements. Grades and credits for high school courses taken in middle school will appear on the high school transcript and will be included in GPA calculations.

Request for Course and Credit Removal from Transcript

If a student does not demonstrate the desired level of learning, they, along with their parent/guardian, may request the course and grade be removed from the transcript. However, removing the grade forfeits the high school credit. If the course is a prerequisite for another, it will need to be repeated. To remove a course, the parent/guardian must submit a written request, using the school's form, to have the course removed before the student’s records are transferred to high school. Students and families should contact the middle school counseling department for details on procedures and deadlines. Exceptions to this deadline may be granted only in extenuating circumstances, up to the end of 9th grade. After that, the transcript cannot be altered under this regulation.

Freshman Transition Program

The Freshman Transition Program provides year-long academic support to selected freshmen, fostering school success and a positive outlook. This program emphasizes language and mathematical literacy, as well as strategies for high school success. Students in the program receive targeted assistance in reading and writing, along with additional support in core subjects. Instruction includes research strategies, field experiences, and career exploration. All grade-level Standards of Learning are covered in core courses, and students will take the corresponding End-of-Course SOL Assessments.

Academic Coaching

The goal of the Academic Coaching course is to teach students effective strategies for navigating multiple content areas. This course is recommended for students who need to develop time management skills to complete homework, manage class projects, and cope with the demands of rigorous reading and assignments in both standard and advanced academic classes.

AP Potential

The AP Potential Program uses PSAT scores to identify students who are capable of taking more rigorous courses in high school. Once the College Board identifies these students, their schedules are reviewed. If identified students are not already enrolled in at least two AP or Honors classes as sophomores, they are encouraged to pursue a more challenging curriculum. While many factors contribute to success in AP classes, the identification of AP potential suggests that, with hard work and perseverance, these students have the ability to excel in AP courses and succeed in college.

Governor’s Seal

The Governor’s Seal is awarded to students who complete the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma with an average grade of “B” or better, and successfully complete college-level coursework that will earn the student at least nine transferable college credits in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, or dual enrollment courses. 

Board of Education Seal

The Board of Education Seal is awarded to students who complete the requirements for a Standard Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma with an average grade of “A” beginning with the ninth-grade class of 2006 – 2007 and beyond.

Career and Technical Education Seal

The Board of Education’s Career and Technical Education Seal is awarded to students who:

• Earn a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma and complete a prescribed sequence of courses in a Career and Technical Education concentration or specialization that they choose and maintain a “B” or better average in those courses. 
• OR pass an examination or an occupational competency assessment in a career and technical credential from a recognized industry, trade, or professional association.
• OR acquire a professional license in that Career and Technical Education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Seal

The STEM Seal shall be awarded to students who earn either a Standard or an Advanced Studies Diploma and satisfy all Math and Science requirements for the Advanced Studies diploma with a “B” average or better in all coursework, and:

• Successfully complete a 50-hour or more work-based learning opportunity in a STEM area.
• Satisfy all requirements for a Career and Technical Education concentration. A concentration is a coherent sequence of two or more state-approved courses as identified in the course listing within the CTE Program Area Guide.
• Pass one of the following:
  • A Board of Education CTE STEM-H credential examination, or
  • An examination approved by the Board that confers a college-level credit in a STEM field.

Seal for Excellence in Civics Education

The Seal for Excellence in Civics Education Seal is awarded to students who earn either a Standard Diploma or an Advanced Studies Diploma and meet each of the following criteria:

• Complete Virginia and United States History, and Virginia and United States Government courses with a grade of “B” or higher.
• Have good attendance and no disciplinary infractions as determined by local school board policies.
• Complete 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities such as,
  • Volunteering for a charitable or religious organization that provides services to the poor, sick, or less fortunate; participating in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or similar youth organizations; participating in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC); participating in Assembly; or participating in school-sponsored extracurricular activities that have a civics focus. Any student who enlists in the United States military prior to graduation will be deemed to have met this community service requirement. 

Seal of Biliteracy

The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who earn a Board of Education-approved diploma and:

• Pass all required End-of-Course Assessments in English Reading and Writing at the proficient level or higher.
• Demonstrate proficiency at the intermediate-mid level or higher in one or more languages other than English as demonstrated through an assessment from a list approved by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. American Sign Language qualifies as a language other than English.

Seal of Excellence in Science and the Environment

The Seal of Excellence in Science and the Environment is awarded to students who meet each of the following criteria:

• Earn either a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.
• Complete at least three different first-level board-approved laboratory science courses and at least one rigorous advanced-level or postsecondary-level laboratory science course, each with a grade of “B” or higher.
• Complete at least 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular
  • Activities that involve the application of science such as environmental monitoring, protection, management, or restoration.

For complete Diploma Seal information, please visit the VDOE webpage.

The Early College Scholars Program offers eligible high school students the opportunity to earn at least 15 transferable college credits while completing the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma. This program allows for a more productive senior year and can significantly reduce college tuition costs. Students who complete a college degree in seven semesters rather than eight can save an average of $5,000 in expenses.

To qualify for the Early College Scholars Program, a student must:

• Maintain a “B” average or higher
• Pursue an Advanced Studies Diploma
• Complete college-level coursework (such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, or dual enrollment) that provides at least 15 transferable college credits

Under certain circumstances, students may leave high school without completing four full years.

Early Graduation

With parental permission, rising juniors (current sophomores) who have completed at least 14 credits may request early graduation. Any student interested in pursuing this option must complete an application and submit letters from both the student and the parent to their school counselor explaining why the student wishes to graduate early. Once the principal approves the request, it is forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools, or designee, for final approval. Applications are available in the counseling department at each high school and are due by July 1. Students who miss this deadline due to extenuating circumstances should contact their counselor. Students need to remember that they are required to meet the graduation requirements that were in effect during their ninth-grade year, not those for their anticipated year of graduation.

Early Completion

With parental permission, rising seniors (current juniors) who will complete all graduation requirements by the end of the fall term may request approval for early completion. Students who choose this option will not receive a final class rank, as graduation requirements will be completed by the end of the fall term. GPA will be calculated based on only six terms and will not qualify students for the same benefits as those who complete all eight terms.

Any student interested in pursuing the early completion option must complete an application and submit letters to their school counselor from both the student and the parent explaining why the student wishes to complete school early. Applications are available in the counseling departments at each high school and are due by June 1. Graduation ceremonies are held once a year at the end of the spring term. School activities for early completion students are limited to attending graduation and prom.

Fauquier County Public Schools offers high school students several opportunities to customize their program of studies and units of credit toward graduation.

Virtual Academy

In August 2021, Fauquier County Public Schools opened a full-time virtual academy for students entering grades K-12 who wish to learn online. The FCPS Virtual Academy is intended to function as an additional, separate program for Kindergarten through 12^th grade. The FCPS Virtual Academy will allow students to take courses and earn credits virtually while receiving instruction from the Virtual Virginia Platform. Virtual Academy students will continue to be enrolled in their designated base school and will be able to participate in athletics and activities at that school. Students must be accepted through the application process to enroll in the FCPS Virtual Academy.

Southeastern Alternative Program

The Project-Based Learning (PBL) program is offered to students in grades 7-12 at Southeastern Alternative School and is designed to provide a hands-on, interactive project-based learning approach to instruction and assessment in all core academic areas required for promotion and graduation. These programs assist students in obtaining their high school diplomas as early as 7th grade by offering a PBL approach to learning and testing. This approach is significantly different but still adheres to the guidelines of the Virginia Standards of Learning. However, this difference makes school success attainable for students who struggle with traditional teaching methods and the larger base-school routines. Class sizes are extremely small, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 1:10. The PBL Programs are programs of choice requiring interested students and/or parents to apply and participate in an interview process. Each student’s progress and achievement are reviewed quarterly.

STEM Academies

Fauquier County Public Schools is proud to offer three unique high school academy programs that provide students with hands-on experience in the fields of Cyber Security, Environmental Science, and Integrated STEM. For more information, please refer to the STEM Academies section in this Program of Studies.

Future Educators Academy

Launching in Fall 2025, Fauquier County Public Schools is excited to partner with Laurel Ridge Community College to offer the Future Educators Academy (FEA). This dual-enrollment program invites rising juniors who aspire to become educators and prepares them for careers as elementary and special education teachers. Sponsored by Fauquier County Public Schools, FEA covers all tuition and course material fees. Through this accelerated pathway, students complete 15–16 credit hours each semester, earning an Associate of Science in Education by high school graduation and preparing them to transfer to a four-year college for a bachelor's degree in teaching. For more information, please see page 29.

Mountain Vista Governor’s School

Fauquier County high schools offer several courses and programs to meet the needs of gifted students. In addition to Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, the Mountain Vista Governor’s School (MVGS) provides a unique learning option for identified gifted and highly abled students. MVGS is an academic-year Governor’s School of Science, Mathematics, and Technology serving six area school divisions, including Fauquier County, for students in grades 10-12. The mission of MVGS is to deliver a research-based, technology-enhanced, integrated program in Mathematics, Science, and the Humanities. The program challenges students to reach their full potential as independent thinkers capable of assuming leadership roles in a constantly changing global society. Fauquier County students should contact their school counseling department for admission requirements and application procedures. Students are required to take AP exams for AP content-based courses taken at MVGS. Grades earned in AP content-based courses receive an additional 1.0 weight only when the AP test is taken. Courses beyond the AP level (for which AP is a prerequisite) also receive a weight. 

Cooperative Education

A work component may be taken for an additional credit in certain Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. Students are required to work in an approved position for a minimum number of hours as specified by the class requirements. The work is supervised by the course teacher and may begin on July 1, continuing through the last day of the school year. Students should contact the teacher supervising the Co-op or COE program of interest for an application. Co-op and COE classes have course codes ending in -25. When this option is selected, students receive one credit for their supervised work in addition to the credit earned for the class.

Exception to the Full-Day

High school students are expected to attend school for a full day. All exceptions to a full-day schedule must be approved on an individual basis by the Superintendent of Schools or designee. An application for an exception to the full day must be submitted by July 1. Students who miss this deadline due to extenuating circumstances should see their school counselor. Full-day schedules are in effect until the Superintendent of Schools or designee approves their expectation.

Homebound Instruction

Homebound instruction is available for students confined to home or a health care facility for extended periods, based on certification of need by a licensed physician or clinical psychologist. Typically, standard English, History, and Mathematics courses are available through homebound instruction. However, some courses may not be offered, including Physical Education, Lab Sciences, Career and Technical Education, World Language, advanced coursework, and dual enrollment courses. Graduating seniors needing science or physical education credits may have additional options and should contact their counseling department for further details.

Independent Study

Juniors and seniors interested in a course not offered in Fauquier County Public High Schools may apply for an Independent Study Program. The application requires a rationale statement from the student, a course outline from a qualified supervising teacher, and administrative approval. Students must allocate a 90-minute block of time during the term for coursework and will receive pass/fail credit. Applications are available in the counseling department. Teachers may also propose an Independent Study Program as a temporary pilot.

Standard academic courses make up the majority of offerings in the High School Program of Studies. These classes will prepare students for a four-year college, community college, vocational/technical school, or direct entry into the workforce. Courses in English, History and Social Science, Science, and Mathematics meet all Standards of Learning requirements. These include independent reading of a variety of texts, essays, and narratives. Research papers and lab reports are among the writing expectations. Students are required to use higher-level critical thinking skills independently. World Language, Fine Arts, Music, Physical Education, and Career and Technical Education courses are also in this category. They are designed to broaden a student’s educational experience.

Academic support courses are designed to offer academic support for students who require additional teacher guidance and adjustment in the pace of lessons. Students pursuing a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma, seeking admission to a 2-year or 4-year college, and/or seeking admission to a NCAA collegiate athletic team, should limit these courses in their schedules, particularly during their junior and senior years

Fauquier County high schools follow a modified 4x4 block scheduling plan. In a standard 4x4 schedule, students take four 90-minute courses in the Fall term and four 90-minute courses in the Spring term. Eight courses are taken in a year. Each term is divided into two 9 weeks. The Fall term is divided into marking periods; one and two, and the Spring term is divided into marking periods; three and four. In a modified 4x4 schedule, some courses are scheduled for a full year (both terms) in addition to the block courses. Many of these full-year courses are offered on an A/B schedule where students attend class every other day, alternating attendance between two courses (course A and course B).

Access to Courses

Fauquier County Public Schools does not unlawfully discriminate based on gender, race, color, religion, disability, or national origin in employment or educational programs. No individual shall be denied access to courses solely due to an impairment that is unrelated to their ability to engage in the activities required by the selected courses or programs.

Course Availability

Courses listed in the Program of Studies will be offered if there are enough student requests and sufficient teacher availability and funding. If courses are canceled, students will register for alternate courses as listed on their registration forms or as determined by school personnel. Scheduling conflicts may prevent students from taking their preferred courses. Information in this Program of Studies is subject to change based on state and local school board decisions

Course Selection Options

Course selection should be made in consultation with families, teachers, and school counselors. Student interests, performance, and teacher recommendations are important factors in this process. Course selection should align with the student’s strengths. For example, a student may excel in history but need academic support in mathematics. These decisions should be made annually to ensure all students have access to the most rigorous academic program. Students are encouraged to choose courses that align with their strengths, challenge them academically, and prepare them for life and employment after high school.

Honors courses are designed to exceed standard requirements and prepare students for Advanced Placement (AP) coursework, which is primarily available in the junior and senior years. These classes involve extensive reading and writing, exploring advanced concepts while emphasizing the development of skills and practices used by professionals in the field. Students are required to complete projects that demand significant outside preparation and effort. Honors classes aim to prepare students for competitive four-year colleges and universities and cater to the academic needs of gifted learners as well as other students seeking to work at an advanced level.

¹Additional advanced History and Social Science electives may be taken over the 4 years. They include AP Comparative Government, AP Human Geography (open to 9^th grade), and AP Psychology.

²Additonal advanced English electives may be taken over the 4 years. They include AP Seminar (10^th and 11^th grade), and AP Research (11^th and 12^th grade).

³If Geometry was not completed in 8^th grade, students can double up in math with Geometry during the 1^st semester and Advanced Algebra II during the 2^nd  semester.

AP or Honors Economics will fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance graduation requirement and is usually taken in 10^th or 11^th grade.

Other Advanced Academic Courses Available (course availability may vary year by year)

AP Computer Science Principles • AP Computer Science A • DE French Language IV • AP/DE French Language • AP German Language • DE Latin IV • AP/DE Latin Vergil/Caesar • AP/DE Spanish Language • AP Spanish Literature • DE American Sign Language II • DE American Sign Language III •  AP Studio Art • AP Art History

AP courses follow a rigorous national curriculum developed by the College Board and conclude with a required AP examination in May. AP courses are academically demanding and are the equivalent of courses offered at the college level. They require students to be able to manage an increased amount of work both inside and outside the classroom. AP classes prepare students for competitive four-year colleges and universities. All Advanced Placement curricula must go through a national curriculum audit and certification to carry the AP trademark. These courses will meet the academic needs of gifted learners and other students who wish to work at an advanced level. Students may be asked to prepare by completing pre-course assignments. These courses are designated with “AP” in the course description. Selected AP courses are also available for Dual Enrollment (DE) credit through Laurel Ridge Community College, Richard Bland College, James Madison University, or other institutions of higher learning.

Based on their performance on the AP exam, students may earn college credit. Most colleges and universities have an AP policy granting incoming students’ credit, placement, or both based on their AP exam grades. Students should consult with the policies of the colleges and universities to which they are applying to determine how their AP credits will be evaluated.

Final grades for AP courses will receive a 1.0 additional weight as long as the student completes the AP exam. Weighted cumulative GPAs appear on transcripts at the beginning of the fall term of the student’s senior year and at the conclusion of the student’s senior year.

Fauquier County Public Schools will pay the student registration fee for AP exams. Students who take an AP course but fail to take the AP exam will forfeit the weight on their high school transcript.

Please note: some classes may only be offered online due to low enrollment or staffing availability.

Virtual Virginia Advanced Placement (AP)

At the student's expense, Virtual Virginia offers online AP courses in English, Government, Calculus, Statistics, U.S. History, Chemistry, Biology, Spanish, Human Geography, Economics, Psychology, Physics, and more. FCPS students may only take Virtual Virginia Advanced Placement courses that are not offered or available to students at the high school they attend. Special situations will be considered on an individual basis.

The Virginia Plan for Dual Enrollment (DE) is offered in partnership with Laurel Ridge Community College, Richard Bland College, James Madison University, and other institutions of higher learning. Students have the option to earn Dual Enrollment (DE) credit alongside selected high school Advanced Placement and other courses offered in the high school buildings. This program allows students to earn both high school and college credit. Course offerings may be limited based on teacher availability. Dual Enrollment courses are designated with "DE" in the course description. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to consult with their prospective colleges and universities to understand their acceptance policies and transfer credit equivalencies for dual enrollment courses.

Dual Enrollment (DE) Program Eligibility

Students are eligible to participate in the Dual Enrollment (DE) program under the following conditions:

• Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Students must achieve a minimum score of 480 on the Verbal portion and 530 on the Mathematics portion of the PSAT or SAT.

Certain courses at Laurel Ridge Community College have prerequisites that must be met before enrollment. For example, to enroll in ENG 206 and ENG 215, a student must have passed ENG 111 and ENG 112 with a grade of C or better, or have passed the AP Language and Composition exam with a score of 3 or higher. For each Dual Enrollment course taken at Laurel Ridge Community College, students must pay a portion of the tuition. As of this printing, the tuition and fees are $169.05 per credit, subject to change for the following school year.

With the exception of Latin IV, Latin AP, French IV, Spanish IV, French Language AP, and Spanish Language AP, Dual Enrollment students take the equivalent of two college courses for 3 credits each. Students who receive a failing grade at midterm will receive an F for the first college course and will be unable to continue in the Dual Enrollment program. If a student passes the midterm but fails at the end of the course, they will receive credit for the first college course but will not receive credit for the second college course, potentially jeopardizing their high school graduation.

Laurel Ridge Community College and Fauquier County Public Schools are collaborating to expand opportunities for students to complete an Associate’s Degree or a General Educational Certificate concurrently with their high school diploma. Additional information is available through the high school counseling department.

Some courses are available only at specific high schools, but students from all high schools are eligible to enroll in these courses. Students who wish to take one of these courses will be provided transportation to the school where the course is offered. Travel may occur before school, during lunch, and/or after school. For courses that occupy only one 90-minute block, students will need to enroll in an additional one-block course to accommodate the travel schedule.

Additional Virtual Courses

Students may enroll in specialized courses not available at their high school, including AP courses, through a virtual high school program, but this is offered on a limited basis. Virtual courses are typically taken as part of the regular high school schedule. Guidelines, limitations, and a list of available courses can be obtained from the counseling department. Under special circumstances, seniors and second-term juniors may request permission from their high school principal to take a virtual course outside the regular school schedule. Guidelines, requirements, and limitations for this option are also available in the counseling department. Please note that students who are not Early College Scholars will be required to pay for Virtual Virginia courses.

A student must meet the following criteria to be classified into a high school grade level. Students will be promoted at the end of the school year, with no mid-year promotions.

Grading Scale

Fauquier County Public Schools uses the following scale:

Grade Point Average

Grade Point Average (GPA) includes all courses for which students earned credits in grades 9 – 12 and any credits-bearing high school courses taken in middle school. GPA is obtained by dividing total grade points (Quality Points) by the number of courses taken. Official GPAs are calculated in the fall of the senior year and after the senior year.

Weighted Grades

Courses that require a nationally recognized examination (such as an AP Exam) receive a 1.0 additional weight only if the student takes the test. Courses that have an AP course as a prerequisite are also weighted. Weighted cumulative GPAs appear on transcripts.

Honor Roll

At the end of each term (Fall and Spring), students in grades 9-12 whose GPAs are 4.0 or above will be recognized on the 4.0 Honor Roll. Students whose GPAs are 3.0 or above but below 4.0 will be recognized on the 3.0 Honor Roll. High School students must have no failing grades to qualify for Honor Roll recognition.

Senior Class Standing

Academic standing is based on a weighted GPA and is reported to colleges in terms of deciles (top 10% is the first decile, next 10% is second, etc. at the beginning of the fall term of the senior year and at the end of the spring term, once final grades are posted.

Recognition of Honor Graduates

Each high school will honor its highest-performing graduates with a seal on their diploma once all final grades are calculated, as follows:

• With Highest Distinction: 4.00 or greater on a weighted scale
• With High Distinction: 3.75 – 3.99 on a weighted scale
• With Distinction: 3.50 – 3.74 on a weighted scale

Credits and Grades for a Repeated Course

Students who earn a grade of D or higher in a course may retake it to enhance their learning or to meet a prerequisite, provided there is available space. Both attempts will appear on the transcript, but credit will be awarded only for the first completion. The grades from both the original and repeated attempts will be factored into the grade point average. Students who fail a course in one term may have the opportunity to retake it in the following term, depending on space availability. Seniors who fail a required course in the fall term are not guaranteed a spot in the spring term, which may delay their graduation. Repeated courses do not count toward the course requirement for VHSL sports eligibility.

Home-School Grades and Credits

Students transferring to Fauquier County Public Schools from a homeschool program will receive credits for classes on a Pass or Fail basis. These grades will not be averaged with A–F grades on transcripts and will not be calculated into the GPA or class rank.

Incomplete Grades

Teachers may assign an "Incomplete" grade when a student is unable to submit required assignments due to extenuating circumstances. The teacher will set a deadline for completing the work, which must be finished by the end of the following grading period. Incomplete grades cannot be carried over into the next academic year.

Schedule Changes

The high school counseling department manages schedule changes. To minimize these changes, students are expected to read course descriptions in the Program of Studies, consult their counselor about any questions, and attend elective information sessions before registration. A parent or guardian must review and approve any schedule changes. Before the school year ends, students will receive a list of their requested courses for the following year. If a schedule change is necessary, students must request it by the counseling department’s deadline and complete a schedule change form, including a parent or guardian’s signature. In the event of a scheduling conflict, the counseling department will use the student’s alternate course selections made during registration. All scheduling conflicts and course changes should be finalized before the school year begins, as changes after this point are permitted only for academic reasons. Teacher change requests require administrative approval, and the start of school is an especially busy time with limited opportunities for students to meet with counselors.

Dropping and Adding Classes

Students may add or drop a course up to the first day of each term. After this deadline, any student who drops a course will receive a W/F (Withdraw Failing) on their transcript, which will impact their GPA as a failed course. Dropping an SOL assessment course and re-enrolling in the same course after mid-term is generally not permitted. For course changes requested after mid-term, the student and school counselor must obtain the principal’s approval and signature. Students may move from an AP or Honors course to a Standard Academic course within the first quarter, but only after consulting their teacher, discussing with their school counselor, and obtaining approval from a parent or guardian.

Withdrawing from a Course

To earn credit, a student must complete the full course. Students who withdraw from a year-long course before completing both terms will not receive credit. In the four-year high school program, students can earn up to 32 credits, which exceeds the credits required for graduation. Students are encouraged to explore additional courses beyond the minimum graduation requirements to better prepare for further education and career paths.

School Transfer Requests

A transfer request for a student to attend a high school outside their designated zone will be approved by the principal only for the purposes outlined in Fauquier County School Board Policy 7-2.2. Forms for transfer requests are available in the main office of each school (Form 7-2.2 (A) F1).

Summative Assessments/Exams

Instructional staff are required to formally assess students twice each term. Teachers are encouraged to administer authentic summative assessments, allowing students to actively demonstrate their knowledge through presentations, projects, reports, portfolios, and other means, ideally at the end of a unit, course, semester, program, or school year. Typically, culminating course summative assessments or exams are offered at the middle and end of each term (October and December for Term 1; March and May/June for Term 2). Students are encouraged to maintain consistent work habits in all classes throughout the course, ensuring that their final grade is not solely dependent on one summative assessment or exam. In the event of inclement weather, summative assessments or exams may be canceled if a weather event necessitates school closure during the examination window. If assessments or exams are canceled, students will receive the term grade earned up to that point.

Fee Waivers

Fees associated with courses offered by Fauquier County Public Schools, such as charges for musical instruments, uniforms, AP review guides and manuals, and art materials, may be waived for qualified students. Partial fee waivers may also be available for students wishing to take dual enrollment classes. Fees should not deter students from considering enrollment in courses.

Certification for College-Bound Athletes

All prospective student-athletes intending to participate in collegiate Division I or II athletics must be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. NCAA guidelines are subject to annual changes, so students should plan to start the certification process at the end of their junior year. While college-bound athletes are encouraged to take Honors, Dual Enrollment, and AP courses, all course levels meet NCAA certification requirements. For detailed information, students should consult their school counselor and/or their coach.

An NCAA Division I or Division II member school may not provide an expense-paid visit to a prospective student-athlete or recruit a student-athlete who has not submitted the following documents to the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse: a completed and signed student release form with fee, an official transcript from every high school attended, and ACT or SAT scores.

Eligibility for VHSL Activities

To be eligible for any Virginia High School League (VHSL) sport or activity, students must meet the following requirements during the term they participate:

• The student must be enrolled in at least three subjects for credit
• The student must have passed at least three subjects for credit in the previous term

If the student repeats a course to improve skills or to meet a grade prerequisite, passing the repeated course does not count as one of the courses required for eligibility. Students who transfer from one high school to another within Fauquier County will forfeit eligibility for 365 days unless the Superintendent grants a waiver of the transfer rule.

Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that provides valuable practice for the SAT. It is administered to all 10th-grade students in Fauquier County Public Schools at no cost. The PSAT/NMSQT assesses critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing skills, offering important feedback on students' strengths and weaknesses in areas essential for college study. Students in 11th grade are strongly encouraged to take the PSAT again, as only those who take the test in this grade are eligible for National Merit Scholarships. Additionally, the PSAT helps identify students for the AP Potential Program.

SAT

Students in 11th and 12th grades are encouraged to take the SAT, which measures critical reading and mathematics skills. Ideally, students should start taking the test in the spring of their 11th grade and may repeat it several times. Most colleges consider the highest critical reading and mathematics scores achieved, even if the scores come from different test dates. The SAT is administered several times each year in Fauquier County, and students must register at least six weeks in advance of the test.

Students may register online at  satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat

Free study and preparation materials are available at satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation, https://www.khanacademy.org/digital-sat, and from the school counseling office.

ACT

The ACT is a standardized test used for high school achievement assessment and college admissions. It consists of five sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science Reasoning, and an optional Writing test. All four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT, but different institutions may prioritize standardized test scores differently compared to other evaluation factors, such as class rank, GPA, and extracurricular activities. The four main sections are scored individually on a scale of 1 to 36, and a composite score is provided, which is the whole number average of the four individual scores.

Fauquier County Public Schools is proud to host three unique academy programs to prepare students for STEM careers through hands-on experiences and industry certifications. Each program has a series of required courses students must complete along with a variety of recommended courses students can use to personalize their experience. All three academies have their requirements for service, certifications, and participation. By meeting these requirements, students can earn medals, honor cords, certificates, and/or diploma seals at graduation.

Any rising 9^th or 10^th  grade with an interest in any of these academies may apply. Students selected to attend an academy away from their base school will be provided transportation to travel before school, during lunch, and/or after school depending on academy and course schedules.

Launching in Fall 2025, Fauquier County Public Schools is excited to partner with Laurel Ridge Community College to offer the Future Educators Academy (FEA). This dual-enrollment program invites rising juniors who aspire to become educators and prepares them for careers as elementary and special education teachers. Sponsored by Fauquier County Public Schools, FEA covers all tuition and course material fees. Through this accelerated pathway, students complete 15–16 credit hours each semester, earning an Associate of Science in Education by high school graduation and preparing them to transfer to a four-year college for a bachelor's degree in teaching.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Rising 11th grader
• Completion of Algebra II with a grade of C or higher by the end of 10th grade
• Three verified credits earned by the end of 10th grade
• Minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0
• Good academic and disciplinary standing

Participants in FEA are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA and commit to a two-year teaching position with Fauquier County after earning their bachelor’s degree, providing an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their community. Applications open in October of sophomore year. Spots are limited; a lottery will be held if applications exceed available seats. Please see your school counselor for more information about eligibility and the application process.

Future Educators Academy Curriculum

To succeed in any career, individuals should be able to work effectively as part of a team, take responsibility, understand complex information, communicate clearly in both writing and speech, perform accurate calculations, use computers proficiently for information processing, and accurately record and interpret data.

A career cluster is a group of occupations and broad industries that share common characteristics. Examples of career clusters include:

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Food Products and Processing Systems • Plant Systems • Animal Systems • Power, Structural, and Technical Systems • Natural Resource Systems • Environmental Service Systems • Agribusiness Systems

Architecture & Construction
Design & Pre-Construction • Construction • Maintenance & Operations

Arts, AV Technology & Communications
Audio and Video Technology and Film • Printing Technology • Visual Arts • Performing Arts • Journalism and Broadcasting • Telecommunications

Business, Management & Administration
General Management • Business Information Management • Human Resources Management • Operations Management • Administrative Support

Education & Training
Administration and Administrative Support • Professional Support Services • Teaching & Training

Finance
Securities and Investments • Business Finance • Accounting • Insurance • Banking Services

Government & Public Administration
Governance • National Security • Foreign Service • Planning • Revenue and Taxation • Regulation • Public Management & Administration 

Health Science
Therapeutic Services • Diagnostic Services • Health Informatics • Support Services • Biotechnology Research & Development

Hospitality & Tourism
Restaurants & Food/Beverage Services • Lodging • Travel and Tourism • Recreation, Amusement and Attraction

Human Services
Early Childhood Development and Services • Counseling & Mental Health Services • Family & Community Services • Personal Care Services • Consumer Services

Information Technology
Network Systems • Information Support & Services • Web & Digital Communications • Programming & Software Development 

Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Correctional Services • Emergency & Fire Management Services • Security & Protective Services • Law Enforcement • Legal Services

Manufacturing
Production • Manufacturing Production Process Development • Maintenance • Installation & Repair • Quality Assurance • Logistics & Inventory Control • Health, Safety & Environmental Assurance

Marketing, Sales, & Service  
Marketing Management • Professional Sales • Merchandising • Marketing Communications • Marketing Research

 Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics   
Engineering and Technology • Science and Mathematics 

Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics
Transportation Operations • Logistics Planning & Management Services • Warehousing & Distribution Center Operations • Facility & Mobile Equipment Maintenance • Transportation Systems & Infrastructure Planning • Management and Regulation • Health, Safety, & Environmental Management • Sales & Services

Complete the Academic & Career Planning Guide with your family and your school’s counseling department

1. Select a Career Cluster/Path
   Choose a career cluster or path that aligns with your interests, skills, values, and strengths.
   Explore occupations that relate to your abilities.
   Research the education, skills, and knowledge required for success in these fields.
2. Decide on your Diploma Type.
   Advanced Studies Diploma
   Standard Diploma
3. Choose Courses that Support Your Career Path and Diploma Choice
   Select courses that connect to your chosen career path and support the requirements for your diploma type.