High School

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, 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, Thomas Nelson 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. These programs include the fine arts and communications magnet at Woodside, the engineering and technical magnet at Heritage, the traditional academic magnet at Heritage, the Aviation magnet at Denbigh, and the International Baccalaureate Academy (IB) at Warwick. Students must apply to magnet and academy programs. Transportation is provided to all programs.

The Freshman Experience
Ninth grade is an exciting yet difficult transition year for many students. A new school, greater independence, a changing social environment and other factors can work against the best intentions of students trying to succeed. That’s why Newport News Public Schools has developed The Freshman Experience, a division-wide effort embracing a wide range of initiatives to provide ninth grade students with a rewarding and meaningful first year. Part of the Smart, Safe Schools philosophy, The Freshman Experience ensures an easy transition into high school and provides ninth grade students with a strong foundation for success. Learn more about The Freshman Experience.

Homework Policy

Homework is an important part of the educational experience, serving to:

Strengthen skills already taught
Increase learning time
Provide enrichment opportunities
Promote creativity, responsibility and independence
Develop good work and study habits

Students should expect one-half hour of homework per class each night. This is not meant to be a minimum or maximum. Some students may need more time and some less time to accomplish an assignment. The complexity of honors level work may require additional time.

Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations governing student behavior, including the student attendance policies, are provided in the student's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. It is important for parents to review the handbook with their child. Certain discipline infractions will become part of the student's record.

Closed Campus

High school students in grades 9, 10 and 11 are not permitted to leave the school grounds during the day unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, or someone designated by the parent/guardian. Exceptions to the policy are permitted for grade 11 students enrolled in work training programs; however, application must be placed. Grade 12 students may apply to leave campus with parental permission. The approved application must be on file in the school office. If the student violates this policy, he/she is subject to disciplinary action.

Telephone

The office phones are business phones and should not be used by students except in case of emergency.

Student Drivers

In order to drive to school, students must complete an application for approval by school administration. All cars parked in the student parking lot must have stickers issued by the school. These are issued only when the student has the permission of parents or guardians to drive to school. Driving to school is a privilege which will be revoked if it is abused.

Transportation

Free bus transportation is provided to and from school. Students found guilty of dangerous or uncooperative conduct on a bus may be suspended from school. Rules and regulations governing student behavior are provided in the student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Activity buses are provided to take students home from athletic practice and student activities. Students participating in these events may ride these buses. View more bus stop information.

Textbooks

Textbooks are issued at the beginning of each semester to students. Students are responsible for keeping textbooks and other materials in the same physical condition as when they were issued except for normal wear and tear. Students are required to pay for materials in case of loss or damage.

Grading System

Report cards are issued each nine weeks and are supplemented by interim reports at the mid-point of each marking period. View high school grading scale.

Emergency Procedures

Each school has an emergency operations plan to cover both natural emergencies (tornadoes, hurricanes, snow, icing, flood) and man-made emergencies (fires, bomb threats, civil disturbances, serious injuries, utility emergencies). This plan is available from each teacher and will be reviewed with students during the first week of school each year.

Procedure for Withdrawal from School

It is preferred that a student withdrawing from school be accompanied by the parent/guardian to the school office. Office personnel should request confirmation of identification from the adult. A Request for Withdrawal form must be signed by the parent/guardian. In no case may a student under the age of eighteen withdraw himself/herself from school. View complete withdrawal procedures.

Athletics

The interscholastic athletic program at the high schools offers a variety of sports in which students may participate. Most of these sports have both varsity and junior varsity (JV) competition. In order to participate in varsity competition, students must be in grade 9 or above. Junior varsity teams consist of students in grades 8 through 10. All student athletes must have passed a minimum of five subjects for credit during the semester immediately preceding the one in which they are to participate. They must not have reached the age of 19 on or before August 1 of the school year in which they are to participate. More about athletics...

After-School Activity Participation

A student must be in school on the day of a scheduled after-school or evening activity in order to participate.

Rules and Regulations

More Information

High SCHOOL