High School

Exploring Pathways to Success

High school is a time for students to discover their interests, challenge themselves academically, and prepare for the many opportunities awaiting them after graduation – enrollment, enlistment and employment.

While every student completes the coursework required to earn a Virginia high school diploma, they also have opportunities to personalize learning experiences reflecting their goals and aspirations through electives, advanced coursework, career preparation, and college credit opportunities.

Preparing Future Ready Graduates

Every student completes the coursework required to earn a Virginia high school diploma.

Required courses include English, mathematics, science, history and social science, health and physical education, economics and personal finance. Additional graduation requirements include subject areas such as world languages, fine arts, or career and technical education.

Beyond these requirements, students can challenge themselves through advanced coursework, earn college credits or industry credentials, and explore their interests through a variety of electives that best support their future goals.

Challenge Yourself

Students seeking additional academic challenges have opportunities to pursue rigorous coursework, participate in specialized academic programs, and earn recognition for their academic achievement and commitment to service.

Honors Program

Recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, community service, and personal growth through rigorous coursework.

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP courses offer college-level learning experiences in a variety of subject areas. Students may earn college credit by achieving qualifying scores on AP exams.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB Diploma Programme provides a rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum that develops critical thinking, research, writing, and global perspectives.

Governor's School Programs

Regional Governor's School programs allow eligible students to pursue advanced study in specialized fields, including science, technology, engineering, and health sciences.

Get a Head Start on College

There is more than one way to earn college credit in high school. In addition to opportunities available through AP and IB coursework, YCSD offers several college partnership programs that help eligible students begin their postsecondary education before graduation.

Dual Enrollment

Eligible students earn both high school and college credit by successfully completing approved courses offered in partnership with Virginia Peninsula Community College and other participating colleges.

Early College Scholars

The Early College Scholars program recognizes students who complete a rigorous sequence of advanced coursework and earn at least 15 transferable college credits before graduating from high school.

Early College Program

Eligible seniors complete their required high school coursework during the first semester before attending Virginia Peninsula Community College full time during the second semester, earning transferable college credit while completing their high school diploma.

Associate Degree Pathway/Uniformed Certificate of Completion

Students who carefully plan their coursework may have the opportunity to earn an associate degree from Virginia Peninsula Community College shortly after graduating from high school.