Specialty Programs

Learning opportunities to match your child’s interests and personal path to success.

Whether a student enjoys solving complex problems, creating and designing, leading others, or learning through hands-on experiences, YCSD offers specialty academic programs that support a wide range of interests and aspirations.

These application-based programs provide unique learning opportunities beyond a student's assigned school or daily classroom experience. Programs vary by grade level and eligibility requirements. Explore the opportunities below to learn more about each program.

Elementary & Middle School Programs

Waller Mill Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School

Grades: 1 to 5

Students engage with enriched instruction in choral music, exploratory instrumental music, drama, visual arts, and dance. Teachers integrate fine arts into core academic areas (e.g., history: a study of the music and art of a particular time period as a reflection of the culture and society of that era).

Students also work together to prepare performances and create exhibitions that display their appreciation of the arts while advancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and enhanced self-esteem.

If you don’t live within the school’s attendance zone, you can apply to have your child attend this magnet school.

Transportation: Families are responsible for transportation to and from school.

Program Overview

Application

School Website

Yorktown Elementary Math, Science and Technology Magnet School

Grades: 1 to 5

Students explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on projects, design challenges, and problem solving. Weekly STEM learning experiences extend classroom instruction while encouraging innovation, teamwork, and creative thinking through Project Lead The Way. Topics are designed to encourage critical thinking and prepare students for globally relevant careers.

If you don’t live within the school’s attendance zone, you can apply to have your child attend this magnet school.

Transportation: Families are responsible for transportation to and from school.

Program Overview

Application

School Website

Queens Lake Middle School Arts Magnet

Students pursue their artistic interests through multiple visual and performing arts electives while continuing a strong middle school academic program. These experiences encourage creativity, collaboration, discipline, and self-confidence while helping students develop their artistic talents.

If you don’t live within the school’s attendance zone, you can apply to have your child attend this magnet school.

Transportation: Families are responsible for transportation to and from school.

Program of Studies

Application

School Website

Elementary Magnet Program Frequently Asked Questions

If my child does not live in the attendance zone where the magnet school is located, how do I apply for my student to attend the desired magnet school?

If my child is accepted into the magnet school, do I need to re-apply annually?

If one of my children is accepted into the magnet school program, can all of my children attend?

Is transportation provided if my child does not live in the attendance zone?

If my child already attends Yorktown Elementary or Waller Mill Elementary will my child participate in the magnet school program?

Does my child need to audition or meet minimum benchmarks to be eligible for participation in either magnet school program?

My child is in EXTEND. Will they still participate in EXTEND as a magnet student?

Will my student receive the services and accommodations outlined in their 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?

York County School Division

High School Programs

School of the Arts

Grades: 9 to 12

Location: Bruton High School

The School of the Arts (SOA) provides high school students with enriching and challenging fine arts educational opportunities emphasizing academic growth and artistic development, the multidisciplinary nature of the arts, and fine arts career opportunities.

Students remain enrolled in their zoned high school and attend classes at SOA as part of their class schedule.

Transportation: Provided to and from the student’s zoned school.

School of the Arts

Governor's Health Science Academy

Grades: 9 to 12

Location: Bruton High School

Students interested in healthcare careers explore medicine and health sciences through advanced coursework and real-world learning experiences. Opportunities may include visits to research laboratories, healthcare organizations, colleges, universities, and workforce development programs that help students explore future career pathways.

Students remain enrolled in their zoned high school and attend classes at the Academy based on their course schedule.

Transportation: Provided to and from the student’s zoned school.

Program of Studies

Governor’s School for Science & Technology

Grades: 11 and 12

Location: New Horizons Regional Education Center (Butler Farm Campus)

Students with strong interests in science, engineering, and technology participate in this regional Governor's School while remaining enrolled at their home high school. Students choose a specialized focus in Engineering, Biological Science, or Computational Science and Engineering and participate in advanced, research-based learning experiences.

School staff begin identifying potential applicants as early as eighth grade, and families may express interest at any time.

Transportation: Provided to and from the student's zoned high school.

Governor’s School for Science & Technology

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Grades: 11 and 12

Location: York High School

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a rigorous, two-year academic program for students who enjoy advanced coursework and want to strengthen their research, writing, critical thinking, and global perspectives. In addition, through these courses, each student is exposed to the internationally minded, interdisciplinary nature of the IB curriculum. Eligible students can also participate in a Pre-Diploma program in grades 9 and 10.

Students become full-time YHS students while enrolled in the programs.

Transportation: Provided to and from the student's zoned high school.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

New Horizons Career & Technical Education Center

Grades: 11 and 12

Location: Butler Farm Campus (Hampton) and Woodside Lane Campus (Newport News)

Students prepare for high-demand careers through hands-on technical training in a wide variety of career fields. Programs offer opportunities to earn industry certifications, college credit through dual enrollment, and valuable workplace experiences that prepare students for employment or continued education after graduation.

Transportation: Provided to and from the student's zoned high school.

New Horizons Career & Technical Education Center

Early College Program

Grade: 12

Location: Zoned High School and Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC)

The Early College Program allows eligible students to complete their required high school coursework during the first semester of their senior year before transitioning full time to VPCC. Students earn transferable college credits while completing their high school diploma, providing a strong head start toward a college degree or future career.

Program of Studies

Looking for Advanced Academic Opportunities?

Not all specialized learning opportunities require an application. Learn more about Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, and other coursework and programs available to YCSD high school students.