General Information

Purpose of the Program of Studies

This educational planning guide is designed to help students and their families:

• Learn about courses and programs offered in middle and high schools of Loudoun County Public Schools

• Make informed choices about courses

• Understand and prepare for Virginia’s graduation requirements and assist students in planning and refining their academic and career plans (ACP) to meet educational and career goals

Students should study this guide and consult with their parent(s)/guardian, school counselors, and teachers in preparing their plans.

General Information

It is the responsibility of each student and parent(s)/guardian that requirements for an Applied Studies, Standard, or Advanced Studies Diploma are met. Beginning in seventh grade, school counselors review graduation requirements with students annually, and the school counseling staff at each school is available to assist students and families. Parent(s)/guardians should work closely with their student’s school counselor in making the best academic decisions for their student. To determine graduation requirements, students and families must consider both the desired diploma option and the year the student first enters ninth grade.

Students New to Loudoun County Public Schools

Parents of students new to Loudoun County Public Schools should visit https://www.lcps.org/Page/228770 for registration information, forms, and documentation needed to register their student.

How Can I Prepare?

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) students acquire knowledge and skills to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams to help make meaningful contributions to the world. Early identification of goals should be outlined within an academic and career plan, developed with the assistance of a school counselor and their families. Students should consider the following as they develop their plans and select courses:

• Personal Attributes: This encompasses a student’s abilities, interests, values, strengths, likes, and dislikes;

• Curriculum Alignment: Consider the educational path aligning with the student’s chosen career field, which may include vocational or work-related options;

• Career Exploration: Possible occupations that relate to the student’s skills; 

• Other Considerations: Evaluate factors like the financial implications, transportation, and engagement in extracurricular activities.

Veteran’s Education, Transition and Employment

The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA) approves education and Virginia training programs. Our office investigates complaints of GI BILL ® beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email at saa@dvs.virginia.gov. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/ 

Academic and Career Planning

Loudoun County Public Schools is dedicated to developing knowledgeable critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators, and contributors, and academic and career planning is part of that process. School counselors and teachers utilize a College and Career Readiness platform to ensure students engage in self-exploration, career exploration, and skill development that will assist in accomplishing their personalized goals. Beginning in 5th grade, students engage in academic and career-planning activities to ensure they are college and/or career-ready upon graduation. For more information regarding the academic and career planning process, please contact the student’s school counselor or review the VDOE website.

Career Clusters

Career Clusters help students investigate careers and design their courses of study to advance their career goals. For this reason, the state of Virginia has adopted the nationally accepted structure of career clusters, career pathways, and sample career specialties or occupations. In order to explore college and career planning, school counselors collaborate with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department to support students as they explore their passions, interests, and skills. For more information about the CTE pathways, programs, and career clusters please visit the LCPS CTE pathways guide.

Full-year Course – One Credit

*First Grading Period: Courses dropped will not be counted in GPA or class rank.

Second Grading Period: WP or WF recorded courses dropped will not be counted in GPA or class rank.

Third Grading Period:  WP or WF recorded courses dropped will not be counted in GPA or class rank.

Fourth Grading Period:  WP or F is recorded courses dropped will not be counted in GPA unless it is an F; an F will be calculated into GPA and class rank.

The above explanations for dropping a course do not pertain to any Dual Enrollment course. 

Semester Course (Half Credit)

*First Grading Period: Courses dropped will not be counted in GPA.

Second Grading Period: WP or F is recorded courses dropped will not be counted in GPA unless it is an F. An F will be calculated into GPA and class rank.

GPA: Courses dropped will not be counted in grade point average except when an F is received.

*For the first grading period only, a student enrolled in a full-year or one-semester course will have one week (5 school days) after the date on which report cards are sent home, in which to drop a course without having a grade recorded.

Dropping Subjects/Withdrawals

The information above explains if and how dropping a course affects the student’s GPA and class rank, as per LCPS Regulation 5030. In addition, dropping a course may alter the student’s diploma status or impact VHSL eligibility.

Audit

Auditing a course means a student attends a course regularly without receiving academic credit. LCPS does not allow students to audit a course.

Course Selection, Course Load, and Schedule Changes

Courses listed will be included in the curriculum for the 2024-2025 school year if there is sufficient enrollment and available staff. Students in grades 6-8 are expected to select and be enrolled in 8 classes, one of them being Resource or Spectrum. Students in grades 9-11 are expected to select and be enrolled in 7 credit-bearing subjects or their equivalent and adhere to their selections and may take one 8th credit per year through Virtual Loudoun Online. Schedule change procedures are established by each school and in special situations. Any variation requires the principal’s permission.

Course Level Changes

Requests to drop down in rigor level from an accelerated yearlong course (i.e., from an Honors level to an Academic level) may not be considered prior to the Interim Time of the First Marking Period or after the Interim Time of the Third Marking Period unless otherwise deemed necessary by the building principal/designee. Prior to requesting a drop-down in rigor level, communication between the student, teacher, family, and counselor should take place to support the student in their attempted strategies for success at the selected level of rigor. If after attempted strategies for success and collaboration with all involved parties, a drop-down in rigor level is still requested, the request is passed on to the building principal/designee to be reviewed for approval. If approved, a request to drop down in rigor level will only be made if space is available in the desired course level. The schedule change may require changing other courses and/or teachers within the student’s schedule. School administration will determine the final placement of the new course (course block and teacher). Course grades earned in previous accelerated courses will transfer to the new course level. The student may be responsible for completing make-up work in the new level to cover any material not covered in the previous level.

Adding a Course

A student may not add a new yearlong course for credit after the 20th hour of instruction. This traditionally falls near the first marking period interim time.

Availability of Classes

Some classes listed in this publication at both the middle and high levels may not be offered at all schools. If enrollment in a class is low, the class may not be available, semester and yearlong classes may be combined, or as stated above, it is possible that the class may not be offered at all. The school counseling offices in each school will be able to provide information on what classes are available at that school.

Middle School

Students may select a combination of academic and honors classes in English, Science, and Social Science. Certain schools may “blend” academic and honors courses when scheduling. Classes designated as Honors in middle school are not weighted when determining a student’s grade point average. Students, in consultation with families and school staff, are encouraged to consider the increasing levels of intellectual demand in honors classes and should enroll in the honors classes that align with their interests, abilities, and readiness. Participation in honors classes may lead to Honors, Dual Enrollment, and/or Advanced Placement classes in high school. 

In mathematics, the skills and dispositions required to be successful are more sequential and developmental than in other content areas. Therefore, guidelines are set for recommended placement in middle school mathematics classes based on a student’s short-term and long-term goals, achievement, and growth on standardized tests, as well as other data points. Families are welcome to discuss their student's placement in any class with school counselors, teachers, and/or building administrators.

The teaching practices and required student learning tasks associated with Honors classes are intended to provide increased rigor beyond what is expected from the core curriculum for students with strong interests and/or aptitudes in particular subject areas. These practices and tasks will allow students to engage with the content on a deeper level.

Instruction and assessment tasks consistently include:

• A higher level of cognitive demand; 

• Making connections between curriculum and students’ interests, knowledge, and culture;

• Increased and intentional student voice and choice;

• Opportunities for students to direct learning path, pace, and product; 

• Opportunities to engage in deeper learning through synthesizing understandings and skills across units, disciplines, and courses;  

• Exploring topics through the attributes of LCPS Portrait of a Graduate.

To select courses that reflect the goals of each student, families and students should consider the following:

• Does the student engage in reading, writing, and interest in the subject matter beyond the requirements of school such as reading or viewing programs about science, social studies, or specific areas of interest?

• Does the student demonstrate the ability to link new knowledge to prior knowledge quickly and demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a willingness to accept higher levels of challenge?

• What are the recommendations of the student’s family, teachers, and counselors?

• What information do assessments, standardized test scores, and other measures tell the student about their special skills and interests?

High School

All high school students should choose classes that maximize their learning opportunities. Challenging high school courses prepare students for further education and successful careers. Families and students should consider the following when making decisions about which level to choose:

• Previous performance in the subject area;

• Standardized test scores;

• Commitment of the student;

• Recommendations from teachers, counselors, and the principal;

• Increased workload.

The applicable Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) are incorporated in all classes. 

Pilot Courses

A new course introduced to a small group with the possibility of expanding widely in the future. 

Course Level Designations – Middle and High

Honors, AP, DE, and IB: Course content is rapidly paced with additional depth. Lessons are often designed to be complex, abstract, and open-ended. 

Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, LCPS will pay for the first four AP exams that each enrolled LCPS student takes. The four exams are cumulative across the student's high school enrollment with payment required after the limit has been reached. If additional financial assistance is needed beyond the four exams, please contact your child’s school counselor or your school’s family liaison.

Academic: Course content and expected student performance require additional reading and writing at a rigorous level. High school students will make course selections for the upcoming school year in late winter/early spring of the current school year. Available courses can be viewed through StudentVUE/ParentVUE.

Individualized Education

Provisions are made for individualized education for students with identified disabilities. These include programs for students who are learning disabled, emotionally disabled, intellectually disabled, other health impaired, hearing impaired, speech impaired, visually impaired, or physically impaired. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) specify individual accommodations.

Semester Courses

Students receive one-half unit of credit for each semester course successfully completed, with the exception of some courses offered at the Academies of Loudoun.

Full-Year Courses

Students receive one standard unit of credit based on the successful completion of a full-year course.

Some full-year courses may offer more than one standard unit of credit.

Students do not receive any partial credit for a full-year course. For example, a student who passes a yearlong course at the semester but fails for the year would not earn partial credit for the passing grade at the semester, or a student who does not continue a yearlong course beyond the first semester does not receive partial credit at the semester for the course; rather, the student must repeat the entire course to obtain credit.

Non-Credit Activities

A student who serves as a student helper or who is scheduled for study hall, Student Cooperative Association (SCA), CAMPUS, PEER Helper program, literary magazine, or video productions does not receive a credit for that class period.

High School Courses Already Passed

Students who pass a course may repeat it for grade improvements, but a duplicate credit will not be awarded. Both grades are recorded on the student’s transcript and are included when calculating the grade point average and class rank.

Sequential Electives

Students seeking Standard or Advanced Studies diplomas must earn at least two electives that are sequential. These must be two electives in one subject area such as Art I and II, Early Childhood Education, etc. Students should talk with their school counselor for further details.

Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education

A fine arts or career and technical education course is any state-approved course completed in Grades 9-12 in Art, Theatre, Music, or Career and Technical Education (including Agricultural Education, Business and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing Education, Military Science, Trade and Industrial, and Technology and Engineering Education).

Student Credential Programs

Certain programs within Career and Technical Education provide students with an opportunity for credentials that can also count as a “student selected” verified credit toward Virginia graduation requirements. The board has approved a schedule of career and technical examinations for licensure or certification that may be substituted for SOL tests to earn student-selected verified units of credit. Tests for licensure or certification that require the demonstration of knowledge and skills beyond what is associated with a single course may result in the awarding of two units of verified credit.

To obtain the student-selected verified credit, the student must successfully complete the career and technical education course sequence and pass the credential required by the certifying agency. Such credentials provide students a competitive edge in the workplace, offer better opportunities for earning money for college expenses, may provide increased options in military service, and help to define career pathways. Information about student-selected tests is available from the student’s school counselor or by going to VDOE’s website.

Credits from Middle School

Students who complete Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Technology of Robotic Design, and/or the first, second, or third year of a world language in middle school earn a high school credit for courses in those subjects. Each credit counts toward graduation requirements and is included in the grade point average and class rank.

Expunging Grades

The parent of any student who, while in middle school, took a high school credit-bearing course may elect to have the grade (and credit) permanently expunged (removed) from the student’s transcript. If the parent elects to have such a grade permanently expunged, written notice of such election must be given by the parent to the student’s middle school counselor (rising 7th and 8th graders) or to the school counseling department of the high school the student will attend (rising 9th graders), on or before the end of the first quarter of the school year following completion of the course. Parents and Guardians of middle school students enrolled in a high school-credited course shall be provided written notification and directions on how to expunge a high-school credit course by the end of the third quarter each year. If a parent/guardian elects to have a high school  LCPS Policy 5035.

Incomplete Grades

Teachers may assign “Incomplete” grades in instances where the required assignments have not been submitted due to unusual but excused circumstances. In such cases, the teacher shall assign a deadline for making up the work; however, the work must be completed by the end of the following grading period. Incomplete grades will result in an “F” if not completed. Incomplete grades may not be carried over from one academic year to another.

Promotion in Middle School

From Grade 6 to 7 and Grade 7 to 8:

Pass a minimum of three of the four core academic subjects: English; Mathematics; Science; and Social Science.

From Grade 8 to 9:

Pass a minimum of three of the four core academic subjects: English; Mathematics; Science; and Social Science and pass any yearlong elective course, two one-semester courses, or health/physical education course.

Promotion in High School

High school students must have earned the minimum number of credits listed below to be promoted to the next grade level. A student’s grade level is not subject to change during the school year.

Grade 10: 5 credits

Grade 11: 11 credits

Grade 12: The student must be scheduled to meet all graduation requirements by June.

Standard and Verified Credits

A standard unit of credit is earned by passing a course with 140 clock hours of instruction. A verified unit of credit is earned by passing a course and its related end-of-course Standard of Learning (SOL) test where an end-of-course test is required. Students may repeat end-of-course tests to earn the verified credits needed for graduation.

Earning College Credit while in High School

AP – Advanced Placement

The Advanced Placement Program, often known as AP, is a cooperative education endeavor with the College Board. AP courses allow students the opportunity to take college-level courses while they are enrolled in high school. Students who enroll in an AP course should expect extensive reading, writing, and critical thinking which generally require additional time. In the spring, students are encouraged to take the nationally standardized AP examination(s). Colleges and universities may award academic credit and/or special placement if a student earns a qualifying score on the exam given in May. Examples of a few benefits of taking AP classes include the development of study habits necessary for tackling college-level coursework; improvement of writing skills and problem-solving techniques; and studying subjects in greater depth and detail.

DE – Dual Enrollment

Enrollment in Dual Enrollment (DE) courses allows students to meet requirements for high school graduation while simultaneously earning college credits upon successful completion of the course. DE courses taught at the high school by a credentialed LCPS teacher enable students to earn these credits through agreements with partnering colleges or universities. DE course descriptions list the number of college credits that can be earned. DE course offerings in LCPS high schools are determined by student interest, existing course offerings, and the availability of teachers possessing the endorsement required to teach the course at each individual high school. If an existing DE credentialed teacher possessing the endorsement to teach a DE course is not able, due to health or other unforeseen circumstances to start and/or finish teaching a DE course, LCPS and the partnering institution will make a good faith effort for students to still remain in the course and receive credit, but based the current long-term DE credentialed substitute availability, a school may change the DE course to an AP or academic level.  

Not all DE courses will be available at all LCPS high schools. Students should speak with their school counselor to determine which courses are available at their high school.

DE courses are available for students typically in 11th and 12th grades, and students must meet GPA criteria prior to enrollment. In addition, there may be certain prerequisites required for specific courses. Some DE classes may require a tuition payment.  Students will work directly with their high school counselor to determine what those requirements may be and how to register for that course.  DE courses offered through the Academies of Loudoun are only open to students enrolled in the Academies of Loudoun. 

Dual Enrollment (DE) instructors must use the grading practices of the accrediting college or university. Dual enrollment courses are exempt from meeting LCPS Policy 5030 and 5030-REG: Assessment and Grading.

Northern Virginia Community College is not bound by LCPS 504 or IEP accommodations already established. Students receiving these services may apply through NVCC’s Accommodations and Accessibility Services Office if they would like to have accommodations applied to their dual enrollment courses. Students may also do so online via https://www.nvcc.edu/accommodations/index.html

Approved students will receive a Memorandum of Accommodations (MOA) from NOVA, via their NVCC email address, which will need to be presented to their DE instructor. NVCC only communicates with the student, not family members, regarding accommodation requests and approvals. Should a student not apply with NVCC, the 504/IEP accommodations can apply to their high school grade only but not their college grade in the DE class. All students are eligible to take advantage of student support services at any NVCC campus location, which includes tutoring, library/research services, and a writing assistance center. Questions about accommodations from other college and university partners should be directed to the student's school counselor. 

The transferability of a college course to another college or university for credit is determined by the receiving institution. Normally, academic courses intended for transfer with a grade of “C” or better will transfer to four-year institutions of higher learning; however, no guarantee can be made to students regarding transferability to all colleges and universities.

Grades below a “C” in a DE course for NVCC:

• Do not receive NVCC course credit.

• Do go on an official NVCC transcript.

• Are not transferable to a 4-year college or university.

• Can impact future financial aid eligibility. 

This information may be found on most college and university websites or by contacting the Office of Admissions. Current partnering institutions include Northern Virginia Community College, George Mason University, James Madison University, Richard Bland College of William and Mary, and Shenandoah University.  Partnering institution questions for the Academies of Loudoun should be directed to that program.

Dual Enrollment Course Changes

Withdrawal and grading policies of Dual Enrollment courses are specific to the accrediting college or university. Should the student not pass the first semester of a full year Dual Enrolled course, they will be automatically dropped from the second semester of the Dual Enrolled course. Student course placement for the second semester would fall under course-level change guidelines as explained above. See Dual Enrollment for additional grade-specific information related to DE courses.

Sequential Electives – Effective with the graduating class of 2003, students who wish to receive a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma must successfully complete two sequential electives. On February 5, 2002, the Board of Education approved Guidelines for Sequential Electives for the Standard Diploma (PDF).

• Sequential electives may be in any discipline as long as the courses are not specifically required for graduation.

• Courses used to satisfy the one unit of credit in a Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education course may be used to partially satisfy this requirement.

• For Career and Technical Education electives, check with the Office of Career and Technical Education at (804) 225-2051.

• An exploratory course followed by an introductory course may not be used to satisfy the requirement.

• An introductory course followed by another level of the same course of study may be used.

• Sequential electives do not have to be taken in consecutive years.

Fine Arts and Career and Technical Education – The Standard and Advanced Studies Diplomas each contain a requirement for one standard unit of credit in Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education. The Standards of Accreditation do not require that courses used to satisfy the requirement of Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education be approved by the Board. Therefore, local school officials should use their own judgment in determining which courses students take to satisfy this requirement.

PSAT – Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test

Students in grade 9 are offered the PSAT 8/9 test. Students in grades 10 & 11 are offered the PSAT/NMSQT test. The tests can identify students’ academic strengths in reading, writing, and mathematics, providing helpful test preparation guidance for future SAT testing. Eleventh grade students taking the PSAT/NMSQT test may be eligible for special scholarship competitions based on their PSAT score, such as the National Merit Scholarship, the National Achievement Program, and the National Hispanic Scholars Program. This test is administered at all LCPS high schools based on test administration guidance from the College Board.

SAT - Scholastic Aptitude Test

Students should check with their colleges/universities of interest to determine whether the SAT test is required for admission. The SAT tests are administered several times each year at high schools in and around Loudoun County. Students must register approximately 6 weeks (or more) in advance of the test. Students must register online at www.collegeboard.org which contains site availability information.

ACT – American College Testing

The ACT measures academic achievement in english, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. A writing test is optional. Students should check with specific colleges to see if a writing test is required. Students may register online at www.act.org. The ACT is administered several times each year at high schools in and around Loudoun County. Students should register several weeks prior to the exam to ensure space availability.

AP – Advanced Placement Exams

AP examinations are administered in the spring. Dates are selected by the College Board. Exams measure the student’s knowledge in specific subject areas. AP courses, taught by dedicated and committed high school teachers, lay the groundwork for students to succeed on the AP exams. In LCPS, all students enrolled in AP classes are encouraged to complete the AP experience by taking the exams near the end of the AP class. The student’s transcript reflects the AP designation independent of the student’s election to take the AP exam. All final grades are weighted by 1.0 if the student passes the course. Students who elect to take an AP exam without taking the course may have their scores sent to the college(s) or university(ies) to which they plan to apply; however, units of credit are awarded only to those students who complete the related AP courses.

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL measures a student’s ability to read, write, and understand English. Students who are applying to college and for whom English is a second language can demonstrate their ability to use English. Some colleges and universities require this test for second-language speakers. Some colleges and universities will accept the SAT Subject Test in English as a second language in lieu of the TOEFL.

CAMPUS

The College Achievement & Multicultural Program for Unique Students (CAMPUS) is an academic and college preparation initiative for students in grades 9-12. CAMPUS is a high school college access program designed to remove barriers and/or meet the specific needs of first-generation college-bound students attending Loudoun County Public Schools. CAMPUS seeks to provide support and encouragement to students who demonstrate the ability to achieve academic success and college admission. Admission to, and graduation from college are among the goals of CAMPUS. Students must commit to attending mandatory CAMPUS meetings and/or classes during the school day and CAMPUS activities throughout the year. Student families also are an integral part of CAMPUS and its success. Families are encouraged to participate in CAMPUS initiatives and to support their students in the college search and application process.

The North Star School

The North Star School, Loudoun County Public School’s center for alternative education, offers the Alternative Education Program (AEP) for under-credited students, students who may not prefer a large traditional high school, and students who have moved into LCPS from another school system that used an alternative schedule format (4x4). The North Star School strives to create an environment in which students are able to perform to the best of their ability and fosters respect, responsibility, and cooperation. The AEP offers smaller class sizes, an alternative block schedule, an emphasis on organization and study skills, and personalized instruction to help students experience success. The North Star School courses follow the LCPS curriculum including administration of end-of-year SOL exams. Students adhere to the same behavioral expectations and complete the same requirements for promotion/graduation as other LCPS students. Openings are limited and referrals are made through a home school administrator in collaboration with the home school counselor.

William Obediah Robey High School

William Obediah Robey High School is Loudoun County Public School’s (LCPS) first non-traditional high school. William O. Robey HS serves students who face barriers to the traditional high school schedule due to credit deficiencies based on age, in jeopardy of not graduating on time, grade level, and/or limited or interrupted formal education. Students may earn up to 10 credits per year in a modified 4x4 schedule and students may choose between two scheduling options: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., or 1:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (both sessions include optional lab time). William O. Robey High School offers a smaller environment with a 10:1 ratio (students: teachers), individualized lesson plans and instruction, self-paced learning, and bus transportation from all of Loudoun County. LCPS students who are interested in attending William O. Robey High School must speak with their school counselor or administrator. Students may also complete the online application through the website https://www.lcps.org/Page/8406.  Due to the limited space at William O. Robey High School, all applications are reviewed by an admissions panel that accepts students into the school.

Virtual Distance Learning

Virtual Distance Learning is a program that provides students with synchronous, daily instruction through Google Meet & Schoology. Students enrolled in Virtual Distance Learning take all of their classes virtually, without attending a brick-and-mortar school in person. To participate in this program, families must apply for enrollment consideration. Students who are approved to participate are enrolled in both the Distance Learning program as well as concurrently with their home school. Students are required to actively attend and participate in their synchronous courses each day, including having their cameras on and engaging with their teacher and classmates in discussion and break-out sessions in virtual small groups. Virtual Distance Learning also offers select World Languages and Cultures courses in a hybrid model, mostly asynchronous coursework with a weekly synchronous Google Meet component. Details of this program are available through the Virtual Distance Learning website:  https://www.lcps.org/VDL 

Virtual Loudoun Online Learning

Virtual Loudoun Online is a supplemental, self-paced, asynchronous program that offers instructor-led online courses to secondary students that are full-year courses offered in a condensed term. Courses are delivered using the Schoology learning management system using content aligned to the Standards of Learning to offer new educational opportunities to students. Students actively engage in online discussions, submit documents electronically, and meet synchronously online with teachers and students as needed. Students should expect, on average, to dedicate 140 hours to complete a 1 credit course within the term period. Details of this program are available through the Virtual Loudoun Online website:  https://www.lcps.org/VLO 

Scheduled Early Dismissal

All students are to be enrolled in school for the full school day; the standard school day for students shall average at least five and one-half teaching hours. Students enrolled in cooperative education programs may be granted an early dismissal as long as they are enrolled in five credit subjects or their equivalent. See VA Reg 8 VAC 20-131-5 for further definition. In cases of extreme hardship, a junior or senior must obtain an application from the principal for early dismissal that is submitted to the Superintendent or his designee for approval.

Early College Scholars

The Early College Scholars program allows students to commit to earning a full semester of college credit before leaving high school. Students may earn the credits through a combination of Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses. Students become “Early College Scholars” by meeting the qualifications and signing an agreement with their school counselor.

To qualify, a student must:

• Have a “B” average or better.

• Be pursuing an Advanced Studies Diploma.

• Be completing or have completed college-level coursework, such as Advanced Placement or Dual Enrollment equal to at least 15 transferable college credits. 

Students in the program may also register for televised and online Virtual Advanced Placement classes not offered by LCPS with prior approval. To register, students and parents should speak with their school counselor at the end of their junior year.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

TJHSST students are selected on the basis of exceptional quantitative skills and interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Since this Governor’s School for Science and Technology is located in Northern Virginia, the school serves qualified applicants from several area school districts, including Loudoun County. LCPS provides transportation for all students who are accepted to this school. Students are selected to attend through a competitive process that holistically evaluates admissions test performance, academic achievement, an essay, teacher recommendations, and self-reported interests and activities. Approximately 15% of the applicants are accepted. Most students enter as 9th graders. Replacements are selected for vacancies at the 10th & 11th grade levels. Applications are available online. The student should see their counselor by September 15th of their 8th grade year for the most current information. Questions should be directed to the TJHSST Admissions Office at 571-423-3770. More information can be found at their website: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/thomas-jefferson-admissions.

Athletic and Activity Participation

In order for a student to participate on a Loudoun County Public School athletic team, each athlete must have satisfied all academic eligibility requirements as listed below.

• In the first semester, the student must be enrolled in no fewer than five subjects, or their equivalent, offered for credit and which may be used for graduation, and have passed five subjects, or their equivalent, offered for credit and which may be used for graduation the immediately preceding year of the immediately preceding semester for schools that certify credit on a semester basis.

• In the second semester, the student must be enrolled in no fewer than five subjects, or their equivalent, offered for credit and which may be used for graduation, and have passed five subjects, or their equivalent, offered for credit and which may be used for graduation the immediately preceding semester.

• The student cannot receive monies or awards for playing and/or competing in athletic events.

• The student cannot sign a contract to play professional sports while they still maintain high school eligibility.

• The student cannot be 19 years of age on or before August 1st of the current year.

• The student has only eight consecutive semesters of eligibility after they enter the 9th grade for the first time.

• The student must abide by the school's activity rules and regulations.

• The student may not repeat courses for eligibility purposes for which credit has been previously awarded.

• Eighth-grade students who become 14 years of age on or before August 1st are eligible for sub-varsity athletics (including pre-season and post-season conditioning programs) at the high school they would attend. All other 8th-grade students become eligible upon meeting requirements for promotion to grade 9.

• Any student academically ineligible for the winter sports tryouts will remain ineligible for the entire winter season.

Note: The State Department of Education must recognize credit for courses. Such credit is to be awarded for the semester in which the work is scheduled to be completed. Credit for summer school work must be applied to the immediately preceding semester or year. Students and parents should visit www.ncaa.org for college eligibility requirements, which include standardized testing information.