FAQ
What is the procedure to select courses?
All 9th, 10th, and 11th, grade students must select eight classes and at least two alternate elective classes. Seniors may request approval for early release from the principal or his/her designee after verifying with their counselor that all requirements for graduation are met.
Students who fail a required course for graduation will not be permitted to concurrently enroll in two required courses.
The 4 x 4 block schedule is not designed to accommodate courses not passed in the Fall Term.
What Special Programs does Manassas Park High School offer?
GOVERNORS SCHOOL@INNOVATION PARK
With its focus on Earth, the GS@IP offers selected juniors and seniors from Manassas City, Manassas Park, and Prince William County, an advanced, intensive program in STEM---science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students at GS@IP can pursue the study of biology, physics, or chemistry. The Governor’s School at Innovation Park is located on the Prince William campus of George Mason University. Visit http://governor.schools@pwcs.edu for additional information.
AP CAPSTONE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The AP Capstone Scholars Program is a rigorous program for students in grades 9-12 who have taken a prescribed curriculum to include AP and Honors courses. Please see a school counselor for additional information.
GIFTED AND TALENTED
The program for gifted and talented students responds to the requirements of the Virginia Board of Education that each local school division plan and implement an instructional program for gifted and talented students at all levels K-12. Courses designated as Honors, AP, Pre-AP Honors, and Dual Enrollment fulfill this requirement.
EARLY COLLEGE SCHOLARS
The Early College Scholars Program provides eligible high school seniors to complete their high school diploma requirements and concurrently earn at least 15 hours of transferable credits toward a college degree. In order to be eligible as an Early College Scholar, students must agree to pursue an Advanced Studies Diploma, have 3.0 or higher GPA, and complete Dual Enrollment courses with a “C” or higher and Advanced Placement courses that will earn a minimum of 15 transferrable college credits. Students can contract to become Early College Scholars beginning in 9th grade. See your school counselor for more information.
ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Advanced academic programs at the high school are comprised of Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and Honors Courses.
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Community college policy requires all students enrolling in any college course to take and pass English and math placement tests. Dual Enrollment courses, per the Virginia Community College System, are limited to students in the 11th and 12th grades.
NONTRADITIONAL PROGRAMS
MPCS offers nontraditional programs as an additional way to personalize learning for students that need academic and/or behavioral supports.
For academic offerings, the Office of Nontraditional Programs utilizes a blend of face-to-face instruction and online learning options to support learners from credit recovery classes through Advanced Placement courses. Using this model, students can earn credit for classes in which they were not successful in the past, take classes that are not offered as part of the typical course catalog, take classes for initial credit, and/or take Advanced Placement classes that are not currently offered during the regular school day. Programs included within the Office of Nontraditional Programs include Cougars’ Connect, AIM, ISAEP (GED Options), Homebound and Home-based Education, Out of School Support, and supports for students with an Interrupted Education.
What AP Courses are Offered?
AP Biology (alternating years)
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Chemistry (alternating years)
AP English Language and Composition
AP Environmental Science (alternating years)
AP European History
AP Human Geography
AP Music Theory (alternating years beginning 2015-16)
AP Physics Part 1 (alternating years beginning 2016-17)
AP Seminar (11th grade)
AP Research (12th grade)
AP Statistics
AP US History
AP US Government
How can I be eligible for sports?
Course Enrollment Requirements
28A-5-1 Scholarship Rule/Block Scheduling: When a school offers four classes each semester (block scheduling), students must pass three of these four classes to be eligible for the following semester. There is no yearly eligibility option (combine first and second semester passing grades), since the block scheduling is on a “stand alone” semester grade basis. 28A-6-1 T
https://www.mpark.net/programs/athletics
For the complete rule book, please see the VHSL handbook online at www.vhsl.org.
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE
All student athletes wishing to continue participation in Division I or Division II athletics at the college level must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center during the last half of their sophomore year. Registration information and forms are available online athttps://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/. Please see the Athletic Director for additional information.
What are the different diploma types and seals?
Standard Diploma
For students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond
To graduate with a Standard Diploma for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond, a student must earn at least 22 standard units of credit and five verified units of credit. Students earn standard credits by successfully completing required and elective courses. Students earn verified credits by successfully completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course SOL tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education.
Advanced Diploma
For students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond
To graduate with an Advanced Studies Diploma for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2018-2019 and beyond, a student must earn at least 26 standard units of credit and five verified units of credit. Students earn standard credits by successfully completing required and elective courses. Students earn verified credits by successfully completing required courses and passing associated end-of-course SOL tests or other assessments approved by the state Board of Education.
Please note: Your school counselor can tell you which courses are offered by your school to fulfill the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma.
What additional Programs are offered?
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Special education are available for students with identified disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA.) These services ensure a student’s access to general education curriculum and addresses the unique needs that result from his/her disability. Services are individualized and implemented through the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) this is provided to a student in the least restrictive environment. Through the IEP process, the students and collaborative team members are encouraged to develop specific goals related to a career plan that will support the student in reaching these goals by focusing on academics and social/emotional skills that will guide students to success and to become contributing members of society.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)
An ELL program is available to students with non-English or limited English speaking proficiency. The mission of the ELL program is to provide a bridge to general education standards expected of all students in Manassas Park City Schools. Ell services are provided using the following models of instruction: sheltered, co-teaching, and intervention/ tutoring. The department offers special resources and services to meet the needs of the English Language Learners. Language instruction is organized to assist students in communicating effectively in English both in and out of school and to use English to achieve academically in all content areas.
What is the process for Early Graduation?
Early graduation request will only be approved in the most extenuating circumstances. All students submitting a request must meet with the School Principal, School Counselor, and Parents/Guardians to discuss request. Request will be considered only during students Junior year. For more information please contact your School Counselor.
Middle School Credit Bearing Courses
For any high school credit-bearing course taken in middle school, parents may request that grades are expunged from the student’s record. Credit will not be awarded for the expunged course(s.)
Parents requesting this option must submit a letter to the middle school principal no later than July 1st of each year.
What is the transcript Review Process for transfer students?
Transcripts for all students enrolling at Manassas Park High School will be evaluated on an individual basis and credits will be awarded for courses that meet or exceed the Virginia Department of Education guidelines. Transcripts from a school division outside of the United States will be translated, if necessary, and credits will be awarded for courses that meet or exceed the Virginia Department of Education guidelines.”