The Academy Programs developed by Virginia Beach City Public Schools represent an exciting expansion of curricular options for all students across the city. Recognizing that no educational program should adopt a “one size fits all” philosophy, the division developed the academy prototype – a school within a school – to provide additional academic choices for our students.
High School Academy Programs
Our high school academies are designed to appeal to a wide range of student interests and offer myriad courses created on a continuum of academic difficulty. Students who have a talent for and/or deep interest in the focused curriculum of a particular academy are those who should apply.
Currently, the division has five high school academies in operation. Among them are the Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School; Health Sciences Academy at Bayside High School; the Legal Studies Academy at First Colonial High School; the Technology Academy at Landstown High School; and the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School.
Enrollment in an academy is based on a student’s successful application, customarily made by February 1 of the school year prior to matriculation. While similar in form, the individual applications may vary depending on the particular academy to which a student applies.
We invite all students and their parents to visit our academies and take part in their respective open houses, typically held in the months just prior to the application deadline. In addition, you may choose to call the academy coordinator at the school for more information.
The High School Academy Programs in Virginia Beach have been extremely successful in accommodating the learning styles and interests of a variety of students. We are pleased that our academies offer expanded choices to students that not only challenge them academically but also provide them with the core courses they need for Standards of Learning tests and graduation requirements.
The Application Process
Students interested in applying to one of the specialized academies may obtain an application from their guidance counselors or download the application form from the school division's Web site. Students may also obtain applications from the gifted resource teacher in their school.
All academies schedule Open Houses to give students and their parents an opportunity to learn about the programs, see the facilities, and ask questions of the teachers and the academy coordinators. The academies, in turn, have the opportunity to showcase their curricula and demonstrate to students and their parents the features that make their programs unique. Students interested in applying to one of the academies are invited to attend an open house with their parents to receive an overview of the course of study and a preview of the program.
The Mathematics and Science Academy at Linkhorn Park Elementary offers students a program of study that is fast-paced and that combines instruction in core subjects with enriched coursework in science and mathematics. Students have the opportunity to learn through a hands-on laboratory experience to develop their problem solving and higher order thinking skills.
The Academy Curriculum Team works with the school system's mathematics and science coordinators to offer a program of study that promotes student achievement as it encourages students to further pursue their specialized interests. Career opportunities in the fields of mathematics and science are explored. Computer literacy is also an important focus.
Teachers work in teams to present the lesson material to students so that instruction is student-centered. Students learn by working through problems that will develop and enhance their skills and knowledge.The teacher team also ensures that mathematics and science principles are worked into all subject matter.
Academy students conduct experiments in a fully equipped science lab.
Entrance Requirements
Students should demonstrate the following levels of achievement and interest in order to apply for admission to the Mathematics & Science Academy:
Third Grade
- Academic indicators of mathematics and science interest and potential in second grade (i.e.: grades, teacher anecdotal notes)
- Successful completion of the authentic assessment at the child’s home school administered by Academy Evaluators.
Fourth Grade (new applicants only)
- Academic average of a C or better in mathematics and science in third grade
- Indicators of mathematics and science interest and potential through anecdotal notes
- Successful completion of the authentic assessment at the child’s home school administered by Academy Evaluators.
Fifth Grade (new applicants only)
- Academic average of a C or better in mathematics and science in third and fourth grades
- Indicators of mathematics and science interest and potential through anecdotal notes
- Successful completion of the authentic assessment at the child’s home school administered by Academy Evaluators.
Selection Process
Students must apply to the Mathematics and Science Academy for admission. Only students who attend Alanton, Birdneck, Cooke, John B. Dey, Linkhorn Park, Seatack, and Trantwood Elementary Schools are eligible. Each school has a building contact to acquire information and applications.
The Mathematics and Science Academy was implemented in 2004-2005. The third grade class is comprised of 26 newly selected students from our feeder schools and 26 newly selected students from Linkhorn Park Elementary School.
A profile approach is used for the selection process. We look at the total child. Students are assessed using a rubric. The selection committee is comprised of specialists from Curriculum and Instruction, administrators from our feeder schools, administrators, and teachers from schools throughout the division. A waiting list of students will be maintained by grade level to fill potential openings through the end of the first nine weeks.
