The Mathematics and Science Academy provides Virginia Beach City Public Schools students a rigorous and unique program of study emphasizing the core areas of mathematics and science with an infusion of technology. Many of the courses offered are unavailable to other high school students.
Program Components
This program was designed for academically motivated and dedicated students. With this in mind, scientists, professors, community members, and educators created a challenging experience mirroring comparable competitive mathematics and science academy programs in the nation.
During the course of a student’s tenure at Ocean Lakes High School, he/she will be able to experience a rich environment of accelerated instruction including:
- Extensive laboratory experiences using the latest technologies and current computer-based software and hardware,
- English curricula integrating a multitude of non-fiction materials and technical writing units,
- Emphasis on critical thinking skills in all academy courses,
- Intensive writing assignments designed to improve a student’s skills and hone his/her ability to communicate effectively,
- Participation in various academic competitions,
- Exposure to a variety of technology applications including computers, software, scanners, digital cameras and other peripheral devices,
- Career counseling by guidance counselors and the academy advisor to facilitate a student’s preparation and acceptance into colleges and universities and for scholarships.
The Mathematics & Science Academy
Typical Course of Study
Sample Student Schedule
For detailed course descriptions, please refer to the
Secondary School Curriculum Guide.
Grade 9
- Magnet Honors English 9
- Magnet Advanced Algebra or Magnet Precalculus I, II
- Magnet Chemistry
- Social Studies Course
- Foreign Language
- Health & PE Level I
- Electives
Grade 10
- Magnet Honors English 10
- Magnet Geometry, Magnet Precalculus I, II or AP
Calculus AB or BC
- Magnet Molecular Biology
- Social Studies Course
- Foreign Language
- Health & PE Level II
- Electives
Science Electives
- *Magnet Analytical Chemistry (s)
- *Magnet Astronomy (s)
- *Magnet Biochemistry (s)
- *Magnet Human Anatomy (s)
- *Magnet Human Physiology (s)
- *Magnet Meteorology (s)
- *Magnet Microbiology (s)
- *Magnet Organic Chemistry (s)
- Magnet Physical Geology (s)
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
* Weighted Course
(s) Semester Course
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Grade 11
- Honors English 11 or AP English Language & Composition
- Magnet Physics or AP Physics B
- Magnet Precalculus I, II, AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Statistics, Magnet Data Analysis (s), Magnet Math Modeling (s), Differential Equations (s) or Multivariable Calculus (s)
- Virginia and U.S. History or AP U.S. History
- Magnet Foundations of Technology (s)
- Magnet Technology Elective (s)
- Foreign Language
- Electives
Grade 12
- Honors English 12 or AP English Literature & Composition
- Magnet Science (2 semesters)
- AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Statistics, Magnet Data Analysis (s), Magnet Math Modeling (s), Differential Equations (s) or Multivariable Calculus (s)
- Virginia and U.S. Government or AP U.S. Government
- Electives
- Senior Research or Mentorship Project
Mathematics Electives
- *Multivariable Calculus (s) &
- *Differential Equations (s)
- *Magnet Data Analysis (s)
- *Magnet Math Modeling (s)
- *Magnet Computer Architecture (s)
Technology Electives
- Magnet Materials of Science (s)
- Magnet Electrical Engineering (s)
- Magnet Multimedia Communications (s)
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- Students take a minimum of six (6) classes each semester.
- The sequence of math courses followed by a student is dependent upon the student's coursework prior to entering OLHS and his/her achievement in the courses each year.
- The electives selected by each Academy student should correlate with his/her interests. Students will need to plan their sequences of courses carefully to meet any prerequisite requirements for specialized courses.
Senior Project
As a capstone experience of each Mathematics and Science Academy student’s program of study, the mentorship/research project truly sets students apart. The focus of the project is in a field of math, science, or technology and integrates the foundational topics studied in the preceding years. Students elect to complete a field-based research project or mentorship with a practicing scientist, mathematician, or a like professional. Successful completion of this portion of the program includes 140 hours of independent work, a multimedia presentation of the experience, a written summation, and an oral presentation.
Program Requirements
Each academy student will:
- Complete a minimum of five units of high school math; entering freshmen are required to have completed Algebra I prior to 9th grade,
- Enroll in Honors or AP English courses each year of high school,
- Complete a minimum of four units of high school science, including magnet chemistry, magnet molecular biology, magnet physics and two senior science electives,
- Complete at least three years of one foreign language (Students are encouraged to complete four years to be competitive applicants to selective colleges and universities. It is recommended that entering freshmen complete one year of a foreign language prior to 9th grade.)
- Complete one year of magnet technology courses,
- Complete a senior research or mentorship project,
- Take a minimum of six classes each semester. (The mentorship/research project may replace one semester class during the senior year.),
- Meet Virginia Advanced Studies diploma requirements,
- Take a full credit of mathematics and a full credit of science each year.
For additional information please call the Academy Coordinator at 757.648.5550 ext. 57707, or e-mail Ann Zingraff-Newton anne.zingraff-newton@vbschools.com at Ocean Lakes High School. |
View a brief video overview of the Mathematics and Science Academy Program.