About the program

The Academy of the Arts and S.T.E.A.M. Program is designed to provide students with in-depth exposure to the arts (dance, art, vocal, theatre arts, instrumental and multimedia) through a rigorous, challenging curriculum that will meet the academic, leadership and artistic needs of high school students. Program students are provided opportunities to develop their strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills through an intensive interdisciplinary program of study.

For more information, please visit Booker T. Washington's Specialty Programs webpage.

About the program

Granby High School’s International Baccalaureate Programme has been authorized since 1997. This program is a two-year “academically challenging and balanced program” intended for juniors and seniors who desire in-depth scholastic preparation for college or university. “It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being of students.  The program has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.” (IBO) Students apply for our preparation program as rising 9th graders. Granby accepts 60 9th graders each year.

For more information, please visit Granby High School's Specialty Programs webpage.

About the program

The Academy of Leadership and Military Science is a collaborative venture between Norfolk Public Schools and a number of community, private sector, government, higher education, and military agencies. The small learning community of the Academy includes cluster scheduling of all core, foreign language, naval science and leadership classes, as well as year-round internships with community partners.

For more information, please visit Lake Taylor's Specialty Programs webpage.

About the program

The Medical and Health Specialties Program at Maury High School is a unique program offering opportunities to highly motivated high school students seriously considering a career in the dramatically expanding fields of medicine and healthcare.  Classes are offered on the campuses of Maury High School and Eastern Virginia Medical School and other community sites as program needs dictate. 

For more information, please visit Maury's Specialty Programs webpage.

About the program

The Leadership Center for the Sciences and Engineering (LCSE) is a special learning community within Norview High School, geared for high-achieving students participating in a four-year, rigorous curriculum consisting of honors and Advanced Placement courses, with considerable emphasis on math and science. The program culminates with participation in the innovative AP Capstone® Program, during which students complete a senior research project. This experience provides the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills valued by colleges and future employers. In addition, LCSE students receive two years of formal instruction and training in leadership development and contribute to their school and community through extracurricular involvement and volunteer work.  The overall design of the LCSE program guides students toward possible college degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and/or math. However, the ultimate goal is to not only graduate students fully prepared to be successful in college, but also to equip them with the skills necessary to become effective leaders within our communities. 

For more information, please visit Norview's Specialty Programs webpage.

About the program

Academy for Discovery at Lakewood is a fully authorized International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) school and offers students the opportunity to develop their potential to explore their own learning preferences, to take appropriate risks, and to reflect upon and develop a strong sense of personal identity. The MYP is a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. The rigorous approach prepares students for success in high school.

For more information, please visit the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood's Specialty Programs webpage.

About the program

Blair Middle School believes all students deserve the opportunity to perform to their greatest strengths.  It is the goal of the Pre-Med, Health, and Engineering Program to provide students with a learning environment that is challenging, engaging, and interesting.  Our unique specialty program is designed for students with a passion for a future career in the medical, healthcare and engineering fields. 

For more information, please visit Blair's Specialty Programs webpage.

About the program

This program offers a diverse learning environment that encourages student exploration and success, preparing students for future learning opportunities and eventual meaningful careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Students participate in Project Lead the Way (PLTW), a nationally recognized program that emphasizes engaging, hands-on, problem-based learning opportunities designed to inspire and empower students. SSAC offers students the unique opportunity to engage in individualized learning experiences tailored to their unique needs while developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an academically rigorous and supportive environment.

For more information, please visit Southside STEM Academy Specialty Program's website.

About the program

Young Scholars is a program for highly motivated learners identified as gifted in General Intellectual Aptitude (GIA) or in a Specific Academic Aptitude (SAA- Math, English, or both). This "school-within-a school" is housed at Rosemont Academy.

Teachers trained in gifted pedagogy provide research-based instruction that is challenging, differentiated, and supportive to the development of critical thinking skills and positive habits of mind. The Young Scholars program affords gifted learners an opportunity to develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills to sustain lifelong learning.

For more information, please visit the Young Scholars at Rosmeont Specialty Programs website.

About the program

The Academy of International Studies at Rosemont is based on a thematic approach with a focus on world languages, world cultures, and military science (Navy League Cadets Program). Students can choose one of the following program options as a focus area: World Languages or Military Science. The school is designed to meet the academic challenges of a rigorous course of study where students build a global knowledge base and an understanding of world cultures.

For more information, please visit the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Specialty Programs website.

About the program

Ruffner School will feature a city-wide choice program for grades 3-8 with a focus on career and college exploration and pathways, with academic communities that offer rigorous instruction in engineering and sciences, fine and performing arts, technology, and service and leadership.

Ruffner's Specialty Programs website.

About the program

ADL is a city-wide 3rd through 8th grade school. Our program challenges students through rigorous, problem-based learning coursework, teaching our students skills to be successful in learning and life.  PBL will be embedded in instruction for all grades, 3rd through 5th.  Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.The teaching and learning that takes place in grades 3^rd through fifth, helps to prepare students for ADL’s IB MYP Specialty Program in grades six through eight.

For more information, please visit the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood's webpage.

About the program

Ghent K-8 School is an open classroom, choice school located in Norfolk’s historic Ghent neighborhood.  At Ghent, we believe that the true measure of a school is not in its building or resources but in the strength and effectiveness of the people who make up the school community. Our focus is to develop students who are highly motivated, mature and self-confident; who possess well-developed personal and social skills and demonstrate excellent learning behaviors. We encourage students to be effective at working independently and in teams, always showing support and concern for others.

For more information, please visit the Ghent School webpage.