• ADL Students

  • 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.

    Parents are reminded that selection is through a lottery and not a merit-based selection process like other specialty programs in the city.  Because of the number of applications, ADL receives, and the limited seats available, there are many students who do not get selected.  It is always difficult for ADL staff to have to notify parents and students that their name was not pulled in the lottery.  There are so many students who want to enjoy the offerings of ADL, however, it is important for parents to prepare their students for the possibility of not getting selected.   

  • Contact Information

    Ms. Judy Gulledge, Instructional Specialist and International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Coordinator
    Academy for Discovery at Lakewood
    (757) 628-2477
    jgulledge@nps.k12.va.us

    School website

  • Requirements

    ADL StudentGeneral Requirements (All Middle School Programs)

    • Rising 6th grader and City of Norfolk resident for the following programs:
      • Academy for Discovery
      • Academy of International Studies
      • Compass Academy
      • Pre-Medical, Health, & Engineering
      • Program
      • Southside STEM Academy
      • Young Scholars Program
    • Rising 3rd grader and City of Norfolk resident for the following programs:
      • Academy for Discovery 
      • Compass Academy 
    • Positive attendance and discipline history*
    • Successful completion of all elementary core subjects with a grade of C or better.
    • Passing score for all 4th Grade SOL Tests**
    • Must maintain enrollment requirements per program enrollment agreement contract
    • Completed online application that includes short answer responses to four questions. Only online applications will be accepted.

    *Extenuating circumstances may be considered with explanation. The application includes space for this information, as needed.
    **Alternate assessments may be considered for students not enrolled in a Virginia public school.