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Specialty Programs

Students of every academic interest can explore a universe of learning opportunities with Norfolk Public Schools! These rigorous, challenging programs in all five high schools and in six middle schools appeal to every interest. The application period will begin in October for enrollment the following school year, with acceptance letters mailed in the spring. 

Interested students and their families can learn more at the annual Specialty Programs Showcase, which features displays and demonstrations from each program along with an opportunity to interact with current students and staff. Additionally, each of the host schools conducts an open house event. Watch this page and the division’s communications channels including emails, calls, texts and social media for more information. 

Important Dates & Reminders

Applications and Instructions

For Current NPS Parents

If you are a current Norfolk Public Schools parent, please use the link below to complete the Specialty Programs application.

Apply Now

For Parents New to NPS

If you are not currently a Norfolk Public Schools parent, please use the link below to create an account. Once your account is created, you can proceed to complete the Specialty Programs application.

Create an Account

Instructions

Explore Our Specialty Programs

High School Programs

Each of Norfolk Public Schools’ five high schools offers world class, rigorous specialty programs designed to develop and inspire students academically and personally. Students may choose from the visual and performing arts, leadership and military science, International Baccalaureate, Sciences and Engineering, and medical and health. The programs cultivate problem solving and critical thinking, provide college, career, and leadership preparation, and internships or high-quality on-site learning opportunities with community partners.

For more information about each program, explore the information on this page or contact the program coordinators at each school. 

 

Academy of the Arts and S.T.E.M. at Booker T. Washington High School

The Academy of the Arts and S.T.E.A.M. Program inspires creativity through dance, music, theatre, art, and multimedia. Students gain problem-solving and leadership skills while pursuing their artistic passions.

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International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Granby High School

Granby’s International Baccalaureate Programme offers a world-class curriculum recognized by leading universities. Since 1997, it has prepared students for academic success and personal growth.

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The Academy of Leadership and Military Science at Lake Taylor High School

The Academy of Leadership and Military Science prepares students for future success through partnerships with military, education, and community leaders. With specialized classes and year-round internships, students build leadership skills in a unique, hands-on environment.

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The Medical and Health Specialties Program at Maury High School

Maury’s Medical and Health Specialties Program gives students hands-on experience in the fast-growing fields of medicine and healthcare. With classes at Maury, EVMS, and local sites, students explore real-world opportunities in healthcare careers.

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The Leadership Center for the Sciences and Engineering at Norview High School

Norview’s Leadership Center for the Sciences and Engineering (LCSE) challenges students with advanced math, science, and AP courses while building strong leadership skills. Through research, teamwork, and community service, students graduate ready to excel in college and STEM fields.

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Middle School Programs

Norfolk Public Schools offers six compelling, unique middle school specialty programs.  

Students can explore world languages and world cultures or military science, develop learning preferences and learn to take risks, feed a passion for a future career in the medical and healthcare fields, participate in hands-on, problem-based learning opportunities, develop critical thinking skills and positive habits of mind, or prepare for any of our high school specialty programs with a focus on career and college pathways in engineering and sciences, fine and performing arts, technology and service and leadership. 

These middle school programs provide extraordinary learning opportunities for students from around the division. Entry is application-based and requires completion of application components, including a written essay for rising middle school students.  

The Young Scholars Program at the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont requires that applicants be identified as gifted in General Intellectual Aptitude or Specific Academic Aptitude for Math, Communication Skills, or both. 

For more information about each program, explore the information on this page or contact the program coordinators at each school. 

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme at Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (Grades 3-8)

At the Academy for Discovery at Lakewood, students thrive in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme by exploring their interests and taking on new challenges. This engaging, real-world approach builds confidence and prepares students for future academic success.

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NPS Students

Pre-Medical, Health, and Engineering at Blair Middle School

Blair’s Pre-Med, Health, and Engineering Program inspires students to explore their passions in medicine, healthcare, and engineering. With a supportive and challenging environment, students gain early exposure to skills that prepare them for future success.

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Southside STEM Academy at Campostella

At Southside STEM Academy, students explore science, technology, engineering, and math through exciting, hands-on learning. With Project Lead the Way, they engage in real-world challenges that spark curiosity, build confidence, and prepare them for meaningful careers.

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Young Scholars at Rosemont

The Young Scholars Program at Rosemont Academy challenges gifted learners to reach their full potential. With engaging, research-based instruction, students build critical thinking skills and positive habits of mind that foster lifelong success.

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Academy of International Studies at Rosemont

At the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont, students explore world languages, cultures, and military science in a rigorous and engaging environment. With a focus area in either World Languages or Military Science, students gain the skills to succeed in a global society.

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NPS Students

Compass Academy at Ruffner (Grades 3-8)

Ruffner’s city-wide choice program empowers students in grades 3–8 to explore future college and career pathways. With opportunities in engineering, science, arts, technology, and leadership, students thrive in a challenging and supportive learning community.

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Lottery School

Ghent School

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.

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Questions? Please call the Specialty Programs office at (757) 628-3989