In addition to the comprehensive curriculum, students can apply to magnet programs, which allow them to focus more intensely on their career and academic interests. These programs include the fine arts and communications magnet at Woodside High School, the Governor’s STEM Academy at Heritage High, the Governor's Health Sciences Academy at Warwick High, the University magnet at Heritage and the Aviation magnet at Denbigh. Students must apply to magnet programs. Transportation is provided to all programs.
For a complete guide to the magnet process and more information, please see your school counselor or visit Magnet & Specialty Programs.
Aviation Academy – Denbigh High School
Students at the Denbigh Aviation Academy may take courses in the following program areas:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Aviation Maintenance
- Flight Operations
Distinctive Features
- Small community of learning with a collegiate atmosphere
- Participate in community service, job shadowing and internships, and other leadership activities
- Profit from partnerships with business, higher education, professional and other groups
- State of the art facility that includes 3D printers, 3D scanners, a wind tunnel, flight simulators and virtual reality labs
- Developing skillsets that all employees need to be successful in the workforce
- Multiple aircraft for students to work on as well as taxi on runway
- A true hands-on facility that mirrors the Aviation/Aerospace workspace
Website: Aviation Academy
Brochure: DHS Aviation
Governor's STEM Academy - Heritage High School
Students at the Governor's STEM Academy at Heritage High School may take courses in the following program areas:
- Engineering and Robotics
- Computer Networking and Cybersecurity
- Computer Science and Game Design
Distinctive Features
Students will:
- Gain STEM literacy skills through an interdisciplinary curriculum that connects the four areas of science, technology, engineering and math
- Benefit from specialized, project-based courses which develop critical-thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills, preparing them for high-wage and high-demand careers
- Acquire greater communication skills and develop workplace readiness skills
- Receive opportunities to earn industry certifications preparing them to be more competitive in the workforce and when applying to advanced training schools or postsecondary institutions
- Obtain meaningful, real-life, hands-on experiences in their career pathway
- Profit from opportunities for internships, mentorships, job shadowing, and cooperative education, which provide students with advantages when entering postsecondary education and/or the workplace
Website: http://heritage.nn.k12.va.us
Brochure: http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/magnet/documents/magnet_heritage.pdf
University Magnet - Heritage High School
Students may take courses in the following program areas:
- Arts and Humanities
- Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Business/Marketing
- Mathematics and Science
- Natural Sciences
- Visual and Performing Arts
Distinctive Features
Students will:
- Acquire an Advanced Studies Diploma and explore various career pathways
- Complete at least six (6) Honors and/or Advanced Placement classes upon graduation to prepare them to be globally competitive
- Participate in community service, job shadowing and internships, and other leadership activities
- Profit from partnerships with business, higher education, industry professional and mentors
Website: http://heritage.nn.k12.va.us/about.html
Brochure: http://sbo.nn.k12.va.us/magnet/documents/magnet_heritage_univ.pdf
Governor's Health Sciences Academy - Warwick High School
Students at the Governor's Health Sciences Academy at Warwick High School may take courses in the following program areas:
- Therapeutic Services
- Diagnostic Services
- Biotechnology Research and Development
Distinctive Features
- Integrated curriculum helps students establish connections between mathematics, science and technology
- Opportunities to learn about careers through mentors, career and technical education student organizations (HOSA), career clubs, work site visits, guest speakers, internships and job shadowing experiences
- Participate in health-related school events
- Receive opportunities to earn health science related industry certifications preparing them to be competitive in the work-force and when applying to advanced training schools or post-secondary institutions.
- Obtain real-life and hands-on experiences through the use of the diagnostic and clinical health science lab
- Through our partnership with Riverside College of Health Sciences, students gain access to authentic health sciences experiences, career-focused learning, and opportunities to explore postsecondary pathways in the healthcare field.
Website: http://warwick.nn.k12.va.us/
Brochure: http://www.nnschools.org/magnet/documents/magnet_warwick.pdf
Arts & Communication Magnet – Woodside High School
Students may specialize in:
- Music – theory, musicianship, performing, composing, arranging
- Dance – with emphasis on ballet and modern dance, choreography, and dance history and theory
- Theatre – acting, directing, producing, stagecraft, scenery, lighting, costumes
- Creative writing – create original poetry, prose, essays, scriptwriting, historical fiction and critical reviews
- Communications – journalism, television production, engineering and technology and public relations
- Visual arts :
- Studio – painting, printmaking, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, mixed media
- Digital – computer art, video as art
- Photography – darkroom and digital.
Distinctive Features
- Arts instruction at a depth, level, and rigor not found in other Newport News high schools
- Opportunities to pursue an intensive study of the arts to enhance the student’s overall academic program, including many extra arts opportunities such as: shows, field trips, visiting artists, master classes and more
- Chance to work and study with arts professionals
- Interdisciplinary study linking the arts with other disciplines
- Creative writers experience one-on-one conferences, peer evaluations, group readings, visiting authors and the Writing Center
Website: http://woodside.nn.k12.va.us/magnet.html
Brochure: http://www.nnschools.org/magnet/documents/magnet_woodside.pdf
International Baccalaureate Programme – Warwick High School
Students in the International Baccalaureate Magnet Programme take courses in the following program areas:
- Pre-IB Program – Grades 9–10
- IB Diploma Programme – Grades 11–12
Distinctive Features
- Rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, inquiry, communication, and global perspectives
- Opportunities to earn the IB Diploma, recognized by colleges and universities worldwide
- Develop research, writing, and independent learning skills through the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
- Opportunities to earn college credit or advanced standing based on IB examination results
- Interdisciplinary learning that encourages students to make connections across academic areas
- Opportunities to participate in cultural experiences, service learning, and academic enrichment activities
- Preparation for success in college, careers, and an increasingly interconnected world