Welcome to the Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) Program of Studies—your interactive guide to planning for middle and high school success.
This resource is designed to:
- Showcase the wide range of academic opportunities available in NNPS
- Provide clear information on courses, programs, and pathways—including Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment, and Career & Technical Education (CTE)
- Help students and families understand Virginia’s graduation requirements
- Support the development of each student’s Academic and Career Plan (ACP), ensuring their choices align with future academic and career goals
The Program of Studies is more than a catalog of courses—it is a planning tool that encourages collaboration among students, families, and school staff. By working together, we can create a personalized educational journey that supports student strengths, interests, and aspirations.
For questions about academic planning, course options, or special programs, please contact your student’s school counselor.
Purpose of the Program of Studies
The NNPS Program of Studies is designed to help students and families:
- Explore the courses and programs offered in Newport News Public Schools middle and high schools
- Make informed decisions about course selections
- Understand Virginia’s graduation requirements and plan for a diploma option that aligns with student goals
- Develop and refine an Academic and Career Plan (ACP) that supports both educational and career aspirations
Students are encouraged to use this guide as a resource and to consult with their parents/guardians, school counselors, and teachers when making academic decisions.
General Information
Meeting graduation requirements is the joint responsibility of each student and their parent(s)/guardian(s). Beginning in seventh grade, school counselors review diploma requirements with students annually. Counselors maintain an active role throughout middle and high school to support families in course planning and academic decision-making.
Graduation requirements depend on both the type of diploma (Standard or Advanced Studies) and the year a student first enters ninth grade. Families should work closely with the school counselor to confirm requirements and ensure students are on track for graduation.
Preparing for Success
At NNPS, students are empowered to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to their communities. An early start in planning helps ensure long-term success. With the support of families and school staff, students develop an Academic and Career Plan that reflects their individual strengths and goals.
When selecting courses, students should consider:
- Personal Attributes: strengths, abilities, interests, values, likes, and dislikes
- Curriculum Alignment: courses that support future education, career, or vocational goals
- Career Exploration: occupations that match skills and interests
- Additional Factors: finances, transportation, and extracurricular commitments
Academic and Career Planning
NNPS is committed to preparing students to be critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, creators, and contributors. Academic and career planning is central to this mission.
Through course planning and experiential opportunities, counselors and teachers guide students in:
- Self-Exploration – understanding personal strengths and interests
- Career Exploration – learning about career fields and opportunities
- Skill Development – preparing for success after graduation
Academic and career planning begins as early as 5th grade and continues through high school to ensure all students graduate college- and/or career-ready. Print a copy of NNPS Academic Career Plan to use as a guide as you plan your middle school classes, high school courses and your post high school plan. For more information, contact your school counselor or visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website.
Career Clusters
Career Clusters help students explore career options and align course selections with future goals. Virginia has adopted a nationally recognized framework of clusters, pathways, and sample occupations.
At NNPS, school counselors collaborate with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department to provide opportunities for students to discover and pursue their passions.
For more information about CTE pathways, programs, and career clusters, visit the NNPS Career Pathways webpage.
Note: Not all courses are offered at every school. Please consult your school counselor for specific course availability.
