Grades:  9                                                            Credit:  one

This is the first of a two-year, chronologically organized study of world history and geography. In this first year, students study the world from ancient times to 1500. The course highlights the relationship between the geography and history of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Students refine and expand critical thinking skills, practice decision making and problem solving, and formulate questions to guide research. World History and Geography 1 is required for graduation.  Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test. 

Grades:  9                                                            Credit:  one

Pre-AP World History and Geography 1 offers ninth grade students an opportunity to develop the skills and background knowledge needed to be successful in Advanced Placement World History taken in grade 10. Pre-AP World History and Geography 1 satisfies the World History and Geography 1 graduation requirement.  Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test. 

Grades:  10                                                          Credit:  one

This is the second of a two-year, chronologically organized study of world history and geography. In this second year, students study the world from 1500 through the contemporary era. The course weaves together the skills and content of both history and geography so that students may learn how history and geography affect each other and therefore gain a more complete understanding of the world around them, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Students continue to refine and expand critical thinking skills, practice decision making and problem solving, and formulate questions to guide research. World History and Geography 2 is required for graduation.
Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test. 

Grades:  10, 11, 12                      Credit:  one/weighted +.5

Advanced Placement World History is designed to develop greater understanding of the evolution of global processes and contacts, in interaction with different types of human societies. This understanding is advanced through a combination of selective factual knowledge and appropriate analytical skills. Focused primarily on the past fifteen hundred years of the global experience, the course builds on an understanding of cultural, institutional, and technological precedents that, along with geography, set the human stage prior to 600. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement World History exam.  This course may be used to satisfy the World History and Geography II requirement. Note: When taken as the World History and Geography 2 substitute course, the World History and Geography 2 SOL Test is required. The SOL Test is not given when AP World is taken as an elective.  Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test. 

Grades:  10, 11, 12                      Credit:  one/weighted +.5

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination in European History, for which college credit and/or placement is given if a qualifying score is achieved. The Advanced Placement Program in European History covers the basic chronology of events from 1450 to the present, from the High Renaissance to the recent past. Students are expected to demonstrate a knowledge of this basic chronology and of major events and trends in the intellectual-cultural, political-diplomatic and social-economic history of modern Europe. In addition, students are expected to demonstrate an ability to analyze historical evidence and to express that understanding and analysis in writing. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement European History exam.

Grades:  11, 12                                                    Credit:  one

In this course, students develop the background necessary for an appreciation of the basic beliefs and practices of the world's religions. Importance is placed on historical origins as well as current beliefs. Students will study Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, Taoism, and other belief systems.

Grades:  11                                                          Credit:  one

Students examine the political, economic, social, and cultural growth of the United States, including the role of Virginia in this growth. Students study major historical developments and their impact on contemporary society and on the individual. Map and globe reading, critical thinking, writing, research, and group-process skills are refined. Virginia and United States History is required for graduation.  Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test. 

Grades:  11                                  Credit:  one/weighted +.5

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination in American History for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made. Students develop the factual knowledge and analytical skills necessary to deal with the issues and problems of American History. They do in-depth analysis of major developments; become familiar with primary sources; assess historical materials, evidence, and interpretations; and learn to write research papers. The course is equal to a full-year introductory college course. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States History. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement United States History exam.  Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test. 

Grades:  11                                  Credit:  one/weighted +.5

Students consider the ways literature reflects history and the human experience as they refine their awareness of language and the writer's craft.  They make connections between history and literature while examining the American experience.  Students acquire factual knowledge and strengthen critical thinking skills by studying the  political, economic, social, and cultural growth of the United States. Students study primary documents and engage in research and writing. They study traditional and contemporary American beliefs, values and characteristics.  In this course,  students receive one credit in Advanced Placement United States History and one credit in AP Language and Composition.  Students are required to take the Advanced Placement exam.  Students are required to take the Standards of Learning End of Course Test. 

Grades:  12                                                          Credit:  one

Students examine both the structure and function of American government at the national, state, and local levels. The course focuses on political decision-making, comparative political and economic systems, and the student's role as a citizen. Critical thinking, writing, research, and group-process skills are refined. Virginia and United States Government is required for graduation.

Grades:  12                                  Credit:  one/weighted +.5

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take the Advanced Placement examination for which college credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made. In the study of American government, students interpret national, state, and local government and politics through a study of both general concepts used to interpret U.S. politics and the analysis of specific examples. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States Government. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Government exam.

Grades:  12                                  Credit:  one/weighted +.5

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to take both the Advanced Placement examination for United States Government and Politics and the Advanced Placement examination for Comparative Government for which college credit and/or placement may be given if qualifying scores are made. The course includes a study of comparative government as well as American government and politics. In the study of American government, students interpret national, state, and local government and politics through a study of both general concepts and specific case studies. In the study of comparative government, emphasis is placed on understanding the world's diverse political structures and practices, as well as on interpreting and analyzing the key political relationships found in national governments. Completion of this course fulfills the graduation requirement for one credit in Virginia and United States Government. Students in this course must take at least one of the two AP Government exams and may take both.

Grades:  11, 12                                                    Credit:  one

This course provides practical information and problem-solving opportunities regarding the law. Students develop both knowledge of the law and skills necessary for survival in our law-based society.  Students engage in active learning experiences such as mock trials, moot courts, role play, case studies, simulations and small group exercises. Students explore the definition of law, citizen rights and responsibilities under the law, learn methods of dispute resolution, as well as identify and analyze public issues.

Grades:  11, 12                                                    Credit:  one

Students examine patterns and variations of human behavior and the process of individual human development. They identify and examine the emotional, intellectual, and physical factors which influence the development of the individual human being. Students distinguish among the major schools and systems of psychology and methods of investigation.

Grades:  11, 12                            Credit:  one/weighted +.5

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major sub fields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. The aim of Advanced Placement Psychology is to provide the students with a learning experience equivalent to that obtained in an introductory college psychology course. College credit and/or placement may be given if a qualifying score is made on the Advanced Placement examination. The rigorous course syllabus and college level texts both suggest that students who enroll should be highly motivated and intellectually curious. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement Psychology exam.