High School Academics

High School Course Offerings

The High School Course Offerings booklet provides you with information about Newport News secondary school programs, courses required for graduation, and future career opportunities for students. Download "High School Course Offerings" booklet.

Career Pathways

"Career Pathways" is a way of learning about careers in Newport News Public Schools. The Career Pathways way of learning is now in every school, so all students will leave our school division equipped with the skills and a clear understanding of the pathway to success in their chosen career.
 
Pathways are comprised of interrelated courses, as well as curricular, extra-curricular, and service learning experiences. NNPS has selected individual career pathways based upon local market needs in the Hampton Roads area and student interests. Learn more about this dynamic program.

Standards of Learning

The Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools describe the commonwealth's expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver education.

These standards represent a broad consensus of what parents, classroom teachers, school administrators, academics, and business and community leaders believe schools should teach and students should learn.

In the four core areas of English, mathematics, science, and history/social science, a curriculum framework also is provided that details the specific knowledge and skills students must possess to meet the standards for these subjects. Standards of Learning currently in effect are listed on the Virginia Department of Education web site.

Learn more about SOLs and other testing at Newport News Public Schools.

More Information

Curriculum Subject Areas

Grading System: Report cards are issued each nine weeks and are supplemented by interim reports at the mid-point of each marking period. View high school grading scale.

Homework Policy: Homework is an important part of the educational experience, serving to strengthen skills already taught, increase learning time, provide enrichment opportunities, promote creativity, responsibility and independence, and develop good work and study habits.

Students should expect one-half hour of homework per class each night. This is not meant to be a minimum or maximum. Some students may need more time and some less time to accomplish an assignment. The complexity of honors level work may require additional time.