Advanced Academic Programs developed by Virginia Beach City Public Schools represent an exciting expansion of curricular options for all students across the city. Recognizing that no educational program should adopt a “one size fits all” philosophy, the division developed the advanced academic programs to provide additional academic choices for our students.

The Virginia Beach Schools advanced academic programs are designed to appeal to students with a deep commitment to academic rigor. Currently, the division has two high school and one middle school advanced academic programs in operation. They are the International Baccalaureate Program at Princess Anne High School, Mathematics & Science Academy at Ocean Lakes High School, and Middle Years International Baccalaureate Program at Plaza Middle School.

Mission of the Mathematics & Science Academy

Vision of the Mathematics & Science Academy

Academy Course Descriptions
Academy Flyer
Academy Profile

 

The Mathematics & Science Academy is an advanced academic program designed for academically motivated and dedicated students. With this in mind, scientists, professors, community members, and educators created a challenging experience mirroring comparable competitive mathematics and science academies in the nation. This is a four-year program that provides a strong but broad study of mathematics and science. The senior project, which takes the form of a mentorship or formal research, is the capstone of the program.
 

• Extensive laboratory experience using CBLs and other computer-based software and hardware
• English curricula integrating a multitude of nonfiction materials and technical writing units
• Emphasis on critical thinking skills in all academy courses
• Intensive writing assignments designed to improve a student's skills and hone his/her ability to communicate effectively
• Participation in various academic competitions
• Exposure to a variety of technology applications including computers, software, scanners, digital cameras, and other peripheral devices
• Career counseling by guidance counselors and the academy coordinator to facilitate a student's preparation and acceptance into colleges and universities and opportunities to earn scholarships.

• Take at least one math and one science course each year,
• Complete a minimum of 5 units of high school math; entering freshmen are required to have completed Algebra I prior to 9th grade,
• Enroll in Honors or AP English courses in the Junior and Senior years of high school,
• Complete a minimum of 4 units of high school science, including magnet chemistry, magnet molecular biology, magnet physics and a full credit of senior science electives,
• Complete at least 3 years of one foreign language (students are encouraged to complete 4 years to be competitive applicants to selective colleges and universities); Completion of 1 year of a foreign language prior to 9th grade is recommended,
• Complete 1 year of magnet technology courses,
• Complete a senior research or mentorship project,
• Meet Virginia Advanced Studies diploma requirements,
• Take a minimum of 6 classes each semester. (The mentorship/research project is a graded, credit-bearing course, but it does not count as one of the required six classes.)
  
• Maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0.

Rising 9th grade students, enrolled in at least Algebra I, may obtain an application packet at any Virginia Beach middle school. Completed packets, including teacher and counselor recommendation forms, student data sheet, Admissions Agreement, student transcripts, most recent report card, and standardized test scores must be forwarded to the Academy Coordinator at Ocean Lakes High School. Applicants also will be required to take entrance tests and submit a writing sample. A selection committee will review the applications of all qualified applicants and select the top candidates for admission into the program.

For an application and process information, please see the
Virginia Beach Schools website at http://www.vbschools.com/curriculum/appprocess/index.asp

Ocean Lakes High School
885 Schumann Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
School Telephone Number: (757) 648-5550
School Fax Number: (757) 721 - 4309
AnnE.Zingraff-Newton@vbschools.com