General Information

Advanced Placement Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams are administered each year in May and represent the culmination of college-level work in a given discipline in a secondary school setting. Rigorously developed by committees of college and AP high school faculty, the AP Exams test students' ability to perform at a college level. Students who perform well can receive course credit and/or advanced standing at thousands of universities worldwide. For more information about AP Exams, including preparation, dates and fees, visit the College Board's AP Central site.

AP Limits

Students can begin taking AP classes in 10th grade.

Loss of credit may be appealed to the School Attendance Committee. The principal makes decisions regarding loss of credit. Any decision to deny credit or promotion may be appealed to the Superintendent or designee for final disposition.

Virginia High School League

To be eligible for participation on athletic teams, the Virginia High School League (VHSL) requires that students be enrolled in five (5) credits (in progress) and have passed five (5) classes (earned credits for 5 classes) the previous semester. Repeating a course for which a passing grade was received does not count toward the required five courses for athletic eligibility. First semester 9th graders are eligible on the basis of their promotion from the 8th grade the previous semester. See Athletic Handbook for details.

• Any course in which a student receives a full credit during one semester may be doubled and counted as such for eligibility purposes.
• Any course taken every day or every other day (for an extended block; e.g., an A-B block) for the entire year counts as a stand alone course for one credit.
• Any semester course taken for partial credit counts as one course.
• 3 credit courses at CATEC count as three classes for VHSL Eligibility.
• In the case of hybrid schedules one must count the courses based upon what is outlined above. Here are some scenarios:
  • Straight 4 x 4 (four courses taken each semester–each for one credit): These are double and, as such, a student must past a minimum of three each semester to be eligible.
  • 4x4 plus year-long courses or semester courses: Student is taking three 4 x 4 courses and three year-long or semester courses. If the student only passes two of the 4 x 4 courses (equivalent of four courses), the student must pass at least one year-long course to attain the required “pass five” standard. If a student only passes one of the 4 x 4 courses (equivalent of two courses), the student must pass all three of the year-long courses to attain five courses passed for credit.

Visit the VHLS Eligibility site »

NCAA – Academic Eligibility Requirements

If you want to play National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports at an NCAA Division I or II school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. The Eligibility Center works with you and your high school to certify your initial eligibility.

For more information about registering with the NCAA, view their Registration Checklist.

In accordance with the requirements of the Standards of Quality, students who complete coursework defined by the local school board but have not earned the required verified credits for diplomas are awarded Certificates of Program Completion.

ACPS offers the following levels of core courses: Advanced, Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (DE), Honors, and International Baccalaureate (IB). Individual high schools may decide to combine some course levels to increase opportunities for students to participate in higher course levels.

• Advanced level classes are designed to engage students in curriculum designed to stimulate and encourage academic growth and performance.
• AP/DE/Honors/IB level classes are designed for students who seek additional academic rigor, depth and complexity. These classes frequently use abstract and critical thinking approaches through inquiry-based projects to extend and deepen understanding of the content. We consider these courses to be of similar rigor and represent the highest options offered.

The goal of Albemarle County Public Schools is to ensure opportunity and access to high-level curriculum and instruction for all students.

Students meeting specific requirements for graduation and demonstrating exemplary performance may receive diploma seals for recognition. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) makes available multiple Graduation (Diploma) Seals of Achievement. For more information about each seal, including specific requirements, visit the Board of Education's Diploma Seals of Achievement web page.

A student planning to satisfy all graduation requirements established by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Albemarle County Public Schools prior to his or her cohort’s graduation date may petition the school principal for early graduation. The student must write a plan in collaboration with school counseling staff and his or her parent or guardian including courses and other requirements to be fulfilled. The plan must also outline the student’s reason for requesting early graduation. Reasons may range from hardships to plans for early college attendance. A request for early graduation will be approved at the discretion of the school principal. Students wishing to graduate in a time period of less than four years must be able to show that they can meet their graduation requirements. In addition, students must show that they have a sustainable post graduation plan. Students whose plans are approved will be remain enrolled at the school through their graduation date unless special circumstances are determined by the principal.

Early Graduation Request Form

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPA is determined by dividing the total grade points received by the total number of credits attempted.

Academic Achievement Program

The school division's academic achievement program recognizes all graduating seniors who earn an unweighted 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or better during their high school career. The primary objective of this program is to recognize students both for their consistently high performance throughout their four years of high school and for the contributions so many of them make to our high school communities.

We have three levels of academic honor recognitions. The following designations are affixed to the student's diploma:

• Cum Laude, Graduating With Praise for students whose unweighted GPA is from 3.0 to 3.4
• Magna Cum Laude, Graduating With Great Praise for students whose unweighted GPA is from 3.5 to 3.7
• Summa Cum Laude, Graduating With Highest Praise for students whose unweighted GPA is 3.8 or higher

Weighted Grades

As part of the school profile, each high school will report class size. Class rank will only be reported for special circumstances: military academies, honors programs, and scholarship opportunities.

All courses with Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment (PVCC or JMU), Honors, and International Baccalaureate (IB) designations are weighted using the scale below. Additionally, beginning with students entering 9th grade in the 2022-23 school year, students will earn a weighted credit for the third and fourth Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses they take within a CTE Career Cluster as well as many level 3 and level 4 elective courses. Weighted electives are identified within their course descriptions. You can also view a printable list of weighted courses.

Grading Policy

ACPS is committed to a balanced and equitable assessment system. Balanced assessment systems provide accurate and timely information about student learning and achievement. The crux of a balanced assessment system is equitable grading practices. Healthy grading practices encourage and support learning by helping students and teachers see that their continued efforts will result in success.

Resources:

• Grading Handbook for Families and Students
• School Board Policy IKBA, Grading Policy

Grading Scale

Most Virginia students graduate with either an Advanced Studies Diploma or a Standard Diploma. Other diploma options are available for eligible students with disabilities and adult learners. Use the links below to access information about diploma options and requirements:

• Advanced Studies Diploma
• Standard Diploma
• Applied Studies Diploma
• Other Diplomas & Certificates

An ISAEP provides students at-risk of dropping out of school an educational experience that can prepare them for continued learning, successful employment, and responsible citizenship. A referral to ISAEP may be made by the student’s base school when a student demonstrates substantial need for an alternative program. The ISAEP recognizes that standard educational schedules and methods are not successful for all students. An ISAEP offers the opportunity of successful closure to one’s high school experience and opens the possibility for continuing education.

In order to be considered for an ISAEP, students must:

• Currently be enrolled in an Albemarle County high school;
• Be at least 16 and one year (6 or more credits) behind their entering class in credits earned;
• Achieve minimum entry test scores (a minimum of 410) on each of the five sections of the General Educational Development (GED) Practice Test and a minimum score of 7.5 on the Tests of Adult Basic Education (TABE) Reading Test;
• Complete a visit to the program;
• Meet with their parent/guardian, school counselor, and ISAEP Coordinator prior to enrollment in ISAEP; and
• Complete a career-aptitude assessment.

Each ISAEP has the following components:

• Academic preparation for the GED exam;
• Career guidance and exploration (demonstrate proficiency in Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills);
• Occupational experience and/or training; and
• Econ PPF Credit.

The program is located on the campus of Community Lab School (formerly Murray High School). Students who pursue an ISAEP follow a class and career/technical schedule based on their individual situation. See your school counselor for more information.

Transcripts for international students in grades 9-12 transferring to U.S. schools for the first time require evaluation to determine units of credit that may count toward graduation. When provided, an international transcript evaluation must be completed and standard units of credits are awarded as part of the registration process with the International & English Learners (EL) Program. International transcripts must be official to confer credit. If needed, the ESOL Office will obtain translation of these documents in accordance with federal law.

Students who have been absent or are suspended are responsible for any work missed. See student handbook for details.

ACPS offers a limited number of online classes for our high school students. These online courses are specifically reserved for students who are enrolled full-time in ACPS. Due to the limited availability of online classes, we encourage students to discuss their interest and eligibility with their school counselor to explore the best options for their educational needs.

After the third calendar day of absences resulting from out-of-school suspension, days of subsequent suspension count against the limit of absences for earning credit. The Attendance Committee gives special attention to these absences and may withhold a final decision on loss of credit until the end of the semester or the current school year, as appropriate. During this time, the student’s behavior is monitored to assess progress.

Course selection for the upcoming year is an opportunity for each student to think carefully about interests, achievement, and educational and career goals. Give very serious consideration to this registration process.

After students make their selections for the following year, teachers will indicate their recommendations in PowerSchool and connect with families that have chosen a different course than what the teacher recommends.

School counselors will meet with students individually to review course selections and graduation requirements and to make sure students are on track with post-secondary goals.

All requests for schedule changes must be made by the last Friday in March (of the previous school year). It may not be possible to accommodate requests for changes.

Credits cannot be earned for courses entered after ten (10) school days have passed for year-long classes, and five (5) school days have passed for semester classes.

Other considerations:

• Due to budget and staffing guidelines, course selections are finalized by the end of the preceding school year.
• Selected courses may be offered during zero period, which meets before school. Students who register for these courses must provide their own transportation.
• A course is offered only if enough student requests support that course.
• Electives: alternate choices are made, as the school reserves the right to assign students the alternate choice if necessary or if scheduling conflicts occur.
• Corrections to student schedules must take place on or before the 5th day of the semester for semester-long courses and on or before the 10th day for year-long courses, to a prevent penalty or notation on the student’s transcript.
• Added Classes: Classes may only be added under extenuating circumstances and must take place on or before the 5th day of the semester for semester-long courses and on or before the 10th day for year-long courses.
• Dropped Classes: Classes dropped after the 5th day of the semester for semester-long courses and after the 10th day for year-long courses but before the 2nd week after the 1st interim period will have a “W” (withdraw) noted on the transcript. The “W” is not factored into the GPA. Permission of the Principal is required.
• Under extenuating circumstances, exceptions may be considered by the Principal for a class to be dropped after the above dates. A withdrawn failure (WF) is recorded on the student’s transcript. The withdrawn failure (WF) is included in the GPA calculation.
• An appeal of this policy may be considered by the Principal for the student to receive a Withdrawn (W) on their transcript and not have the course included in the GPA calculation.
• Dual Enrollment/college courses follow the college's add/drop procedures.

On March 29, 2007, the Virginia Board of Education adopted amended regulations governing the Secondary School Transcript. These revisions were made in order to strengthen the transcript regulations and to bring them into conformity with amended or new state and federal laws as well as the needs of higher education. The secondary school transcript regulations became effective for students taking secondary courses for credit beginning in the 2008-09 school year.

When parents request a transcript from the high school, the student’s "test record" is required by law to be on it unless the parent has requested in writing that the information be excluded. "Test record" includes at least the highest score earned, if available, on college performance-related standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, and excludes Standards of Learning (SOL) test scores. Note: Parents/guardians who would like this information excluded from their child's high school transcript should contact their child's school counselor for the appropriate form.

Full-day absences will be noted on the transcript yearly.

All courses taken and grades earned are recorded on the transcript, including courses retaken. However, only the highest grade is calculated in the GPA.

Beginning with students entering ninth grade in the 2018-19 school year, students qualifying for an Advanced Studies Diploma must successfully complete two sequential electives for two full credits chosen from a concentration of courses that provide a foundation for further education, training or preparation for employment. Certain courses satisfy the requirement for Fine Arts or Career and Technical Education and for sequential electives. All students qualifying for a Standard Diploma must meet the same requirement.

School attendance is critical to academic achievement and preparing students for the world of work and personal success. Each parent or guardian having charge of a child within the compulsory attendance age is responsible for the child’s regular and punctual attendance at school as required under provisions of state law. Please refer to School Board Policy JED, Student Absences/Excuses/Dismissals, for specifics.

Chronic Absences: The middle school principal and the high school principal have the discretion to deny high school credit toward graduation for a course to a student who misses more than ten (10) single class periods during the school year. Any decision to deny credit may be appealed to the principal or principal’s designee for restoration under conditions determined by the principal.

Early Dismissals (leaving school early): If a class is missed due to early dismissal, it is considered an absence. As noted previously, absences are recorded by individual classes not by school day. Three early dismissals equals an absence in the applicable class(es).

All students through grade 12 shall maintain a full-day schedule of classes unless:

• A waiver is granted by the Superintendent/Designee;
• A recommendation of the principal and acceptance by a college or university has qualified a student to be released during school hours to take college or university courses. Tuition and transportation for these courses are the responsibility of the student; or
• Students are taking college courses for dual credit according to the Virginia accreditation standards.

Students receiving a “Pass” in a course designated as pass/fail are credited with completion of the course, but the grade from such a course is not included in the calculation of the GPA. Students receiving a “Fail” in a pass/fail course receive a grade point of 0, which is included in calculations of the GPA.

A standard credit is awarded for a course in which the student successfully completes the objectives of the course and the equivalent of 140 clock hours of instruction.

A verified credit is awarded for a course in which the student earns a standard unit of credit and achieves a passing score on a corresponding end-of-course SOL test or a substitute assessment approved by the Board of Education.

For responses to commonly asked questions about verified credits, visit the Board of Education's Graduation FAQ.

For specifics about verified credit requirements for transfer students, visit the Board of Education's Information for Transfer Students web page.

Ask your school counselor for more information about verified and locally verified credits.