Special Programs
Academy of Science
CAMPUS
C.S. Monroe Technology Center
Governor's School
PATHWAY to the Baccalaureate
Academy of Science
The mission of the LCPS Academy of Science is to provide an academic environment where students are encouraged to develop creative scientific endeavors of their own design, while having the opportunity to pursue a rich, well-rounded high school experience. A student at the Academy of Science will acquire skills to ask sophisticated scientific questions and conduct research and experimentation, to explore the interconnections between the sciences, math, and the humanities, to read, write, and communicate at a level that is required of university students, and to develop perspectives to assess the impact of scientific advancements on society.
The Academy of Science (AOS) opened in August 2005 for 9th and 12th grade students. The following year, the academy included a complete program of studies for students in grades 9 through 12. Students attend the AOS on alternating days. Students take science, math, and research courses at the Academy and all other subjects at their home school on the opposite day. This schedule enables students to maintain involvement in academic and extra-curricular activities at their home school while participating in a research-based challenging math and science program.
The cornerstone of instruction at 9th and 10th grades is an integrated physical science course which includes the study of Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics. Upperclassmen participate in a Science Research Course in addition to AP Science and AP Math offerings. The Science Research Course is geared toward developing scientific habits of mind, as well as integrating math, writing, and communication skills into scientific experimentation.
The AOS faculty has built a mentorship program with local and regional science organizations, including the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) at Janelia Farms. Programs include student participation in research at the AOS as well as in the scientific community. The faculty of the AOS in collaboration with staff at HHMI has developed a national model for teaching inquiry-based, interdisciplinary science and math. The selection of the AOS faculty was based on their academic achievement in math and science, their interest in inquiry-based teaching, and their willingness to work with unique students. All staff members have advanced degrees; a number of the staff come to the AOS with extensive experience in private industry and research.
For application information for the Academy of Science, click here.
CAMPUS
CAMPUS is an academic and college preparation program designed to meet the specific needs of historically underrepresented students and first generation college students in Loudoun County. CAMPUS seeks to provide support and encouragement to students who demonstrate the ability to achieve academic success and college admission. Students commit to attending mandatory CAMPUS meetings or classes during the school day and attending CAMPUS activities throughout the year. Parents are also an intergral part of CAMPUS and its success. Parents are expected to particiapte in CAMPUS intitiatives and support their children in the college search and application process. Graduation from college is the measure of CAMPUS’ success.
Any student can apply to CAMPUS. Students apply to the program either in the spring of their eighth grade year, or if space is available, during the first few weeks of 10th or 11th grade. Application packets can be obtained from the guidance office at each middle or high school. Students must submit a complete application, including a writing sample and two teacher recommendations. Students are selected based on their potential aptitude for post -secondary education, leadership skills, demonstrated interest in advanced topics, and previous standardized test measures. Strong consideration is given to students who will be the first in their family to graduate from a college or university, come from a single-parent family, come from a non-or limited English speaking family, or may be considered socio-economically disadvantaged.
CAMPUS provides students with experiences to enhance academic success and ensure proper college preparation. The program supports students through critical experiences that begin from the time students leave middle school until high school graduation. CAMPUS includes academic enrichment and support, development of self-advocacy skills, goal setting, mentorship opportunities and experiences, college and scholarship training, leadership development, carefully guided course selection, community service, and meaningful co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
The BWHS CAMPUS counselor is Susan James and the CAMPUS class facilitators is Mr. Scott Cissel.
Questions concerning the program should be directed to the guidance department at 703-957-4402.
C.S. Monroe Technology Center
The C.S. Monroe Technology Center provides advanced technical training for LCPS students in a variety of areas. The programs are designed to allow students to pursue a special interest, to get a head-start on post-secondary education, and to develop specialized career skills that are relevant to today's workplace. Many of the programs offer college credit through articulation agreements with Virginia colleges and universities, as well as industry-standard certifications and licensure. Programs are offered in Administration of Justice, Advanced Networking (CISCO Systems), Auto Collision Repair, Auto Servicing Technology, Biotechnology, Building Construction, Computer & Digital Animation, Computer Integrated Engineering & Design (CIED), Computer Systems Technology/Information & Communications (CST), Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Environmental Plant Sciences, Firefighter, Graphic Communications, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Introduction to Health & Medical Sciences, Laboratory Technology, Licensed Practical Nursing, Masonry, Nail Design, Pharmacy Technology, Radiology Technology, Television Production/Digital Moviemaking, Veterinary Science, and Welding.
To visit the C.S. Monroe Technology Website, click here.
Governor's School
Summer Residential Governor’s Schools provide gifted high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences in visual and performing arts; humanities; mathematics, science, and technology; medicine and life science; or through mentorships in marine science or engineering.
Each Summer Residential Governor’s School focuses on one special area of interest. Students live on a college or university campus for up to five weeks each summer. During this time, students are involved in classroom and laboratory work, field studies, research, individual and group projects and performances, and seminars with noted scholars, visiting artists, and other professionals. In the two mentorships, students are selected to work side-by-side with research scientists, physicians, and a variety of other professionals. A director and a student-life staff provide supervision of students 24 hours a day, throughout the program.
One of the most important aspects of the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools is the opportunity participants have to live, study, and get to know other students with similar interests and abilities from across Virginia. Both co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are designed to encourage students’ interests and abilities. Recreation and free time are provided outside of the academic environment that enable these students to enjoy, what for many is, their first summer living away from home.
Any Virginia gifted tenth- or eleventh-grade student may apply for the Summer Residential Governor’s Schools. Applications are made available in October. Additional copies are sent to high school guidance departments of public and private schools, as well as each school division’s gifted education coordinator. Each school division has a specific number of nominations it may send to the Virginia Department of Education.
Nominations may be made by teachers, guidance counselors, peers, or by the students themselves. A school or division selection committee chooses the nominees from each school or division and forwards the nominees to a state committee. Consideration is given to students’ academic records, test scores, extra-curricular activities, honors, and awards, creativity, original essays, and teacher recommendations. Students applying for the Visual and Performing Arts Summer Residential Governor’s School participate in a statewide adjudication where they audition or present portfolios for review before a pair of professionals in the specific arts field. Because of the limited number of residential placements available, not all students who are nominated by their schools can be accepted for participation.
Job-for-a-DayThe Loudoun County School-Business Partnership sponsors the Job-for-a-Day Program for high school juniors in November. Students who participate in the program will spend one day with a person in the community who is involved in a career in which the student is interested.
The goals of this program are to:
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Allow students to explore a field in which they have an interest or aptitude.
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Offer students exposure to career fields about which they have not previously known.
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Strengthen students’ awareness of business, industry, and business enterprises within the community.
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Heighten students’ decision-making processes related to life skills and career choices.
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Provide students with hands-on experiences with people, places, and things not always available in the classroom or school environment.
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Help students learn about job/career opportunities within the local area.
Interested students should contact the Guidance Office. Applications are due in late September or early October.
PATHWAY to the Baccalaureate
The Pathway to the Baccalaureate (PATHWAY) Program is designed to provide a supportive environment to students who begin their post-secondary education at Northern Virginia Community College and then plan to transition to George Mason University to complete their four-year college degree.
Students accepted into the PATHWAY program are provided with one-on-one academic and career counseling sessions with college counselors, opportunities to participate in selected social and cultural events at NOVA and GMU, free workshops on financial aid and other topics, and priority course selection and registration at NOVA.
Information and applications can be picked up in the Guidance Office.
