Attention 8th Graders: High School Programs and Specialty Center Information

November 17, 2020

High School Options – Below is a list of high school programs many of our 8^th grade students may be interested in applying to. All programs require an application and some programs require a supporting project, test or audition, so please read through the directions carefully. For an overview of the options, please click this link: Overview of Specialty Centers, the application, and other high school program options
Specialty Center applications – The online application is available from November 16^th – January 15^th, for interested 8^th grade students. All online applications must be submitted by January 15^th. The first step is for parents to sign an online permission/waiver form through the PowerSchool parent portal. The portal will be open from November 10^th – January 14^th. Please note it will take 24 hours after the permission/waiver form is completed before students can access the online application. Students must complete the online application, select two teachers to write recommendations, and complete necessary projects through the Schoology Course for Specialty Centers. Some centers require additional testing and auditions, so please review the instructions carefully.

Specialty Center application, information sessions, open house schedule and timeline
Specialty Center application overview
Specialty Center application step by step instructions
Video tutorial for the online application
ACE Center application – The online application for ACE Centers is available from November 16^th – January 15^th, for interested 8^th grade students who want to pursue a specific career path in high school. All applications must be submitted by January 15^th. If accepted, students will meet with the ACE Center school counselor and/or ACE Center teacher during their 9th and 10th grade years and attend events and programs related to their cluster of interest. In 10th grade, they will select the specific course (program) they want to attend. If they select a dual-enrollment course, they will complete the necessary placement testing in the spring/summer before 11^th grade.

CodeRVA application – CodeRVA is an innovative, regional, public high school in central VA focused on preparing students for college and careers in computer science and coding. CodeRVA applicants should have a interest in and passion for the study of computer science. HCPS students must have at least a 2.0 C average to apply, and they are selected on a lottery basis. There is a virtual open house scheduled for December 1^st at 7:00 PM. The online application will open on January 4^th and is due by February 20^th. Please click this link for more information: CodeRVA Regional High School