Advanced Coursework

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Overview

The Office of Advanced Learning provides support to school divisions for multiple educational opportunities and pathways for gifted and advanced students in the Commonwealth. Program oversight includes Cambridge, Dual Enrollment, International Baccalaureate (IB); Advanced Placement (AP); Academic, Summer Residential and Summer Regional Governor's Schools; and gifted education services. This webpage provides important information and resources for educators and families to assist in understanding advanced learning programs and navigating these educational opportunities. The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) aids school divisions in implementing research-based best practices for instruction, ensuring equitable access to rigorous educational opportunities, and maintaining program quality across advanced learning pathways.

Supports and Resources for Elementary Schools

These resources are ideal starting points for educators of advanced learners in elementary school.

Resource	Description
Accelerated Math Resources	On the VDOE Mathematics webpage, educators can find resources about accelerated math pathways, including communication to families.
Academic and Career Plan Portfolios	The Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (SOA) includes a provision for each elementary school student to develop an Academic and Career Plan Portfolio in the elementary grades. The Academic and Career plan webpage provides additional information to educators and families.
Gifted Education in Virginia	Per 8VAC20-40, all school divisions are required to have a plan to refer, identify, and serve gifted learners. Many advanced learners are identified as gifted by their school divisions. To learn more about gifted education in Virginia, visit the VDOE Gifted Education webpage.
Center for Gifted Education at William and Mary	The Center for Gifted Education at William and Mary provides curriculum, professional development, and programs for advanced learners.
National Association for Gifted Children	The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to research and best practices for identifying and serving gifted students. Educators can find resources and professional development information.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	The Primary Years Programme from the International Baccalaureate Organization is an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that building on conceptual understanding for students aged 3-12. This program is available in many school divisions in Virginia.

Supports and Resources for Middle Schools

These resources are ideal starting points for educators of advanced learners in middle school.

Resource	Description
Accelerated Mathematics Resources	On the VDOE Mathematics webpage, educators can find resources about accelerated math pathways, including communication to families.
Educational Opportunities for Gifted Middle School Students	This resource provides an in-depth look at opportunities for middle school advanced learners in the Commonwealth.
Academic and Career Plans	The Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (SOA) includes provisions for each middle and high school student to have a personal learning plan and course of study that aligns with the student’s academic and career goals. The Academic and Career plan webpage provides additional information to educators and families.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	The Middle Years Programme from the International Baccalaureate Organization is a challenging framework that encourages students aged 11-16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. This program is available in many school divisions in Virginia.

Supports & Resources for High Schools

These resources are ideal starting points for educators of advanced learners in high school.

Resource	Description
Summer Residential Governor’s Schools	Summer Residential Governor’s Schools provide high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences in visual and performing arts; humanities; medicine and health sciences; mathematics, science, and technology; or through mentorships in marine science, or engineering. Applications are available to students in early October.
Educational Opportunities for Gifted Students at the High School Level	This resource provides an in-depth look at opportunities for high school advanced learners in the Commonwealth.
Virtual Virginia	Virtual Virginia provides Advanced Placement (AP) and dual enrollment online coursework for advanced learners throughout Virginia.
Academic and Career Plans	The Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (SOA) includes provisions for each middle and high school student to have a personal learning plan and course of study that aligns with the student’s academic and career goals. The Academic and Career plan webpage provides additional information to educators and families.
Advanced Placement (AP)	Advanced Placement (AP) coursework gives students the chance to take college-level work while still in high school and earn college credit and placement.
International Baccalaureate (IB)	The Diploma Programme (DP) and Career Programme (CP) through the International Baccalaureate Organization provides students aged 16-19 with the opportunity to broaden students’ educational experiences and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills. These programs are available in many school divisions in Virginia.
Cambridge	The Cambridge AICE Diploma offers breadth across the curriculum and depth in selected subjects, with a balance of mathematics and sciences, languages, and arts and humanities.
Dual Enrollment & College and Career Ready Virginia	Dual Enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses at a participating Virginia college or university. Career and College Ready Virginia (CCRV) allows students to access Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS) coursework at no cost.
Early College Scholars	The Early College Scholars program allows eligible public high school students to earn a minimum of 15 transferable college credits while fulfilling the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma. By completing a college degree in just seven semesters instead of the traditional eight, students can save an average of $5,000 in expenses.
Postsecondary Opportunities	To help Virginia students get ready for college, job training, or entry-level work, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1299 and Senate Bill 738 (2022). These laws asked the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to gather and share important information. On this page, you will find tools and resources about getting ready for college, how to apply, how to pay for school or training, and what jobs and salaries to expect in the future.