Student Guide: Specialty Programs
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Overview
If students do not apply to any of the specialty programs, then they will attend their zoned base high school.
Where can I learn about the different programs?
Parents are also welcome to view the narrated PowerPoint presentation that was created for students.
How can I learn more detailed information about each program?
All of the PWCS high schools will be offering various information nights. Please visit this website to find a list of all the information nights offered across the county. This document is live, and will be updated as more schools provide information about their information nights.
Additionally, eighth grade students will be viewing a High School Specialty Program presentation in their advisory classes during the week of October 19th and can access the presentation in our Counseling Department's Canvas page in the 8th grade module.
How does my student apply to a specialty program?
Students will also need to write 250 CHARACTERS (NOT WORDS) about why they want to attend their first choice program. This is a very brief statement about why they want to attend that program. If students write an essay - it will simply be cut off after 250 characters.
Do some programs have additional requirements?
YES.
For the overwhelming majority of programs, you just need to complete the online application. However, there are a few programs that require and/or recommend that additional materials be completed:
- The CFPA Program at Colgan High School - Students will need to complete an Audition/Portfolio packet. The Audition format (Virtual/In-Person) has not yet been determined.
- The CISL Program at Hylton High School - They recommend that students complete two teacher recommendations and an essay. Please see the Hylton CISL Website
- The Pre-Governor's Program at Osbourn Park High School - Students MUST complete an additional paper application which contains a student information sheet, research/study experience, and two teacher recommendations - available on Pre-Gov Website.
How will transportation work?
Now's the time to consider JROTC
Do you like a challenge? Do you want to build a community in high school? Looking to make friends with similar interests? Looking for motivation in life and school?
JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps) at Woodbridge Senior High School might be the right program for you!
The JROTC curriculum is updated to include classes in cyber security and emergency managements skills that can lead to certification, industry guest speakers and instruction, and employment. To learn more about the JROTC program at WSHS, visit their webpage, read the PWCS JROTC FAQs page, or listen to this episode of the What's Up Woodbridge podcast that highlights the program.
JROTC does not have a traditional application form this year but requests an interest form be completed. The form can be found here and is due on 15 March. Those students who complete the form will be contacted by one of the instructors and a JROTC Cadet.
Additionally, all students that are considering JROTC are strongly encouraged to email Ms. Purrier, LRMS School Counselor and JROTC Club sponsor. You will be invited to attend a club meeting and to the JROTC Club Canvas page. This will help you learn more about all the opportunities JROTC offers its cadets.
ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 1st, 2021. **THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS THE CFPA PROGRAM at COLGAN HIGH SCHOOL - THE DUE DATE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS DECEMBER 7th, 2020**
Have additional questions?
Reach out to your student's School Counselor, or our counseling director, if you have questions.
- Ms. Merica, Counseling Director
- Ms. Purrier-- last names A-D
- Ms. Yosca-- last names E-K
- Mr. Cata-- last names L-Q
- Ms. Proctor-Dunn-- last names R-Z