Winchester Academy High School
Program of Studies
School of Fine Arts
The goal of the Fine Arts Program is to: promote academic excellence and cultural awareness through the arts, challenge students both academically and creatively, provide students with extensive instruction in a focused area of the arts through a college preparatory program, meet and exceed the Virginia Standards of Learning and give students exposure to the arts in and out of school.
Theatre/Drama
The Theatre/Drama Department offers a training program for students talented in acting. The purpose is to develop our students’ abilities in the theatrical arts and to enhance skills and techniques that will, ultimately, provide the young actor with skills and experience to pursue a career in theatre. Drama training includes courses in acting, voice and diction, physical techniques, theater history and script analysis. These classes prepare students for professional careers in stage, film and television, as well as entrance into college, university and conservatory departments of Theatre. The rehearsal/performance process is an essential part of our training program, and students are required to participate in performance opportunities.
Dance
In cooperation with Inwood Performing Arts Center, students will enroll in dance classes including but not limited to classical ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and Irish. Placement of the student in the dance program is at the sole discretion of the Director of Inwood Performing Arts Center. Students who are placed in the Junior or Senior Dance Company may have additional fees associated with their tuition.
Visual Arts
Students exploring the Visual Arts program investigate many aspects of the arts working in a range of media and skills both familiar and new. Exploring and expanding students’ personal expression through various media, critical thinking and decision-making are the cornerstones of this program. Students expand their creativity, knowledge and discipline through production of artwork, discussion, critique and observation.
School of Math & Sciences
The goal of the Math and Science Department is to produce student leaders in the development and application of science, mathematics and/or technology. The program strives to challenge students and provide in-depth instruction in the fields of mathematics and science through a college preparatory program. The Virginia Standards of Learning are met and exceeded.
Technology
Students of the Technology Department will be prepared for both future academic study and a world of technology-based employment. Students will be provided with the added advantage of combining academic and technical training that will prepare them for a variety of post-graduation choices: entry-level jobs, advanced technology training, or college or university studies.
Mathematics
The Math Department offers a comprehensive college preparatory program emphasizing the study of mathematics both applied and theoretical. Technology integration is the key to the curriculum which prepares students for college or university study in math or science.
School of Health and Physical Education
The School of Health and Physical Education is committed to providing enough knowledge, skill, and opportunity in a supportive and inclusive environment to allow each student to discover the value of movement, cooperation, teamwork, healthy competition, wellness, and responsibility to themselves and others that can be applied over a lifetime. We are committed to providing all students with an ongoing learning experience that enables them to discover their own potential and maximize their chances for self-fulfillment.
Athletics
The athletic program will deliver the highest quality interscholastic activities in a progressive manner that emphasizes participation, safety, sportsmanship and integrity. Strength training and conditioning is a focus of the program. In order to produce the utmost efficiency, consistent improvement, and balanced abilities in sportsmen and women, students must participate in year round conditioning programs.
School of Liberal Arts
The goal for the liberal arts program is to provide students with an opportunity to explore the electives from the different concentrations. This program gives them variety without sacrificing excellence in course selection. Students will choose their electives from the established schools. Pre-requisites may need to be met. Students may choose a Standard or Advanced Studies program.
Mandatory Components
Interdenominational Christian Studies
Every student will be required to enroll in an Interdenominational Christian Studies class of their choosing. The goal for the classes will be to guide the student into becoming strong and morally grounded leaders in the future.
As the students grow in love and respect for one another they learn that Christians can hold differing views on matters that are not essential to salvation. Regardless of these differences, they can learn to love and care for each other as they grow in their relationship with Christ. It is this unity that the school desires to build within its student body and in turn within the Body of Christ.
Community Service Requirement
One component of being a strong and morally grounded leader is to serve in the community. Community service of 24 hours per school year is expected of each Winchester Academy High School student. Each student will complete a Work Plan at the beginning of each school year and be required to turn in a Confirmation of Hours form at the end of each quarter. A variety of experiences are encouraged and suggestions are provided, however, the plan and execution are the sole responsibility of the student.
Concentration Portfolio Requirement
Students are required to compile a portfolio of work from their selected concentration for each year of study. Samples from their core academic studies will be included in this portfolio. The portfolios are a requirement for Winchester Academy High School students and are a part of their academic transcript.
Academic Requirements
English: 4 credits
Math: 3 credits
Science: 3 credits
History: 3 credits
Health & Physical Education: 2 credits
(Health & P.E. requirement waived for students of the Dance & Health/P.E. Studies concentration)
Interdenominational Studies: 4 credits
Community Service: 144 hours
(24 hours per year)
Sample Schedules
Sample Freshman schedule:
English
Algebra I or Geometry
Earth Science
World History & Geography
Foreign Language
Health/P.E. (waived for Dance & Health/Physical Education Concentration students)
Interdenominational Christian Studies
1 or 2 Concentration Courses
Community Service – 24 hours
Sample Sophomore Schedule:
English
Geometry or Algebra II
World Geography
Biology
Health/P.E. (waived for Dance & Health/Physical Education Concentration students)
Foreign Language
Interdenominational Christian Studies
1 Concentration Courses
Community Service – 24 hours
Sample Junior Schedule:
English
Algebra II or Pre-Calculus
United States History
Chemistry
Foreign Language
Interdenominational Christian Studies
2 Concentration Courses
Community Service – 24 hours
Sample Senior Schedule:
English
Government or Concentration Course
Physics or Concentration Course
Interdenominational Christian Studies
4 Concentration Courses
Community Service – 24 hours
Accreditation
Winchester Academy High School is pursuing its accreditation through the Virginia Association of Independent Schools. It anticipates being fully accredited by Spring 2013.