BVPS - Graduation Requirements

for Students

Bristol Virginia Public Schools
Graduation Requirements
Weighted Courses

Students may earn weighted credit by successfully completing the following courses:

IB/English 11	*IB Biology II
*AP/IB English 12	*IB Chemistry II
*IB History of the Americas	French IV and V
*AP Government	Spanish IV and V
*IB Twentieth Century Topics	*IB Computer Science
Pre-Calculus	Virtual Governor's School Courses
*AP Calculus	*Art IV or V (if a student submits portfolio to CEEB for AP credit)
IB Pre-Calculus	Statistics
IB Calculus	The American Civil War

*Students must take the AP or IB exam to earn the weighted credit in this course. Students will be reimbursed the cost of all AP exams on which they earn a “3” or better. The School Board will pay all exam fees for students with demonstrated economic need.

Advanced, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate Courses

Virginia High offers Advanced Placement (AP) and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in the areas of Biology, Calculus, English, History, Government, Computer Science, Chemistry, and Foreign Language. The AP and IB courses are taught at the college level and follow the course outlines developed by the College Board and/or the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Examinations are given at Virginia High School in May according to a schedule established by the College Board and the IBO.

Students are encouraged to consider the following potential benefits of completing AP and IB courses and taking the AP/IB examinations:

many colleges and universities offer college credit for acceptable scores on AP and IB examinations, which could result in tuition savings;
many colleges give consideration for honors and other special programs to students who have received AP and IB recognition; and
colleges give additional consideration to applicants who have taken the most challenging courses offered by their high schools.

To increase the probability of success in Advanced, AP, and IB courses students should:

find out more about each course by talking to the teacher and reviewing the course syllabus and course expectations;
consult with the current teacher for advice,
have a cumulative grade point average of "C" or above,
be prepared to analyze and evaluate their own products (writing, research projects, etc., as well as works by peers and experts),
be able to comprehend advanced level reading materials and writing from various vantage points in a number of styles and for a variety of purposes,
understand that the pace of an advanced course is faster than that of other courses, and
be aware that success in more advanced courses enhances the chances of being accepted by colleges and universities and better prepares the student to do college/university level work.