Alexandria will offer a new diploma program to encourage high school students to go beyond the minimum graduation requirements to become Commonwealth Scholars.
The city’s system is one of 11 school districts that will participate in the statewide pilot program, Gov. Tim Kaine announced Monday.
“The Commonwealth Scholars program will challenge those students who may not be on track for an Advanced Studies diploma to continue to reach higher, striving to move from competence to excellence,” Kaine said in a statement.
Virginia is one of eight states selected for the two-year, $300,000 “State Scholars Initiative” program this year, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Fourteen states currently have the program.
The Virginia Career Education Foundation will coordinate the schools and train staff to seek out local businesses to volunteer and motivate students, said Emily Richardson, the foundation’s president.
Students will learn from local business volunteers “about the benefits they will experience if they take more rigorous courses as they move on to college, technical school or enter the workplace,” said Charles Pyle, Virginia Department of Education spokesman.
The Commonwealth Scholars program also includes instructional support for students who the additional course load.
Alexandria public schools were closed for spring break. An official contacted could Monday not speak to the issue.
Commonwealth Scholars Course Load
» 4 years of English
» 3 years of mathematics (algebra I and II, geometry)
» 3 years of science (biology, chemistry, physics)
» 3 and a half years of social studies (U.S. & Virginia history, world history, economics, U.S & Virginia government)
» 2 years of health and physical education
» 2 years of foreign language
