Promoting Excellence in Our High Schools
This is a first in a series of blog posts on the topic of academic excellence in Albemarle County Public Schools. As a parent of 5 children enrolled at all levels of ACPS—from elementary to high school—I want our public schools to prepare our students with a rigorous education that will equip them to be productive, thoughtful citizens and community members for the rest of their lives.
In this post, I will focus on high school, which is a crucial phase in a student's educational journey. Achieving excellence at the high school level requires a holistic approach that fosters academic rigor, critical thinking, and a supportive learning environment.
First, we must challenge our high school students to achieve their full potential. This includes encouraging students to enroll in honors and advanced placement (AP) courses to prepare them for college and beyond. I am a strong proponent of providing options like the Community Lab School, where ACPS has partnered with leading universities like MIT and UVA to develop a rigorous, innovative, and student-centered curriculum. I am particularly pleased that the Community Lab School offers the region’s only two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, which is a well-known, high-quality curriculum focused on critical thinking and global awareness. As a School Board member, I would advocate expanding the opportunity for enrollment in the Community Lab School to more families. I am also excited about expanding the Math, Engineering, and Science Academy currently at Albemarle High School to more students through the construction of Center II in the next several years. Our county, state, and nation needs more scientifically-literate students to serve as the next generation of STEAM leaders.
I also support having Albemarle County Public Schools participate in the Blue Ridge Virginia Governor’s School, which is a part-time, regional program for academically-motivated and high-achieving high school students. The Governor’s School offers high school students the opportunity to take two courses at the academy (in person for grades 9-10 and virtually for grades 11-12), and the rest from their local high school. Students at the Governor’s School are also required to complete a Senior Capstone project, which may take the form of a research project and paper, a professional learning experience like an internship, or a community service project.
Second, I support nurturing our high school students’ critical thinking skills. Academics at the high school level should go beyond rote memorization. Emphasizing critical thinking skills equips students with the ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply knowledge to real-world situations. Incorporating project-based learning, problem-solving exercises, and debates in the curriculum cultivates students' analytical abilities, preparing them for the complexities of the modern world.
Third, we must ensure that a rigorous academic experience is open to all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. For students from low-income backgrounds, the benefits of completing college credit-bearing coursework in high school are particularly pronounced. “Research suggests that students who complete AP and dual-enrollment coursework are more likely than their peers to finish high school, enroll in a postsecondary institution, and complete a postsecondary credential or degree.” Unfortunately, the evidence also shows that students from low-income and marginalized backgrounds are less likely to enroll in advanced classes. We must encourage all students to challenge themselves in their coursework.
Fourth, achieving academic excellence requires a healthy and supportive learning environment. We must prioritize student well-being and mental health, especially since the pandemic adversely affected many high school students’ mental wellness. Providing access to counseling services, promoting stress management techniques, and addressing the social-emotional needs of students create an environment where high school students can flourish academically and personally.
Finally, achieving excellence in our high schools requires collaboration involving parents, educators, and the community. As a school board candidate, I am committed to fostering strong relationships between parents, teachers, and community members. Encouraging parental involvement in their child's education and seeking community input on school policies fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for student success.
In sum, I am dedicated to championing these principles to ensure that our high schools equip all of our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in a rapidly-changing world.
