The Virginia Beach Convention Center was abuzz with more than 3,500 students and family members Oct. 16 during the VBCPS Academies and Advanced Academic Programs Night.
Delysia Turnbull came prepared.
The Independence Middle School seventh grader had a list of questions for current academy students, including “Why did you pick this program?” and “How is the program helping you achieve what you want to achieve?”
She also asked about dual enrollment and availability of some of her extracurricular interests, such as cheerleading, chorus and track.
The Governor’s STEM Academy at Landstown wasn’t on her original list, but after visiting with some of the students and learning about careers in engineering, she may consider applying.
And the Salem High Visual & Performing Arts Academy drew her interest, with strands in dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual art and vocal music.
Vedha Nuthi and fellow classmates in the Bayside High School Health Sciences Academy were on hand to answer questions about their curriculum.
The senior said she chose the school because she wants to study medicine in college and become a pediatrician.
She became CPR-certified and has shadowed a variety of medical professionals, including a dermatologist, ophthalmologist and pharmacist.
“You will learn about every single bone in the human body,” she told an interested student.
“You get prepared for working in the medical field, and that includes psychology, psychiatrics, forensic science and more,” she said. “There are so many possibilities.”
When someone asked if the curriculum was challenging, Vedha replied, “It’s all about putting in the effort.”
Kempsville High Entrepreneurship & Business Academy sophomore Isabella Waldron said the academy might be a good fit for those “who like finance and being creative.”
She energetically described how she and classmates are developing an idea for a business. They’ll pitch judges and possibly receive funding to bring the product or service to fruition.
“It’s kind of like ‘Shark Tank,’ ” she said.
“We learn about business and work together in groups,” she said. “We get prepared for real life.”
Plaza Middle School Middle Years Program(MYP) students Dia Basubk and Ali Kepka talked about their communications with foreign exchange students in Argentina and putting together a “Day of Service” to help local charitable organizations.
Nearby, Achievable Dream Academy students Sanaa Neely and Kasaundra Selby were excited to share information about their school.
“Our classes are small and we have strong student-teacher relationships,” said Sanaa, a sophomore.
The school division is proud of the wide range of options for students, said Thomas Quinn, executive director of secondary teaching and learning.
“Our advanced academic pathways give students the opportunity to pursue studies that align with the challenges they’re passionate about addressing,” he said.
“These pathways not only reflect our students’ diverse interests but align with the current and future needs of our region, preparing them for success in employment, enlistment, or enrollment.”
For dates/times of Information sessions scheduled for the school division’s academy programs and/or advanced academic programs, visit Information Nights – Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
To submit an application: Application Process – Virginia Beach City Public Schools
