Graduation Requirements
The graduation requirements for Renaissance School, at 33 credits, are significantly more rigorous than for an Advanced Studies Diploma as prescribed by the Virginia Department of Education (26 credits). Specifically, recognizing the value of the Arts for personal expression, cultural appreciation, creative problem solving, collaboration, health, critical thinking, and many other domains that are part of the life of an ambitious college-bound student, Renaissance School requires a minimum of five Innovative Arts credits. Students build out their elective profile based on their interests, ranging from taking multiple foreign languages to advanced math and science courses.
Renaissance Students typically take 8-10 courses per year, with many exceeding the graduation credit requirements. For students who are interested in our approach but seek a more moderate pace due to athletic or artistic commitments, or other reasons, we also offer a five year program of study. Those interested in this option should contact our Director of Admissions for details.
All Renaissance School students participate in 2 years of Independent Study, which can include project, and/or service, and/or thesis research. Students utilize the UVA Library system, practice APA style writing about and referencing their research, prepare for polished public speaking, and acquire the skills for long-term, multi-stage, peer-reviewed college-level work.Â
Overall, our graduation requirements are designed around our school philosophy: not as a minimum bar to measure proficiency, but as a target to encourage high ability students to meet their potential, provide a well-rounded and balanced Renaissance School education, and help them to be ready for the opportunities and challenges that await them in college.
