Alternative Programs

Academy at Virginia Randolph

The Academy at Virginia Randolph (AVR) is open to all high school students who want or need an alternate approach to education. In a compassionate atmosphere fostered by a competent and concerned staff, students are encouraged to develop their talents and skills needed to meet the demands of the 21st century as either being employed, enlisted, or pursuing continuing education opportunities following graduation. Assisted by school counselors and instructors, students design their own programs of study to meet their needs and to serve as a foundation for their chosen career. The staff works closely with students and their families to pursue the students’ educational and occupational career goals. School, family, and community involvement are all elements of the program. Students interested in enrolling at the Academy must complete an application signed by a parent and have school counselors supply the required student information. Once the application has been received, applicants will be notified of a required student and parent information session. Additionally, the prospective student and a parent must meet with the vocational instructor to develop a career plan. Acceptance to the Academy is based on space availability.

All students attending AVR will be working toward a standard or advanced high school diploma. Students may also choose to work toward a career and technical education certificate in addition to their high school diploma.

Center for Diversified Studies

The Center for Diversified Studies, located at the Academy at Virginia Randolph, provides personalized programs for students who want to complete their high school education and who, for various reasons, are unable to complete the last few courses required for graduation at their home high school. Options for courses range from college level to career and technical certificate classes. This nontraditional, flexible educational structure may lead to a standard or advanced studies diploma.  The Center’s ultimate goal is to coordinate classes for students in order to help them obtain required credits for graduation. A personalized plan based on each student’s educational and career goals will be implemented to identify where the student will be taking classes. Applications for CDS are available through students’ home school counselors.

Imagine Edgenuity - (Online Courses)

Imagine Edgenuity is designed to allow students to fulfill graduation requirements through a web-based program aligned with the Virginia and Henrico County Public Schools curriculum. The credit recovery program serves students who may not have successfully earned credit in the traditional classroom setting, may be under-credit, or may need a differentiated instructional delivery method.  Students enrolled in the program will take online core content courses in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  Imagine Edgenuity does offer a limited number of elective courses.  All courses must be completed within the prescribed time frame and are monitored by a licensed teacher. Grades earned through the program are reflected on the student transcript.

Prior to enrolling in an Imagine Edgenuity course, all students must first complete a student agreement contract. The student agreement explains the logistics of the program and requires parent/guardian consent. Students should also have access to the internet and a laptop.

Evening School of Excellence

The Evening School of Excellence primarily serves high school students who have experienced academic difficulties, personal challenges, and/or are at-risk of not graduating on time.  Designed to help students get back on track to graduation, the program provides an opportunity for students to complete coursework and recover credits needed for graduation through evening classes.  The instructional program addresses the learning styles of students through smaller classes, more individualized attention, and differentiated teaching strategies.

Evening School of Excellence courses take place via virtual, synchronous classroom instruction. This instructional format allows the program to serve students across the county.  Please note there are portions of some courses where the curriculum must be taught in person.  Students are notified by their teachers regarding when in person instruction format is required.

Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) Program

The ISAEP Program offers high school students the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency certificate by preparing for, and attempting, the General Education Development (GED®) battery of tests. Featuring a unique half-day schedule, students are given individualized instruction in a small group setting. 

  • Serves eligible students who are between the ages of 16.5 and 18.
  • Targets students with strong academic skills who have not been successful in a traditional school setting
  • Provides instruction in preparation for the GED® battery of tests
  • Provides access to the Official GEDⓇ battery of tests
  • Provides career counseling and occupational skills training through participation in work-based learning and exploration of post-secondary opportunities
  • Requires an application, assessment testing, mandatory orientation and adherence to attendance requirements.

Program for Academic & Career Emplowerment at VA Randolph (PACE)

PACE is a nontraditional program that serves over-age middle school students. The program is designed to remediate students and allow them to experience success with their peer group in high school the following school year. This unique program provides students with small class sizes, an individualized learning plan, faculty mentorship, blended online curriculum, and project-based learning steeped in collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, and innovation. Students also explore electives and earn three high school credits.

Eighth grade students who are one or more years over-age are eligible for the program. All overage students, 14 years or older,  will be reviewed and recommended to the program by their comprehensive middle school. Overage students will be enrolled in PACE with the intent of returning to the comprehensive high school or the Academy at Virginia Randolph with three to five high school credits the following year.