Tenth grade students at WHS have an opportunity to participate in a themed or exploratory College Preparatory and/or Honors core. Both themed and exploratory cores allow for instructor collaboration, project-based learning, integrated curriculum, and community building.  The “core” structure allows students to experience a sense of community while at school.  This progressive approach to comprehensive master scheduling is transforming traditional high schools across the state and is often referred to as  a cohort structure or academy structure.  All 10th grade cores include the three subjects of English, Social Studies, and CTE each year. Thematic 10th grade cores of AME (Arts, Media, Entertainment), Innovation STEM, VA SOL, Exercise Science, and BUILD have a common application that must be submitted for consideration.  

College Prepatory Cores

Honors Core (Discovery)

Honors Core consists of Science (AP Environmental Science), Honors World History and Honors English. Students work in a rigorous traditional educational setting, and take college preparatory courses that incorporate writing across the curriculum, public speaking and presentation skills, and fiction/non-fiction analysis.  Teachers collaborate on unit development and core projects. There is no GPA or entrance exam for this core choice however students should be prepared for a curriculum that includes readings at or above grade level and synthesis of learning with prior knowledge and other subject matter. Strong skills in research, note-taking, and organization will be beneficial to the Honors Core student.

Innovation S.T.E.M.: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: An Axis STEM Academy Program

Innovation STEM Academy is a college preparatory core where students interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math have the opportunity to focus their academic efforts and develop key skills in a project-based environment. Courses include English, World History, and Computer Robotics/Intro to Computer programming as an introductory CTE course. Students work in a project-based educational setting, and take college preparatory courses that incorporate writing across the curriculum, public speaking and presentation skills, and fiction/non-fiction analysis.   Teachers share a common prep, collaborate on unit development and core projects.  Innovation STEM 10th grade students are a part of the Axis STEM CPA, which funds the program’s enrichment activities, field trips, technology, and guest speakers.  Students from Innovation STEM 9/10 core have priority for space available in Axis STEM 11/12 to continue their CTE pathway begun in 10th grade.

Thematic Cores

Arts, Media & Entertainment (A.M.E.): A Nueva School for the Arts Academy Program
AME is a 10th grade college preparatory core where students participate in an interdisciplinary, arts-integrated program that allows them to explore interests and career paths related to the AME industry sector. Courses include English, Science, World History/Global Studies.  For Sophomores only, the Foundations of Digital Design as an introductory CTE course is partnered with the Health semester.  AME offers students the option of Honors level work for which students are held to more rigorous expectations and learn to be class leaders, project managers, and discussion facilitators. Students work collaboratively in a project-based environment, and take college preparatory courses that incorporate writing across the curriculum, public speaking and presentation skills, and fiction/non-fiction analysis.  Teachers collaborate on  unit development and core projects, and are able to support students over the two year program of study. The AME 10th grade students are a part of the Nueva School for the Arts CPA, which funds the program’s enrichment activities, field trips, academic support program, technology, and guest speakers.  Students from AME students have priority for space available in Nueva 11/12 to continue their CTE pathway begun in 10th grade.

BUILD 10th Grade Academy 

This 10th grade core is designed for students who are interested in careers related to the skilled trades, construction, and project management. This academic core integrates English, World History, and Intro to Construction courses, providing students with a comprehensive educational experience that connects academic learning with practical, hands-on skills. Intro to Construction, an introductory CTE course, offers foundational knowledge in building and design, safety practices, and a study of construction from all over the world. Teachers in this core collaborate closely on curriculum development, ensuring that students benefit from an integrated approach that emphasizes cross-disciplinary skills such as research, problem-solving, and communication. Students are encouraged to engage in both academic and technical learning, preparing them for future careers in construction, engineering, or other related fields. The program also offers opportunities for enrichment through field trips, guest speakers, and industry partnerships. This core is part of the Career Pathways Academy, which offers students access to specialized resources, academic support, and college preparatory coursework. Students who complete the 10th grade core have priority access to BUILD Academy 11/12 and the advanced programs in construction it offers.

Exercise Science (X-SCI) Academy 

X-SCI Academy is an Honors core where students participate in an interdisciplinary, athletics and personal fitness integrated program that allows them to explore interests and career paths related to Sports Sciences.  Courses include English, Intro. to Sports Medicine, and World History with an emphasis on Contemporary Athletic Issues. Students work collaboratively in a project-based environment, and take rigorous, college preparatory courses that incorporate writing across the curriculum, public speaking and presentation skills, and fiction/non-fiction analysis.  Teachers collaborate on unit development and core projects, and are able to support students over the two year program of study. Students should be willing to work in groups on a regular basis and be accountable for their individual contribution to the project or outcomes.  There is a brief summer assignment communicated to Ex-Sci students and parents via email in mid-summer.

VA SOL Academy: A Vineyard Academy Program  

VA SOL Academy is an academic core for students interested in exploring careers in sustainable agriculture, Business and Finance, and/or Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation industry sectors.  Courses include English, World History and Intro to Hospitality and Culinary. Students work in a more traditional educational setting, and take college preparatory courses that incorporate writing across the curriculum, public speaking and presentation skills, and fiction and non-fiction analysis. Teachers share a common prep,  collaborate on unit development and core projects, and are able to support students over their year program of study. VA SOL 10th grade students are a part of the Vineyard Academy CPA and Lighthouse Academy, which funds the program’s enrichment activities, technology, field trips, academic support programs, technology, and guest speakers. Students from VA SOL  core have priority for space available in Business and Hospitality Core (Vineyard Academy) 11/12 to continue their CTE pathway begun in 10th grade.