Prince William County Public and Private Schools

Prince William County public and private schools discussed here include alternative schools, Catholic and Christian schools, career and technical education schools, special education schools, and traditional schools.

Prince William County Schools

Public education in Prince William County consists of Prince William County Public Schools, Manassas City Schools, and Manassas Park City Schools. There are 59 elementary schools (K-5), 18 middle schools (6-8), and 11 high schools (9-12) educating 85,451 students in Prince William County Public Schools. This does not include the Governor’s School at Innovation Park on the George Mason University Science and Technology Campus. It’s a collaborative initiative with Manassas City Public Schools and Manassas Park City Schools. The Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria) is another collaborative effort for advanced studies. It is supported by representatives of business and industry, and Fairfax County Public Schools.

Prince William County Public Schools are ranked 39 out of 131 Virginia public school districts, while Manassas City Public Schools are ranked 98 of 131 while educating 7,242 students, and Manassas Park Public Schools are at 116 of 131 educating 3,216 students. The high schools listed below are presented with SOL rank out of 322 Virginia high schools during the 2014-15 school year.

Prince William County Private Schools

For information about Prince William County High Schools please click on the appropriate link below:

Woodbridge High School

Woodbridge Senior High School (WSHS) is the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts in Prince William County Public Schools. It opened for the 1964-1965 school year in Marumsco Hills. It became Woodbridge Middle School after the student body was moved to this building for the 1974-1975 school year at 3001 Old Bridge Road (Lake Ridge) Woodbridge, Virginia 22192. The student body now consists of 2,897 (designed capacity is 2,734). Woodbridge Senior High School is fully-credited with a 54% AP participation rate. The Virginia Standards of Learning test results rank Woodbridge Senior High School at 134th of 322 Virginia public high schools. This ranking is seventh of eleven high schools in Prince William County Public Schools.
The breakdown of students participating in special programs is 19.4% in gifted programs, 56.2% in Career and Technical Education programs, 7.4% in special education programs, 7.7% in ESOL, and 35.5% are registered as economically disadvantaged. These are the results of SOL testing:

Garfield High School

The first Garfield High School was completed in 1953 and named after Gilmer Garber (farmer) and Grover Manderfield (businessman). These men provided the 20 acres of land to Prince William County which became the Gar-Field High School campus adjacent to Jefferson Davis Highway (U. S. Route 1). This property became the Prince William County Government Center (East), and the original Gar-Field High School became the Dr. A. J. Ferlazzo Building. Other county buildings (library, health center, and police station) were also built on this land grant to Prince William County.
The second Gar-Field High School was completed in 1972 at 14000 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge, Virginia. It has 2,546 students (2,839 capacity) serving the communities of Dumfries, Montclair, Dale City, and Woodbridge. It is best known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, Robotics Program, more than 50 clubs and activities, accredited day care system for student-parents, Marine JROTC, and athletic department. Gar-Field High School ranks 9th of 11 high schools in Prince William County, and 263rd of 322 high schools in Virginia. It is accredited by the Virginia Board of Education with a warning.

Specialty Program

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at Gar-Field High School is a prestigious worldwide program that offers a challenging 2 year course of study leading to examinations. It is designed for 11th and 12th grade students intending to attend college after graduation. The IB Program provides different linguistic, cultural, and educational backgrounds with the intellectual, social, and critical perspectives necessary for their success in a global society. Students in the IB Program are also expected to complete a minimum of 150 hours of community service.

Statistics

Students seeking higher education after graduation: 80%
Students receiving advanced diplomas: 28%
Standard diplomas: 59%
Students completing career and technical education programs: 54%

Related link: Gar-Field High School

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Potomac Senior High School

Potomac Senior High School opened in 1981 at 3401 Panther Pride Drive Dumfries, Virginia. It has 1,680 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17.7 to 1. Approximately 84% of graduating students plan to participate in higher education. Potomac Senior High School ranks 8th of 11 high schools in Prince William County Public Schools, and 251 of 322 Virginia public high schools.
Potomac Senior High School serves communities from South Woodbridge (Neabsco Road) to communities in Dumfries, and Cardinal Drive communities on the north side above I-95 and on the south side from the Forest Park High School attendance zone to Jefferson Davis Highway (U. S. Route 1). Potomac Senior High School is the Cambridge Centre for Mathematics and Physical Sciences in Prince William County Public Schools. The Cambridge Program is a four-year program of mathematics, sciences, language arts, and the humanities. The Cambridge Program is offered through The University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.

Specialty Programs

The other special programs at Potomac Senior High School include culinary arts, criminal justice, Navy JROTC, and welding.

The Culinary Arts Program is a career and technical education pursuit with 3 courses. Students of the Culinary Arts Program will be ServSafe certified and graduate with work-ready knowledge and skills. ServSafe provides basic food safety certifications required by many restaurants for management positions. Culinary students are taught advanced culinary skills by an experienced chef using training materials from the Culinary Institute of America and a new state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.
The Criminal Justice Program provides students with academic subjects which prepare students who pursue a career in law enforcement and the course material taught at police academies. Subjects in the Criminal Justice Program include: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, Definitions of Types of Crimes, Defensive Tactics and Handcuffing Techniques, Introduction to Criminal Investigations, Introduction to Crime Scene Investigations, Use of Force Continuum, Court Procedures, Crime Prevention, Arrest and Custody Procedures, Traffic and Patrol Procedures, Career Considerations, and Physical Fitness. If law enforcement is part of your future, this program will prepare you for the duties assigned to a patrol officer in Prince William County.
The Welding Program teaches students to apply math, engineering and science principles at the only welding facility in Prince William County Public Schools. The welding laboratory at Potomac Senior High School trains all modern welding industry techniques. Participants of the Welding Program can also earn college credits with Northern Virginia Community College while learning this trade in high school. Students can also become certified welders through this program.

Related links: Potomac Senior High School,  Potomac Athletics

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Freedom High School

Freedom High School opened on September 11, 2004. Prince William County officials dedicated its memorial to the citizens of Prince William County who were murdered at the hands of terrorists on September 11, 2001. Honoring the memory of those victims is a 62′ diameter sundial near the main entrance to the school. The names of these victims are inscribed on bricks surrounding the sundial. Four brass plates are placed on the face of the dial to mark the times when the four airplanes struck the North and South Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania. We should never forget.
Freedom High School is at 15201 Neabsco Mills Road Woodbridge, Virginia 22191. It is directly across from the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. It is the Prince William County Public Schools Center for Environmental and Natural Science. This 4 year program includes studies in laboratory and field exercises, and is integrated with other disciplines for students to understand relationships between environmental science and other studies designed to understand relationships with everyday life. Students are required to participate in community activities and business partnerships designed to develop an appreciation of the environment.

Statistics

Freedom High School has an enrollment of 2,008 students. It is ranked 10th among the 11 Prince William County High Schools, 269 of 322 Virginia high schools. The student-teacher ratio is 16.6 to 1. Freedom High School through Northern Virginia Community College is offering after-school tutoring to students, and SAT courses and an “AP Institute” to prepare students for advanced placement classes. Approximately 66% of Freedom High School students continue to pursue higher education after graduation.

Related link: Freedom High School

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Hylton High School

Cecil D. Hylton High School opened in 1991 at 14051 Spriggs Road Woodbridge, Virginia 22193. It is a fully accredited high school in the Prince William County Public Schools District. There are 2,438 students at Hylton, and the student-teacher ratio is 18.2 students for each teacher. The attendance zone for C. D. Hylton High School is between Dumfries Road & Dale Boulevard, and Minnieville Road & Hoadly Road. Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) testing ranks Hylton 129th of 322 public high schools in Virginia. Hylton High School ranks 6th of 11 high schools in Prince William County Public Schools.  These are the results of SOL testing: Writing: 92%, Geometry: 80%, Algebra I: 80%, Algebra II: 69%, Chemistry: 90%, Biology: 84%, Earth Science: 82%, English Reading: 91%, Geography: 100%, History: 94%, Virginia and U. S. History: 87%, World History I: 84%, World History II: 81%.

 Specialty Programs

Some of the Specialty programs at Hylton High School include Center for International Studies and Languages, Air Force JROTC, Special Education, T. V. Production Center, and Governor’s School.
The Automotive Technology Program has met requirements of certification by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation. Students prepare for certification exams by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence in five areas: Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair, Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems and Brakes.
The Gifted Education program at Hylton offers AP courses, seminar services, conference services, conference with independent study, Academic summer Residential Governor’s Schools, and Gifted Education Multidisciplinary Seminar (GEMS).

Advanced Placement Courses

Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Chinese Language and Culture, Comparative Government & Politics, Computer Science A, English Literature and Composition, European History, French Language and Culture, German Language & Culture, Human Geography, Italian Language and Culture, Japanese Language and Culture, Latin, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Psychology, Physics (Electricity & Magnetism), Physics (Mechanics), Spanish Literature and Culture, Statistics, Studio Art, U. S. Government & Politics, U. S. History, World History.

Clubs

DECA, EDGE Club, Environmental Club, FBLA, Family Career Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), French Club, French Honor Society, Future Educators of America, German Club, Italian Club, It’s Academic Team, Junior Civitans Club, Model United Nations, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Quill & Scroll, Robotics Club, Russian Club, Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), and the Tai Chi Club.
The Irene V. Hylton Planetarium is open to the public for scheduled laser shows. Tickets are $10.00 and shows are set to the following music: Beatles, Country, Holidays, Hypnotica, Led Zeppelin, Magic, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Pop, Retro 80′s, U2, Vinyl (Classic Rock).

Related links: Cecil D. Hylton High School, Irene V. Hylton Planetarium

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Forest Park High School

Forest Park High School opened in 2000. Its attendance zone includes Ashland subdivision and surrounding communities along Dumfries Road (Route 234). Forest Park High School is the Center for Information Technology for Prince William County Public Schools. Course highlights at Forest Park include: Accounting, Business Law, Business Principals, Child Development, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Graphics and Design, Computer Science, Database Applications (Management & Administration), Economy & Finance, Engineering, Multimedia, Programming, and Network Design & Engineering (I, II, III, & IV), Multimedia Software Design & Development, AP Computer Science (java programming), Basic and Advanced Computer Math, Office Internship with IT Staff, and Cyber Security Summer Program.. Fine & Performing Arts courses include: Advanced, Intermediate, & 9th Grade Band & Ensembles, A. P. Art, Art Portfolio Preparation, Chorus, Computer Art, Concert Choir, Marching Band, Orchestra (several levels), and Studio Art. Other notable classes are Advanced Placement Psychology, and Comparative Government & Politics. Forest Park High School also has an extensive Special Education Program, and Army JROTC.

Advanced Placement Courses

English Literature & Composition, U. S. Government, American History, Comparative Government & Politics, World History, Economics, Computer Science, Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Environmental Science, Physics, French, Spanish, Music Theory, Studio Art, 2-D Drawing, and Psychology.

Clubs

Army JROTC, Learn and Serve, Academic Team, America’s Club, Dance Team, Drama Club, Environmental Club, FBLA, Future Educators Association, Math League, Model United Nations, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Relay for Life Club, Robotics Team, Social Studies Honor Society, Student Ambassador Program, and Theater Sports.

SOL, VAAP, and VGLA Test Results

Reading: 92%; Writing: 92%; Math: 76%; History: 90%; Science: 90%. SOL test results place Forest Park High School 5th of 11 high schools in Prince William County, and 117th of 322 Virginia public high schools. The student-teacher ratio is 17.6 to 1. The on-time graduation rate is 91%, graduates with advanced diplomas: 54%, graduates with standard diplomas: 43%, plans to attend 2 & 4 year college: 81%, plans to complete a career and technical education program: 42%. Failure rate: 5%. There were 71% of graduates who participated in SAT College Board testing. The average score was 1,519. Students participating in special programs: Gifted: 19.7%; Career & Technical Programs: 52.6%; ESOL: 3.9%; Special Education: 8.6%; Economically Disadvantaged: 23.8%.

Related link: Forest Park High School

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Battlefield High School

The Washington Post ranks the most challenging high schools (Challenge Index) by adding all Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge (Advanced International Certificate of Education) tests taken in a year, then dividing by the number of graduating seniors. Battlefield High School ranks 61st (Virginia) and 901st (United States), according to The Washington Post list of America’s Most Challenging High Schools (Challenge Index). Patriot High Schools was the highest of Prince William County high schools with a challenge index of 4.31. Osbourn Park was next (3.195), followed by Forest Park (2.762), Woodbridge (2.611), Hylton (2.511), Brentsville (2.412), Potomac (2.300), Battlefield (2.251), Stonewall Jackson (1.615), Gar-Field (1.352), and Freedom (1.314).

Battlefield High School opened August 19, 2004 as the 9th high school in the Prince William County Public School District. There are 2,502 students with a 18.2 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Approximately 93.7% of students met Virginia Standards of Learning. This ranks Battlefield High School #2 in Prince William County behind Patriot High School (94.5%). The campus has a primary academic building, an observation tower and residence for security, and a state-of-the-art athletic stadium complex. The academic facility covers 276,000 square feet on an 80 acre campus. About 95% of graduating students at Battlefield High School attend college. Virginia Standards of Learning tests place Battlefield High School 24th of 322 high schools.

Specialty Programs

Students enrolled in Prince William County Public Schools can apply to attend Battlefield High School to participate in the IT Program (Center for Information Technology) for courses targeting network engineering to digital art in the Information Technology Industry. Other than the traditional departments of mathematics, language arts, sciences, and social studies, Battlefield High School offers instruction in business, finance, marketing, technical education, foreign language (Spanish, French, German, and Latin), visual art, photography, instrumental and choral music, driver’s education, health and physical education, family and consumer sciences, and special education. The Library Media Center delivers instruction and research resources.

Special Programs include criminal justice and Air Force JROTC.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement courses offered at Battlefield High School include: English, History & Social Science, Math & Computer Science, Sciences, Studio Art, and World Languages and Cultures.

Related links: Battlefield High School, Battlefield Athletics

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Brentsville District High School

Brentsville District High School was opened on September 5, 1929. The school was first in the community building at 12625 Fitzwater Drive Nokesville, Virginia Nokesville Elementary School). Brentsville District High School consisted of grades 1 through 11 until the current building opened as a high school and middle school. It served as both until 2002 when Brentsville Middle School students were transferred to Marsteller Middle School in Bristow. The original Brentsville High School became Nokesville Elementary school in 1964 when the present Brentsville District High School opened at 12109 Aden Road. In 2006, a new gymnasium was constructed at Brentsville District High School, and the original gymnasium became the library. Brentsville District High School now serves 941 students (capacity 1,110) from the areas of Nokesville and Bristow in Prince William County.
Brentsville District High School offers the Cambridge Programme. Cambridge International Examinations provides examinations and qualifications in more than 160 countries. The statistics include a student/teacher ratio is 15.7 to 1 which is 3rd best in the district. Advanced placement courses have a 38% student participation rate, and there are 35 student groups. Brentsville District High School is ranked 4th among 11 high schools in Prince William County, and it ranks 113th of 322 Virginia public high schools. Approximately 85% of students at Brentsville District High School attend institutions of higher learning after graduation. These are the results of SOL testing: English: 94%, Mathematics: 72%, History: 92%, Science: 92%.

Statistics

The Brentsville District High School on-time graduation rate: 92.4%.  Brentsville District High School graduates with advanced diplomas: 52.4%, standard diplomas: 44.8%, completing the Career and Technical Education Program: 35.2%. The student body is made up of 11.2% gifted students, 48.5% career and technical education students, 2.6% ESOL students, 11.2% special education students, and 12.6% economically disadvantaged students (Source: PWCPS). The communities west of Lucasville Road (Route 692) and north of Prince William County Parkway (Route 234) are in the Brentsville District High School attendance zone. Grades K through 8 in this zone attend Nokesville School.

Related link: Brentsville District High School

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Osbourn Park Senior High School

The Biotechnology Center is part of Prince William County Public Schools. Osbourn Park Senior High School (Manassas) has four-year specialty programs in automotive technology, biotechnology, Navy JROTC, and practical nursing. Other highlights of Osbourn Park include a 64% advanced placement student participation rate, 18.1 to 1 student/teacher ratio, 2,800 student enrollment, 92.3% average reading proficiency and 80.5 average math proficiency. Osbourn Park ranks 66th of 322 Virginia high schools based on Standards of Learning tests administered by the Virginia Department of Education. This ranks Osbourn Park as the 3rd best high school in Prince William County Schools. The Washington Post ranks the most challenging high schools (Challenge Index) by adding all Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge (Advanced International Certificate of Education) tests taken in a year, then dividing by the number of graduating seniors. Patriot High School was ranked first (4.31) in Prince William County. But Osbourn Park was second (3.195). Both high schools ranked in the top 2% nationally of the Challenge Index.

Specialty Programs

Student participation in special programs at Osbourn Park includes 22% in gifted programs, 58% in Career and Technical Education programs, 6% in the ESOL Program, 7.4% in Special Education programs, and 24.3% in economically disadvantaged programs.

The Automotive Technology Program has three courses: Introduction to Automotive Technology, Automotive Technology I, and Automotive Technology II. Students may begin the first course in this series in their sophomore year.
Introduction to Automotive Technology (one-credit) is designed to teach students basic measures of shop safety and procedures, and automotive care and maintenance. The topics cover careers in the automotive industry, safety, automotive math, service manuals, maintenance services, tires and wheels, brake and engine fundamentals. Students successfully finishing this course need to submit an application for Automotive Technology I.
Automotive Technology I (two credits) is designed to teach students the daily procedures for mechanics in the Automotive industry. It provides students with basic skills in auto mechanics by providing students with an environment close to automotive repair work places found in the automotive industry. Students execute skills required in vehicle maintenance and service on wheels and tires, steering and suspension, electrical (batteries, starters, alternators, lighting), brake system service, circuit protection and wiring, and basic engine repair.
Automotive Technology II (two-credits) is available to students successfully completing Automotive Technology I. This course is a detailed study of previous training while learning from on the job automotive repairs. Students study engine performance and major repairs (clutches, drive trains, and wheel alignments).
The Biotechnology Program is a four-year program for students interested in health sciences. The instruction focuses on theory and application of health sciences applied to world issues. The program provides opportunities to experience hands-on research projects. The Biotechnology Program also provides students an opportunity to qualify for enrollment in Advanced Placement science courses.
The Practical Nursing Program is an 18 month course with 9 months of classroom training, and 9 months of clinical training at hospitals and health facilities in Prince William County. Classes are 2.5 hours each school day and students must maintain a 79% average throughout the program. Students completing both phases of training are eligible to take the examination administered by the Virginia Board of Nursing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Subjects in the Practical Nursing Program includes: Practical Nursing I & II, Personal & Vocational Relationships, Growth & Development, Fundamentals of Nursing, Nutrition, Anatomy & Physiology, Pharmacology, Practical Nursing III, Medical/Surgical Nursing, Patient Care, Medication Administration, Mental Health Nursing, Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Gerontology, Home Health, Community Health, Physician’s Offices, Outpatient Diagnostic Areas, Emergency Nursing, Preoperative Nursing, Labor & Delivery, and Pediatrics.

Clubs

Student clubs and activities at Osbourn Park Senior High School include: Navy JROTC, Academic Team, Arts and Academic Summer Residential Governor’s School, Biotech Club, Chemistry Club, Forensics, Future Educator’s Association, International Heritage Society, Model UN, National Honor Society, Robotics Team, and more.

Related link: Osbourn Park Senior High School

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Patriot High School

Patriot High School is at 10504 Kettle Run Road Nokesville, Virginia 20181. It is the 11th high school opened (2011) by Prince William County Public Schools. It is fully accredited with an average SAT score of 1,529. During the 2014-2015 school year, Patriot High School had 2,673 students (2,053 capacity). Patriot High School ranks as the best among 11 high schools in Prince William County. According to Virginia Standards of Learning results, 94.5% of students at Patriot High School met test standards compared to 93.7% of students at Battlefield High School.  The Virginia Standards of Learning scores here are listed by Patriot High School, Prince William County high schools, and Virginia high schools.  Patriot High School ranks 23rd of 322 Virginia public high schools.

 

 

These are the results of SOL testing:

• Writing: 95.5%, 89.1%, 86.9%
• Geometry: 89.5%, 73.2%, 75.7%
• Biology: 95.5%, 83.6%, 82.6%
• English Reading: 96.4%, 88.4%, 88.8%
• Virginia & U.S. History: 96.2%, 87.7%, 85.7%

Specialty Programs

Patriot High School provides instruction in mathematics, language arts, sciences, social studies, business, finance, marketing, technical education, world languages, visual and performing arts, fine arts, photography, driver’s education, health, family and consumer sciences, physical education, special education, career and technical education, building trades (carpentry, electricity, masonry, and plumbing), culinary arts, early childhood development, Project Lead the Way Program (university engineering programs), Teachers for Tomorrow Program, and instruction for gifted students. Patriot High School uses the media center to assist with research and academic resources.

Related links: Patriot High School, Patriot High School Athletics

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Stonewall Jackson Senior High School

Stonewall Jackson Senior High School (Manassas) is a magnet school for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The IB program emphasizes multicultural perspectives, advanced studies, community service, and extensive writing. Students participate during their junior and senior years, and all participating students may earn advanced placement standing. Students can receive college credit for successful completion of IB certificate exams. Stonewall Jackson also supports Air Force JROTC and cosmetology.
The on-time graduation rate at Stonewall Jackson is 85.5%. Students receiving advanced diplomas: 35.2%; Standard diplomas: 54%; Attending college (2 & 4 year): 89.2%; and participating in the Career & Technical Education program: 63%. Stonewall Jackson has been accredited with warning (reading proficiency: 83%; math proficiency: 60%; writing proficiency: 87%; and science proficiency: 75%). The total enrollment is 2,475 (2,409 designed capacity) with 30% participation in the International Baccalaureate program, and 26% in advanced placement courses. The student body at Stonewall Jackson has an 11.4% enrollment in gifted programs, 18% in the ESOL Program, 11.4% in the Special Education Program, and 51% are registered as economically disadvantaged. The course failure rate at Stonewall Jackson is 9.5%. Stonewall Jackson ranks 279 of 322 Virginia public high schools. This ranks Stonewall Jackson last among 11 high schools in Prince William County. Approximately 48% of students receive free/discounted lunches.

Clubs

Student clubs and organizations at Stonewall Jackson includes: Air Force JROTC, American Sign Language Club, Astronomy Club, Drama Club, Ecology Club, English Honor Society, FBLA, Future Educators Association, Latin Rhythms Dance Team, Model UN, National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Todays Students and Tomorrows Teachers, and the Video Game Club.

Related link: Stonewall Jackson High School

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