High Schools

Links to all of our individual high school pages are available in the top left corner of this website.

If you have a question about high school education across KCS, you may contact:

KCS high school education department -- 304-347-7483

Adult Education - TASC (previously GED)

Kanawha County Adult Learning Center      

500 Leon Sullivan Way          

Charleston WV 25301 

(681) 466-0925

 

BridgeValley Adult Education           

2001 Union Carbide Drive     

S. Charleston WV 25303         

(304) 205-6626


New Connections (Youth Age 17-21) 

1592 Washington Street East

Charleston, WV 25311

304-340-3690 ask for Alexa

 

WV Adult Education Hotline - 1-800-642-2670

 

Career Clusters

The curriculum is organized around 16 career clusters.  Clusters are broad groups of related occupations representative of the type of occupations available in the world of work.  Within each cluster there are career concentrations. Concentrations are groupings of occupations with significant commonalities within a career cluster. 

With the assistance of their parents and academic advisors, students in grade 8 will develop Phase 1 of their Personalized Education Plan a schedule for grades 9 and 10.  This includes selection of a cluster and pathway.  In grade 10, they will develop Phase 2, selection of a career concentration, along with a schedule for grades 11 and 12 and goals for the first year after high school.  Each year students will review their plans with their counselors and/or advisors and adjust the plans to accommodate the student’s goals and needs.

All students will receive specific information regarding career clusters prior to developing the Personalized Education Plan.

We recognize the importance of co-curricular activities in developing an all-around person. In addition to their academic clusters, all students are encouraged to participate in those classes such as band, choir or yearbook that develop the student’s talents and interests.

Specific course information can be found in the 2023-2024 Course Description Handbook, which students have available on their iPad.

PROMISE Scholarship Information

What is PROMISE?

The West Virginia PROMISE (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-state Student Excellence) Scholarship Program, approved by the Legislature in 1999, offers each West Virginia high school graduate who meets PROMISE standards and requirements a partial tuition scholarship to a state college or university or an equivalent dollar scholarship to an in-state private college.

The PROMISE Scholarship is based on the student’s achievements not on his or her parent’s financial resources, not on the college’s resources, not on other factors.  We are tying this opportunity, this investment, directly to the achievement on the part of the individual.  For eligibility requirements and other information on the PROMISE Scholarship, contact your school counselor or visit their website at https://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/promise-scholarship/

Interpretation of Grades

Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, achievementmarksforpermanentrecordsandforthepurposeof reportingtoparentsareassignedasfollows:

GradeGrade Average Percent

A mastery of subject 90-100

B above average work80-89

C average achievement 70-79

D below average work 60-69

F poor work, non-mastery 0-59

I incomplete - makeup needed no credit

W withdrawal from class no credit

Progress Reports

Progress reports are available through Schoology for parents at all times.  If a parent would prefer a written copy, please notify the school.  Grade report cards will be issued at the end of each grading period.

College Entrance Exams

The college entrance tests are given by two testing agencies:  the College Board which administers the PSAT/NMSWQT, SAT and Achievement Tests, and the American College Testing Program which administers the ACT and PLAN.  For detailed information on the nature of these tests and the preferred testing dates, contact your child’s guidance counselor.

Athletics

Kanawha County Schools follows all rules, regulations, and policies set forth by the West Virginia State Board of Education and the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission.  Any specific questions regarding participation, eligibility, transfers, etc., should be directed to the administrator of the school.

NCAA College Freshman Athletic Eligibility Requirements

If you intend to participate in Division I or II athletics as a freshman, you must register and be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse.  You may access the NCAA website at https://www.athleticscholarships.net/ncaa-eligibility.htm to determine the initial eligibility standards that apply to you.  Students should check with their counselor for specific registration information and materials.

Career and Technical Education Centers

Ben Franklin Career and Technical Education Center and Carver Career and Technical Education Center are available to Kanawha County students. Courses taken at the centers are treated as electives. Ben Franklin is located in Dunbar and Carver is located in Malden. The two centers serve all county high schools. Their purpose is to develop good work habits and teach entry-level skills needed in today's work world. Students attend Franklin and Carver for one half of the school day. They may earn four units of elective credit per year that may count toward high school graduation. Students interested in attending either center should contact a counselor.

Ben Franklin

Ben Franklin Career Center is a recognized leader in technical education for over thirty years. Ben Franklin offers both high school and adult students opportunities for learning, training and further education that enrich their lives and also promotes the economic growth of our region and state.  All instruction is designed to meet the needs, abilities, and interest of our students, our community and the businesses we serve.  High school students can obtain 4 credits a year in their CTE program when they attend Ben Franklin Career Center for half a school day.  Two of the high school CTE programs (Medical Assisting and Pre-Nursing) offer honors credits.  These classes count as elective credits towards high school graduation and the student can also be certified in their CTE program.

Ben Franklin Adult CTE programs offer high-quality career and technical training for adult students.The school provides training in many different occupational areas—Practical Nursing, Electrical Technician, Certified Welder, and Commercial Driving. HVAC Technician and part-time Phlebotomy Technician programs are available in the evenings. Classes provide students with training for in-demand careers. Ben Franklin Adult programs are accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE).  The Practical Nursing Program is also accredited by the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurse.  

Applications for high school and adult programs can be found on Ben Franklin's website at https://bf.kana.k12.wv.us/.

Carver Career Center

Carver Career Center offers nineteen programs for high school students.  The program offerings include: Advanced Medical Preparedness, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Animal Systems and Natural Resource Management), Dental Assisting, Automotive Technology, Baking and Pastry, Career and Work Skills Training, Carpentry, Collision Repair, Therapeutic Services, Electrical Technician, Emergency and Firefighting Management Services, Graphic Design, HVAC Technician, Marketing Management, Plumbing, Pre-Cosmetology, Principles of Business, ProStart Restaurant Management, Robotics (FANUC Robotic Arm and Drones), Welding.

All nineteen programs follow the twelve Simulated Workplace protocols, which incorporate real workplace practice into the daily curriculum.  Students not only learn technical skills but also the soft skills necessary to be successful in the workplace. Students have the opportunity to earn EDGE credits, which are accepted by several area colleges. The vision of Carver Career and Technical Education Center is to build a successful future one skill at a time.

Honors & Advanced Education

Honors/Advanced Education experiences are designed to meet the needs of students who have the potential to complete curriculum more demanding than that offered in the regular classroom and their current grade level.  These classes are advanced in terms of content and performance expectations and provide credit toward graduation or possible college credit.  Honors experiences may include, but shall not be limited to, specifically identified honors courses, research and in-depth studies, mentorships, content-focused seminars and extended learning outcomes instruction in the content areas.  Advanced education includes classes recognized or offered by the College Board, post-secondary institutions and other recognized foundations, corporations or institutions, accelerated instructional courses offered via satellite and other courses and arrangements, approved by the local board of education and state board.  Advanced Placement Courses (AP) must follow the course descriptions provided by The College Board and students are required to take the AP test.  It is strongly recommended that the instructors of these courses receive the training provided by the West Virginia Advanced Placement Center.  Those students who do not take the AP examination will not receive AP credit.

Curriculum approved under this section shall be designed to advance the achievement of students in the subject area or areas in which the student has achieved at least two of the following criteria: (a) demonstrated exceptional ability and interest through past performance; (b) obtained the prerequisite knowledge and skills to perform honors or advanced work; and, (c) received recommendations from the student's former or present teachers.

All courses designed as Honors and Advanced Education will receive a weighted grade.  Those classes are indicated by an asterisk in this book.  Honors course criteria and standards have been developed.  For more information, contact your school counselor.

Procedure for Special Courses

Upon recommendation of the principal, individual schools may petition the Division of Curriculum and Instruction for approval of special courses taught at that school and post-secondary courses identified by that school.  Such petitions must be reviewed by Division of Curriculum and Instruction staff and approved prior to inclusion.  Each petition will be considered on an individual basis. 

Class Ranking

Computation for class ranking shall be made at the end of the first semester of the senior year.  The following scale shall be used to determine class ranking:

Non-Weighted Courses                               Weighted Courses

A = 4                                              A=5                                                                                                                                                      

B = 3                                              B=4                                                                                                       

C = 2                                              C=3                                                                                                         

D = 1                                                    D=2                                                                                                                                 

F = 0                                               F=0                                                                                          

Commencement Recognition

Honor graduates may be given preference by leading the processional and in seating arrangements at commencement exercises.  Students will be recognized with honors, high honors, and highest honors:

·      3.8 GPA Honors

·      4.0 GPA with a minimum of 14 weighted credits by the end of 7 semesters or 1st term of the senior year - High Honors

·      4.5 GPA with a minimum of 14 weighted credits by the end of 7 semesters or 1st term of the senior year - Highest Honors

Credit for Courses below Grade 9

Students who take high school courses before grade 9 (i.e., Foreign Language I or II, Algebra 1 or Earth Science Honors) will receive high school credit.  These courses will be used in calculating the student’s GPA and will be used to determine class rank.

Transfer Students

Students transferring from one school to another within the county shall have their credits accepted at face value and shall be considered for honors.

Students transferring to Kanawha County Schools from a school outside the county must have spent the whole of their senior year in Kanawha County Schools before they can be considered honor graduates; however, they may be given recognition.

Dual Credit Options

Students may take college level courses that carry credit toward high school graduation as well as credit toward a college transcript.  At the present time, juniors and seniors who meet admissions and pre-requisite requirements from the participating college may be eligible to participate.  Courses vary among high schools from semester to semester with a minimum of 15 students needed to be enrolled.  Depending on specific course content, a few classes may replace required courses; most classes will count as electives.  Each high school will determine its own policy regarding curricular alignment and sequencing in regard to college level courses.

Area colleges are part of the Dual Credit Consortium; all dual credit courses are college level classes and therefore carry a weighted grade on the high school transcript.  Students expecting to attend other colleges should see their counselor and contact their prospective college prior to enrollment to ensure credit will be accepted.  In some cases, credit may be granted for electives rather than replacement of specific course requirements.

Classes are normally offered during the school day and generally follow the KCS calendar with minor adjustments. Teachers will be either public school instructor qualified as college adjunct staff or college professors. Online dual-credit courses from WVU and Marshall are also accepted, with counselor approval.

The fee for a 3-hour credit course is set by the West Virginia State College System (with additional hours being charged on a pro-rata basis).  Deposits may be required to determine offerings; full payment is expected during the first week of class.  Students will purchase their own books, which will be made available on the high school campus; price of textbooks varies according to the course.  Students who plan to enroll in dual credit courses should take the ACT during the spring of their junior year and may be required to take a placement assessment before being allowed to enroll.

Promotion, Retention, and Classification

Promotion from grade 9 to 10 (sophomore) occurs when the student has earned five (5) credits and passed six (6) of eight (8) semesters in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science.  Promotion from grade 10 (sophomore) to 11 (junior) occurs when the student has earned 11 credits.  Promotion from grade 11 (junior) to 12 (senior) occurs when the student has earned 17 credits.

Career Academies/Magnet Schools

Kanawha County Schools is in the process of developing career academies and ninth grade academies in the high schools. Career academies are designed to develop peer support and improve achievement through highly focused small learning communities built around a broad based career theme. The academies are organized to allow a small group of students to stay with a core group of teachers from grades 9-12. This personalized learning environment helps students build strong relationships with peers and teachers. Academic courses are integrated with technical and applied courses around the career theme. Connections are also made with local businesses to provide students with a range of career and work based learning experiences.

Along with the development of career academies, KCS will continue to offer magnet programs at Capital (Performing Arts and Human Performance Management), George Washington (STEAM), Nitro (BioScience), Sissonville (International Studies) and South Charleston (International Baccalaureate).  Currently, South Charleston has a Pre-Engineering Academy, St. Albans has a Hospitality Academy, and Herbert Hoover has Fabrication Technology.

For more information, please contact Dr. George Aulenbacher, Assistant Superintendent for High Schools/Technical and Adult Education at 348-7788 or [email protected].

Students in Kanawha County Schools will be able to choose the high school they wish to attend based upon the academics offered at that school.  The schools may be a Magnet, Magnet/Career Academy or a Career Academy.

What is the difference between a Magnet school and a Career Academy?  The Magnet school is one that specializes in particular subjects, in addition to providing a general education while a Career Academy is a small learning community built around a career theme.  All schools will continue to offer the high academic standards that Kanawha County Schools has been known.

Capital High Performing Arts & Human Performance Management

CHS is a performing and visual arts center. The band gives students dynamic people, a team-oriented environment, travel, competition, and an opportunity to achieve. The VIP’s was created to help in the development of teenagers using choral music, dance and theatre as a vehicle. The dance program offers something for everyone from beginner to advance to even the most dancing challenged. The mission of the theatre dept. is to provide an intimate theatre experience. The Visual Arts Dept. students will learn the fundamentals of painting, drawing, sculpting and pottery, photography, printmaking and fiber arts.  Human Performance Management will engage students in learning experiences that encourage healthy living through the study of medical sciences.

George Washington High School: Advanced Placement / STEAM Magnet School

George Washington High School continues to offer over 18 Advanced Placement & 24 Dual credit courses in grades 9 through 12. Our school continues to use our PSAT as a guide in placement as well as student need and teacher recommendations. Our passage rate exceeds both the state and global average in all tested areas. Additionally, GWHS continues to offer a STEAM experience to all freshman students followed by guided scheduling in grades 10 through 12.  Ultimately providing a number of unique learning experiences through our college trusts, internships, advanced placement experiences and our Career & Technical partnerships.   

Herbert Hoover Academy of Criminology

At Herbert Hoover High School, we offer Career and Technical programs such as Millwork & Cabinetry, Computer Science, Business Management and Marketing that work together to form the Academy of Fabrication Technology.  All four programs work together as one cohesive company that utilizes a variety of computer-controlled tools and machinery to produce products for market.  Examples of products made include 3-D printing ornaments and keychains, as well as a variety of wood products such as cabinets, desks, and signs.  Our program provides students with the opportunity to participate in a simulated workplace with the aim to mentor, create and provide a place for learning and innovation!  

Nitro High Biomedical Program / Computer Science

Empower Tomorrow’s Biomedical Professionals Today. Whether discovering new cancer treatments or teaching healthy lifestyle choices to their communities, today’s biomedical science professionals are tackling big challenges to make the world a better place. PLTW Biomedical Science students are taking on these same real-world challenges – and they’re doing it before they even graduate from high school. Working with the same tools used by professionals in hospitals and labs, students engage in compelling, hands-on activities and work together to find solutions to problems. Students take from the courses in –demand knowledge and skills they will use in high school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. PLTW Biomedical Science courses are part of the AP + PLTW biomedical science pathway. The goal is to build a strong foundation for college and career. By immersing students in activities like practicing suturing and constructing body structures from clay, PLTW biomedical science empowers students to build knowledge and skills in biomedical science, as well as in-demand, transportable skills like problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Computer Science 

At a time when computer science affects how we work and live, PLTW Computer Science empowers students in grades 9-12 to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. PLTW Computer Science courses are part of the AP & PLTW computer science pathway; integrating career and college-readiness courses into one unique program. The program’s interdisciplinary courses engage students in compelling, real-world challenges and encourage students to become better thinkers, communicators, and collaborators to not only learn how to code, but how to design solutions to complex, real-world applications. The ultimate goal is for students take from the courses in-demand knowledge and skills, and apply them to any career path they take.

Sissonville High Business, Marketing and Entrepreneurship

The magnet school for Business, Marketing and Entrepreneurship is designed to prepare students for today’s dynamic world of varied business opportunities. From incubating new ideas to marketing a product through manufacturing to encouraging fresh new solutions to tomorrow’s needs, our magnet school will produce the business leaders for the 21st century and beyond. Utilizing school-based simulated workplaces, our Career and Technical Education programs provide real-world experiences and academic credits while still in high school.

South Charleston Magnet/Career Academy

The IB program is a globally-recognized, comprehensive, honors-level program for high-achieving juniors and seniors. It is offered at South Charleston High School as a Kanawha County Schools magnet program. Approved students may participate in the full IB program, or they may elect to enroll in selected courses. Full IB diploma candidates complete IB courses in each of the major subject areas, and they may earn an international diploma in addition to their KCS diploma. The IB program culminates in a series of exams and other assessments which are evaluated by examiners from around the world. Like AP, the IB Program is an opportunity for students to earn college credit for their high school coursework. Currently, South Charleston High School is the only WV high school approved to offer this challenging and rewarding program.  

Our Pre-Engineering Academy utilizes the Project Lead The Way curriculum to offer a practical, hands-on experience in the application of math, engineering, and science concepts to solve problems.  Our students have this opportunity in four Honors Engineering-based classes in order to achieve completion of this program: Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Civil Engineering/Architecture, and Aerospace/Aviation Engineering.  South Charleston High School is excited to partner with Kanawha County Schools, Yeager Airport, and Marshall University's Bill Noe Flight School to help prepare students for careers in aviation through the Aerospace Engineering course option.  The Academy also offers Robotics and encourages students to take part in our Vex Robotics Competition Team. 

Riverside Clean Energy Technology/Computer Science/Pre-Engineering

Clean Energy Technology

Clean Energy Technology is an Advanced Career initiative to prepare high school students for careers and meaningful credentials.  This course is a blended learning experience that advances students' literacy, math, science and technical knowledge and skills, and that strengthens the habits of behavior and mind for success.  This project-based curriculum allows for students to build motors, create wind turbines, make biofuel, design solar water heaters, and study horticulture.  This program builds a foundation for students who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering, chemistry, solar power design and installation, food scientists, environmental conservation, and much more. 

Computer Science (PLTW):

With an emphasis on computational thinking and collaboration, this year-long course provides an excellent entry point for students to begin or continue the PLTW Computer Science PreK-12 experience. Computer Science Essentials will expose students to a diverse set of computational thinking concepts, fundamentals, and tools, allowing them to gain understanding and build confidence.  In Computer Science Essentials, students will use visual, block-based programming and seamlessly transition to text-based programming with languages such as Python to create apps and develop websites and learn how to make computers work together to put their design into practice. They’ll apply computational thinking practices, build their vocabulary, and collaborate just as computing professionals do to create products that address topics and problems important to them.  Computer Science Essentials helps students create a strong foundation to advance to Computer Science Principles, Cybersecurity, Computer Science A, and beyond. 

Pre-Engineering (PLTW)

Project Lead the Way Engineering is a real-world centered curriculum designed to introduce students to the principles and disciplines available in the world of engineering.  The courses engage students in interdisciplinary activities using a set, but flexible curriculum that can simultaneously respond to the needs of both industry and the community.  In addition to the engineering skills and mindset created through PLTW, students will gain silks in problem-solving, critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and most importantly, perseverance.  In other words, skill sets that are applicable to all areas and walks of life.  The curriculum consists of three required courses and one elective (Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, Computer Science Principles (AP), and a choice of Aerospace Engineering or Civil Engineering and Architecture). 

St. Albans Academy of Hospitality

The Academy of Hospitality is designed to give students a close look into the culinary business.  It incorporates a school-to-work program which allows students to work at several fine culinary establishments.  The program is a partnership between students, teachers, school and local restaurateurs.

SCHOOL

MAGNET

CAREER ACADEMY

Capital

Performing Arts & Human Performance Management

George Washington

AP/STEAM

Herbert Hoover

Fabrication Technology

Nitro

Biomedical Science

Computer Science (Project Lead the Way)

Riverside

Clean Energy Technology

Computer Science (Project Lead the Way)

Pre-Engineering (Project Lead the Way)

Sissonville

Computer Science

Pre-Engineering

Agricultural Business

Information Systems

(All Project Lead the Way)

So. Charleston

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

Pre-Engineering (Project Lead the Way)

St. Albans

Hospitality

APPLICATION PROCESS

More information is available on our website by searching High School Choice. Application Deadline is July 20th at 4:30 p.m.  For more information contact your school counselor or Dr. George Aulenbacher at 304.348.7788 or email at [email protected]. Students will be notified by mail after August 1 regarding the status of their acceptance.

Credit Recovery

Kanawha County Schools offers multiple options for credit recovery. Students should speak with their school counselors for more information. The district encourages students to work with teachers and school administrators for needed assistance (which may include after-school or Saturday support) while they’re in their classes. If a course needs to be recovered during the school year, students will enroll in the PEAK credit recovery system and all students will be charged $75 per half credit.

Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.