Specialty Programs
The York County School Division offers many opportunities for students to express their unique talents and abilities. Additionally, special programs are offered to assist parents and community members.
Gifted Education
The mission of the York County School Division Gifted Program is to maximize the development of the academically gifted learner by providing an atmosphere that promotes intellectual challenge. The program is designed to foster self-directed, life-long learning by encouraging exploration, inquiry, in-depth study, and reflective thinking.
Honors Program
The York County School Division Honors Program is designed to provide students in grades 8-12 with the opportunity to complete a rigorous academic program. Eligible students choosing to participate in this program are required to complete all program requirements listed in the brochure. For going beyond the state's requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma, students who successfully complete the Honors Program will be recognized with the Honors Seal on their diplomas.
International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a rigorous, two-year college preparatory course of study for academically talented students in grades 11 and 12. A Pre-Diploma program is available to eligible students in grades 9 and 10. Admission to the York High Pre-Diploma program and Diploma Programme is by application. All IB courses are taught by instructors trained in IB instruction at workshops conducted by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The courses are designed to develop strong writing, time management, and critical/higher order thinking skills in students. In addition, through these courses, each student is exposed to the internationally minded, interdisciplinary nature of the IB liberal arts curriculum.
Middle School Arts Magnet at Queens Lake Middle School
The Middle School Arts Magnet for students in grades 6-8 provides enrichment and instruction in literary arts, theatre arts and rhythmic arts. Learning experiences encourage students to work independently and collaboratively to develop writing skills, prepare performances and create exhibitions that display their appreciation of the arts, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and enhance self-esteem. Excellence in the arts is a natural extension of the middle school academic program.
School of the Arts
The York County School of the Arts (SOA) provides high school students with an enriched and challenging fine arts educational opportunity. SOA programs emphasize academic growth and artistic development, the multidisciplinary nature of the arts, standards to differentiate between the meaningful and the mediocre in the arts, and fine arts career opportunities.
Waller Mill Elementary School Fine Arts
The possibilities are endless! The Fine Arts Magnet School provides students in grades 1-5 with enriched instruction in choral music, exploratory instrumental music, drama, visual arts and dance. Young artists work together to prepare performances and create exhibitions that display their appreciation of the arts while advancing critical thinking, problem-solving and enhanced self-esteem. Excellence in the arts is both a natural extension of the academic program and an integral part of the CORE curriculum.
Yorktown Elementary Math, Science, Technology
The Yorktown Elementary Magnet School provides students in first through fifth grades with enriched instructional opportunities for in-depth studies of math, science and technology in conjunction with a strong academic program in all subject areas. As young mathematicians and scientists expand their horizons, they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students participate in a wide variety of math, science and technology activities that facilitate the development of scientific inquiry skills. They also benefit from mentoring by real-world scientists and mathematicians. "Exploratoriums," delivered in a resource setting, integrate instructional technology and focus on various aspects of science and mathematics.