Virginia Beach Adds New High School Course Options

Students in grades 10-12 can access new business, tech, and college-partnered classes starting next term.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of a geometry compass and book on a wooden desk, symbolizing new academic opportunities. — The Virginia Beach School Board approved new curriculum options for students in grades 10-12, adding advanced business and technology coursework. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local school board prioritize funding for new specialized academic classes in your community?

The Virginia Beach School Board has approved a variety of new high school courses, ranging from anatomy to advanced cybersecurity and business. These offerings include new electives for specific campuses and district-wide Advanced Placement options for students in grades 10-12.

Why it matters

Expanding the curriculum helps ensure students have access to specialized college-level training and updated career-readiness skills. These changes align local offerings with higher education standards and evolving industry requirements for technology and management.

The district is allocating $15,000 for anatomy and physiology materials, while the new AP business with personal finance course is projected to cost between $42,000 and $84,000. Courses are targeted at students in grades 10-12 across the district and at specific magnet programs.

The players

Virginia Beach School Board

The local governing body responsible for overseeing the public school district, managing budgets, and approving curriculum standards for students.

Tidewater Community College

A regional higher education institution that partners with local high schools to provide dual-enrollment credits and vocational training.

The details

The new courses include anatomy and physiology, German 1-5, principles of management, philosophy logic, AP business with personal finance, and AP cybersecurity. Management and philosophy courses are offered through a partnership with Tidewater Community College to align with their updated curriculum standards. German language options will expand at Princess Anne High School to support the international baccalaureate program, while cybersecurity courses will be hosted at the Governor's STEM Academy and the Advanced Technology Center.

The Virginia Beach School Board officially approved the new high school course offerings on October 27, 2026.

The Home Front

Local districts are increasingly adopting college-aligned curricula to reduce the post-secondary transition gap for students. This expansion of language offerings follows a pattern set by the international baccalaureate program to meet rigorous academic standards.

Families with students in grades 10-12 should review the new course catalog to identify potential electives that align with their student's future college or career goals. Check with your high school guidance office to confirm enrollment prerequisites and the specific tuition requirements for the philosophy logic course.

The takeaway

The addition of these courses signals a shift toward more specialized technical and business training within the district. Students interested in the new AP cybersecurity or business paths should prepare to discuss these options during upcoming course selection windows.