If residing on the military installation, is there a requirement to attend the zoned school?

Yes. However, we have no military installation within our county so this would apply only to parents residing on base in York County, Newport News, or Hampton.

When does school start, and what is the registration procedure?

School starts the day after Labor Day. Three key components include: proof of residency, immunization up to date and birth certificate. The registration procedure is located on our website.

What is the entrance age for children in kindergarten? Are there exceptions? Do you have full-day kindergarten?

We have Full Day Kindergarten. Children must be 5 by September 30th.

What awards and special recognition programs have been received?

A good place to look for this type of information is on our PRESS RELEASE section of our website. Our school division and individual schools constantly receive various kinds of local, state and national recognitions.

How have students performed on SAT and other standardized tests? What are the Standards of Leaming Tests/results?

This information can be obtained from our website and from the Virginia Department of Education.

What are your walking zone rules (if child lives less than a mile, .4 of a mile, etc, from their school, will they have to walk to school?

"Bus stops for children eligible for transportation will be established for grades K-5 within one-half mile of their home and for grades 6-12 within one mile of their home."

Walking distance is not specifically stated, but it is understood to be the same as the above for walking from home to a bus stop. Also, walking distance will not apply to physically handicapped students. They will be provided with door-to-door service.

What kinds of after-school programs are available? Does your school system provide bus transportation for after-school programs?

By contacting the individual school these provisions can usually be arranged. We operate Activity Buses for students staying after school as well as After School Sports busses to take students home after practices.

What is the proper procedure to apply for specialized services for disabled children with special needs?

At the time the child is enrolled at the zoned school, the parent should present a copy of the current IEP. The appropriate special education teacher will then be notified and contact the parent about initiation of services.

What Talented and Gifted programs and Magnet programs are available?

We have Gifted and Talented Programs at all of our schools. We have an International Baccalaureate Program at James River Elementary.

Are transitioning military children, moving into the school system, eligible for enrollment and participation in special programs?

Transitioning military children have all the rights and privileges of any student, including participation in special programs. Any prerequisite or entry requirements may apply as well.

Will my gifted child have to be re-evaluated for program eligibility?

Students who have been placed in a gifted program in another school division are provisionally placed for one year. They participate in program offerings as appropriate and are evaluated for participation in the WJCC Visions Program.

What type of scheduling do the middle and secondary schools use? (i.e., Block scheduling, traditional scheduling, year round schools).

We operate a 4x4 Block scheduling at the high school and the middle schools on a traditional schedule. Our school year runs from the day after Labor Day till mid June each year.

What are the requirements for graduation?

High School Graduation Requirements, WORD

Who is the point of contact to determine if high school credits earned elsewhere will be accepted in your school?

Individual high school counselors

Who is the point of contact for additional information on home schooling procedures?

Executive Director for Secondary Instruction and Staff Development is point of contact for Home Schooling.

We will be moving to another school district. When is the last day that my child can check out of school and receive full credit? Is there an opportunity to complete credits even after leaving your school?

Generally a student cannot receive credit without at least taking a final exam in the subject. Early Exams can be approved by the principal. When a child transfers before the end of the semester, they take whatever grades the teachers can provide at that point in time with them to the new school. Those should be applied in a prorated manner to the courses picked up at the new school.

Is the school calendar posted on the website?

Yes. It is on the each school HOME PAGE or HERE

Do you offer a summer school progam?

Yes, we have a summer school program primarily for students repeating classes at the high school level. In addition, we offer summer programs for students who are “at risk.”

What is your policy on a new student becoming valedictorian/salutatorian?

A student must be enrolled in our school for the 3 of the last 4 semesters to be considered for the Valedictorian/Salutatorian.

How can my child participate in programs that have early tryouts (cheerleading, choral groups, sports, etc)

Most coaches allow for students transferring into our division. Contacting individual schools and Athletic Directors would be a “best source” answer.

Do you have review classes for SAT, ACT, and Standards of Learning tests? Is there
fee for these classes?

We offer a credit bearing pass/fail “SAT Preparation” course that rotates amongst the three high schools.  It would also be good, if not great, preparation for the ACT. Beyond this course, we only provide students with information about “for pay” classes and tutoring we learn about.

What is your average class size?

• Elementary = 1/20
  
• Middle and High School = 1/25
  

The above are the adult/child ratios. Of course, a lot of classes are bigger than that, but they have more than 1 teacher. We are always within the state guidelines.

What happens if I arrive at my new military installation, or I am new to the area, and do not have a permanent
address? Can I register my child immediately? What happens when I move to my permanent local address, which is a different school zone? Will my child be allowed to stay at the same school where first registered?

Once a family has arrived, the children should be enrolled in the school zoned for that location. Parents must take necessary documentation to the zoned school:

• 1) Certified copy of birth cirtificate or valid proof of birthday.
  
• 2) Written evidence of physical exam ( elementary schools)
  
• 3) Verification of immunizations, transfer document from previous school if possible ( permission to send for records will be gotten upon registration)
  
• 4) Federal social security number
  
• 5) Verification of residency as demonstrated by evidence of residence purchase, tenancy ( rental agreement) utility bill, real estate tax assessment.
  
• 6) Any special education documents such as current IEP’s.
  

Students who are moving into the WJCC School Division from another city or county may be permitted to enroll in the school which they will attend after their move, if space is available, and provided:

• 1) Proof of occupancy of the residence within 30 days is submitted to the principal of the school.
  
• 2) Parent/legal guardian agrees to pay tuition retroactive to the date of entrance if residency is not actually established within 30 days.
  
• 3) Parent/legal guardian assumes responsibility for transportation to the school.
  

If the family has already established residency within the WJCC School Division and changes their residence address from one school zone to another during the year, the student may complete the year in the school in which they are enrolled by permission of the school principal and with the understanding that the parents of the student will have the responsibility for transportation. When a change of residence is anticipated within 60 days of the opening of school, the parent may enroll the child in the local school in the new area. In each case, evidence of residence purchase or proof of tenancy must be presented and the parent must assume responsibility for transportation.

Please see WJCC Policy Manual ~ Policy JCEA

What are your policies and procedures for out-of-zone placement?

Please see WJCC Policy Manual ~ Policy JCEA

Do you have a peer welcoming program for new students to help my child transition to your new school?

Yes, we do have a peer welcoming program.

Are your schools handicap accessible?

Yes, all schools are handicap accessible and have been for many years!