General High School Academic Information
Lab School Academics
9th Grade:
Students earn 4 course credits through the Lab School program:
- English 9
- World Geography
- Environmental Science
- Health & Physical Education
Program Highlights
- Students engage in the Inquiry Design Model (IDM) to explore real-world questions and challenges.
- A passing score on the World Geography assessment fulfills the Virginia World Geography SOL requirement.
- CPR certification training is included.
- Classes meet daily (even and odd days) during 1st and 2nd blocks.
- Students attend their regular advisory period and do not participate in Lab School during that time.
Essential Question
- What does it Mean to be Human?...and Well?...in Society?
10th Grade:
Students earn 3 course credits through the Lab School program:
- English 10
- Biology
- Inquiry (Science-Focused)
Program Highlights
- Students participate in interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning with a focus on scientific investigation.
- Students participate in a science-based showcase through the Lab School Inquiry Fair hosted on the campus of JMU in March.
- Classes meet every other day on odd days.
Essential Question
- What is the "Structure" of humanity? How does structure impact function & survival?
11th Grade:
Students earn 3 course credits through the Lab School program:
- English 111/112 (Dual Enrollment)
- U.S. History (Dual Enrollment)
- Design Thinking
Program Highlights
- Classes are held on the JMU campus (Memorial Hall).
- Students engage in project-based and interdisciplinary learning.
- A year-long, community-based project allows students to apply learning to authentic challenges.
- Dedicated project workdays are held at JMU X-Labs every other Friday.
- Students attend on alternating schedules:
- Cohort I: Even Days
- Cohort II: Odd Days
- Program operates on a half-day, alternating-day schedule.
Essential Question
- How do We Solve Human Problems?
12th Grade:
(will begin during the 2027-2028 academic year)