Minnie Howard Team Approach

With the team approach, we offer smaller, more connected learning communities that are each led by an administrator, instructed by four teachers — one for each of the core subject areas: English, math, social studies, and science — and supported by one school counselor and a social worker. With about 120 students on each team, we’ve created smaller communities where students and staff get to know each other quicker, build stronger relationships, and are better equipped to ensure student success.

Student Supports

The team approach enables us to better engage and meet the needs of the whole student with supports like:

• A daily block (Freshman Seminar) focused on planning, organization, time management, and study skills. It's also a great time to get extra help or catch up.
• A writing center where students can get extra support after school
• Saturday School offering subject-specific and tutoring on Saturday mornings
• A staff member dedicated to helping students get and stay on track
• A school counselor and social worker on each team provide social and emotional support for a well-rounded experience.

 

Student Activities and Athletics

Students engaged in activities like band, orchestra, drama, intramural sports, and science can continue those pursuits during their high school experience.

And, ACHS offers more than 95 after-school programs and clubs across the two campuses covering everything from art and broadcasting to filmmaking and fashion, to poetry and physics. If you don’t find a club that lines up with your interests, you can work with an ACHS staff member as a sponsor to start one.

Minnie Howard opens a world of opportunities for students to engage in a wide range of athletics at the King Street campus, some as early as eighth grade! From baseball and basketball to competitive cheerleading, golf, and tennis, to rugby and lacrosse, swim and dive, and wrestling, opportunities abound!

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Academic Advising and Course Selection

• From February 1 - April 8, students, teachers, parents, and counselors will work together to choose courses that align with each student's personal interests, career goals, and post-secondary aspirations as well as reflect the high expectations we have for all Titans.

  Selecting an academic program must be given considerable thought. The 2022-2023 Program of Studies is a comprehensive planning tool that provides a wealth of information about course offerings and graduation requirements that students and families can use to make informed decisions as they plan for success in high school and beyond.

  ACPS is committed to ensuring that all Titans graduate with workplace skills, a sense of civic responsibility, and post-secondary plans that align with their interests and goals. The academic advising process is a time for self-reflection as students imagine their futures. Academic advising is a student-centered, collaborative process. Counselors, teachers, administrators, and families work together to support students as they make important decisions. We encourage students and families to ask questions.

  As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Graduation requirements;
  • Career interests and post-secondary goals;
  • Personal well-being;
  • Balancing exploration with commitment and consistency; and
  • Extra-curricular and other commitments that demand students' time and energy.

Video presentations by grade level

Parents and guardians are welcome to contact their child’s school counselor with questions. We encourage active participation in this important transition process. We look forward to working as a team to select a strong course of study for your student.

Email

• Minnie Howard Campus: minniehoward@acps.k12.va.us

Phone

• Minnie Howard Campus: 703-824-6750