Our School

It is an independent public school that is allowed to be more innovative while still being held accountable by the state for improved student achievement. For example, a public charter school can offer distinctive curriculum, develop its own school calendar and hold classes outside of the traditional school day. In Virginia Beach, a public charter must be approved by the School Board; however, the responsibility for staffing and oversight of day-to-day operations will be guided by the GRC Governing Board.

As the Virginia Beach public school curriculum demonstrates, a one-size-fits-all approach to public education is not appropriate, especially when there are so many differences in student interests, learning styles and talents. As a charter school, GRC will create a smaller learning community for students and teachers while maintaining the high quality of education parents have come to expect in Virginia Beach. GRC will offer flexibility regarding instructional time; teachers may serve as mentors to the students and students will have the benefit of IB courses, dual enrollment opportunities and Advanced Placement coursework. The Middle Years Program (MYP) will prepare ninth and later tenth graders for the IB Diploma Program. Furthermore, a new IB Career-related Certificate program will also be offered as an option to allow students to achieve industry certification in many technological fields while earning IB Diploma credit.

All rising ninth-grade students are invited to apply; however, the submission of an application does not guarantee admission. GRC will enroll up to 125 ninth-graders in its first year. There are a few openings for the tenth grade class as well. If there are more than 125 applicants, students will be selected through an open lottery process.