Specialized Instruction
Adult Education
VDOE supports adult education and literacy primarily by funding and supporting the programs at the local level.
Alternative Education
The 1993 General Assembly directed the Board of Education to establish and implement regional pilot projects to provide an educational alternative for certain students.
Charter Schools
Charter schools provide options for parents and students while allowing communities and educators to create innovative instructional programs that can be replicated elsewhere in the public school system.
English Learner Education
Divisions across the Commonwealth of Virginia serve over 105,000 ELs, who speak over 240 languages, and come from a variety of learning and cultural backgrounds. These students bring a unique set of assets that have the potential to enrich the experiences of all learners and educators.
Gifted Education
School divisions are required to identify gifted K-12 students and provide instructional services to meet their needs.
Governor's School Programs
Governor's Schools give students academic and visual and performing arts opportunities beyond those normally available in the students' home schools. Students are able to focus on a specific area of intellectual or artistic strength and interest and to study in a way that best suits the advanced learner's needs.
Laboratory Schools
Pursuant to § 22.1-349.1(A) of the Code of Virginia, as amended by Chapter 2 of the 2022 Acts of Assembly, Special Session I, a "College Partnership Laboratory School” (or Lab School) means a public, nonsectarian, nonreligious school in the Commonwealth established by a public institution of higher education, public higher education center, institute, or authority; or an eligible private institution of higher education as defined in § 23.1-628 related to the Tuition Assistance Grant Program.
Virtual Learning
Virtual learning programs offer flexibility to students while providing instruction aligned with the Standards of Learning. A number of Virginia school divisions provide opportunities for their students to take online courses as a part of their regular course offerings.
Year-Round Schools
In schools following year-round schedules, instructional days are distributed across 10, 11, or 12 months rather than the traditional nine-month calendar.