< Back to Academics

We can not wait to see our future Lightning Bolts walking our halls and competing on our fields. What comes to mind when you think about starting high school?  It may seem exciting, or a bit scary, or a combination of the two.  One thing’s for sure:  it will bring a lot of changes.  You are part of a new community now, and your school counselor, teachers, administrators and other school staff are here to help as you explore this exciting new world! We hope this website helps you with all the answers you will need for picking your classes for your freshman year.

LET'S GET STARTED!

• Jan 24: Curriculum Night, 6:30pm

• Feb 8: StudentVue course selection open for Willard, teacher course recommendations for 24-25 loaded for review by parents and students

• Feb 12: Winter admissions cycle for Academies of Loudoun closes at noon.

• Feb 20-21: Class of 2028 - Lightridge counselors join resource with current 8th graders at Willard to give an overview of 9th grade classes, answer general questions and assist with choosing electives in StudentVue

• Feb 23, 8:30am - Class of 2027 - Coffee with the Counselors: Lightridge counselors will meet with parents to answer questions pertaining to course selection and rigor.

• March 22: Course registration portal in StudentVue closes. Once the portal closes, all Willard students can see their counselor to request a change.

• May 1: Paperwork deadline for all Non-Recommended Level Up paperwork due to counselor

• May 1: Priority Course Change Deadline - change requests are NOT guaranteed after this date. 

• June 1-June 13: Course request window will reopen for students to make any last minute changes pending space availability. Lightridge students will need to request changes online OR current Willard students can see their counselor to request a change.

• June 13: FINAL DEADLINE TO MAKE COURSE REQUEST CHANGES

All 9th graders take 7 classes and one study hall. Study hall is not an optional course and can not be dropped to take an 8th course. 

A typical 9th grade schedule includes:

• English 9 academic or English 9 honors

• World History and Geography 1 academic or Pre-AP World History

• Science: Earth Science academic, Research Earth Science, Biology academic or Research Biology

• Math: depends on math level in 8th grade

• Health and PE 9 

• World Language (can be replaced with an elective if students is getting a standard diploma)

• Elective of choice

English

• 4 years required for all diploma type

Math

• 4 years required for advanced diploma

• 3 years required for standard diploma

Science

• 4 years required for advanced diploma

• 3 years required for standard diploma

Social Science

• 4 years required for advanced diploma

• 3 years required for standard diploma

World Language

• 3 years of one language or 2 years of two languages required for advanced diploma

• none required for standard diploma

• LRHS Options:

  • French

  • German

  • Latin

  • Spanish

Career and Technical Education

Fine Arts