Loudoun County Public Schools science programs are designed to actively engage students in the process of science and use reasoning processes that build scientific thinking. These programs teach students to know, use, and interpret scientific explanations of the natural world; to generate and evaluate scientific evidence and explanations; to understand the nature and development of scientific knowledge; and to participate productively in scientific practices and discourse. 

High School - offerings are designed to prepare students for continued academic study and eventual entry into the workforce. A variety of courses in the different science disciplines are offered to students.  Many students participate in science research through their honors courses, Independent Science Research, and by participating in the LCPS Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Rising 9th grade students are also offered the opportunity to enter the Academy of Science, the LCPS science magnet program.

Standard Diploma

• 3 standard credits, 1 verified credit

• Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include course selection from at least two different science disciplines: earth sciences, biology, chemistry, or physics, or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma and shall include interdisciplinary courses that incorporate Standards of Learning content from multiple academic areas. The board shall approve courses to satisfy this requirement. An approved computer science course credit earned by students may be considered a science course credit. Students who complete a career and technical education program sequence and pass an examination or occupational competency assessment in a career and technical education field that confers certification or an occupational competency credential from a recognized industry, or trade or professional association, or acquires a professional license in a career and technical education field from the Commonwealth of Virginia may substitute the certification, competency credential, or license for either a laboratory science or history and social science verified credit when the certification, license, or credential confers more than one verified credit. The examination or occupational competency assessment must be approved by the board as an additional test to verify student achievement.

Advanced Diploma

• 4 standard credits, 1 verified credit

• Courses completed to satisfy this requirement shall include course selections from at least three different science disciplines from among: earth sciences, biology, chemistry, or physics or completion of the sequence of science courses required for the International Baccalaureate Diploma and shall include interdisciplinary courses that incorporate Standards of Learning content from multiple academic areas. The board shall approve additional courses to satisfy this requirement. An approved computer science course credit earned by students may be considered a science course credit.

For more information about all of the Science courses offered at Lightridge, see the chart.