Academic & Career Plan (ACP)

The Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (SOA) includes provisions for each middle and high school student to have a personal learning plan and course of study that aligns with the student's academic and career goals.

Middle schools begin the development of an Academic and Career Plan (ACP) for each seventh-grade student. A completed ACP is in place by the spring of the student's eighth grade year. The process continues with the annual review of progress toward the student's established academic and career goals. Students, parents, school counselors and teachers work collaboratively to make appropriate course choices that prepare students in their career pursuits.

The components of the ACP include the student's course selections through high school graduation. Identification of a postsecondary career pathway based on the student's academic and career interests and goal-setting are also part of the plan.

The ACP must include but is not limited to:

• A program of study for high school graduation and a postsecondary career pathway based on the student's academic and career interests.
• A review and update, if necessary, before the student enters the ninth and eleventh grades.
• The signatures of the student, student's parent or guardian and school official(s) designated by the principal.