Academics

Guidelines

During the freshmen year, special effort should be made to develop disciplined study habits. Reading good literature is the best way to build your vocabulary. Take every opportunity you get to develop your writing skills.

All the courses you take from freshman year through senior year are important. All final grades are included in your cumulative academic average. This means that all your grades beginning with freshmen year are an important part of your permanent record.

During sophomore year you continue to take required courses for graduation and begin to explore career choices. The Career Decision-Making System is an instrument to help students understand their abilities, interests, aptitudes and values. It also assists in making choices for courses in junior and senior years.

Sophomores will take the PSAT in October to familiarize them with the test. During junior year, all students take the PSAT in the fall and the SAT in the spring. It is strongly recommended that all seniors take the SAT again in the fall of senior year. All students are encouraged to take the appropriate SAT Subject Tests throughout their years of study. Students should check with teachers and counselors for information on the tests and requirements for college. During junior year students continue with courses in their chosen sequences. It is an important year to discuss goals and future plans concerning career and college options. Each year OLVA sponsors a college fair, and the college admissions process is explained through counseling classes and individual appointments