Small Learning Communities

The vision of the Small Learning Communities of Seneca Valley High School is to create a supportive learning environment for students that promotes the high academic achievement, enhances the capacity for further learning, focuses on student career interests, and encourages student involvement in order to produce responsible citizens who are lifelong learners.

Seneca Valley High School (SVHS) has gained both national and international recognition for the creation and success of its small learning communities: the
Ninth Grade Academy, the Career Academies, the Cambridge Program and the IB Program.  Guided by our vision and focusing on the academy model, Seneca Valley High School will continue to advance its small learning communities.

Ninth Grade Academy: The Ninth Grade Academy supports the transition into high school through summer academic support programs, a dedicated administrator, and mentoring.

Career Academies: SVHS career academies include Arts and Media Studies, Business and Finance, Human Services, Science, and Technology. All students must select an academy second semester of the 9th grade. Within each academy, students explore career options by completing four to six academy courses and completing a capstone activity. The capstone activity may be an internship, research project, senior project, or a college course. Students complete internships throughout Eagle Internship Program, and college courses may be completed through our College Institute. Students who fulfill academy requirements are awarded an academy cord to be worn at graduation and an academy certificate is presented with their diploma.

Cambridge Program: The University of Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Program at SVHS is an international, pre-university curriculum and examination system for students who benefit from a rigorous academic program. The Cambridge curriculum is taught in over 150 countries worldwide. In 1994, the Cambridge AICE program was first introduced to the United States, and Seneca Valley High School is one of two University of Cambridge Centres for AICE in Montgomery County.

IB Program: The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program offers a continuum of high-quality education that encourages international-mindedness and a positive attitude to learning. IB programs are accessible to students in 125 countries through the organization’s close cooperation with the worldwide community of IB World Schools. The IB Program includes a two-year curriculum and pedagogy, student assessment appropriate to the age range, professional development for teachers, and a process of school authorization and evaluation.

The Small Learning Communities at SVHS represent another effort to help build a school of excellence for our students.