Academics

The curriculum is designed to provide:

• an academic program which challenges students to pursue to their fullest potential their interests in mathematics and science.

• opportunities for students to learn the fundamentals of research through participation in research studies and independent projects.

• experiences which allow students to improve their technical skills and develop confidence in their ability to use and manage technology.

• experiences which expose students to the application of science, mathematics and technology through field studies, internships, trips and telecommunications.

• an environment which fosters independent learning strategies and challenges students to become responsible for their own learning.

Dual Enrollment Transfer Credit

• CVGS partners with the University of Lynchburg (UL) to award dual enrollment credit for many of our math and science courses. All instructors at CVGS have a minimum of a master's degree and are adjunct faculty at UL. 

• The courses offered at CVGS are at a higher level of rigor than similarly named courses taught at the community college level.

• A letter from Dr. Scott Douglass, CVGS Director, explaining the nature of the CVGS courses are requesting consideration for credit transferability can be found HERE.

• Detailed course syllabi that can be used when evaluating CVGS courses for credit transferability can be found linked to the dual enrollment course descriptions below.

• A CVGS graduate who needs to have their official UL transcript sent to their college or university can request that either online or in-person. Specific instructions to do both can be found on the UL website HERE.

General Course Descriptions

DE Calculus 1 (Syllabus link MATH 122)

Dual enrollment; taught in two semesters in 11th grade and one semester in 12th grade; 0.5 high school credit per semester; UL Code: MATH 122: Differential Calculus for Scientists & Engineers (4 credits) 

This course introduces the student to elementary differential calculus with applications. It includes the study of a variety of functions and their graphs, limits, rates of change, the derivative and its applications and an introduction to integration. Specific topics include but are not limited to: calculating limits graphically, numerically, and algebraically; calculating the derivative using the limit definition; calculating derivatives of elementary functions and their sums, difference, products and quotients; interpreting graphs of derivatives; solving application problems involving rates of change, optimization, finding antiderivatives and Riemann sums.  

DE Calculus 2 (Syllabus link MATH 123)

Dual enrollment; 0.5 high school credit in one semester; UL Code: MATH 123: Integral Calculus for Scientists & Engineers (4 credits) 

This course will cover integral calculus of single variable including the Fundamental Theorem of calculus, techniques of integration, introduction to transcendental functions, applications and differentiation and integration of inverse trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions.

DE Calculus 3 (Syllabus link MATH 224)

Dual enrollment; 0.5 high school credit in one semester; UL Code: MATH 224: Multivariate Calculus for Scientists & Engineers (4 credits)

This course covers infinite series and sequences, multivariable calculus, partial differentiation, multiple integration, three-dimensional analytic geometry, vectors, vector-values functions and applications. 

DE Connections in Mathematics (Syllabus link MATH 120)

Dual enrollment; 0.5 high school credit in one semester; UL Code:  MATH 120: Connections in Mathematics (4 credits)

Connections in Mathematics is a rigorous, college-level course designed to deepen students' understanding of the underlying structures and relationships that unify diverse areas of mathematics. Through topics such as symbolic logic, set theory, counting techniques, probability, introductory statistics, linear systems, basic linear algebra, and Markov processes, students will explore how mathematical concepts connect and apply to real-world problem solving and decision-making. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the development of mathematical models, preparing students for further study in mathematical reasoning 

DE Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 (Syllabus link BIOL 224)

Dual enrollment; 0.5 high school credit in one semester; UL Code: BIOL 224 (4 credits);

This course explores the fundamental structure and function of the human body, beginning at the cellular and molecular level of organization and progressing through integumentary, skeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems. 

DE Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 (Syllabus link BIOL 225)

Dual enrollment; 0.5 high school credit in one semester; UL Code: BIOL 225 (4 credits)

This course explores fundamental structure and function of muscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, digestive, renal, and reproductive systems in human beings. Emphasis is placed on interrelatedness of organ systems and applications to allied health professions. 

DE Physics 1 (Syllabus link PHYS 141)

Dual enrollment; 0.5 high school credit in one semester; UL Code: PHYS 141 (4 credits)

This course will cover classical mechanics, properties of matter, waves, sound, and thermodynamics. Applications of these topics connected to issues facing society will be discussed. Students will develop testable ideas and will use experimental results to draw conclusions about the natural world. The skills gained in this course will help students become responsible citizens who make evidence-based decisions.  

DE Physics 2 (Syllabus link PHYS 142)

Dual enrollment; 0.5 high school credit in one semester; UL Code: PHYS 142 (4 credits)

This course will cover electricity, magnetism, optics, and modern physics. A proficiency in algebra and trigonometry is required to be successful in this course. 

DE Precalculus (Syllabus link MATH 121)

Dual enrollment; one high school credit in two semesters; UL Code: MATH 121 

This course includes the study of analytic geometry and a variety of functions and their graphs, including linear, quadratic, rational, polynomial, logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions. The study of trigonometry will include both the right triangle and the unit circle approach. The course is intended to strengthen the algebra and trigonometry skills required for the study of calculus.  

Applied Mathematics (Syllabus link)

High honors; 0.5 high school credit per semester

This course includes introductory experiences in symbolic logic, graph theory, probability, voting schemes and apportionment methods, personal finance, and mathematical proofs. Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding, real world applications, using technology, and fostering mathematical reasoning and communication. 

Physics

High honors; one high school credit in two semesters

This course explores the particle and wave nature of everyday phenomena. Topics include dimensional analysis, kinematics, Newton’s laws, rotational motion, energy, waves, sound, electricity, and magnetism. Concepts are explored and applied through hands-on laboratories and computer-based modeling. These investigations require data collection, analysis, and computer simulations that demonstrate the interdisciplinary relations among physics, life sciences, mathematics, and technology. The development of problem solving skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication are also emphasized. 

Research Methods

High honors; one high school credit in two semesters

This unique course is an introduction to the research process including literature research, project design, elementary statistical analysis, scientific writing and multimedia presentations. Each student completes an individual research project. Students design a study, collect and analyze data, and report the results in paper, PowerPoint, and poster formats. The statistical analysis of data is conducted using Microsoft Excel and Data Classroom. During the second semester students complete a 36-hour internship. 

Senior Seminar 

High honors; one high school credit in two semesters

This unique seminar course begins with the study and application of leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in collaborative problem-solving settings. Students then select and participate in four five-week-long technology labs. Students end the seminar with the Senior Capstone, a six-week forensic science challenge that combines elements of all the knowledge and skills students have acquired over their time at CVGS.