A Rigorous Academic Program with a Heart

Welcome to the core of the Humanities Center - its academic program. This program is a challenging and rich academic experience that also weaves a sense of family among its participants.

The curriculum at the Humanities Center engages students in study that is both broad and deep. It immerses students in core humanities courses that connect the threads of social studies, literature and culture both chronologically and geographically. The result is a picture of the human experience that makes sense. In addition to the core Humanities courses, students will explore a broad range of challenging science, math and elective courses.

Because students have different entry points into World Language curriculum (some begin in Middle School), students are encouraged to consider taking five years of world language. Our minimum requirement is that students take four years of world language (including at least two years in high school). Two years of required physical education and health may be taken in place of an elective, as an after school class or a summer class.  While specific upper level math and science courses are not administered through the Humanities curriculum, Humanities students are required to take math and science courses in each year of high school.

All Humanities core courses are honors level, or AP, and will lead to an Advanced Studies Diploma with a special Humanities seal.  Colleges look favorably on students who participate in an academically rigorous program.

Humanities Core Courses:  

  • Perspectives on the Human Experience

  • Humanities English

  • Humanities Social Studies

Requirements beyond the Humanities Core:  

  •  World Language 

    • A minimum of 4 years of World Language

    • Students are encouraged to consider taking a 5th year of World Language, if scheduling allows.

  • Science - 4 courses from at least 3 different scientific disciplines 

    • 9th Grade Humanities students are required to take Humanities Biology

  • Math - 4 courses which must include at least three different selections from among: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or other mathematics courses above the level of Algebra II.

    • For Humanities Students who are double accelerated in math, Algebra II will be taken in 9th Grade

  • Health and PE:   Two years are required.  There are 3 options in attaining this requirement.  

    • Health and PE may be  taken as a course during the regular school year in place of an elective

    • Health and PE may be taken as an after school class

    • Health and PE may be taken as a summer class

  • Service Learning - 1 credit that is received at the end of the senior year, for service work done over the entire four years a students is enrolled in the Humanities program.

Chesterfield County Public Schools is committed to nondiscrimination with regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, disability, status as a veteran, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment prevails in all of its policies and practices concerning staff, students, educational programs and services, and individuals and entities with whom the Board does business.