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Specialty Programs

Math and Science Specialty Program

The PWCS Middle School Math and Science programs offer an intensive study in mathematics and science to challenge and motivate students while developing their critical thinking skills through discovery and exploration. These programs provide students with the opportunity to become engaged in an intensive program of study in mathematics and science. The programs have been planned to challenge and motivate students while developing their critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning, discovery, and exploration.

Program Features

  • Enriching STEM learning in the Science Enrichment class.
  • Sixth grade students are placed in math class on the accelerated (Math 6 Extended) or promoted (Math 7 Extended) pathway.
  • Students are required to participate in Rippon's science fair.
  • Any student who is interested in math and science may apply.
  • Once accepted into the program, students will be expected to meet Rippon's program requirements throughout the year: Students are expected to maintain at least a B in Math and Science classes and at least a C in all other classes. Additionally, students are required to maintain satisfactory conduct, effort, and attendance (according to PWCS regulations).

Application Information

Who can apply?

Applications for this program are open for rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students.

When to apply?

Specialty program applications will be accepted November 2, 2026 - February 1, 2027.

How to apply?

Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.

**Final acceptance into the Math and Science Program is contingent upon students passing all of their current SOLs. All rising 7th and 8th grade students must meet the minimum requirements for Advanced Math that are published by PWCS.

Contact Information

Carmela Bertrand
[email protected]
703-491-2171

Sharon Bicey
[email protected]
703-491-2171

Attendance Areas

Fred Lynn MS, Lake Ridge MS, Potomac MS, Potomac Shores MS, Rippon MS, and Woodbridge MS

School-Based Information Sessions

November 18, 2026, 6:30 p.m. in the Rippon Middle School cafeteria

January 7, 2027, 6:30 p.m. in the Rippon Middle School cafeteria

More information

RPMS Math and Science Program Highlights

Rippon Middle School Math and Science Specialty Program

 

What to Expect as a Sixth Grader

All accepted 6th grade Math and Science students are placed in either Math 6 Extended or Math 7 Extended.

  • Math 6 Extended (Accelerated Pathway - Algebra sequence) is a compacted curriculum in which all of the sixth grade math objectives and 1/2 of the seventh grade objectives will be taught in one year. Students in this course will take the Math 6 SOL test in the spring. Upon successful completion, they will be enrolled in Math 7 extended in 7th grade and Algebra I in 8th grade. (Algebra I is a high school credit course!)
  • Math 7 extended (Promoted Pathway - Geometry sequence) is a compact course that moves very quickly. Students in this class will complete sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math in one year and take the Math 8 SOL test in the spring. Upon successful completion, the student will take Algebra I in 7th grade and Geometry in 8th grade. (Both Algebra I and Geometry are high school credit courses!)

All Math and Science program students will be enrolled in Science Enrichment. This course is specifically created for our Math and Science program students to enhance the current Science curriculum.

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, each student will sign a contract that will be maintained for three years.

All students in the Math and Science Program must:

  • Earn a minimum score of a "B" in Extended Math class and Science Enrichment class.
  • Earn a minimum score of a "C" in all Language Arts, Social Studies, and Elective classes.
  • Earn a minimum of Satisfactory in Conduct in each class.
  • Earn a minimum of Satisfactory in Work Habits / Effort in each class.
  • Must earn a score of 450 or higher on the Math SOL, 400 or higher on the Reading SOL, and the appropriate end-of-year exam score in Science and Social Studies.
  • All students must participate in the Science Fair.

Failure to meet these standards will result in probation. Uncorrected problems may result in dismissal from the program. Transfer students removed from the program must go back to their base school the next school year.