Academics

Departments and Curriculum

At PVI, we have developed an academic program that is challenging and appropriate for students with varying talents and needs. Paul VI has designed various levels of courses to help meet the needs of the individual student at his or her ability level. 

2024-2025 Course Catalog


For a downloadable PDF version of our Course Catalog, click here.


2023 AP School Honor Roll

St. Paul VI Catholic High School has earned a place on the 2023 AP School Honor Roll for developing an AP program that creates a college-going culture and gives students opportunities to earn college credit and to maximize their college outcomes.

Select A Department

Academic Requirements

Paul VI Diploma Minimum Requirements:

Theology 4 credits
English 4 credits
Social Studies 4 credits
Mathematics 3 credits
Science 3 credits
World Language 2 credits (must be same language)
Health/Physical Education 2 credits
Computer
.5 credit
Fine Arts
.5 credit
Electives 4 credits
27 credits total
Paul VI Advanced Diploma Minimum Requirements:

Theology 4 credits
English 4 credits
Social Studies 4 credits
Mathematics 4 credits
Science 4 credits
World Language 3 credits*
Health/Physical Education 2 credits
Computer .5 credit
Fine Arts .5 credit
Electives 2 credits
28 credits total
* 3 credits must be the same language or complete 4 credits: 2 each in 2 languages
Courses are offered on five levels with the exception of theology, social science, electives, and required computer courses. The average number of academic courses a student takes per semester is 7 (minimum is 6; maximum is 8).

Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment courses have restricted enrollment based on qualifying scores on placement tests, subject area grades, cumulative GPA, and teacher recommendation.
  • General (GN) / Basic courses are designed for a student who requires a slower pace, greater direction, and an emphasis on drill and fundamentals in smaller class sizes.
  • College Preparatory (CP) / Regular courses are designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in higher education and for a student who can assume the responsibility of working independently to some degree.  
  • Honors (HN) courses (29) are designed for the student who is capable of learning much beyond the ordinary content of a course and who assumes the responsibility for some independent study. 
  • Advanced Placement Courses (22) are effectively reserved for juniors and seniors; exceptional sophomores may be eligible.
  • Dual Enrollment Courses (19) are available to juniors and seniors capable of college-level courses through Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC). Students must meet the entrance test requirements set by NVCC. The school considers dual enrollment courses to be equal in rigor to AP and weighs them accordingly.
  • Through Project Lead the Way, students can elect to take Introduction to Engineering and Principles of Engineering to explore a range of engineering topics and to build problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. 
  • Directed Independent Study provides an opportunity for qualified and approved students to pursue a project of interest beyond the normal curricular requirements under the aegis of a faculty advisor.
St. Paul VI Catholic High School is a private Diocesan Catholic preparatory school for girls and boys in grades 9-12 in Chantilly, Virginia, seeking to help our students Grow in Grace and Wisdom. Our school is part of the Diocese of Arlington and offers rigorous academics, an inclusive community focused on spiritual and leadership formation, and a proud athletic tradition featuring nationally renowned programs competing in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association.

St. Paul VI Catholic High School is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.