Vision Statement
The students at Potomac Senior High School are highly motivated, responsible, and committed learners who will graduate from high school within four years and are prepared for secondary education, the military, or the work force. At Potomac Senior High School, student success is fostered in a supportive, empowering environment that emphasizes celebrating our differences, participating in rigorous and challenging coursework, and valuing positive citizenship which will set the standard for educational excellence. Students are supported by the comprehensive school counseling program that facilitates strategic partnerships between school, family and community. As twenty-first century learners, students strive to achieve their highest potential as scholars and citizens who will contribute to making a positive difference in the world.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Potomac Senior High School Counseling Department is to provide access to a comprehensive and equitable counseling program to all students and the school community. School Counselors will empower all students to obtain acquired skills and knowledge to be successful not only within the classroom setting but beyond the walls of the school. School counselors will encourage students to self-advocate, learn conflict resolution skills, and to be positive contributing community members. The ultimate goal is for students to matriculate with the personal, social, educational, and career skills necessary for success in an ever-changing society.
Emergency Resources
Contact numbers
- ACTS Hotline #:703-368-4141
- PWC Child Protective Services Hotline #: 703-792-4200
- PWC Community Services Board #: 703-792-7800
- Suicide & Crisis Hotline Call #: 988 or text 988
- Emergency Call #: 911
Additional Resources
Suicide and Self Harm Info
Grief and Loss Resources
Bullying Prevention
Health and Wellness
Depression and Anxiety Resources
Substance Abuse Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
My student is having difficulty with one or more of his classes. What steps can I take to help them?
When a student is having difficulty, the first best resource is generally the classroom teacher, who can suggest strategies for aiding your student's performance. If no significant progress is observed following the implementation of these strategies, it is appropriate to conference with all of the student's teachers to discuss additional observations and methods of assistance. If there is no significant progress following this intervention, a parent/guardian can approach the student's classroom teacher or school counselor to request referral to the Potomac High School Intervention Team.
My child and I would like to review graduation requirements. How do we know what he/she needs?
Graduation requirements are determined by the year a student entered the ninth grade for the first time. Please use the table below to access information about the graduation requirements for your student. Please contact your school counselor if you have further questions about graduation requirements and/or a graduation plan. View graduation requirements to find the right guidelines!
How do I set up a conference with my child's teacher?
- We recommended parent-teacher communication through many sources. ParentVue is an invaluable tool to monitor student progress from report cards to attendance to current grades all are available through this tool.
- If parents have questions regarding their student's progress, behavior, attendance or effort we recommend an initial email or phone call to the teacher involved. Most of the time this resolves the questions at hand. However, if this does not resolve the question at hand after a period of ongoing communication a parent can request to meet with the teacher to achieve a better understanding or solution to address the concerns at hand.
- If the problem requires a meeting with all of the child's teachers such as poor grades, attendance issues, or widespread student behavior a parent should contact the child's school counselor to discuss a meeting with all of the child's teachers.
What is the county policy regarding a student's promotion or retention?
Grade Placement is as follows:
- Ninth Grade: Successful completion of grade eight.
- Tenth Grade: Five units of credit, three of which must be in required courses.
- Eleventh Grade: Eleven units of credit, six of which must be in required courses.
- Twelfth Grade: Sixteen units of credit, nine of which must be in required courses.
Tutoring is often available through your child's classroom teacher. Students should speak to the teacher regarding the days they are available after school. Our activity buses run on Tuesdays to bring your child home.
Can I request that my student is placed with a certain teacher?
Unfortunately such requests cannot be accommodated.
Naviance
Using Naviance Student™
The Naviance Student platform is an online tool all Prince William County Public Schools students can use to engage in college and career planning, build a resume, career and personality interest inventories, and set goals through a game plan. Naviance is free of charge and can also be used to request transcripts and search for scholarships.
Records Request
Visit the district's Records Requests page for instructions on ordering graduation verifications, student records, and transcripts.