BDHS School Mission Statement

The mission of BDHS is to provide high-quality and comprehensive education which will allow each student to reach his/her fullest potential within the bounds of his/her abilities and chosen educational goals and to become a lifelong learner and a productive member of society.

BDHS School Vision Statement

At Brentsville District High School, we believe that all students can learn to their fullest potential. Students' learning will be enhanced by national, global, and multicultural perspectives. Graduates will possess the basic knowledge and skills that will assure their proficiency in problem-solving and technology. They will be responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and will be prepared for a variety of post-graduation options.

Here at Brentsville, we believe:

• Higher expectations yield higher results.
• Community involvement is essential to the successful operation of the school.
• Extracurricular activities are a cornerstone of the educational process.
• The family is the primary influence in the development of the student.
• Effective communication is essential.
• All students can learn.
• Learning is a lifelong endeavor.
• Excellence is achievable and always worth the investment.
• Collaboration among staff is critical to success.

What are the office hours?

Our office hours are 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

What is the role of a high school counselor?

Although we have many responsibilities, our primary role is to provide academic guidance and support to help ensure students are taking the courses. recommended/needed to meet their post-secondary goals. Please note that although we strive to support the student beyond academics, we are Professional School Counselors and not Licensed Mental Health Counselors. We will assess and address a student’s immediate emotional needs and recommend a course of action. In most cases, we are able to help students and they are able to return to their school day. We also:

• Meet with students
• Attend meetings to support students (parent/teacher conferences, senior IEP meetings, etc.)
• Offer career and academic counseling
• Visit classrooms
• Schedule college, military, and employer visits
• Train and assist students with Naviance

What is Naviance?

Naviance is a website containing college and career information, as well as scholarship information. Every student in PWCS has an account.  Naviance website.

User Name: Student ID

Password: DOB (mm/dd/yyyy)

(Naviance was formerly called Family Connections.)

How does a student or parent arrange to see the counselor?

Students in crisis should report to the counseling office to be seen immediately. Students with a question or non-pressing concern should come to the office between classes to fill out a request form. The counselor will then send a pass for them when they are available. Parents are invited to call or email their student’s counselor. Most questions can be answered via phone or email, but meetings will be scheduled when warranted.

How can I monitor and support my student’s academic progress?

The best ways to monitor your student’s progress are ongoing conversations with your students about their classes and performance and checking grades on ParentVue. It is recommended you check Parent Portal with your student to help facilitate discussion and provide guidance. It is also recommended that you frequently review teacher class pages. Parents are also encouraged to address questions or concerns directly to the teacher(s). Email is the best option to communicate with teachers. ParentVUE Website.

How do I arrange a parent/teacher conference?

If you want/need to meet with one/two teachers, please reach out directly to the teacher to set up a meeting. However, if you would like to meet with several/all of your student’s teachers, please let your student’s counselor know. The counselor will coordinate the meeting. Please also consider using Tiger Tracks in October and February. More information on these can be found on the school calendar and the Important Dates document on the main page.

REGISTRATION, ENROLLMENT, TRANSFERS

I recently moved to the Brentsville area; how do I register my student(s)?

Contact our school registrar to set up a registration appointment. Also, use this opportunity to ensure you understand all the documentation required for your appointment. New student registration.

What are the ways in which a student may transfer to Brentsville?

 A student may transfer for a few reasons. The reasons are outlined in Regulation 721-2. Please review this regulation and direct any questions to the following as appropriate: specialty program transfer questions to Matt Carbo at [email protected]; all other requests (to include recent moves) to Katherine Meints at [email protected].

SCHEDULES, CREDITS, AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

How does my student select courses for the following year?

Students in the county have three opportunities to confirm their schedules for the following year. We encourage students to read course descriptions, attend information nights, and talk with students and teachers so courses are carefully selected during the registration period. In the January to February timeframe, students submit course requests for the following year online with guidance from their parents. In the months of February and March counselors meet with students to discuss the course requests and confirm both their seven-course requests and three alternates. Copies of these requests are shared with the parents. In June, a list of the course requests is provided so students and parents have one final opportunity to make changes.

Can a student make a schedule change when the school year begins?

Our master schedule is created after the third and final attempt (see question above) to seek course request confirmations in June. Based on the number of requests for each course, sections are determined, staff needed, and teacher's line schedules determined so teachers can begin planning for the following year. Therefore, after the master is created, there are few, if any, slots available for change requests. We will, certainly, change a course if the student completed work over the summer (e.g., in summer school) and should be advanced to the next class in the sequence.

What are the graduation requirements for my student?

Students must earn a specific number of both credits and verified credits depending on graduation type. The graduation requirements are in the PWC Course Catalog. For convenience, we have also linked them to our counseling page. Please be sure to review the graduation requirements based on your student’s entry into the 9^th grade and diploma type.

My student was home-schooled; can (s)he get high school credit for high school grade level courses completed?

Please contact the student’s counselor for information and guidance.

Can my student earn college credit in high school?

Students can earn college credit with qualifying scores on aligned Cambridge and AP assessments. In some cases, this may also be done using a dual enrollment option. Please contact the student’s counselor for information on this option.

Why and when should summer school course inquiries be made?

Students take summer school courses both to make room in their schedule for another course the following year and to recover a course they previously failed. The most appropriate time to discuss summer school with the counselor is the May-June timeframe as they are finalizing course requests for the following year and can best predict their year-end grades.

COLLEGE PREPARATION AND EXPLORATION

What is the difference between the SAT and the ACT? When should I take these exams?

Both the SAT and the ACT are standardized tests that are used by nearly all colleges and universities in their admission processes. The SAT includes three sections (math, critical reading, and writing) and is scored on a 1600-point scale. The ACT includes five sections (math, reading, writing-optional, English, and science) and is scored on a 36-point scale. It is up to the student and parents to decide the best time to take either standardized test, but taking either test starting in January of their Junior year is a good time to start taking either test. For dates, the SAT will be administered at Brentsville, consult the Important Dates document on the main page of the website. View test dates and locations, and register:

• SAT
• ACT

How should I start my college search?

It is recommended you start by talking to your counselor. Naviance is a great tool to help you begin this process. It is highly recommended students do their own research, including talking to older siblings, friends and Brentsville graduates. However, it is important students confirm any information gained from peers by visiting college websites.

Using Naviance Student™

Naviance Student is the new Naviance student experience that replaces Family Connection and enables students to engage anywhere in college and career planning. You can access Naviance Student on your mobile device or computer. Naviance Student is provided free of charge to all high school students courtesy of the Office of Student Services.

Naviance Student allows your student to:

• Get involved in the planning and advising process – Build a resume, complete online surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about colleges and careers
• Research colleges – Compare his/her GPA, standardized test scores, and other statistics to actual admissions decision data from your high school for students who have applied in the past
• Research careers – Research hundreds of careers and career clusters, and take career assessments
• Create plans for the future – Create goals and to-dos, and complete tasks assigned by the school to better prepare your student for future college and career goals.

Naviance Student also lets us share information with you and your student about upcoming meetings and events, local scholarship opportunities, and other resources for college and career information.

Access Naviance by clicking here: Naviance Student

New Student Registration

Below are the documents needed for registering/enrolling a student at BDHS:

• Registration Checklist (PDF)
• PPD Questionnaire (Regulation 723-4)
• Registration Form - English (PDF)
• Registration Form - English (PDF Fillable)
• Registration Form - Spanish (PDF)
• Disclosure of Child’s Disciplinary and Criminal History Prior to Enrollment
• Virginia School Crime & Violence Prevention - Spanish (PDF)
• Health Screening (PDF)
• Special Education Survey (PDF)
• Vaccination Requirements
• School Entrance Health Form (PDF)

It is important that you bring all these materials with you to your registration appointment. If any item is missing, you will not be permitted to register your student, and you will be asked to reschedule your appointment. No exceptions are made to this process.

School Information for New Students and Families

New Student Information Booklet - Please click the link to see important information for newly enrolled students.  

Create an Observer Account in Canvas

Canvas Tips for Parents and Guardians

Student Withdrawal Process

We hate to lose students, but we know that in a community such as ours, many students move in and out frequently. To facilitate the transfer from this school to another school, we have instituted a withdrawal process.

Students who are moving should see our registrar before withdrawing so that we can get grades and other information ready in order to make a smooth transition.

This is generally a two-day process, so that all school materials (laptops, chargers, library books, textbooks, athletic uniforms, etc.) can be turned in. Please allow enough time for the checkout process.

PWCS High School Course Catalog (2026-2027) 

Academic and Career Plan Link

BDHS 2026-2027 Electives (Visual Presentation)

Rising 9th Grade Scheduling Presentation (Canva Video) 

9th Grade Elective Descriptions (PDF)

9th Grade 2026-27 Course Selection Sheet (PDF)

Vint Hill Educational Services

Scholarship Information

Stop by the guidance office for printed copies of Scholarship applications and instructions.
For a comprehensive list of all scholarships available, log into Naviance Student and click on the Scholarships tab. 

Free Money! From the Federal Government - visit the FAFSA website for all the information.

FAFSA Directions (PDF)

FAFSA Workshops (PDF)

FAFSA Demo Zoom Link

Military Dependents in PWCS

Below are scholarship opportunities for our students who are military dependents in PWCS

Kate Horrell - Military Kids' Scholarships

Military Scholar.Org Scholarships

Local Scholarships

Details and requirements can be found here: 2026 Jack Steinbrunner Memorial Scholarship (PDF)

2026 Ryland Strong Scholarship

Details and requirements can be found here: 2026 Ryland Strong Scholarship (PDF)

2026 Austin Trenum Memorial Scholarship

Details and requirements can be found here: 2026 Austin Trenum Memorial Scholarship (PDF)

2026 Diana Dyer Memorial Scholarship

Details and requirements can be found here:  2026 Diana Dyer Memorial Scholarship (PDF)

2026 Greg Stanley Memorial Scholarship

 Details and requirements can be found here: 2026 Greg Stanley Memorial Scholarship (PDF)

2026 Hicks vs. Hacks Scholarship

Details and requirements can be found here:  2026 Hicks vs. Hacks Scholarship Application (PDF)

2026 PTAC Scholarship

Details and requirements can be found here:  2026 PTAC Scholarship Application (PDF)

2026 BDHS Athletic Booster Scholarship

Details and requirements can be found here: 2026 BDHS Athletic Booster Scholarship (Google Form)

PWEA

The Scholarship Committee is committed to offering annual scholarships for high school seniors, an ESP, a current member, future educators, and first-time college attendees. Scholarship application and more details can be found on PWEA website: PWEA Scholarships

NOVA

Northern Virginia Community College Scholarships can be found here:  NVCC Scholarships

Plein Environmental Scholarship

The Plein Environmental Scholarship provides funds to support undergraduate students studying the environment at public schools in Virginia.  High school seniors who plan to attend any Virginia public university or community college next year are eligible to apply for this scholarship.  More details are available here:  www.whfarmfroundation.org/scholarships    Application Link

Scholarship Points $10,000 Giveaway

Scholarship Points awards $10,000 for signing up and earning points — no essay or application needed! Earn points by taking surveys, reading articles, interacting on social media, and playing games. Each point is an entry to win the monthly scholarship drawing. The more points you earn, the more entries you have to win. There’s a new winner each month and multiple chances to score a scholarship.
Award: $10,000
Deadline: Monthly drawing
Start by creating a ScholarshipPoints profile 

VA State Financial Aid- Assistance for students without documentation

Presidential 1776 Award for Civics (February 2026)

Led by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and supported by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation, the competition features a $250,000 scholarship prize pool and a nationally televised final round in Washington, D.C. The program is designed to test students’ knowledge of the American founding, the road to independence, the Revolutionary War, and the ideas that shaped the United States.

Any eligible high school student may take the first-round online qualifying exam, known as The Impossible Civics Test. From there, only four students per state, plus top students from Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories, will advance to the next level. Those students move on to in-person regional semifinals, with the top four finalists from each region advancing to a nationally broadcast final in Washington.

Registration opens February 1 and closes February 21, 2026.
The online testing window runs February 22–28, 2026.

ARMY ROTC

Army ROTC offers generous merit-based scholarships to qualified students. They can defray the full cost of tuition, and provide additional tax-free allowances for books, supplies, equipment, and necessary fees. 

ARMY ROTC Scholarship Website

Guided Pathway Support Program

An initiative of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, the Guided Pathway Support Program is a free college and scholarship application advising program for African American students.  GPS engages students and parents through an online college access community that offers unlimited application advising services and mentorship from Ron Brown Scholars and Captains.
Amount of Award: Varies
Deadline:  No deadline, students are accepted and served throughout the calendar year. 
Guided Pathway Support Program Website

Scholarship/Financial Aid Database Links

Fastweb

Fastweb is your connection to scholarships, colleges, financial aid and more.
Fastweb Website

College Board BigFuture

College Board BigFuture Website

U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center

College of Affordability and Transparency Center Website

Scholarships.com

Search Over 3.7 Million College Scholarships & Grants
Scholarships.com Website

Raise Me

Get micro-scholarships from colleges for your achievements!  Add high school achievements to your portfolio--course grades, clubs, sports, volunteer activities--then earn scholarships for each achievement from colleges which you'll be awarded when you attend that college.
Raise Me Website

Virginia Department of Education

Virginia Department of Education Scholarship Website

Requesting Transcripts through Naviance

Students must use Naviance to request transcripts and sign up for college visits. Please click on the following document for instructions on how to log in to Naviance!

Student Directions for Accessing Naviance

Allow two weeks to process a transcript request!

****The BDHS School Counseling Department asks for 10 business days to process college transcript requests and counselor recommendation letters.

Students are responsible for submitting their applications to the college (usually online through the college website) and requesting that their SAT/ACT scores be sent to each college (through the College Board or ACT).

Common Application Support- AXS Companion

Military

Enlistment - Military Recruiters visit Brentsville District High School during lunch shifts. Visits are as scheduled:

Army every third Thursday, Marines every third Wednesday, Navy every third Tuesday

• Today's Military.com (general information about the military and steps to join)
• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy

ROTC Program Information

Air Force ROTC Information

Navy ROTC Information

Military Pathways Workshop

Join us to hear from several military branches, recruiters, and an ROTC program to find your best fit, review the ASVAB and learn about the benefits of different military career opportunities.
Military Pathways Workshop Recording Link

U.S. Air Force Representative
TSgt Smith, Dustin
14029 Crossing Place
Woodbridge, VA 22191
Cell: (240) 602-5736
Email: [email protected]

U.S. Army Representative
Eric Goldenthal
Staff Sergeant
Army Recruiter
Manassas Army Recruiting
8415 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
Office (703)361-5811
Cell (703)786-8087

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)

• If you are joining the military, you will have to take the ASVAB. This is offered at BDHS, but you can also take it privately with a recruiter. Practice tests are available on the ASVAB site below.

• The ASVAB is one piece that helps determine whether you are qualified to enlist in the military and how qualified you are for certain military jobs or specialties. Each military branch has a different cut-off score.

•  Here are a few of the many websites to help you prepare:
  ▪ What is the ASVAB?
  ▪ ASVAB Program
  ▪ ASVAB Website

Military Resources

•  Parents Guide
•  ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) Parent Guide
•  Careers in the Military
•  ASVAB Student Guide
•  How to Request Your ASVAB Score
•  Federally Funded Sources
  This is a list of official resources sponsored by the federal government and endorsed by the DoD as the authoritative source for information about options for students after high school. Your tax dollars fund these federal resources making them free for schools to use.
•  Request ASVAB CEP at your school