Mr. Karris Story, M.A.
School Counselor
Counselor’s Corner
Welcome to Southern University Laboratory Virtual School! As your school counselor, I am here to support and ensure the success of all our students. Whether you need help navigating high school graduation requirements, setting academic goals, exploring postsecondary options, or just need someone to talk to, I am here for you.
The Counselor’s Corner is your go-to resource for important updates and guidance on statewide testing, graduation requirements, and other key information that supports student achievement and well-being. I look forward to partnering with you throughout your journey at SULVS!
Required Statewide Assessments
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K- 3 Literacy and Numeracy Screening
All students in grades K–3 take short reading and math check-ins three times a year—at the start, middle, and end of the school year. These help us see how your child is growing and if they need extra support to build strong reading and math skills.
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LEAP 2025 Testing
LEAP 2025 is a state test that students in grades 3 through high school take each year to show what they’ve learned in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The results help teachers understand how your child is doing and how to better support their learning.
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ACT
In Louisiana, all 11th-grade students take the ACT during the spring as part of the state’s testing requirements. This important college admissions test also helps measure readiness for life after high school. Scores can be used for college applications, TOPS scholarships, and career planning.
Graduation Requirements
At Southern University Laboratory Virtual School (SULVS), students follow a curriculum that puts them on track to earn the TOPS University Diploma. This diploma ensures your child takes the right courses and meets the academic requirements needed for college admissions and scholarship opportunities in Louisiana. By following this track and earning the TOPS University Diploma, students graduate fully prepared for success in both college and career. Students are required to complete a total of 24 units of coursework as indicated below.
Required Coursework
English Language Arts - 4 units
English I, II, III, IV
Mathematics - 4 units
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and one additional unit from: Advanced Math—Functions and Statistics, Advanced Math—Pre-Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus, Probability and Statistics, AP Statistics, or AP Computer Science A
Science - 4 units
Biology, Chemistry and Two additional units from: Physical Science, Environmental Science, Physics, or other approved science courses
Social Studies - 4 units
Civics, U.S. History, and two additional units from: World History, World Geography, or other approved social studies courses.
Health & Physical Education - 2 units
Health Education, Physical Education I and II
Art - 1 unit
Courses such as Art, Music, Dance, or Theater
Financial Literacy - 1 unit
Financial Literacy
*Required for students entering 9th grade in 2024–2025 and thereafter.
Additional Requirements
Foreign Language - 2 units
Two units in the same language (e.g., Spanish I & II)
Students in Louisiana are required to take LEAP 2025 End-of-Course (EOC) tests when they finish certain high school courses. These tests help show what students have learned and are part of the state’s graduation requirements.
Students will take EOC assessments in these subjects:
English I
English II
Algebra I
Geometry
Biology
Civics
To meet graduation requirements, students must pass one test from each subject group:
English: English I or English II
Math: Algebra I or Geometry
Science/Social Studies: Biology or Civics
These assessments are important steps toward earning a high school diploma and preparing for life after graduation.
Electives - 2 units
Courses students select based on their interests and post-secondary goals.
