Virginia Youth Survey (VYS)

The Virginia Youth Survey (VYS), commonly referred to as the Youth Risk and Behavior Survey (YRBS) in other states, has been developed to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute markedly to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults within the Commonwealth of Virginia. The survey is administered every odd year in randomly selected Virginia public schools.

From November 13, 2023 to December 8, 2023, the selected grade 6-12 classrooms in APS will complete the Virginia Youth Survey (VYS) during the school day. These randomly selected classes will be asked to participate at the following schools: Dorothy Hamm Middle School, Gunston Middle School, Kenmore Middle School, Swanson Middle School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Wakefield High School, Washington-Liberty High School, Williamsburg Middle School, and Yorktown High School.

VYS will take approximately 45 minutes for students to complete and will focus on the following areas: behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence, alcohol and other substance use, tobacco use, unhealthy dietary behaviors, and inadequate physical activity. Students who participate will remain anonymous.

The data is used to monitor trends in health risk and health promoting behaviors. This data allows community organizations, local health districts, and school divisions to provide youth the support and services that target the most prevalent health risk behaviors. Additionally, this data is used to secure funding for statewide programs that promote healthy youth behaviors.

Virginia Youth Survey – Middle School

• English
• Spanish
• Amharic
• Arabic
• Mongolian

Virginia Youth Survey – High School

• English
• Spanish
• Amharic
• Arabic
• Mongolian

If families would like to opt-out your student from participating in VYS, please complete the appropriate opt-out form by visiting one of the links below:

• Middle School VYS Opt-Out
• High School VYS Opt-Out

Additional details on the Virginia Youth Survey are available on the Virginia Department of Health website.

For additional information or questions, please contact Engage with APS at engage@apsva.us or call and text 571-200-2770.