In 1989, a committee of local animal science professionals was created to evaluate the curriculum and recommend changes for Arlington students. After studying the student population and the traditional agricultural animal science curricula, the committee decided that the students would benefit more from non-traditional curricula. The courses were change with one designed to teach basic biology focusing on animals and related employment skills; and the other designed for students, who have taken biology, as a basic zoology, genetics and behavior class. Both classes also give the students exposure to a variety of animal related careers and experience caring for numerous types of animals. Once all revisions were completed, the curricula were outlined by the committee and sent to the Virginia Department of Education for approval. Ever since, both courses have maintained their state approval for a science credit as well as a fine/practical arts credit.

The staff has actively sought animal science professionals to review our curricula in both formal and informal ways. The advisory committee has met to review the curricula especially when changes are proposed or state approval is needed. Professionals from various animal related careers are brought in to speak to the students every year. These professionals are given a tour of the lab, an overview of the program and then comments, suggestions and modifications are solicited by the staff. New trends, techniques or research suggested by the professionals are then incorporated into the curricula. Having professionals from the field perpetually review the curricula assists in keeping the staff and the program current in the wide variety of animal careers. It also gives students and staff access to current professional trends.