Admissions

Welcome to the CVGS Admissions Information Page 

There are countless exciting opportunities awaiting students at the Central Virginia Governor’s School for Science and Technology (CVGS). We take great pride in our academic programs, our students, and the remarkable accomplishments they achieve during their time with us.

At CVGS, students go beyond traditional classroom learning. They conduct original research, work with sophisticated scientific equipment and software, participate in an award-winning internship program, and engage in a challenging, academically rigorous curriculum designed to expand their knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare them for future success.

Equally important is the unique community students become part of at CVGS. Academically talented and highly motivated students from eleven area high schools come together each day to learn, collaborate, and challenge one another. Along the way, they develop lasting friendships and connections with peers who share their curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and commitment to academic excellence—relationships and experiences they might never have had otherwise.

CVGS is one of 19 Virginia Governor’s Schools serving more than 6,500 gifted and talented students across the Commonwealth. For more than 40 years, our graduates have gone on to attend outstanding colleges and universities throughout the country. Beyond their undergraduate studies, CVGS alumni have distinguished themselves through meaningful contributions to their professions, fields of study, and communities.

We are delighted that you are considering applying to the Central Virginia Governor’s School. We encourage you to explore the information provided on this page to learn more about our program, its expectations, and the opportunities available to our students. Please review all information carefully before accessing the application forms through the links in the menu on the right side of this page.

We look forward to learning more about you and the possibility of welcoming you to CVGS!

Background Information 

Students apply for admission to the Central Virginia Governor’s School during the winter of their sophomore year. Applications are reviewed by selection committees within each participating school division. In evaluating applicants, the committees consider a range of factors, including standardized test scores, academic achievement, and demonstrated interest and aptitude in science and mathematics. Applicants are evaluated and ranked based on these criteria as part of the selection process.

Tuition for students accepted into the program is paid directly to the Governor’s School by the student’s participating school division. There is no tuition cost to students or their families.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Central Virginia Governor’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices.

CVGS Learning Environment 

• A Challenging Curriculum: The CVGS curriculum is specifically designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented students, providing an academically rigorous and stimulating learning environment.

• Teachers as Mentors: Teachers serve as mentors and facilitators of learning, encouraging student engagement, intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and active participation.

• Student Independence and Responsibility: Students enjoy greater independence and are expected to take responsibility for their learning, manage their time effectively, and develop the organizational skills necessary for academic success.

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Students explore meaningful connections among mathematics, science, and technology, gaining a deeper understanding of how these disciplines intersect and complement one another.

• Hands-On and Experiential Learning: Students engage in sophisticated laboratory investigations, long-term assignments, independent research, and collaborative projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific inquiry skills.

• Technology and Digital Resources: Every student is provided with an individual laptop computer and a CVGS email account. Laptops are equipped with Windows, Microsoft Office, and the Adobe Creative Suite to support instruction, research, communication, and creative projects.

CVGS Quick Facts 

• College Preparation: CVGS provides an exceptional college-preparatory experience through its rigorous academic environment, research curriculum, exposure to advanced technology, hands-on science laboratory experiences, and award-winning internship program. These opportunities help students develop the knowledge, skills, and independence necessary for success in college and beyond.

• Regional Enrollment: CVGS serves approximately 150 students from eleven high schools across five participating school divisions: Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell Counties, and the City of Lynchburg.

• Admissions Notifications: Students receive notification of admission decisions by March 31 each year.

• New Student Orientation: Incoming students participate in four days of orientation, with three days scheduled in mid-June and an additional day in mid-August to prepare them for the upcoming school year.

• Tuition and Funding: There is no tuition charge to parents or students. Each participating school division pays the tuition for its students, with additional financial support provided by the Virginia Department of Education's Gifted Education Office.

• Daily Schedule: CVGS operates during the morning hours, allowing students to return to their home high schools for afternoon classes, electives, and extracurricular activities.

• Class Sessions: Students attend CVGS for three consecutive class periods each day during one of two morning sessions:

  • Session I: 7:30–10:10 a.m.

  • Session II: 8:25–11:05 a.m.

• Daily Transportation: Participating school divisions provide transportation to and from CVGS each school day.

• Internship Transportation: During the spring semester, students participate in internships on 12 Fridays. Parents or students are responsible for providing transportation to and from their assigned internship locations on these days.

• Weighted Courses: All CVGS courses receive weighted credit in GPA calculations on students' home high school transcripts, recognizing the advanced academic rigor of the program.

• College Credit Opportunities: Through CVGS coursework, students have the opportunity to earn up to 20 transferable college credits, giving them a valuable head start on their college education.

Steps for All Applicants

Step 1: Meet with Your Guidance Counselor and Discuss the Opportunity with Your Parents or Guardians.

Begin by discussing your interest in applying to CVGS with your parents or guardians and your school's counselor. Because each participating school division may customize the application process to meet its own requirements, your guidance counselor will provide important information, including:

• Your school division's application deadline

• Whether teacher recommendations are required and, if so, how many and from whom

• Which recommendation form to use, if applicable

Step 2: Attend a CVGS Program Overview Night (Recommended).

Although attendance is not required, we strongly encourage prospective applicants and their families to attend one of our CVGS Program Overview Nights. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about the program, its academic expectations, and the unique experiences available to CVGS students. Two Program Overview Nights are held each January. Please visit the CVGS calendar on the homepage of our website for dates and times.

Step 3: Request a Student Record Form from Your Guidance Counselor.

Your guidance counselor is responsible for completing the student record form, which documents your academic history and achievement. The form is available through your school division or on the CVGS website.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form.

1. Download the fillable PDF application form from the CVGS website.

2. Complete all required fields.

3. Save your completed document.

4. Print a copy and submit it to your guidance counselor by your school division's application deadline.

Step 5: Arrange for Teacher Recommendations, If Required.

If your guidance counselor confirms that teacher recommendations are required, follow these steps:

1. Download the fillable PDF recommendation form from the CVGS website.

2. Save the document.

3. Email the form to the teachers you have selected to provide recommendations, or share a direct link to the recommendation form page on the CVGS website.

Please allow your teachers sufficient time to complete and submit their recommendations before your school division's deadline.

Questions About the Application Process?

Your school's guidance department is your primary resource for questions about application requirements, deadlines, forms, and recommendations specific to your school division. We encourage you to work closely with your guidance counselor throughout the application process.