Admissions

Welcome to the CVGS Admissions Information Page 

There are many exciting opportunities available at CVGS, and we are proud of our programs, our students, and all our students accomplish while they are with us.

Students at CVGS conduct original research projects, use sophisticated equipment and software, participate in an award winning internship program, and pursue a rigorous academic curriculum.

Along with the curricular challenges and unique experiences of the CVGS program, academically talented and highly motivated students from eleven high schools attend CVGS and work and learn together, forming a network of friendships that otherwise would not exist.

CVGS  is one of 19 Virginia Governor's Schools serving over 6,500 gifted and talented students across the state, and for over 35 years our graduates have gone on to attend the best colleges and universities in the country.  After completing undergraduate studies, CVGS alumni have compiled amazing vitas detailing extensive contributions to their fields of study and their communities.

We are delighted that you are considering applying to CVGS.  Please read all the information on this page before accessing the application forms available through the links in the menu on the right of this page.  

Background Information 

Students apply for admission to the Governor's School in the winter of their sophomore year. Applications are reviewed by selection committees in each school division. The selection committees consider standardized test scores, academic achievement, and demonstrated interest in science and mathematics when evaluating and ranking student applications.  The tuition for students accepted into the program is paid to the Governor's School by the student's school division. CVGS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment.  

CVGS Learning Environment 

• The CVGS curriculum is designed for gifted and talented students.

• Teachers serve as mentors promoting student engagement and active learning. 

• Students enjoy more freedom and are responsible for their own learning and time management.

• Multidisciplinary connections between mathematics, science, and technology are explored.

• Students participate in sophisticated science laboratories, long-term assignments, independent research, and group work in both labs and on projects.

• All students are assigned an email account and a laptop computer preloaded with Windows, Microsoft Office, and the Adobe Creative Suite.

CVGS Quick Facts 

• CVGS is great college preparation due to the academic environment, research course, technology exposure, science laboratory experiences, and the internship program.

• CVGS serves about 150 students from the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell and the city of Lynchburg.  

• CVGS sends out acceptance letters by March 31 of each year.

• New students attend four days of orientation, three in mid-June and one in mid-August.

• There is no tuition charge for parents; each school division covers the tuition costs for its students to attend the Governor's School, and the Virginia Department of Education Gifted Programs Office provides additional funding.

• CVGS operates during morning hours — students return to their base high schools for afternoon classes and extracurricular activities.

• Students attend CVGS for three periods every day during one of two sessions.  Session I is from 7:30 - 10:10 a.m. and Session II is from 8:25 - 11:05 a.m.

• The school divisions provide daily transportation to and from CVGS.

• Parents or students must provide transportation to internship locations on 12 Fridays in the spring.

• All Governor’s School classes are weighted courses for Grade Point Average calculations for home school transcripts.

• Students can earn up to 20 college credits for their CVGS classes.

How to Apply

Steps for All Applicants

Step 1: Talk to your guidance counselor and parents/guardians.

Discuss the opportunity with your parents or guardians and your guidance counselor. Because school divisions may adapt the application process to their own needs and preferences, your guidance counselor can tell you:

• Which application form to use

• What the deadline is at your school

• Whether 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).
Attendance is not required, but is recommended if you want to learn more about the program. We host two Program Overview Nights each January. Please check the CVGS calendar on our website main page for dates and times.

Step 3: Ask your guidance counselor to complete the student record form.
The student record form documents your academic history. Your guidance counselor can obtain this form from your school division or, if your division uses our template, from our website.

If Your School Division Uses CVGS Website Forms

Step 4: Complete the application.
If your school division uses the application form on our website:

1. Download the fillable PDF.

2. Complete all required fields.

3. Save the file.

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

Step 5: Arrange for recommendations (if required).
If your guidance counselor confirms that recommendations are required and your school division uses the recommendation form on our website:

1. Download the fillable PDF.

2. Save it and email it to the teachers who will provide your recommendations—or share a direct link to the recommendation form page on our website.

Questions?

Contact your guidance department for information about your school division's specific application process and deadlines.