https://vdoe.smapply.us/prog/GWLA2026/
Interest forms WERE due Nov 1; Applications were due Dec 1. Applications will open again next October 1.
Virginia Summer Residential Governor's School provides students currently in 10th and 11th grade an opportunity to continue their learning over the summer with some of the most talented students throughout the Commonwealth. Students with a passion for learning in these fields are encouraged to apply.
Any high performing AHS 10th or 11th grade student is welcome to apply to the Governor's School (as long as AHS is your base-school--if it's not, you'll apply through your base school) (*Home-school students can also apply--10th or 11th grade only!)
You can only apply to 1 Governor's School. You can only attend 1 Governor's School.
Please note that Governor's School slots are HIGHLY COMPETITIVE ( I'm here to HELP with applications and resumes, but I do NOT serve on selection committees).
Cost? The school system pays your tuition ($$$$) which includes room/board if you are selected for Gov School. However, you may have pay some activities fees (low $$$).
Need help? Want more info? Draft yourself for Talent Development in PowerSchool before Nov 1.
*Note: Governor's Schools require that students attend the entire program. Students do NOT go home on weekends. Some schools (the languages, for example) are completely cell-phone free (and students love it)! Please do not apply to Gov School unless you plan to actually attend.
Exploration of human culture through history, literature, philosophy, and social sciences.
Radford University
June 21 - July 11, 2026
Academic Recommendation Form A
Academic Recommendation Form B
Deadline: Nov 1: Interest Form December 1: Application and Teacher Ratings
Humanities, held at Radford University, provides a broad curriculum that explores how modern society influences individual creativity. Courses cover history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, political science, economics, sociology, psychology, and media. The program encourages students to think creatively from various disciplines through reading, discussion, seminars, and lectures. The program accepts up to 100 students.
Anatomy & Physiology, Astronomy, Computer Programming, Geology, Hydrology, Hypermedia, Physics, Upper-Level Mathematics
University of Lynchburg July 5 - July 25, 2026
Academic Recommendation Form A
Academic Recommendation Form B
Deadline: Nov 1: Interest Form December 1: Application and Teacher Ratings
Math, Science, & Technology (MST): University of Lynchburg challenges students to explore questions in mathematics, science, & technology. Inspired by Marie Curie's quote, "Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood," the curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, multimedia instruction, & independent research. Students engage in classroom & laboratory instruction, covering topics such as the nature of science, scientific experiment design, & public policy aspects of STEM.
Academic Recommendation Form A
Academic Recommendation Form B
Deadline: Nov 1: Interest Form December 1: Application and Teacher Ratings
Accelerator Operations, Adv Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics
College of William and Mary July 5 - July 25, 2026
Academic Recommendation Form A
Academic Recommendation Form B
Deadline: Nov 1: Interest Form December 1: Application and Teacher Ratings
Engineering (JLAB): Students work with Jefferson Lab (JLAB) mentors on real-life, team-oriented engineering & research projects. The program includes hands-on experiences in areas such as electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, accelerator operations, & computer science. Students aged 16 & above work in small groups in labs & other facilities, participate in special tours & lectures, & present their research to the JLAB community.
Radford University June 21 - July 10, 2026
Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Forensics
Academic Recommendation Form A
Academic Recommendation Form B
Deadline: Nov 1: Interest Form December 1: Application and Teacher Ratings
Medicine & Health Sciences (MHS): Medicine & Health Sciences provides an enhanced curriculum that explores the connection between health sciences research & medical practice. Students engage in hands-on classroom activities, laboratory exercises, & field experiences, focusing on complex analysis & critical thinking in real-world medical scenarios. The program is designed for students with a serious interest in science & medicine, offering a rigorous, academically accelerated environment.
Coastal Law, Fisheries Science, Marine Resources Management, Oceanography, Wetlands, Ecology
College of William and Mary July 5 - July 25, 2026
Academic Recommendation Form A
Academic Recommendation Form B
Deadline: Nov 1: Interest Form December 1: Application and Teacher Ratings
Marine Science (VIMS): Partnering with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), this program involves field & laboratory work in biological, chemical, geological, & physical oceanography, wetlands ecology, fisheries science, coastal law, & marine resource management. Students become members of existing research teams, working under the guidance of VIMS mentors. The program includes field & vessel work, data collection & analysis, library research, & laboratory studies. At the end of the program, students present their research to the VIMS community.
Governor’s French, German and Spanish Academies
June 20 – July 11, 2026
Washington & Lee University, Lexington
Governor’s Japanese and Latin Academies
June 28 – July 12, 2026
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
Complete this Commitment Form by Dec 1
French
German
Latin
Introduction to Japanese
Spanish
Eligibility: Please read this whole section FIRST**** Eligibility rules are dictated by the VDOE (not ACPS)
Nominees for the Latin Academy:
· must have completed at least level two of Latin prior to the beginning of the Academy.
Nominees for the Partial-Immersion Japanese Language Academy:
· must have successfully completed at least level two of ANY world language prior to the beginning of the Academy (but may also be students of Japanese); and
· must not be fluent or proficient speakers of Japanese.
Nominees for the Full-Immersion French, German, and Spanish Academies:
· must have completed at least level three of the language (or an equivalent preparation) prior to the beginning of the Academy;
· must not be native speakers of the Academy language;
· must have developed good proficiency in using this language; and
· must be willing to use the target language for all social and academic interactions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Full-Immersion Academies are not designed for students with native or near-native fluency in the target language.
The full-immersion Academies are designed to provide an immersion setting for students who have learned the Academy language in a traditional school setting. The focus is on the development of oral fluency and ease of expression. Students who have already experienced equivalent immersion opportunities or who are already proficient speakers of the Academy language should not apply.
A statewide selection committee will make the final determination about the appropriateness of an applicant’s participation in this regard. Nominees will be rated on a point system that considers a range of factors, including time spent abroad or in an immersion language camp, frequency of language use, and whether the student is a heritage speaker of the Academy language. The following could cause an applicant to be eliminated during the selection process:
· Prior residence in a country where the language of the Academy is spoken, especially since the age of 12;
· Extensive travel experiences in a country where the language of the Academy is spoken, especially with regard to frequent opportunities for using the language;
· Extensive full-immersion experiences (24 hours/day) with the language of the Academy, such as home-stay or travel/study programs in a country where the Academy language is spoken; or
· Residence in a family where the language of the Academy is spoken in the home, or regular contact with members of the extended family where the Academy language is used for communication.
“Extensive” is defined as equivalent to an Academy in length and intensity, i.e., three or more weeks in a full-immersion setting. Students with highly developed oral language skills do not find the rigors of the Academy as challenging or rewarding as students of lesser proficiency who, for the most part, have learned the language entirely in a classroom setting. Furthermore, it is difficult for staff to accommodate students whose language skills are already sufficiently developed. It is suggested that such students consider application to the Governor’s Japanese Academy.
November 1: Intent Form Due https://forms.gle/8rd5Z6Z3HhfCeU6aA
December 1: Commit to Test Form Due https://forms.gle/iPZWrXAfvDD4YTa28
First Week in December: Interview with AHS World Language Team--Ms. Newman will email you your interview time! To prepare for your interview....I recommend that you be on time and dress nicely. Introduce yourself (first and last name). Give thoughtful, insightful answers to each of their questions (with 2-3 bullet points per question). I don't know the questions, but..... WHY you want to attend Governor's School? How do you learn and study a language on your own? Will you be ok completely without your phone for 3 weeks? What do you hope to GAIN by attending World Language Academy? What do you hope to GIVE by attending World Language Academy?
December 5: ONLY students who have been selected/invited to apply for AHS will receive information on next steps (which include taking a STAMP placement test (even if you have already completed a STAMP test), an application, teacher ratings, and the application portal.
Upload your Portfolio By November 10 to ACPS (see instructions below to prepare your portfolio). Ms. Moran will send you a link to a Google Folder, where you will upload your portfolio. Sight reading times(for vocal and for musical instrument) will be emailed to you.
Students who are invited to apply will be notified by November 17 (ish)
Dance
Drama
Instrumental Music
Vocal Music
Visual Arts
A. Applicants will present a portfolio containing ten pieces of original artwork from the following media: Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, Installation, Collage, Assemblage, Video, and New Media. Submissions will be made through Opus Event in December.
a. Core Portfolio: Six artworks should share a standard media, working method, or theme.
b. Supplementary: Four artworks should differ from the Core Portfolio to show variety, experimentation, and growth.
c. The Portfolio should be submitted as a PDF.
B. For the state round, film yourself drawing 2-20 minute videos:
The first 20 minutes will be used to draw a picture of your own hand.
The second 20 minutes you will draw a 2”x2” box in the middle of the paper. Then draw anything you want interacting with the 2’’ box. This will be the conceptual part.
The supplies needed are 2 pieces of paper and something to draw with. You cannot use your phones or any reference photos.
If you are Invited to Apply to the State: Applicants will create two drawings for the Adjudication, one based on everyday life and the other on more conceptual content. Each drawing should be a continuous 20-minute video of this activity, totaling 40 minutes.
C. Applicants will be asked to discuss and explain their art and roles in group learning.
Applicants will be adjudicated on the following criteria:
a. Design (cohesiveness of composition)
b. Expression (communicative quality)
c. Originality (novel or unique solutions)
d. Fluency (number of ideas and concepts)
e. Flexibility (variety of work and ideas) f. Elaboration (stretching or expanding imagery)
Submissions
Preparation:
Camera: Most digital cameras, including cell phones, are perfectly fine for both the photos and videos for the adjudication. Professional photography or videography is neither required nor expected. Please ensure picture clarity. You may mount your camera on a tripod or have someone operate it for your free draw.
Space: Use a space free from distractions, specifically background noise.
Lighting: Make sure the lighting is adequate for the adjudicator to view.
Recording:
For ACPS: Create one continuous 10-minute recording for part B above.
For State Submission only: Create two continuous 20-minute recordings for part B above.
Finalize:
Upload videos to YouTube (unlisted link) or Google Drive. Please ensure that our adjudicators can access the link.
Create a Word document with your name, discipline, and links you created above. Save the Word doc as a PDF.
Vocalists should select two (2) songs of contrasting style periods and moods from the Art Song (standard recital literature), Opera, or "Broadway Show" repertoire. Applicants should be sure that their compositions are legally used under copyright law. Numerous Websites make available public domain art songs that can be printed freely. Three such sites are the Choral Public Domain Library, the International Music Score Library, and Art Song Central. Vocalists must provide their accompanists/accompaniment and should not perform unaccompanied. The use of pre-recorded accompaniment is allowed. Applicants will be required to sight-sing an eight-bar example, VCDA level 5. Vocalists will be judged on technique, interpretation, tone, intonation, sight-reading, and diction.
Submissions
Preparation:
Camera: Most digital cameras, including cell phones, are perfectly fine for both the photos and videos for the adjudication. Professional photography or videography is neither required nor expected. Please ensure picture clarity. You may mount your camera on a tripod or have someone operate it for you. Auditions must be video recorded from the front, framing the whole body.
Space: Use a space free from distractions, specifically background noise.
Lighting: Ensure the lighting is adequate for the adjudicator to view, that you are not backlit, and that a lamp or sunlight is not coming through a window behind you.
Recording:
Each part should be one continuous recording with no edits or splicing.
Compile the parts together into one video file OR
You may do all parts as one continuous shot, pausing between each part to transition to the next part.
All audition videos must be under ten minutes long
You may record your parts multiple times and choose the best one to submit.
Finalize:
Upload videos to YouTube (unlisted link), Google Drive. Please ensure that our adjudicators can access the link.
Create a Word document with your name, discipline, and links you created above.
Save the Word doc as a PDF.
All music applicants will perform two (2) contrasting prepared selections (2-3 minutes each) and a brief sightreading exercise available on Opus Event when the applicant registers. Additionally, applicants will be asked to respond to a question prompt about their practice on Opus Event at the time of registration. Memorization of music is encouraged but optional. The repertoire should be set at a medium level of difficulty or higher.
The applicant will select compositions for auditions from the standard solo repertoire for his/her instrument or voice within the following guidelines:
Woodwinds and Brass may select materials from the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association's (VBODA) Manual Solo Listings in grades IV, V, and VI; however, selections are not limited to those on these lists. Etudes and exercises from your instrument’s method book are also acceptable (i.e. Klosé, Arban, Rochut, etc.) Any form of accompaniment for instrumental music will not be allowed. In addition, applicants will be required to perform a chromatic scale overthe full range of their instrument (eighth notes, MM=60; slur up, tongue down). There will also be a sight-reading exercise.
Strings may select materials from the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association's (VBODA) Manual Solo Listings in grades IV, V, and VI; however, selections are not limited to those on these lists. Solos from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Contemporary periods are acceptable. Any form of accompaniment for instrumental music will not be allowed. There will also be a sight-reading exercise.
Classical/Symphonic Percussionists must present one prepared selection on a mallet instrument and one on the snare drum. Additionally, perform Eb major, A major, and Db major scales (eighth notes, MM = 60, 2 octaves). There will be sight reading exercises for snare drums and mallets. In addition to the classical/symphonic audition, percussionists who can perform the commercial/jazz audition requirements are encouraged.
Commercial/Jazz Percussionists must perform all the following grooves on a drum set: rock, funk, swing, jazz waltz, and a one-minute improvised drum solo. Videos of the grooves should be at most five minutes long. In addition to the commercial/jazz audition, percussionists who can perform the classical/symphonic audition requirements are encouraged.
Classical Guitarists (acoustic) and Harpists should select two (2) contrasting pieces from two different style periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th/21st Century, or original composition). There will also be a sight-reading exercise. Guitarists will also be asked to perform a three-octave E melodic minor scale in rest stroke (eighth-two-sixteenth pattern) In addition to the classical audition, guitarists who can perform the classical/symphonic audition requirements are encouraged.
Commercial/Jazz Guitarists (electric guitar and bass) should prepare two jazz standards of contrasting styles and plan to improvise at least one chorus on each selection. Sight-reading of a standard lead sheet will also be included. Guitarists will also be asked to perform a three-octave E melodic minor scale in rest stroke (eighth-two-sixteenth pattern). In addition to the commercial/jazz audition, Pianists and Guitarists who can perform the classical/symphonic audition requirements are encouraged to do so.
Pianists should prepare two (2) contrasting pieces from memory in different styles(Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary, Jazz, or original compositions are acceptable). Pianists will perform sight-reading once on campus if selected.
Adjudication specifics
Instrumentalists will be judged on technique, interpretation, tone, intonation, sight-reading, and scales.
Submissions
Preparation:
Camera: Most digital cameras, including cell phones, are perfectly fine for both the photos and videos for the adjudication. Professional photography or videography is neither required nor expected. Please ensure picture clarity. You may mount your camera on a tripod or have someone operate it for you. Auditions must be video recorded from the front, framing the whole body.
Space: Use a space free from distractions, specifically background noise.
Lighting: Ensure the lighting is adequate for the adjudicator to view, that you are not backlit, and that a lamp or sunlight is not coming through a window behind you.
Recording:
Each part should be one continuous recording with no edits or splicing.
Compile the parts together into one video file OR
You may do all parts as one continuous shot, pausing between each part to transition to the next part.
All audition videos must be under ten minutes long
You may record your parts multiple times and choose the best one to submit.
Finalize:
Upload videos to YouTube (unlisted link), Google Drive, or Dropbox. Please ensure that our adjudicators can access the link.
Create a Word document with your name, discipline, and links you created above.
Save the Word doc as a PDF.
Theater:
A. Applicants for Governor's School will perform one memorized monologue 60-90 seconds long. For these auditions, a monologue is "a solo passage from a play." Applicants are encouraged to seek audition material that is close to their age and experience. Applicants must have read the entire play from which the monologue has been selected. Poetry not from a play, other nondramatic literature, and pieces from unpublished work (including original material) may not be used. Selections from monologue books or the internet are strongly discouraged.
B. Audition videos must be under two (2) minutes.
C. Applicants will be adjudicated on the following:
1) Vocal Ability: Did the actor demonstrate effective vocal technique and show vocal variety in pitch, tempo, and inflection?
2) Physical Ability: Did the actor effectively embody the character using gesture, movement, and nonverbal behavior? Was the actor’s use of the body specific, connected, and purposeful?
3) Performance Decisions: Did the actor pursue character goals? Did the actor choose and play dynamic tactics? Did the actor create a believable &engaging characterization appropriate to the piece's context?
4) Preparation for the Audition: Did the actor select appropriate audition material? Was the actor wellrehearsed? Did the actor demonstrate a thorough understanding of their character's super objective and function in the play?
5) Overall Impression: Did the actor demonstrate professionalism, stage presence, confidence, and spontaneity? Was the actor a creative risk-taker?
D. Applicants should perform in comfortable rehearsal clothes, not in costume. Props and/or sets (other than a chair) may not be used.
E. Applicants should do a vocal and physical warm-up before auditioning.
F. Applicants will be asked questions about their art form and role in group learning.
Submissions
Preparation:
Camera: Most digital cameras, including cell phones, are perfectly fine for both the photos and videos for the adjudication. Professional photography or videography is neither required nor expected. Please ensure picture clarity. You may mount your camera on a tripod or have someone operate it for you. Auditions must be video recorded from the front, framing the whole body.
Space: Use a space free from distractions, specifically background noise.
Lighting: Ensure the lighting is adequate for the adjudicator to view, that you are not backlit, and that a lamp or sunlight is not coming through a window behind you.
Recording:
Each part should be one continuous recording with no edits or splicing.
Compile the parts together into one video file OR
You may do all parts as one continuous shot, pausing between each part to transition to the next part.
You may record your parts multiple times and choose the best one to submit.
Finalize:
Upload videos to YouTube (unlisted link), Google Drive, or Dropbox. Please ensure that our adjudicators can access the link.
Create a Word document with your name, discipline, and links you created above.
Save the Word doc as a PDF.
Applicants are asked to prepare and perform one solo dance 1-1 1/2 minutes maximum in length. The dance may be any form or genre. The applicant must design the choreography, but coaching by a teacher or instructor is permissible during preparation. The student determines the accompaniment for the dance.
In addition to the solo, please provide the following for the video:
Contemporary/Modern Combination that includes
Floorwork
InversionsBalances
Turns
Leaps
Ballet Center that includes:
Adagio
Pirouettes
Petite Allegro
Grand Allegro
Applicants will be judged on the following criteria:
Technique: Alignment, Musicality/Rhythm, Finished Movement, Strength, Flexibility, Varied Movement Vocabulary
Stage Presence: Presentation, Carriage, Display of Confidence, Body Language, Facial Expression, Dynamic
Performance of Movement: Interpretation of Movement, Connecting/Flow of Movement, Use of Technique, Execution, Musicality
Interview responses to questions related to the applicant's role in group learning
Submissions:
Preparation:
Camera: Most digital cameras, including cell phones, are perfectly fine for both the photos and videos for the adjudication. Professional photography or videography is neither required nor expected. Please ensure picture clarity. You may mount your camera on a tripod or have someone operate it for you. Auditions must be video recorded from the front, framing the whole body.
Space: Use a space free from distractions, specifically background noise.
Lighting: Ensure the lighting is adequate for the adjudicator to view, that you are not backlit, and that a lamp or sunlight is not coming through a window behind you.
Recording:
Each part should be one continuous recording with no edits or splicing.
Compile the parts together into one video file OR
You may do all parts as one continuous shot, pausing between each part to transition to the next part.
You may record your parts multiple times and choose the best one to submit.
Finalize:
Upload videos to Google Drive. Please ensure that our adjudicators can access the link.
Create a Word document with your name, discipline, and links you created above.
Save the Word doc as a PDF.
I am filling out an application and I need help!
School Address: 2775 Hydraulic Road Charlottesville, VA 22901
Telephone: 434 975 9300 X 60348
Fax 434 974 4335
HS Contact Name and email: Holly Newman hnewman@k12albemarle.org (DO NOT PUT THE PRINCIPAL)
Division Name: Albemarle County Public Schools
*Draft yourself for Talent Development in Adaptive Scheduler if you need help (not Fridays please)
School LEA number 002-0880