Students performing science experiment.

About The Commonwealth Governor’s School

Program Overview

Based on a school-within-a-school model, the half-day program at CGS utilizes real-time interactive technology, field trips, and team teaching to create a regional community of learners.  Students from Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford school divisions are offered a rigorous program of study while interacting with other talented students in the region. Students from 12 participating high schools travel to one of the six CGS sites:  Colonial Forge High School, North Stafford High School, Stafford High School, Spotsylvania High School, Riverbend High School, and King George High School.

The CGS program provides students with a four-year program (students are required each year to take all four subjects) through which they can achieve a deep conceptual understanding of a discipline as well as its integration with other disciplines.  Teachers provide opportunities to experiment, analyze information critically, make conjectures and argue their validity, and solve real world problems both individually and in groups.  Students develop technology skills for effective communication, investigation, and presentation.  Community partnerships provide year-round support, as well as service-learning opportunities.

The 2022-2023 CGS student body is composed of 597 culturally diverse ninth through twelfth graders from twelve area high schools. These academically talented and highly motivated students have a strong commitment to their personal educational goals as well as the desire to be well-rounded individuals. They are leaders at their home-based schools in academics, athletics, fine arts, SCA, and clubs.

The CGS curriculum is designed to challenge students in four major academic content areas, through problem-based instruction appropriate for gifted and highly motivated learners and to focus on the community issues of environment, development, and service.   High-speed Internet access, videoconferencing, and e-mail enable students to reach worldwide resources for special interest projects and intensive research.  Advanced Placement options are available. Students participate in foreign language, health/PE, electives, and extracurricular activities at their home-based high school.  The CGS faculty is determined to provide the kind of coaching, mentoring, and individualization gifted and highly motivated learners need to achieve their fullest potential.