Applying to CGS

The Commonwealth Governor’s School program serves students in grades 9 – 12 from Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties. Any resident of our participating counties is eligible to apply through their local school division.


Beginning in December of each year, the participating school divisions accept student applications and conduct a rigorous review and evaluation process. Students in the CGS program are considered to be academically gifted and highly motivated.


Student Selection

Students are selected to attend CGS in a competitive process that evaluates grades, academic ability and achievement, teacher recommendations, an interview ,and a portfolio presentation of self-selected interests. Applications are reviewed by independent selection committees from each participating division.

In Their Own Words

“CGS has given me the unique opportunity to learn through field experiences that are both enjoyable and enlightening. These opportunities help me retain and reinforce the information we have already covered in class, which in turn helps me succeed. These field experiences also create special memories that I will be able to look back on in the future.”

A young boy in a life jacket is holding a crab in his hands.

Information Sessions

DIVISION DATE; TIME EVENT LOCATION AUDIENCE
Caroline 10/27/2025; 7:45am Middle School Visits Caroline Middle School 8th grade students
Caroline 11/10/2025; 6:00pm CGS Family Night Caroline Middle School 8th grade (MS) students & families
King George 10/28/2025; 8:30-10:00am CBGS and CGS Student Information King George MIddle School 8th grade students
King George 11/6/2025; 6:00-7:30pm CBGS and CGS Family Night King George Middle School 8th grade (MS) students & families
Spotsylvania 10/14-17/2025 Middle School Visits Spotsylvania County Middle Schools 8th grade students
Spotsylvania 10/30/2025; 5:30-8:00pm 4E Education Expo Courtland High School 5th-8th grade families
Spotsylvania 11/18/2025; 6:00pm CGS Open House Riverbend High School 8th grade (MS) students & families
Spotsylvania 11/19/2025; 6:00pm CGS/IB Open House night Spotsylvania High School 8th grade (MS) students & families
Stafford 11/18-26/2025 MS Lunch Visits Stafford County Middle Schools 8th grade students
Stafford 12/10/2025; 6:00-8:00pm High School Discovery Night Stafford High School 8th grade (MS) students & families
Stafford 12/11/2025; 6:00-8:00pm High School Discovery Night North Stafford High School 8th grade (MS) students & families
Stafford 12/2/2025; 6:00-8:00pm High School Discovery Night Mountain View High School 8th grade (MS) students & families
Stafford 12/4/2025; 6:00-8:00pm High School Discovery Night Brook Point High School 8th grade (MS) students & families
Stafford 12/8/2025; 6:00-8:00pm High School Discovery Night Colonial Forge High School 8th grade (MS) students & families

Application Information

Please see your school division below for application information

  • Caroline County

    Information about applying to CGS in Caroline is available by contacting Nikki Kiger, Gifted Specialist, Caroline County Public Schools at hkiger@ccps.net.


    Applications for Caroline County are due January 9, 2026.

  • King George County

    Information about applying to CGS in King George can be found in the Governor's School Programming section of their website.


    Applications for King George County are due on December 19, 2026.


    For more information, contact Erin Kaple, Supervisory of Secondary Instruction, at ekaple@kgcs.k12.va.us.

  • Spotsylvania County

    Information about CGS in Spotsylvania can be found in the Advanced High School Programs section on their website.


    Applications for Spotsylvania County are due on January 9, 2026.


    For more information, contact Jessica Lowery, Gifted and Advanced Programs K-12 Coordinator at jlowery@spotsylvania.k12.va.us.

  • Stafford County

    Information about CGS in Stafford County can be found in the Secondary Offerings section on their website.


    Applications for Stafford County are due on January 23, 2026.


    https://stafford.schoolmint.com/login


    For more information, contact Star Kiesau

    Coordinator of Gifted Programs, Stafford County Public Schools at kiesaums@staffordschools.net or 540-658-6000.