For Prospective Students
The Commonwealth Governor’s School program serves students in grades 9 – 12 from Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford County. CGS students apply to be in the program through their school district. Beginning in January of each year student applications are accepted by the participating school districts and a rigorous identification process ensues. CGS students are selected for the program based on achievement test scores, teacher recommendations, a timed writing assessment, service activities, a portfolio, and an interview. Students in the CGS program are considered to be academically gifted and highly motivated.
CGS students are truly amazing adolescents. Instead of taking the path of least resistance, CGS students have decided to challenge themselves by being part of a very rigorous academic program. In addition, the average CGS student is highly involved in after school activities including SCA, band, VHSL sports, and numerous school organizations. The majority of CGS students are involved in at least one community service project during the year.
Students who successfully complete the requirements of CGS receive an Advanced High School Diploma. In addition, the diploma includes an official Governor’s School Seal issued by the State Department of Education. Beginning with the Class of 2010, all CGS students will be required to sign the Early College Scholars agreement as ninth graders. Students who fulfill the requirements of the agreement receive the Early College Scholars seal on their diploma along with the Governor’s School seal.
APPLICATION PROCESS BY COUNTY
Caroline
Caroline County – CGS Presentation
- Family Info Night – Nov. 15
- Middle School Visit to CGS Site – Dec. 6
- Application opens – Nov. 15
- Application closes – Jan. 7
- Testing Window – Jan. 17-28
- Achievement testing will be administered in reading comprehension and mathematics to all applicants.
- Ability testing will be administered to any student who has not completed one in the past 12 months.
- Interview/Portfolio Window – Month of February
- Acceptance Notification – Week of Mar. 7
Caroline CGS Application 2022-2023 school year
King George
King George County – CGS Presentation
- Parent Info Night – Nov. 1
- Application opens online – Dec. 6
- Application closes – Jan. 7
- Testing Window – Jan. 10-21
- Achievement testing will be administered in reading comprehension and mathematics to all applicants.
- Ability testing will be administered to any student who has not completed one in the past 12 months.
- Interview/Portfolio Window – Jan. 31-Feb. 11
- Acceptance Notification – early March
King George CGS Application 2022-2023 Year
Spotsylvania
Spotsylvania County -CGS Presentation
- Advanced Programs Information Nights
- Nov. 30 – Riverbend HS
- Dec. 7 – Spotsylvania HS
- Application opens online – Dec. 13
- Application closes – Jan. 21
- Testing Window – Week of Jan. 24
- Achievement testing will be administered in reading comprehension and mathematics to all applicants.
- Ability testing will be administered to any student who has not completed one in the past 12 months.
- Interview/Portfolio Date – Feb. 5
- Acceptance Notification – Feb. 2
- Advanced Programs website
2022-2023 SCPS Advanced Programs Online Application
Stafford
Stafford County – CGS presentation
- Opens Nov. 17 and closes Dec. 17, 2021
- Family info Night – Dec. 8 (SHS & NSHS at 6:30pm)
- Ability testing December thru January (as students complete application)
- Interview/Portfolio Window – Month of January
- Acceptance Notification – Week of Feb. 4