125 University Boulevard Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406 | (540) 548-1278
Enhancing the Classroom
At The Commonwealth Governor’s School, student life is a vibrant tapestry woven from academic ambition and extracurricular passion. Here, students in grades 9 to 12 don’t just seek out challenges; they thrive on them, fully embracing a rigorous curriculum designed for the academically gifted. Beyond the classroom, CGS students shine in diverse after-school activities and field-experiences, showcasing their leadership and teamwork skills. This blend of intense study and lively involvement makes CGS a unique environment where motivated adolescents not only excel but also inspire one another to reach new heights.
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.”
What does the week look like for a CGS student?
| Time/Grade | Mon | Tues | Weds | Thurs | Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CGS AM 11th & 12th Grade | English & Science | Math & Social Studies | Labs, Field Experiences, Culminating, Speakers, Additional Core | English & Science | Math & Social Studies |
| CGS PM 9th & 10th Grade | Math & Social Studies | English & Science | Labs, Field Experiences, Culminating, Speakers, Additional Core | Math & Social Studies | English & Science |
Extra- and Co-Curricular Activities
CGS students are active in extra- and co-curricular activities at their home-based schools. Students participate in VHSL athletics and activities at their home-based school. We also have students who are active, as well as leaders, in the fine and performing arts, academic teams, and career and technical organizations.
9th Grade Experience
Classes
- Honors English 9
- Honors Algebra II
- AP Environmental
- AP European History
Field Experiences
- Graves Mountain
- Romeo and Juliet
- Dulles Air and Space Museum
- National Gallery of Art
- AP Envi Sci In house
- Marine Corps Museum
The above field experiences are subject to change, see CGS teachers
Culminating – Novice Level
The goal of the novice level is to introduce freshmen to the culminating project and the basics of research, helping them develop a proposal for a research project they will conduct during their sophomore year.
- Introduction to project goals and expectations
- The meaning and writing of a contract/proposal
- Development of an effective research question
- Basic presentation skills (e.g. public speaking, visual aids, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Methods of research and appropriate documentation, including proper use and evaluation of the following: – primary and secondary sources, – the Internet, – pictures and other non-print media,– sources used in presentations
- Production of a proposal for their sophomore research project.
10th Grade Experience
Classes
- Honors English 10
- Honors Geometry with Trigonometry or AP Precalculus w/special topics
- AP Biology
- AP U.S. Government
Field Experiences
- National Archives
- Shenandoah (overnight)
- Macbeth
- Mock Congress
- Pi Day
- Indirect Measurement
The above field experiences are subject to change, see CGS teachers.
Culminating – Apprentice Level
The goal of the Apprentice Level is for sophomores to put the skills learned during their freshman year into practice by researching their topic and creating a beginning-level research project.
- Refining expectations and goals
- Creating a quality research product
- Improving research and documentation: Constructing and conducting surveys and Preparing and conducting interviews
- Interpreting statistics
- Improving product quality and presentation skills
- Writing an abstract.
11th Grade Experience
Classes
- AP English Language and Composition
- AP Precalculus w/special topics or AP Calculus AB
- Dual Enrollment Chemistry
- AP U.S. History
Field Experiences
- Williamsburg
- Air and Space Museum
- Philadelphia
- Pamplin Park
- Shakespeare
- Film Workshop
- Monuments
The above field experiences are subject to change, see CGS teachers
Culminating – Journeyman Level
The goal of the Journeyman Level is for juniors to reflect on the lessons learned during their first two years and to move to a higher level of academic research. Students will move through all stages of the research and product design process to prepare for involvement with an expert-advisor during their senior year. They may build on their previous research or develop an entirely new area of interest.
- Review of project requirements and methodology
- More intensive work in writing research questions and proposals
- Movement towards independence as a researcher
- Broadening of research and documentation: – Introduction of other formats – APA or Chicago, – Production of an annotated bibliography, – Expansion of topics and issues
- Higher expectations for presentation skills
12th Grade Experience
Classes
- AP English Literature and Composition
- AP Calculus AB or AP Statistics
- AP Physics 1
- AP Human Geography
Field Experiences
- Comedy of Errors
- Business Partnerships
- Orienteering
- Physics Workshop
- Holocaust Museum
- Poetry Workshop
- iFly
- Pi Day
- Senior Symposium
The above field experiences are subject to change, see CGS teachers.
Culminating – Master Level
At the Master Level seniors will apply the lessons learned throughout their past culminating experience. They will extend the scholarly research and product design from junior year, creating a college-level academic project worthy of presentation to an expert in their field. Students must find an expert in the field to act as an advisor.
- Be independent investigators
- Work with professional mentor in the field of study
- Present to a professional/expert audience and the community
- Conduct extensive and professional research and documentation – in appropriate format
- Give particular emphasis to quality of product and presentation
Support Services & Information
CGS Program Counselor
Kristina Sullivan
Student Resources
Academic Links
Policies and Procedures
CGS PTO
PTO Board meetings are held the second Thursday of each month. Members will be emailed with meeting information the week prior to meeting.
Contact CGS PTO – commonwealth.governors.school.pto@gmail.com
PTO Membership & Donations
Please join the Commonwealth Governor's School Parent Teacher Organization today!
Memberships and donations for the PTO are easy with Square!
All memberships and contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. The CGS PTO is a registered 501(c)(3) charity and is compliant with all IRS regulations regarding such charitable entities.
You can easily checkout as a guest without registering on Square.
PTO Board Members
Executive Board
- President - Alexea Juliano
- VP Caroline/King George - Amie Nester
- VP Stafford - Britt Arrieta
- VP Spotsylvania - Amanda Armentani
- Treasurer - Richard Redman & Emily Fletcher
- Secretary - Vernessa Minnifield
Committee Chairs
- Fall Social - Shawna Fridley Enoch
- Senior Awards - TBD
- Snow Ball - Yohanna Dalmasi, Ruby Cottrell
- Merchandise Chair - Michelle Midkiff
- Membership - Britt Arrieta
- Senior Scholarship -Lidia Gonzalez, Debra Caffrey, Anne Marie Salvanera, Lisa Mugavero
- Family Picnic - TBD
Teacher Appreciation Chairs
- King George - Laura Landreth
- North Stafford - Kareen Johnson, Britt Arieta
- Stafford - Kerry Beck
- Colonial Forge - Aman Naveed, Esther & Abraham Akinbowale
- Riverbend - Rachelle Shields, Ruth Valle
- Spotsylvania - Lidia Gonzalez
PTO Documents and Minutes
125 University Boulevard Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406 | (540) 548-1278
