GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL OF NORTH CAROLINA
The Governor’s School of North Carolina is the oldest statewide summer residential program for academically or intellectually gifted high school students in the nation. The program, which is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made for rising juniors in selected performing/visual arts areas, is located on two campuses: Governor’s School West at SalemCollege in Winston-Salem and Governor’s School East at MeredithCollege in Raleigh. The program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Since the program is funded totally by the General Assembly of North Carolina, no tuition or room and board fees are charged to students. Students furnish only their transportation costs to and from the campuses and their spending money.
The academic environment of the Governor’s School thrives upon the intellectual curiosity of students and faculty alike. Students take no tests; teachers assign no grades. Faculty expects students to aspire to be “producers of knowledge, problem solvers, and problem finders.” Classes blend intellectual discussion with practical application of theory. The faculty and staff at both Governor’s Schools are selected from public school systems, private schools, college and universities, and private organizations. On each campus, approximately 60 people serve as teachers, counselors, and health care, recreational, and office personnel. In addition, the campuses are alive with visiting speakers, performances, exhibitions, field trips, demonstrations, optional seminars, and film series.
Students who apply will select one of eleven disciplines in which to spend most of their time. There are six academic areas: English, Mathematics, Natural Science, Social Science, French, and Spanish. There are also five visual/performing arts areas: Art, Choral Music, Dance, Drama, and Instrumental Music. Students in the visual/performing arts must audition to determine selection. The majority of their class time will be spent in their area of choice. Students will also spend time in classes with students from the other disciplines.
Students are nominated for Governor’s School by their individual schools. Teachers, principals, and counselors nominate applicants to the local public school superintendent. Students may also self-nominate. All students must meet the academically or intellectually gifted multiple criteria as established by the Governor’s School. All students must score at the 92% or higher in aptitude and in achievement test scores.
In addition, applicants must submit an application, two recommendation forms, two essays, and a list of all school and community activities, awards, and honors. The local selection committee will meet in November and select the most qualified students to be nominated from ForsythCounty. All students are informed of their selection in March of each year. The six-week program typically runs from mid-June to the end of July each year. Interested students should talk to their counselor by mid-October of each year for further information.