Admissions

One of 19 Governor’s Schools in the state of Virginia, the purpose of SVGS is to provide an integrated math, science and technology program and an integrated arts and humanities program in a unique environment. SVGS has programs and courses designed to meet the unique needs of advanced ability and highly motivated students. Students may attend in one of two broad curriculum areas, Arts & Humanities and Sciences (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

SVGS is a public high school program and there are NO tuition costs to attend. Class fees($10-$15) are charged for some classes in accordance with Augusta County Schools policy. Students opting to take Advanced Placement or college dual enrollment courses are responsible for those fees and tuition as in other area public high schools.

For more information about SVGS and its programs, see below:
Video: Click here for a video clip of students and staff speaking about SVGS.

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS

ARTS & HUMANITIES

The Arts & Humanities program focuses on broader contexts and an integrated experience using arts and humanities 1) to develop skills in critical thinking and communication, 2) to engage students in creative thought, and 3) to understand the value of human expression for individuals and societies.

Arts & Humanities students are required to take 1) one class in English; 2) one credit each from the following areas: human experience, human communication and cultural appreciation; and 3) two elective choices from those areas. These areas provide students interested in arts & humanities an intensive program to develop their skills. The program is designed to provide student choice and flexibility so they may best match their interests and talents with program offerings.NOTE: The designation (DE) beside a course indicates the course is offered for dual-enrollment college credit.

*Literature, Composition & Ideas I, II (previously called SVGS Humanities I, II) meet English credit requirements for graduation. AP Statistics meets a math requirement for graduation.
+Literature, Composition & Ideas I is required of all new Arts & Humanities juniors and Literature, Composition & Ideas II is required of all new seniors.
** Audition/Portfolio review required for enrollment in these classes.

SCIENCES

The SVGS sciences program emphasizes “practical and professional” experiences. Courses in the sciences program are based on problem solving, analysis, and application with a minimum of rote exercise. Technology is embedded heavily in all courses.

Professional experiences are provided through research, engineering and computer science projects, student presentations of their work to professional audiences, work with guest speakers and mentors, and providing services to community groups.

Course sequence information related to a specific career is provided below. Students in the sciences program do not need to determine a specific area of study but should be familiar with course selections available to prepare them for their intended career path.

Eligibility

Participating divisions (Augusta Couinty, Staunton and Wayneboro) receive applications from any interested sophomore or junior. Home or privately schooled students may apply through the division in which they reside. It is expected that those accepted will become full-time public school students while in the SVGS program. Priority is given to current full-time students in Augusta County, Staunton or Waynesboro Schools.

How To Apply

Students submit an on-line application to their high school counselor. Each high school sets its own timeline and deadlines.
The student application includes:
*Student Application Form
*Activities Sheet
*SVGS assessment scores+, GPA, Strength of Transcript
*Two Teacher Recommendations (Math and Science or English and Arts/Humanities)
*One Counselor Recommendation
*School Recommendation

+All Arts & Humanities applicants would take the new assessment. The assessment would include – 1 reading section 20 minutes, 10 questions and 1 essay– 60 minutes, 1 question. This would be timed and available on-line for students as needed. An essay “practice” prompt and scoring rubric would be presented to students prior to the essay. The assessment would be given at the student’s home school in February and would be available on-line for students as necessary.

+All Sciences applicants would take the new math assessment and the previous science assessment. The assessment would include – 1 math section – 40 minutes, 20 questions and 1 science section – 50 minutes, 25 questions. This would be timed. The assessment would be given at the student’s home school in February and would be available on-line for students as necessary.

Criteria for Admissions

Applications for students are forwarded to a designated Central Office person for each school division. Applications are reviewed at the division level. Each division follows its established selection process, which includes review by school-based personnel and/or division committees. A school division may add additional criteria to the selection process.

Selection committees recommend students for placement, for interviews, or for a waiting-list. If recommended for an interview, SVGS faculty members conduct the interview at the students’ high schools. The interviewers rate the students and provide their input to school division selection committees who make the final determination.

The application/admissions process follows an established timeline with the student taking responsibility for completing the application and guidance personnel being responsible for informing and assisting students and parents in the application process.

Criteria for Arts and Humanities Applicants(AH)

Aptitude for successful study of arts & humanities and related disciplines (Indicators: test scores, demonstrated achievement, interest and experience)

Outstanding achievement in the areas of arts & humanities (Indicators: test scores, grades, awards)

Participation in special arts and/or humanities activities (Indicators: record of activities including special summer programs, special training, performances, exhibitions, club membership, projects, job experience, community service)

Demonstrated interest and commitment (Indicators: participation in special activities, student’s chosen course of study, awards, student position statements, positive teacher/trainer recommendations)

Appropriate program of study (Indicators: record of selection of a program of study which includes challenging arts and/or humanities courses, participation in special enrichment programs)

Criteria for Sciences Applicants(Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology)

Aptitude for successful study of mathematics, science and related technological fields (Indicators: test scores, demonstrated achievement, interview [non-traditional students])

Outstanding academic achievement in the areas of science, mathematics and technology (Indicators: test scores, grades, awards)

Participation in special mathematics, science, technology activities (Indicators: record of activities including special summer programs, awards, club membership, projects, job experience, community service)

Demonstrated interest and commitment (Indicators: participation in special activities, student’s chosen course of study, awards, student position statements, positive teacher recommendations, interview [non-traditional students])

Rigorous program of study (Indicators: record of selection of a program of study which includes challenging academic courses, participation in special enrichment programs)

Completion of required pre-requisites of Math through Algebra II and two laboratory science courses (Indicators: transcript, report card)

Costs

SVGS is a public high school program and there is NO tuition costs to attend. Class fees($10-$15) are charged for some classes in accordance with Augusta County Schools policy. Students opting to take Advanced Placement or college dual enrollment courses are responsible for those fees and tuition.

Courses

Students enrolled in Literature, Composition, & Ideas I are prepared to take the SOL assessments for English 11. The test is administered at SVGS. Scores are reported to their high schools.

Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science A and Psychology are offered for Advanced Placement credit. AP tests are administered at SVGS. “DE” indicates courses available for dual-enrollment college credit.