How to Apply
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 December 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 portfolio, and an interview. 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.”
Information Sessions
| DIVISION | DATE; TIME | EVENT | LOCATION | AUDIENCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caroline | TBD | Middle School Visits | Caroline Middle School | 8th grade students |
| Caroline | TBD | 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 & Caroline | 11/6/2025; 6:00-7:30pm | CBGS and CGS Family Night | TBD | 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 | TBD | CGS Open House | Riverbend High School | 8th grade (MS) students & families |
| Spotsylvania | TBD | 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 |
Caroline County Schools - King George Site
Applications for Caroline County are due January 2026 (Date TBD).
For more information, contact Nikki Kiger, Gifted Specialist, Caroline County Public Schools at hkiger@ccps.us.
King George County Schools
The CGS Application for King George County is due TBD.
For more information, contact Erin Kaple, Supervisor of Secondary Education and Related Services at
ekaple@kgcs.k12.va.us.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools
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 Public Schools
Applications for Stafford County are due on January 23, 2026.
For more information, contact Star Kiesau
Coordinator of Gifted Programs, Stafford County Public Schools at kiesaums@staffordschoolsnet or 540-658-6000.
Apply Online
If you missed the Discovery Nights or middle school visits, you may find more information on the Stafford County Public Schools website.
