Governor's School Program / Programa Escolar del Gobernador
The North Carolina Governor's School is a four-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of the two campuses. Learning focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and it does not involve credit, tests, or grades. Students are selected to attend through a competitive process after being nominated by their public school unit or non-public school.
Introducing the Governor's School Fellows Program!
The North Carolina Governor's School is the nation’s oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted high school students. 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 of up to 335 students each. The program is administered by the Public Schools of North Carolina, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Public Instruction through the Division of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education. A Board of Governors, appointed by the State Board of Education, acts as an advisory body.
Governor’s School offers amazing educational opportunities to selected students in ten different academic and arts disciplines.
2025 Governor's School Overview
Deadline: 11/18/2024
Please send your applications and recommendations to Mr. Orfanedes at dgorfanedes@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
STUDENT APPLICATION SUMMARY
STEP ONE: Contact Mr. Orfanedes regarding eligibility and local application/nomination processes. Select one discipline for which you will apply.
STEP TWO: Complete and turn in the Student Application at your local school, not to the State office. Download and complete the form electronically (see above). There are three or four sections to complete, depending on your discipline of nomination:
Basic Information & Nomination Discipline
Essays – Students applying in one of the five academic areas will have two essays to complete, each in response to a prompt. Students applying in one of the five arts areas will answer one essay and complete the audition requirements for their area of nomination. Essay #1 is for every student, regardless of nomination area. Essay #2 is specific to your nomination area, so make sure you use the correct prompt.
Personal Readiness – This form is where you list your recent school/community activities and awards and reflect on those that are most important to you. It is also where you describe what makes you ready for a summer residential experience as a part of a collaborative learning community.
Auditions – (Applicants in Choral Music, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, and Visual Art only) Follow the guidelines for the audition process in your particular area of application.
STEP THREE: Get Two Recommendations. Review the official Recommendation Form and ask adults who can attest to your academic/arts strengths, personal character, and readiness for the Governor’s School experience. These adults will need to electronically complete and submit the recommendation form.
Family members may not complete/submit recommendations.
At least one recommendation must be from one of your high school teachers in your nominated discipline. If a nomination-discipline teacher is not available, choose another teacher. The second can be from another teacher, a school counselor or administrator, an out-of-school instructor, a coach, or a community leader who knows you well enough to complete the form accurately.
Recommenders should download the Recommendation Form and complete it electronically.
Upon completion, the recommender should send it electronically directly to Mrs. Calabro - your local school official coordinator–NOT to the State office. Neither you nor your parent/guardian should receive nor review the recommendation.
Only two Recommendation Forms will be accepted. No other documents (e.g., substitute letters, additional recommendations, etc.) will be accepted.
STEP FOUR: Follow up with Mr. Orfanedes- your local school official coordinator- to ensure all materials are submitted. Mr. Orfanedes will complement these materials with your official high school transcript.
Student and Parent Virtual Q&A Session
TBD
Time: TBD
Where: TBD
Meeting ID: TBD
passcode: TBD