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MVGS Governors School / Boys & Girls State

Mountain Vista Governor’s School (MVGS) Application Process

Mountain Vista Governor’s School (MVGS) is a regional program for academically talented and highly motivated students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The curriculum integrates science, mathematics, humanities, and research courses to provide a college-level, project-based learning environment. Check out this video from some of the MVGS Students describing their experience at MVGS.

Application Process

  • Applications for MVGS are available online in January.
  • Completed applications are due to the LHS Counseling Office by March 1.

Selection Process Timeline

  • January: Application packets are made available at high school guidance departments, from gifted coordinators, and on local divisions’ websites.
  • January - February: Regional and divisional informational meetings are held for prospective parents and students.
  • January: MVGS Parent/Student Information Meeting.
  • March 1: Applications are due to the Counseling Department at each base high school.
  • March 1 – March 30: Ability/achievement testing of applicants as needed.
  • Mid-March – Mid-April: Selection committees at each division review application packets, complete Review Summaries, and select applicants.
  • End of April: Letters are mailed to students with notification of their status.
  • May: Permission for Enrollment forms are due.

Further Information

  • Visit MVGS for more details.
  • For questions about the application process, contact Mrs. Ladona Gorham at lgorham@fcps1.org or (540) 422-7012.

Summer Residential Governor's School

Application information is now available for students interested in applying for summer residential Governor’s Schools in various academic and artistic areas, or for the Governor’s Foreign Language Academies. Mentorship programs are also available, providing work-type experiences in fields such as Life Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering.

  • Eligibility: Open to 10th and 11th-grade students.
  • Application Process: Visit DOE Virginia, scroll down to "Application & Resource Materials" to view and type applications.
  • Informational Meeting: Held at LHS in November.
  • Application Deadline: Due to the Counseling Dept.

For Foreign Language Academies:

  • Follow the same steps as above, but click on “Foreign Languages” and then “Foreign Language Academics” for applications.
  • Interested students should see Mrs. Dorsey in room 145. Tests for Latin, Spanish, German, and French are administered before the holiday break.

Boys State/Girls State (Current 11th Grade Students Only)

Boys State

  • Visit Boys State for more information.
  • American Legion Boys State offers educational programs on government instruction for high school students.

Girls State

  • Visit Girls State for more information.
  • Girls State provides a nonpartisan environment for young women to learn about government and develop leadership skills.

For more information or to apply to Boys or Girls State, please contact Mrs. Lillard (vlillard@fcps1.org) in the LHS Counseling Dept.