The Governor’s School for Science and Technology (GSST) at New Horizons Regional Education Center is operated by Gloucester, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg-James City County and York County Schools. The Governor’s School provides a cohesive, innovative science and mathematics program that does the following:
- Embraces quality programming standards for gifted students recommended by the Virginia Department of Education and the National Association for Gifted Children
- Provides a cohesive sequence of courses in science, research, and mathematics
- Provides opportunities for social peer interaction, as well as career and college
- Provides leadership education and opportunities throughout the program
The Governor’s School is a two-year, half-day program for 11th and 12th graders. Additional courses will be taken at the home high school to complete an Advanced Diploma degree. Each strand provides a unique emphasis on both the science subject matter and associated career fields. Students will be able to participate in one of the following three strands:
- The Engineering Strand involves an intense, rigorous study of fundamental principles of engineering and calculus-based physics.
- The Biological Science Strand provides insights into organic and inorganic chemistry in conjunction with cell and molecular biology by employing advanced technologies utilized in medicine, forensic science and research labs.
- The Computational Science and Engineering Strand combines the study of structured and object-oriented programming with applications in practical, non-calculus based physics scenarios.
With small class sizes and advanced-degreed faculty, the learning environment at the Governor’s School is truly unique. Each course has been specifically structured to incorporate best practices for gifted students. Each strand requires completion of one year of high school biology, one year of high school chemistry and Algebra II/Trig prior to admission. For the engineering strand, students must have successfully completed Math Analysis (Pre-Calculus) prior to admission. All strands encompass a math course during both the junior and senior year. Placement in the appropriate math course will be determined upon admission at the end of 10th grade. In addition, each strand will foster research through a Research Methods and Ethics course the junior year and an Honors Research and Mentorship placement the senior year.
In total, students will spend approximately three hours daily at the Governor’s School, taking three courses each year during the two-year program.
Scientific Research Experience
During their two years at the Governor’s School, students will experience hands-on science through classroom experimentation and individualized project research.
- The junior year research experience involves:
- various aspects of research methodology,
- ethics and statistics,
- critical thinking skills,
- scientific writing and communication skills and
- a research project for submission to the Tidewater Science Fair.
- During the senior year, students participate in an Honors Research and Mentorship experience with a professional. Final projects are presented to the local scientific and professional community as a culminating experience in May. The opportunity to work with a professional in research is an invaluable experience toward career pursuits.
Applied Leadership
A variety of school activities, clubs and competitions provide students with opportunities to cultivate their leadership skills. Social interaction and community building are integral components of the program. The Student Advisory Board provides another opportunity for students to lead their peers in the organization of the program and school travel activities.
Admissions Procedures
Admission to the program is highly competitive. Test scores, teacher recommendations and course grades will be used to determine which students will be invited to participate in the Governor’s School Pre-Admissions Series offered in 9th and 10th grade. Designated students will take prerequisite courses offered at their high schools and will participate in informational sessions that will acquaint them with and prepare them for the two-year program. Final acceptance into the Governor’s School in the spring of their 10th grade year will be dependent on math and science GPAs, teacher recommendations and PSAT scores.
For more information, visit the GSST website or call 757-766-1100, ext. 3313.
Governor’s School for Science and Technology (GSST) Prospective Student Pipeline Program for Students Entering 8th-10th grade
The GSST Prospective Student Pipeline is a program for high-achieving students who are seriously considering attending the Governor’s School for Science and Technology. The GSST Prospective Student Pipeline Program is comprised of informational sessions, which taken together, will provide guidance to prospective GSST families and students on how students can prepare themselves in 8th, 9th, and 10th grade to gain acceptance and achieve success at both the GSST Program and a competitive college. This program aims to educate families and students about:
- The program model of the GSST
- The features of each of the three academic strands.
- The course prerequisites necessary for acceptance into each academic strand
- How students can develop their talents in the classroom and beyond.
- How student can maximize their success in competitive college admissions.
How Do Students Apply for the Governor’s School for Science and Technology (GSST) Prospective Student Pipeline Program?
Any middle school student and family interested in STEM, Science, Math, Engineering, Biological Science, or Computational Science are encouraged to sign up for the Prospective Student Pipeline Newsletter. Families and students signed up for the Prospective Student Newsletter will receive an invitation from the GSST to attend a series of informational sessions. This program is designed to guide students to complete the necessary prerequisite courses offered in their middle and high schools in preparation to submit a formal application to the GSST Program in their 10th grade year.
For more information on the Governor’s School for Science and Technology visit https://nhrec.org/gsst/home/how-to-apply/information-for-prospective-students/ or call 757-766-1100.
