If you are interested in Governor's School or have any questions please reach out to Ms. Cunningham (cunninj4@gcsnc.com)

2025 Governor's School Student Application. Click here to download a copy.

2025 Governor's School Recommendation Form. Click here to download a copy.

2025 Student Application Checklist and Review. Click here to download a copy.

Tips for Audition. Click here for video instructions. 

For more information on Governor's School. Click here

Frequently Asked Questions for Governor's School 

What is Governor’s School?

The Governor's School of North Carolina is a 4-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students. Students in the 10th grade may apply to attend in an area of the performing arts and students in the 11th grade may apply to attend in an academic area or an arts area. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each area, and it does not involve credit, tests, or grades. Students learn through discussion, debate, experiments, and all participants’ ideas and theories are taken seriously. Students apply at their school and a GCS team recommends student participants to the Governor’s School Selection Committee. Students are then selected at the state level by the committee to attend through a competitive application process.

What are the areas my child can qualify?

Students in 11th grade can apply in an academic area: English, Spanish, math, natural science and social science or in the visual and performing arts: instrumental music, choral music, dance, theater and art. Students in 10th grade can apply to participate in select performing arts (instrumental and vocal music, dance).

How does my child qualify for Governor’s School?

Students will be asked to complete an application which includes: a basic information form, a general essay, a discipline-specific task (essay or audition), and a personal readiness form. Students also request letters of recommendation from two different teachers. The student’s high school transcript is also included with the application.

What is the cost to attend Governor’s School?

Governor’s School is free for GCS students. The GCS-sponsored tuition covers all expenses, including housing, meals and activities. GCS believes in and fully supports this enrichment experience. It is an honor to qualify and be selected to participate.

Why should my child attend Governor’s School?

Participation is a wonderful academic and growth mindset opportunity for selected students. Students experience learning in a relaxed environment alongside other advanced students across the state. This experience can be placed on resumes and college applications.

Safety

The Governor’s School staff works hard to ensure the safety of each student. Procedures and policies are in place that outline expectations for residential living, student conduct, and visitors. Students and parents will have the opportunity to review expectations in the Honor Code and the Student Handbook that each student will receive.

Housing

Governor’s School provides the opportunity for students to experience campus living while being closely supervised by Governor’s School staff. Male and female students have separate housing and an adult chaperone lives on each hall. Students have access to most campus amenities. Occasionally field trips and other outings are scheduled and chaperoned by Governor’s School staff. Students must remain at Governor’s School throughout the duration of the program. Parents must provide written documentation of anyone allowed to visit/pick up their child.

What types of activities are offered?

Students can choose from numerous activities ranging from dance, frisbee tournaments, arts and crafts to scavenger hunts, ukulele lessons, and gaming. There are guest speakers, film viewings and student performances. There is even a final semi-formal dance.