Governor's Schools Present Opportunities
For Students Completing 7th-11th Grades
The Governor's Schools of West Virginia are residential summer sessions for academically and/or artistically talented students from across West Virginia. The Governor's Schools consist of three programs that take place every summer on the campuses of various colleges and institutions of learning around the state. Students attend workshops, classes, and events with some of the best faculty and instructors from their field. Governor's Schools, entirely free for students, are administered by the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts. The West Virginia Department of Education also assists with in-kind support.
The Governor's Honors Academy (GHA) is for students who are currently high school juniors. In 2009, students will spend three weeks with 179 fellow outstanding West Virginia scholars.
The 2009 session of GHA at Bethany marks the 25th anniversary of West Virginia Governor's Schools. A celebration is scheduled for July 11, and GHA alumni are encouraged to share contact information for invitations with Mrs. Sherry Keffer via the Alumni section of this site.
The Governor's School for Math and Science (GSMS) is for students currently in the seventh or eighth grade. Students work with mentors and faculty on a specific research theme in a hands-on laboratory or field setting. Seventh graders apply to attend a nine-day session at WVU in early July. Eighth graders may be selected to attend a 12-day session at WVU or a 14-day session at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank. Dr. Keith Garbutt and Mrs. Terri Sappington head the team at WVU, and Dr. Andy Blackwood and Sue Ann Heatherly are in charge at the observatory.
The Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) is for high school sophomores who exhibit talent in the literary, performing and visual arts. Students attending the GSA are exposed to practicing professionals in their respective fields of writing, dance, music, acting, digital media,drawing and painting. The 2009 Session of GSA is being held at West Liberty State College under the able leadership of Mr. Alfred deJaager.
All students applying for the Governor's Schools of West Virginia must currently reside and attend school in West Virginia. They are also expected to attend school in West Virginia the following year. "Attending school" includes those students who are educated in home schools and private/parochial schools.
Questions and comments can be sent to
Sherry Keffer
Director of Governor’s Schools
Capitol Building 5, Room 205
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
304-558-2440
Sherry.L.Keffer@wv.gov
Return to Paradise! Remember when you spent three-four weeks in the utopia known as GHA? You have the chance to bring some fellow students and visit as we celebrate 25 years!
The one-day event will take place on the campus of Bethany College July 11, 2009. Plan to be there!!!! If you want to help organize and contact people, let us know.