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! 

2024 Governor's School Overview 

Informational Video

Application Form 

Recommendation Form   

Deadline: extended to 11/12/2023

Please send your applications and recommendations to Mrs. Calabro's email: gscalabro@wsfcs.k12.nc.us 

STUDENT APPLICATION SUMMARY

• STEP ONE: Contact Mrs. Calabro 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 Mrs. Calabro - your local school official coordinator-  to ensure all materials are submitted. Mrs. Calabro will complement these materials with your official high school transcript.

Student and Parent Virtual Q&A Session

Time: 8:30-9:30 am & 5:30-6:30 pm

Where: Microsoft Teams 

Meeting ID: 250 318 468 224

passcode: 9ViiLK