Application and Selection Process
Application Process
Students go through a local and state nomination process. Students are selected locally at the district-level or at the school level, if at a charter or non-public school. Each district/school has its own process to determine nominees for NCDPI at the state level.
If a student is interested in applying to attend the NC Governor's Schools, contact a local school official (e.g. Local Coordinator, school counselor, AIG specialist, etc.) to inquire about local processes. Applications do not come directly to the state office.
Local deadlines vary.
The application and recommendation form for the 2026 session will be posted in the fall of 2025.
Resource for Students:
Click the button below to access the GS application review guide and checklist for students. This document will provide tips and suggestions for each step of the application process, including suggestions for reviewing your writing. When your application is complete, submit it to your local Governor's School contact.
Timeline Overview (2025 session)
- September 2024: Application and Recommendation form for 2024 session released.
- November﹣December 2024: Local deadlines for local selection process. Check with your school counselor later in the Fall for the dates of this deadline.
- December 13, 2024: Deadline for state-level nominations from all districts, charters, and non-public schools.
- Early March: Selection notifications are sent to Governor’s School Coordinators to distribute.
- March 26, 2025: Selected students will notify the NC Department of Public Instruction of their decision to accept or decline the invitation to attend the NC Governor’s School.
- June 22, 2025 - July 19, 2025: NC Governor’s School Session.
Do you work for a charter, private, or home school?
Sign up to receive communication and and nomination information from NC Governor's School by sending us an email at ncgovschool@dpi.nc.gov. Your school must be on our contact list to be able to nominate students!