Overview

Picture of GS West instrumental music students in a class

The North Carolina Governor's School is a 4-week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students, integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses on each of two campuses. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and does not involve credit, tests, or grades.

The North Carolina Governor's School is the nation’s oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted high school students. The program, which is open to rising seniors only, with exceptions made for rising juniors in selected performing/visual arts areas, is located on two campuses of up to 335 students each. The program is administered by the Public Schools of North Carolina, the State Board of Education, and the Department of Public Instruction through the Division of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education. A Board of Governors, appointed by the State Board of Education, acts as an advisory body.

  • "It’s a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge and focus on learning in an area you care about, living in an environment in which learning is not required, but encouraged and enjoyed. While school’s strict expectations and rigid nature can be suffocating, the Governor’s School atmosphere is light and elicits natural growth.” — Governor’s School East student, 2019
  • "Governor’s School is the best venture I have ever taken part in. You’re surrounded by wonderful and intelligent people and staff who make you strive to be a better and more complete person. The curriculum is challenging and will give you even more of a thirst for knowledge.” — Governor’s School West student, 2019
  • Governor’s School offers amazing educational opportunities to selected students in ten different academics and arts disciplines.  Each student’s chosen discipline becomes their Area I class.  See the Area I descriptions below and then review the associated pages (i.e., Areas II and III; Electives & Seminars; Speakers and Convocations; Student Life and Daily Schedule) to understand the fullness of this robust and unique program, profoundly impacting the lives and education of hundreds of North Carolina’s brightest high school students every summer.   - “Too good to be true, but somehow it’s real!” - Governor’s School West Student, 2021