Pre-Governor's School

The Pre-Governor’s School program is designed to prepare selected students in Grades 9 and 10 to enter The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park (GS@IP) in Grade 11.

The program provides a rigorous academic experience emphasizing mathematics, science, research, communication, and preparation for advanced study.

Key Program Elements
Students in the Pre-Governor’s School follow an accelerated academic program during Grades 9 and 10.

The program includes advanced coursework in English, mathematics, and science and provides students with opportunities to develop authentic research skills in preparation for application to The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park.

Students receive dedicated counseling support and are strategically grouped with other Pre-Governor’s School students when appropriate.

Students generally take eight classes during Grades 9 and 10, including virtual Health and Physical Education as appropriate within the program.

Mathematics and Science Preparation
Students complete two mathematics courses during Grade 9 and progress through AP Precalculus or higher-level mathematics by the end of Grade 10.

Students complete the science coursework necessary to complete Physics 1 before entering Grade 11.

Application Information

Specialty program applications will be accepted November 2, 2026 - February 1, 2027.

Visit the Specialty Programs Application Process website to learn more about the application process.

Who can apply?

Students in grade 9 at the time of application who attend one of the following schools:

Forest Park HS
Freedom HS
Gar-Field HS
Hylton HS
Potomac HS
Woodbridge HS

Requirements:

Students must be enrolled in at least Algebra 1 in 8th grade
2 references from current math and science teachers
maintain year-end grades of "B" or better in their core subject areas
Choose a mathematics or science project/activity in which you have participated. Write a brief statement of no more than one page to describe how the experience was of value to you.
Students must also abide by PWCS Policy and Regulation Code 721-2 B: A transfer to another school is considered a privilege. A transfer may be rescinded for the current year or denied for the following year for any serious infraction of the "Code of Behavior," truancy or tardy issues, or failure to comply with the requirements of a specialty or career and technical education program.

Program Information

Transfer Program

Students participating in this program will transfer to the program location for all courses and activities.

Express bus transportation is available to accepted students living outside the program location boundaries through Specialty Program Transportation.