NC Governor's School

If you’re a sophomore or junior in high school and interested in challenging yourself this coming summer, Gov School may be perfect for you! In this blog, you can learn more about Gov School from a 2025 session alumni!

What is Governor’s School?

Gov School West Campus (West is best!)

Contrary to popular belief, this program has nothing to do with becoming a state governor. Instead, this program allows sophomores and juniors the chance to dive deep into a subject of their choice during the summer. The 4 week long program provides students with learning opportunities in various subjects and the opportunity to form connections with peers and educators. Personally, I attended Governor’s school under the English discipline. Students may apply for math, natural science, social science, english, dance, theater, visual arts, instrumental music, and choral music (sophomores can only attend through the arts).

Overall, this program is an opportunity to indulge in your interests and grow as a person. Nearly anyone alumni asked about their Gov School experience will describe it as their most formative and fun periods of their life.

The Experience

4th of July Fireworks!

Though it may sound demanding, Gov School has a very packed schedule. During the 4 week session, students attend three classes a day Monday-Friday and two classes Saturday. The class schedule consists of two discipline-based periods (called Area I) and two additional classes (called Areas II and III) that alternate daily. For example, my schedule was first period Area I, second period Area II or III, and fourth period Area I. Everyone has a break for lunch.

After the ‘school’ day, which ends around 3 or 4 depending on your classes, the rest of the night is completely up to the student. There are near constant elective seminars and fun events occurring on campus and ample opportunity to hang out with friends. Personally, I played a lot of board games with my friends. In the evenings, students could be found playing frisbee on the quad, teaching each other guitar in the dorm lobbies, or participating in seminars about meme culture or conspiracy theories. No matter what, there is always something fun happening on campus.

College Life

My messy dorm!

Not only is Gov School academically and socially enriching, but it offers a unique trail to college life. All students are required to live on one of two campuses during their session. You can only leave campus on Sundays during parent visitation hours and for the occasional field trip opportunity. Basically, you are subject to dorm bathrooms, shared laundry rooms, and dining hall meals. Though it may sound a bit stressful, Gov School provides a safe environment to learn the ropes of college life.

Additionally, you get to experience the many positives of college life. For example, I could walk two minutes and be in the presence of all of my friends. We could easily access public spaces on campus and take full advantage of the resources around us. I also got to experience having a room mate and neighbors in my dorm building. Growing bonds with people in shared spaces was an exceptionally unique opportunity that I feel will strongly benefit me during my college experience.

The takeaway

Breakfast on the last day

You might think that after 4 weeks of dining hall food (which was incredibly delicious), lacking sleep, and rigorous work, that I was ready to go home. I was not.

Many students, including me, grieve the end of the session because of the friends they’ve made and joy they’ve experienced. It’s challenging to fully explain the lasting impact of Gov School, so instead I hope to encourage other students to apply and experience it themselves. If possible, I hope that students from all over the state get to feel the community, friendship, and culture of learning that prospers on the Gov School campus.

Applying

If you are interested in applying to Gov School, consider the following information!

• Applications are due mid-late November for the upcoming session

  • Deadlines may vary based on school, so speak with your counselor to receive the proper information

• Applications consist 2-3 essays, a resume, and potentially supplementals based on your discipline

• Once submitted, your application is reviewed at the district level

  • If passed, your application is then reviewed at the state level

• Tuition is $600, but waivers and scholarships are offered (speak to your counselor!)

I wish the upcoming applicants the best of luck!