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Governor's Schools & Regional High Schools


Petersburg City Public Schools partners with two Governor’s Schools (ARGS and MLWGS) and one Regional High School (CodeRVA) for a variety of specialty learning opportunities.

 

Appomattox Regional Governor’s School (ARGS)

About the Program:

The Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology provides gifted and talented students a differentiated and rigorous education, cultivates a supportive environment that inspires unique artistic and technological visions, promotes cultural tolerance, nurtures community partnerships, and produces active, engaged citizens.

 

Admissions Overview:

Applicants must be enrolled in Algebra I or higher-level mathematics when they apply, and they will be required to have successfully completed Algebra I for high school credit prior to enrollment.  It is highly recommended that students have completed or are currently enrolled in the following:

  • Art, Dance, and/or Music (in school or privately) depending on focus area
  • Basic Computer Science
  • Earth Science
  • International Language

Applicants should have at least a B average for the seventh grade. If a student does not, he or she may apply due to special circumstances.  For consideration, the student must provide a separate letter of explanation with the application form.

 

For complete admissions information, please view the following Link to Website 

Applications are welcome from October 1- December 4, 2026

 

 

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies (MLWGS)

Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies, known as MLWGS, is a public regional magnet high school in Richmond, Virginia. The school provides a comprehensive educational program designed to advance gifted students’ understanding. It also prides itself on fostering a diverse and supportive community that cultivates student character and their ability to contribute, collaborate, and lead.

 

Admissions Overview:

The selection process is highly competitive.  Typically, 1,200 eighth-grade students apply each year for admission.  Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School will only accept full-time students who have met the regional requirements for admission.

Applicants must be enrolled in Algebra I or a higher-level mathematics course when they apply, and they must have completed Algebra I for high school credit before enrollment.

It is highly recommended that applicants have completed/are enrolled in the following courses:

  • Honors English
  • Earth Science
  • Honors History/Social Sciences
  • One year of an International Language

For complete admissions information, please view the following Link to Website
Applications are welcome from October 1-December 4, 2026

 

CodeRVA Regional High School 

CodeRVA is an innovative, regional, public high school in central Virginia focused on preparing students for college and careers in computer science and coding.

CodeRVA applicants should have an interest in and passion for the study of computer science. There are no academic requirements to apply for CodeRVA Regional High School, though individual divisions may have their own requirements.

  • The application window for CodeRVA is from January 4- February 19, 2027 (online application link will be added when available)

For admissions information, follow the Link to Website

 

Helpful tips:

  • When creating an account, use an email address that is frequently monitored. Refrain from using student email addresses and/or school email addresses.
  • List parent/guardian contact information that is current and frequently monitored. Admissions updates will be sent to the information exactly as it is provided.
  • Please ensure the email addresses for all of your recommenders are accurate. Once you input email addresses and move forward in the application process, you cannot go back and edit recommenders’ email addresses.
  • For applications that require an essay, it may be helpful to first write or type into a place where it can be saved and edited to prevent losing your work.

 

FAQ’s

How do I apply? 

Interested applicants should create an account and complete applications by clicking ARGS and/or MLWGS.

When is the deadline?

The application deadline is December 4, 2026. However, applicants are encouraged to allow enough time for recommendations to be completed as a part of the application. Without recommendations, applications are considered incomplete.

What about transportation?

Petersburg City Public Schools provides transportation to and from all specialty schools. Students will either operate on the middle school or high school bus routes, where they then transfer to a second bus that continues to their respective school. While it's a two-step trip, PCPS coordinates both legs, so families don't need to arrange any additional transportation during regular school hours. 

Can my child still play Petersburg sports?

Both Governor’s Schools offer extracurricular activities, including athletic options. Students who are accepted and enrolled will not be permitted to play sports at Petersburg High School. Please see prospective school links for athletic department options. 

Are late applications accepted?

All applicants residing in a participating school division must meet the application deadline in December of each year to be considered for admission.
 

For Specialty School matters, please contact Mrs. Dana Crivaro at dapeagler@petersburg.k12.va.us or via phone (804) 732-0510 ext. 1030.