How SWVGS Helped My Child

I have 2 sons who attended the Southwest Virginia Governor's School. This experience of being surrounded by other students who wanted to succeed at the highest level and loved the learning challenge was priceless. The teachers at this school are amazing people who want nothing more than their kids to be successful in all of their future endeavors. Their commitment to students' success is above and beyond just "a job". This experience allowed my children to be accepted into prestigious colleges and prepared them for the rigors of college classes. 

My daughter had a transcendent experience at Gov school; it literally changed her life for the better. She's more motivated, more responsible, and has a bigger and better picture of the world. Gov school is an invaluable experience for kids in rural regions and is very worthy of increased investment.

As I reflect on my impressions of the influence that The Southwest Virginia Governor's School ("SWVGS") had on my son, I feel compelled to first mention the lasting friendships that have been forged over the last two years. That is my first reflection because at this very moment, not unlike most evenings throughout the year, my son is corresponding with a classmate whose friendship evolved because of this unique environment which combines intellectually gifted students from numerous counties with similar abilities, talents, and interests. In addition to his piers, he was fortunate to receive guidance from professors who became more than teachers performing the requisite tasks of assigning homework and grading tests. The faculty at SWVGS were mentors, supporters, encouragers, and as is often the case, collaborators who offered research assistance for scientific experimentations which will potentially impact the selection of his chosen career path. Throughout these last two years, my son considered his professors both friends and confidants, seeking their advice regarding very personal and potentially life changing decisions about his future.

Of all of the amazing experiences in which my son participated throughout his high school career, none were more significant than the opportunity that he was offered at SWVGS. During both years, he participated in an educational program that was challenging, fulfilling, and free from the behavioral issues which often hinder the traditional learning process. The structure of the classes and the sophistication of the assignments paralleled the complex learning structure that he will encounter as he proceeds to the next level of his education. I am confident that the rigorous academic curriculum to which my son has been exposed, in addition to the environment of integrity and honor by which he has been surrounded, will positively influence both his college career, and his professional and personal life in the years thereafter.

At the Governor's School, my daughter developed a tolerance for frustration, something that was new for her because previously it was a given that she would be an A student. The Governor's School made my child aware of the relationship between her work ethic and earned results.

SWVGS is an amazing opportunity for talented and gifted students to continue to advance academically.

SWVGS was the most positive experience my daughter had during her high school years. It helped her tremendously with preparation for college.

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