Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School (SVGS) is one of 19 Academic Year Governor’s School sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education. The school serves the public-school systems of Augusta County, Staunton, and Waynesboro. SVGS has programs and courses designed to meet the needs of gifted and highly motivated students.
Mission of SVGS
To provide a supportive and challenging environment for area gifted students to nurture and develop their talents, expand their knowledge, and improve their critical thinking skills whole fostering their sense of personal and social responsibility.
2026-27 Message from SVGS Coordinator
Dear SVGS Students and Parents/Guardians,
I am excited to introduce myself as the new Coordinator (principal) of the SVGS team and to welcome you to what I know will be an exciting and rewarding school year.
Over the past 10 years, I have worked in higher education as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted (PEG). While I have greatly enjoyed supporting students at the university level, joining SVGS is especially meaningful to me.
Rigorous, Enriching Courses
SVGS provides an intellectually challenging learning environment designed for gifted learners, high achievers, and creative thinkers. Through advanced coursework, inquiry-based learning, research, and real-world problem solving, students are encouraged to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and pursue innovative solutions. At SVGS, learning goes beyond mastering content—it develops confident, independent learners prepared to make meaningful contributions in an ever-changing world.
Practical, Professional Experiences
Students gain hands-on, career-connected learning through community partnerships, independent research, mentorships, performances, exhibitions, and senior capstone projects that prepare them for college, careers, and lifelong learning.
Community of Learners
As a collaborative community of learners, students challenge and support one another while developing the habits of mind essential for success in college, careers, and life. Across all programs, students build critical skills including:
-Intellectual curiosity and independent thinking
-Critical analysis and creative problem solving
-Persistence and resilience
-Leadership and collaboration
-Effective communication
-Digital literacy
-Social and ethical responsibility