Governor’s School for Science, Math and Technology
FY27 Profile Sheet for Transcripts
Mountain Vista Governor’s School is a regional program for academically talented and highly motivated 10th, 11th and 12th grade students from the school divisions of Clarke County, Culpeper County, Fauquier County, Frederick County, Rappahannock County, Warren County and Winchester City. Students are selected to attend MVGS through a rigorous application/screening process. Mountain Vista Governor’s School has approximately 70 graduates each year. Of these, 99% are attending a college or university.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Mountain Vista Governor’s School is to present a research-based, technology-enhanced, integrated program in mathematics, science, and the humanities. The program will challenge students to reach their full potential as independent thinkers capable of assuming leadership roles in a constantly changing global society.
Vision: The Mountain Vista Governor’s School community of learners will engage in the investigation of scholarly knowledge through an active, constructive learning environment. Students will be expected to become fluent in the processes of mathematics and science, reinforced by a deep understanding of the humanities. Through research, students will learn to use standard technological tools for data analysis and authentic problem-solving. Through personal investigation and reflection, students will be challenged to derive meaning from learning. Through practical application, students will strive to reach their fullest potential. Through collaboration with peers, teachers, and mentors, students will generate and communicate useful solutions to problems of the local and global community.
Curriculum Overview: The interdisciplinary curriculum design of Mountain Vista Governor’s School challenges students to construct a highly integrated understanding of mathematics and designated sciences. The development of technology and research skills supports students in solving authentic problems in a scholarly and professional manner. The humanities component requires students to analyze the relationship between the arts and sciences and construct a personal philosophical basis for ethical leadership in applying scientific knowledge to challenging real-world issues. Students are graded on a ten-point scale. The school is housed at two sites of Laurel Ridge Community College.
Mountain Vista Contact Information
Mountain Vista Governor’s School, Director
Mrs. Ladona Gorham
6480 College Street
Warrenton, VA 20187
540-868-7237
Mountain Vista Governor’s School Course Descriptions
Most courses are available for college credit through Laurel Ridge Community College.
MVGS Collegiate Chemistry 442009 This is an introductory college chemistry course. The curriculum is laboratory based and includes study in matter and measurement, atoms, molecules, ions, ionic and covalent bonding. Second semester includes study in liquids and solids, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases. Upon successful completion of the course, students may be capable of and suited for the Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry examination. Dual enrollment option is provided in CHM 111-112.
MVGS Physics 1: Mechanics 451019 This is a calculus-based, first-year physics course. The primary focus of study will include the topics of Newtonian Mechanics and Thermodynamics. Inquiry-based laboratory investigations include extensive integration of technology. This course is integrated with MVGS Calculus 2. Upon successful completion of the course, students may be capable of and suited for the AP Physics C (Mechanics) examination. Dual enrollment option is provided in PHY 241.
MVGS Physics 2: Electricity and Magnetism 452029 This is a calculus-based, second-year physics course. Inquiry is stressed and laboratory investigations incorporate extensive integration of technology. The primary focus of study will include the topics of Electricity and Magnetism and Modern Physics. This course is integrated with MVGS Calculus 2/3. Upon successful completion of the course, students may be capable of and suited for the AP Physics C (Electricity & Magnetism) examination. Dual enrollment option is provided in PHY 242.
MVGS Biology 1: Collegiate Biology 432019 This is the equivalent of a two-semester college introductory biology course for biology majors. The curriculum is laboratory based and includes extensive integration of laboratory technology. Major units of study include Cell Processes, Ecology, Evolution and Genetics and Information Transfer. Upon completion of the course, students may be capable of and suited for the AP Biology examination. Dual enrollment option is provided in BIO 101-102.
MVGS Collegiate Environmental Science 462029 This course explores fundamental components and interactions that make up the natural systems of the earth. It introduces the basic science concepts in the disciplines of biological, chemical, and earth sciences that are necessary to understand and address environmental issues. Dual enrollment option is provided in ENV 121.
MVGS Math Analysis 316209 This course develops students’ understanding of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and transcendental functions, and parametric and polar equations. Investigating real world data will enhance the understanding of realistic applications through modeling. Graphing calculators and computers and other appropriate technological tools will be used to assist students. This course serves as the prerequisite for MVGS Calculus and MVGS Statistics. Dual enrollment and AP testing options are not provided.
MVGS Calculus 1 317519 This is a rigorous course in calculus with analytic geometry. Topics include concepts and applications of differential and integral calculus and an introduction of elementary differential equations. Upon successful completion, students may be capable of and suited for the Calculus AB AP examination. Dual enrollment option is provided in MTH 263.
MVGS Calculus 2/3 317809 This course is a fast-paced calculus course which includes multivariable calculus. Topics include concepts and applications of integral calculus and an introduction of elementary differential equations, methods of integration, sequences and series, power series, Taylor and Mclauren series, study of polar and parametric functions, three-dimensional analytical geometry, vector analysis, vector functions, multivariate functions, partial derivatives, optimization, double and triple integrals. Upon successful completion, students may be capable of and suited for the Calculus BC AP examination. Dual enrollment option is provided in MTH 264 and MTH 265.
MVGS Statistics 319009 This course is a study of descriptive and analytical statistics. Students will learn and apply four broad conceptual themes which include exploring data, planning a study, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students will use statistics as a tool to predict, investigate, and analyze a variety of statistical and research problems. Upon successful completion, students may be capable of and suited for the Statistics AP examination. Dual enrollment option is provided in MTH 245.
MVGS Humanities 10: Early Humanities / English 10 114009 Examines the values and expression of ideas of selected western and non-western cultures from prehistory up to the 1300s, integrating the arts, literature, religion, and philosophy within the context of history. Students will earn one English credit, which will meet the requirement for English 10, including the Virginia Standards of Learning requirements. This course also introduces and prepares students to/for the critical processes and fundamentals of writing in academic and professional contexts. AP testing option is not provided. Dual enrollment option is concurrently provided in HUM 201 and ENG 111.
MVGS Humanities 11: Introduction to Non-Western Cultures/English 11 with Research 2 115009 Introduces students to beliefs, historical developments, and forms of creative expression that have shaped cultures in regions outside Europe and Northern America. Studies the cultures, values, creative expressions, and historical development of selected non-western regions of the world. This course also introduces and prepares students to/for the critical processes and fundamentals of writing in academic and professional contexts. Students will earn one English credit, which will meet the requirement for English 11, including the Virginia Standards of Learning requirement. Dual enrollment only option is concurrently provided in HUM 216 and ENG 112. Research 2 Explores and applies the principles of effective humanities-based research. The components and concepts include strengthening of global views, broadening of intellectual foundations, teaching communication clearly, helping to develop creative and critical thinking skills, enhancing problem solving skills, creating engaged citizens and thinkers, and reinforcing cultural and ethical responsibilities and values to help all students understand the impact that math, science, and technology have on society. This is achieved through the enhancement of the Humanities 11 curriculum. AP and dual enrollment options are not available for Research 2.
MVGS Humanities 12/US Government and International Relations 244009 US Government introduces students to the key philosophies, institutions, policies, and behaviors of political systems. Students will earn one US Government credit, which will meet the requirements for Virginia & US Government per the VDOE. Upon successful completion of the course, students may be capable of and suited for the AP Exam in United States Government and Politics. A dual enrollment option is provided in PLS 135. International Relations provides an introduction to the causes of international conflict and cooperation. A dual enrollment option is provided in PLS 241. In both classes students will learn to apply disciplinary reasoning to assess the causes and consequences of political events, interpret data to develop evidence-based arguments, and defend political positions and solutions while cultivating ethical dispositions and leadership skills which can be applied to contemporary, domestic, and international problems.
MVGS Research 1: Introduction to Research 011519 The students’ review of literature, analysis of arguments, and evaluation of experiment designs will enable them to explore basic research components. The students will use statistical and technological tools to organize and integrate information, design studies and experiments, gather data, and plan individual research projects. AP and dual enrollment options are not available.
MVGS Psychology 290809 Students are introduced to the systematic study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. The course covers the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, research methods, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, developmental psychology, learning, memory, thinking, intelligence, personality, social psychology, and psychological disorders and treatment. Upon successful completion, students may be capable of and suited for the AP Psychology Exam. Dual enrollment option is not provided for this course.
MVGS Economics 280009 Students develop critical thinking skills through the understanding, application, and analysis of macroeconomic concepts and structures. The course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Macroeconomics Exam and may be used to meet the Economics and Personal Finance diploma requirement.
MVGS Computer Science 1 318609 Fall semester introduces problem solving and implementation of solutions using a high-level language, Python, in a structured programming environment. Spring semester focuses on problem solving methods using object-oriented programming with the Java language. Upon successful completion, students may be capable of and suited for the Computer Science AAP examination. Dual enrollment option is provided in CSC 221-222
MVGS Computer Science 2: Topics in Computing 318629 Fall semester examines data structures (including sets, strings, stacks, queues, arrays, records, files, linked lists, and trees), abstract data types, and algorithm analysis (including searching and sorting methods), and objects. Hands-on work is performed in the C++ language. Spring semester examines the hierarchical structure of computer architecture, focusing on multi-level machine organization and using a simple assembler language to complete programming projects. Included are processors, instruction, execution, addressing techniques, data representation and digital logic.This course extends beyond the AP level. Dual enrollment option is provided in CSC 208 and CSC 223.