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Governor’s School 2026

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Who is eligible?

11th graders who have at least one of the following:

  • 3.25 unweighted GPA or higher
  • 3.5 weighted GPA or higher
  • Score of a 4 or higher on any EOC
  • Score of 3 or higher an any AP exam
  • Composite score of 19 or higher on the ACT or Pre-ACT, 1010 on the SAT or PSAT

Please note:

10th graders may apply in the area of Choral Music, Instrumental Music or Dance ONLY and must meet one of the above criteria.

Students who are accepted and attend NC Gov. School will be given a cord to wear at graduation.

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What is needed: Forms and Links:�

• Governor's School Interest Form 2026 -Please complete this form ASAP

• GS2026 Recommendation Form

• GS2026 Application

• Governor's School Overview Video

• Family Overview Flyer

• Governor's School Website

• **When listing activities on the application, please use a bulleted list

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Letters of Recommendations

  • Students need 2 Letters of Recommendations
  • One letter MUST be from your high school teacher, preferably one who teaches in your area of discipline
  • Second letter can be from another teacher or a community member
  • Send your recommenders the link to the Recommendation Form. They need to email the letter directly to Ms. DiPierno. Be sure to have the recommenders put the following in the subject line of the email: Student Last Name.Student First Name.Gov Rec Please ask them to save the file using the same format.
  • Recommendation form must be typed and only on the form. No additional paper will be accepted.

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Timeline

  • Now-October 1st – Complete the Governor’s School Google Form
  • October 10th - Last day for Recommenders to email Recommendation form to Ms. DiPierno at lori.dipierno@cms.k12.nc.us
  • October 13th – Last day to email Completed Application Form to Ms. DiPierno at lori.dipierno@cms.k12.nc.us Students applying in the area of performing arts will need to submit their audition with their application
  • December- - District sends nomination applications to Governor’s School. Students will be notified if they made the District nomination list
  • March 2026- Governor’s School selections and non selections will be mailed directly to the students.
  • Summer 2026- Governor’s School dates TBD (Mid June-Mid July)

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