Governor's Schools

Governor's schools, described in this entry, are state-funded programs designed to provide unique educational experiences that match the needs of gifted and creative youths. Typically, these programs take the form of summer residential programs hosted on college campuses. The programs provide enriched curricula designed to challenge the students and foster critical thinking skills. Students focus on a particular topic, problem, or field within the sciences, arts, or humanities during the program and are directed in the production of an independent and creative project that is often presented at the end of the program. As of 2008, more than 22 states have state-funded residential governor's schools. However, the number and the specifics of the programs are constantly changing with the prevailing educational priorities and the availability ...