Claes Nobel Schools of Distinction are selected and awarded through the NSHSS Foundation to secondary schools dedicated to integrating science and mathematics education in innovative and successful ways. To nominate a school for this award, please download the application.
Roanoke Valley
Governor’s School for Science & Technology
Roanoke, Virginia
We are pleased to recognize the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science & Technology as a Claes Nobel School of Distinction for its leadership and innovative approach to providing an “environment in which students and teachers explore the interconnections between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and society.”
The Governor’s School is a regional public school in Roanoke, Virginia, for students in grades nine through twelve who want to learn all they can about science, mathematics, and technology. Students come from seven local school districts around the Roanoke Valley. It was established in 1985 through a joint initiative of the participating school divisions and the Virginia Department of Education, and is a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST). The program has been recognized nationally in the media. Throughout the academic year, the school serves 270 students in grades 9-12 for a half-day program--one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Students must apply for admission and are chosen competitively by two independent selection and screening committees.
Ninety-nine percent of the students go to colleges or universities within the first year after graduation. Colleges often make an effort to attract Governor's School students with advanced standing and/or scholarship money. Of the 65 students in the class of 2007, seven were Finalists, one was a Semi-finalist, and sixteen were Commended in the National Merit program. The 2007 graduates accumulated in excess of $4.3 million in scholarship offers. Students have consistently competed in and won their categories in local, regional, and state science fairs, as well as in the Virginia Junior Academy of Science.
The school was nominated for this award by student Natalie Dilley, of Salem, Virginia, who writes:
The Roanoke Valley Governor’s School (RVGS) is a regional high school for motivated students specializing in science, mathematics, computer applications, and technology. The school was established in 1985 and serves 270 students from fourteen area high schools in a central location within the city of Roanoke. The school was a founding member school of the National Consortium of Specialized Secondary Schools in Mathematics, Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST). The Governor’s School provides a unique, supportive, and nurturing atmosphere where students have the opportunity to explore the connectedness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the impact that these subjects have within our society.
The faculty at RVGS is impressive in multiple ways. One supportive characteristic that contributes to the great atmosphere is the teachers’ willingness to go above and beyond the norm for students. From explaining difficult concepts and materials presented in class to helping mentor a student in an area of career interest, you’ll find genuine interest and involvement from the faculty in the lives of the students. Another characteristic contributing to the wonderful school climate is the faculty’s expectation of high achievement from students. Several teachers have had former careers in fields such as aviation and engineering bringing a wealth of career knowledge into the classroom. Many teachers also have advanced degrees (graduate level or beyond) in the subject that they are teaching and are passionate about their chosen field of teaching.
Each year in January is a special time at RVGS called intersession. During intersession, every student completes in-depth research and presents their findings at the RVGS project forum. Specialized laboratory equipment is available for students conducting research. Student winners from each category advance to the Western Virginia Regional Science Fair and to the State Science and Engineering Fair. Students also have the opportunity to present research at symposiums such as the Virginia Science and Humanities Symposium.
Outreach activities hosted by RVGS such as Chemistry Day or Science Camp are held for elementary and middle school students in order to recruit a diverse student population. Many incredible elective courses are made available to students such as Fundamentals of Research, Product Design Engineering, GIS systems, Experimental Botany, and Forensic Sciences. Mentorship programs are available for seniors under the supervision of the RVGS director, Dr. Scott Watson. While students spend half their day at their home school either in the morning or afternoon, the RVGS atmosphere provides a wonderful second home to its student body!