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NRV Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities

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The New River Valley (NRV) Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities is a collaborative partnership between Radford University, New River Valley Community College, Radford City Schools, Giles County Public School, Floyd County Public Schools, Pulaski County Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools. 

Located on Radford University’s main campus in Radford, Virginia, the NRV Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities will provide a rigorous and immersive curriculum allowing selected high school students from nine public schools to earn up to 30 university credits, potentially achieving sophomore status upon entering Radford University or other Virginia colleges and universities. Our program integrates university coursework with specialized artistic and humanities-focused instruction, ensuring students gain both practical and theoretical expertise in their chosen fields through interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges the arts, humanities, and broader academic disciplines. 

A unique aspect of the new governor’s school is our partnership with regional arts and humanities businesses and non-profit organizations, which will provide students with hands-on learning experiences through internships, mentorships, and collaborative projects that expose them to real-world applications of their studies and viable career pathways in the region. By combining rigorous academic credentialing with experiential learning and community engagement, we aim to cultivate creative and critical thinkers who develop both the intellectual foundation and practical skills necessary for success in higher education and gainful employment in the arts and humanities sectors. 

The school’s academic program emphasizes portfolio development, capstone projects, and sustained engagement with professional practitioners, ensuring students develop a love of learning and build tangible credentials alongside their academic achievements while fostering meaningful connections between educational institutions, cultural organizations, and the creative economy of our region. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of attending?

At the New River Valley Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities, you will be in class with other students from our region who are passionate about learning and creative exploration in the arts and humanities. You will have the freedom to expand your knowledge and skills in the arts and humanities while being challenged to reach new heights. You will experience the satisfaction and achievement of earning college-level grades in your coursework. You will earn nearly two years of college credit at no cost to you or your family. 

If you are a curious person who questions the world around you; if you are captivated by literature, history, philosophy, or the arts; if you enjoy creating art and exploring how creative works communicate meaning; if you find joy in writing, performing, analyzing texts, or engaging with complex ideas; and if you thrive on intellectual and creative challenge, then the NRVGSAH may be an ideal fit for you. 

If you are willing to dedicate yourself to your craft and studies; you are mature and disciplined; if you appreciate mentorship and guidance from teachers and artists; if you are willing to revise, reflect, and dig deeper to achieve genuine understanding and artistic growth; and if you believe you will flourish in classrooms filled with students who share your passion for the arts and humanities, then the Governor's School will be an excellent choice for you. 

What kind of transportation will be provided?

Each school district has arranged transportation for students to and from Radford University. Students will not need a car and will not need to be transported by parents or guardians. 

What's the NRV Governor's School curriculum?

Students attend NRVGSAH for three hours each weekday. The coursework for sophomores is based on an accelerated academic model of arts and humanities and taught by certified K-12 teachers at Radford University. Juniors and Seniors will take courses for college credit in the arts and humanities taught by faculty from New River Community College or Radford University. These classes are easily transferrable and, in some cases, include college students enrolled at Radford University. Juniors and Seniors will be expected to complete college level courses and the associated homework load. Upon satisfactory completion of these courses, they will have a transcript from Radford University that reflect these courses. Some courses will also count as dual enrollment credit and may satisfy both college and high school credit. 

What will the daily class schedule look like?

Students will leave their high school at a set time to arrive at Radford University by 7:50 a.m.. Classes will begin at 8 a.m. Students will be in NRVGSAH classes until 10:30 a.m. and then will return to their high school to eat lunch and join their regular high school classes in the last half of the day. Each school will create a schedule for NRVGSAH participants that will allow them to graduate from high school with their diploma and participate in NRVGSAH and earn college credit. 

What areas can I choose to study?

  • Visual arts
  • Dance
  • Theatre
  • Music
  • Interior design/fashion design
  • History
  • Politics and world affairs
  • Philosophy and critical thinking

Apply Now

  1. Talk with your home high school counselor or gifted resource teacher to let them know you wish to apply.
  2. Talk with your parent(s) or guardian(s) to let them know you wish to apply.
  3. Contact two teachers who will agree to serve as recommenders.
  4. Get a copy of your current transcript.
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