Academic Information

The Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies is a highly selective regional school with graduation requirements that meet the Advanced Diploma requirements in all areas and exceed those requirements in areas that reflect the school's theme. By earning a MLWGS diploma, students also qualify for the Virginia Advanced Studies Diploma. Students who complete the requirements for an Advanced Studies Diploma with an average grade of "B" or better and successfully complete college-level coursework that will earn the student at least nine transferable college credits in Advanced Placement (AP) or dual enrollment courses will be awarded a Governor's Seal on their diploma.

* Graduation requirements meet and/or exceed requirements for graduation with an advanced studies diploma in Virginia. All students elect to attend MLWGS and are required to maintain a full day schedule of classes unless a waiver is granted in accordance with policies of the governing board and/or local school boards. When students below the ninth grade successfully complete courses offered for credit in grades nine through twelve, standard and/or verified credit shall be counted toward meeting the units required for graduation in accordance with 8 VAC 20-131.50 of the State Board of Education's regulations. Verified credits are required in accordance with standards of accrediting schools in Virginia as prescribed in 8 VAC 20-131-110.B. A student who does not satisfy the above requirements but meets those of the State Board of Education will be awarded a Standard Diploma at MLWGS.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Course selection limitations:

The courses listed in the Course Catalog are those that have been approved by the Regional Board for MLWGS students. The courses listed in the course survey and master schedule are selected from the Course Catalog. These courses are proposed for the next school year and may be subject to change. Final course offerings are dependent upon sufficient student interest, classroom space, materials/equipment availability, and staffing.

Schedule Change and Procedures:

The “Student Schedule Change Request Form” must be completed and returned to the school counseling department in order for a student to drop/add any course. Changes in AP or Dual Enrollment courses may require a parent/teacher conference. Changes in Dual Enrollment Courses also require students to complete a “VCU/MLWGS Dual Enrollment Drop/Withdrawal Form” and submit it to the Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction. Changes made that will result in the student receiving a “WF” or “F” for the course must have the director’s approval. Below are policies, procedures and timelines for dropping/withdrawing from Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses.

MLWGS Honors or AP Courses

Full Year Courses:

First six weeks	No grade recorded and class dropped from academic record.
Seventh week to end of 1st semester	Withdraw Passing(WP)/Withdraw Failing(WF)
Third nine weeks	Withdraw Passing(WF)
Fourth nine weeks	Failure (F)

Semester Courses:

First six weeks	No grade recorded
Seventh weeks to end of first grading period	Withdraw Passing(WP)/Withdraw Failing(WF)
After first grading period	Failure(F)

WP and WF do not become part of the grade point average, but will appear on the transcript. The management of grades for a student who transfers into a related course will be determined by the Director and the involved teachers.

VCU/MLWGS Dual Enrollment Courses:

Students in Dual Enrollment courses MUST be enrolled in BOTH a MLWGS high school course and in a VCU course. Some MLWGS courses are paired with two VCU courses and others are paired with one VCU course. For Dual Enrollment courses in which students receive one MLWGS credit and 6-7 VCU credits, students are enrolled in the first VCU course listed for the fall semester and the second VCU course for the spring semester. For Dual Enrollment courses in which students receive one MLWGS credit and 3 -4 VCU credits, students are enrolled in a VCU course for the spring semester only. All enrollments in the VCU databases are done on a semester basis. Students dropping a Dual Enrollment course must complete BOTH schedule change forms noted above. Changes in the MLWGS enrollment status are governed by the timeline above and changes in the VCU enrollment status are governed by the timeline below.

First TWO weeks	No grade recorded and class dropped from academic record
Third week to the end of tenth week	Withdraw with a grade of "W"
After tenth week	Failure(F)

Grading Scale

Calculation of grade point average: The grade point average is calculated by using the final course grade for all courses taken in grades 9-12. Courses taken on a Pass/Fail basis will count for credit, but will not be averaged into the grade point average.

Weighting of Classes:

All courses are based on a 4.0 scale and core classes are considered to be on the Honors level. Advanced Placement, University and dual enrollment courses will have an additional weighting of 1.0.

Transfer credits:

Students transferring from other schools will earn credit for high school classes completed in middle school and in grades 9-12 with approval of the appropriate Department Chairperson, the Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction and the Director. For transfer credits accepted by MLWGS, the course will appear on the student's high school transcript, but do not count toward GPA. Transcripts will be evaluated for meeting MLWGS graduation requirements on an individual basis. Although MLWGS accepts Carnegie Units earned in middle school, students must take a minimum of seven classes each year, take the ninth and tenth grade interdisciplinary Global Studies and English courses, and meet all content area requirements in each discipline.

Opportunities for School Credit Pursued Outside of MLWGS:

The Governor's School recognizes the opportunities and necessity for students to pursue academic courses and private instruction outside of our regular course offerings. Students who are interested in receiving MLWGS elective credit for academic classes and/or private instruction must receive prior approval of the Director using the following guidelines:

Academic Classes and Summer School:

Prior to registration students must submit a written request and an "Out of School Credit Request Form" detailing course description, requirements and institution to the subject area Department Chairperson, Coordinator of Curriculum and instruction, and the Director for approval of credit(s).

Repeated Courses:

Students may repeat only one core course per content area to meet graduation requirements. These courses must be taken at MLWGS or in an accredited summer school program. Prior approval is needed from the subject Department Chairperson and Director. For students repeating a failed class, both classes will be shown on the transcript and will count towards grade point average. Students who repeat a passed MLWGS course for subject mastery at MLWGS will receive the higher of the grades (subject to the approval of the Department Chairperson and the Director.)

Required Course Acceleration:

Students may take courses to accelerate only with prior approval of the subject area Department Chairperson and Director. Students may be required to demonstrate proficiency by passing MLWGS examinations in the accelerated subject. Students who successfully complete the summer school course and MLWGS examinations will earn credit towards their GPA. Students who do not succeed on MLWGS examinations will not earn GPA credit for the class and may be required to repeat the summer school course at MLWGS.

Private Instruction/Independent Endeavors:

Students must submit the Out of School Credit Request Form, as well as a written request detailing the qualifications of the instructor and/or program. Hours for weekly instruction and special events, as well as defining method of assessment (i.e., recital, competition, performances) must be cited. 140 hours of instruction and/or performance are required to earn one credit. It is the responsibility of the student to submit a letter signed by the instructor documenting hours of involvement and assessment activities at the end of each academic year. It is recommended that students take all required coursework at the Governor's School. Students may earn credits each year in full and half credit hours. The credit will be on a Pass/Fail basis and does not count toward GPA.

Visiting Student and Advanced Scholars Programs and Procedures:

MLWGS has cooperative agreements with Virginia Commonwealth University and Randolph-Macon College which allows MLWGS sophomores, juniors and seniors to participate in college level courses for high school and/or university credit. Students may take advantage of courses that are not offered at MLWGS and are limited to 100 and 200 level courses. If university credit is to be awarded, a fee will be required. Eligibility is determined by a timely completion of application, strength of academic record, test scores, faculty recommendations, Director approval and university endorsement. Enrollment is dependent upon space availability in each course. Applications, course offerings and guidelines are available through Guidance. Students are encouraged to carefully consider the additional coursework and requirements of a university class prior to registering for such courses, and should maintain a balance between academics, co-curricular activities and personal and social commitments.

Virginia Commonwealth University

Advanced Scholars:
Available in Fall, Spring and Summer sessions for university credit. In order to receive high school credit, it is the responsibility of the student to submit a final grade report from the university. It is the responsibility of the student to pay all university fees.

Visiting Student:
Available in Fall and Spring sessions for high school credit only. It is the responsibility of the student to insure delivery of all grade reports to MLWGS and to pay all associated university fees. No tuition is required. However, there may be associated lab or book fees.

Note: Students will not be allowed to attend classes at MCV or in the School of the Arts.

Note: If required, placement tests are the responsibility of the student. Randolph-Macon College Preview Students are responsible for a $30.00 registration fee plus the cost of books. Students may enroll in one course per semester.

Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment Courses:

Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses allow high school students to learn college material while still in high school. College credit, depending upon the grade earned on the Advanced Placement examination and on the college or university the student attends, can also be earned. While such classes present a tremendous academic opportunity and challenge for students, it is also important for each student to carefully assess academic load, co-curricular activities, and other school and community commitments when deciding whether to take AP courses.

Year Limits:

Freshman: 0
Sophomore: 1 class
Junior: 2 classes
Senior: 3 classes

To exceed limits special approval is required from a counselor, department head/specialist and Director.

Interim reports/Report Card Policy:

It is the responsibility of the student to deliver interim and report cards to his/her parent/guardian, with the exception of the final report card which is mailed home. Interim reports are issued half way through each 9 week grading period and are an approximation of grade and progress in each class. Interim grades do not appear on the permanent record.

Incomplete Grades:

Students who earn incomplete grades must establish a contract with their subject area teacher to complete their assignments before the end of the next nine week period. Work must be made up within seven working days after the end of the school year. After the deadline has passed, the grade will become an F unless the student has received written prior approval from the teacher and the Director.

Grade appeal process:

Students and/or parents who have a concern about a grade must first approach the subject teacher with questions or for clarification of grade. If a resolution is not reached, then the decision may be appealed to the Director.

Class rank:

MLWGS does not rank students because of the competitive nature of selection requirements. Class rank cannot be regarded as a valid indicator of performance given the caliber of the student body. Valedictorian and Salutarian will not be recognized. These policies will be clearly stated to all college admissions/scholarship committees. Guidance will report mid 50% GPA and GPA range for college admissions and/or scholarship purposes.

Auditing a course:

With permission of department head/specialist and the Director a student may audit a course for no credit. Details and expectations will be worked out on an individual basis.

Off-campus college visits:

MLWGS encourages all students to visit college campuses during the planning phase. Therefore, a total of six (3 junior year, 3 senior year) excused absences will be granted. Students must have prior approval from the Director, should notify all teachers well ahead of their absence and are responsible for completing all missed work.

Academic Probation Policy:

Students are expected to remain in good academic standing at MLWGS. Failure to remain in good standing may result in being placed on academic probation, which will be reported to the Talented and Gifted Coordinator of the student's home city or county. Possible consequences include returning to home school and/or not receiving a MLWGS diploma.

Course selection limitations:

The courses listed in the course selection guide are proposals and are subject to change. Final course offerings are dependent upon student interest, classroom space, materials/equipment availability and personnel.