Specialty School Options

Colonial Heights Public Schools is proud to offer rising ninth grade students the opportunity to apply to one of three regional specialty high schools; Appomattox Regional Governor's School (ARGS), Maggie L. Walker Governor's School (MLWGS), and CodeRVA Regional High School. These programs provide unique pathways for motivated students to pursue advanced learning in the arts, technology, academics, or computer science. Eligible students who live in Colonial Heights may apply at no cost, and those who are homeschooled within the city limits may also participate. Each school has its own admissions process and timeline, outlined below, and students are encouraged to review the requirements carefully and consult with their school counselor for more information, questions, or support with applying.

All specialty schools have transitioned to an online application process.

Applications for the Governor's Schools will be available at this link from October 1 through December 1, 2025.

  • Online self-service application assistance is available for families here.

Applications for CodeRVA will be available at this link from January 5 through February 20, 2026.

see below for additional information about each specialty school and its' admissions process

Governor's Schools

The Virginia Governor's School Program began in 1973 when Governor Linwood Holton established the first summer residential programs for 400 gifted students from across the commonwealth. From its beginnings, with three summer schools in 1973, the program has expanded to more than 40 sites throughout the commonwealth.

Virginia Governor's Schools provide some of the state's most able students academically and artistically challenging programs beyond those offered in their home schools. With the support of the Virginia Board of Education and the General Assembly, the Governor's Schools presently include summer residential, summer regional, and academic-year programs serving more than 7,500 gifted students from all parts of the commonwealth.

The years since 1973 have brought refinement and change to the programs, yet one aspect, the student, has remained constant. Each year, hundreds of outstanding young people come to one of the different Governor's Schools in search of knowledge and eager to accept the challenge of acquiring advanced skills. Each group makes the Virginia Governor's School Program a special experience by creating a community of learners who demonstrate their remarkable talents in diverse and meaningful ways.

Residents of Colonial Heights are able to participate in the Governor’s Schools listed below. Interested home schooled students should contact Dr. Joseph Douglas at joe_douglas@colonialhts.net.

Appomattox Regional Governor's School

ARGS is a magnet school for talented and gifted students. It is the only full-time Governor’s School in the Commonwealth dedicated to the arts and technology. Located in Petersburg’s Folly Castle Historic District, ARGS has a population of nearly 400 students from fourteen school divisions, which creates a diverse and inclusive environment where students are able to thrive and embrace the school’s motto: “Create. Lead. Inspire. Achieve.” The schools’ unique curriculum and broad spectrum of academics allows students the creative freedom to explore their passions in the arts and technology. Additional school information is available here and here.


A detailed application schedule is available here. Students who plan to apply should consult this checklist to ensure they have required information to complete the application process. An Open House for prospective students and their parents will take place at ARGS from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on October 16, 2025. Eligible students will also have an opportunity to attend an informational meeting at Colonial Heights Middle School on September 25, 2025.

Maggie L. Walker Governor's School

The MLWGS is a nationally ranked magnet school for high achieving students. With a population of approximately 780 students, it is located in the heart of Richmond and partners with fourteen local divisions. The school’s broad-based curriculum provides opportunities for accelerated and enriched learning, as well as global citizenship, ethical leadership, and experiential learning. The school’s inclusive school community is a welcoming space for the best and the brightest to grow intellectually, as well to thrive socially and emotionally.  MLWGS will “meet you where you are and take you as far as you would like to go!” Additional school information is available here. 


A detailed application schedule is available here. Students who plan to apply should consult this checklist to ensure they have required information to complete the application process.  An Open House for prospective Colonial Heights students will take place at the MLWGS  at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25. Eligible students will also have an opportunity to attend an informational meeting at Colonial Heights Middle School on October 9.

*** An informational forum about both Governor’s Schools will take place on November 3 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Colonial Heights Middle School. Parents and students are encouraged to attend this event. ***

CodeRVA Regional High School

CodeRVA Regional High School provides an innovative learning environment that uses blended and project-based learning to develop students’ self-management skills while integrating academic content, agile workplace methodologies, and internship experiences that provide a pipeline of critical thinkers prepared to enter college or Richmond’s thriving technology sector.  CodeRVA students have the opportunity to graduate with a Virginia high school diploma, a Uniform Certificate of General Studies (UCGS), or an Associate Degree from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and as many as 360 hours of practical information technology work experience.  

CodeRVA Regional High School is a public magnet school that serves 360 students from fifteen school divisions. Since its founding in 2017, CodeRVA has used blended (online and face-to-face) learning to develop students’ self-management skills while integrating academic content, agile workplace methodologies, and internship experiences to provide a pipeline of critical thinkers prepared to enter college or Richmond’s growing technology sector. Additional school information is available here.

An Open House for prospective students will take place on October 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at CodeRVA. Families not able to attend in person can watch it live at coderva.org or plan to attend a duplicate Open House event on December 9 at 6 p.m.  Students will also have an opportunity to attend an informational meeting at Colonial Heights Middle School on October 3.

Summer Governor's School Programs