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The Governor’s School for the Arts is a regional secondary arts school sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education and the public school divisions of Chesapeake, Franklin, Isle of Wight County, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Southampton County, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach. It is one of twelve specialized Virginia public schools designated as “Governor’s Schools” whose mission is to provide intensive educational opportunities for identified gifted students.

Participants in the program take academic classes at their community high schools during the day and attend the arts school in the afternoon during the school year. There are no tuition fees and transportation is provided.

The programs of The Governor’s School for the Arts are housed in the facilities of Old Dominion University, Virginia Ballet Theatre and the Virginia Stage Company. This cooperative arrangement brings the students close to the heartbeat of the university and arts communities.

The School was founded in 1987 and has produced artists who have gone on to careers with the Boston Symphony, The Hartford Ballet, and to perform on Broadway. Approximately $20 million in scholarships has been received by our students. Last year alone, our graduates earned over $2 million in scholarships for college.

The Governor’s School for the Arts Foundation was created in 1989 to increase the public awareness of the School and secure the funding to support the School’s financial needs.

Major projects funded by the Foundation include:
  • Pianos/Instruments
  • Costumes
  • Video/Audio Equipment
  • Lighting Sound Equipment
  • Computers
  • "goodwill" trips to Japan & Europe
  • Guest artist sponsorships
  • Production Sponsorships
  • Student Scholarships
Giving Levels
Foundation Board
History

 

Scene from Baby Doe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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