Radford, VA – Virginia’s New River Valley is set to welcome a new Governor’s School, which will be hosted and operated by Radford University. The New River Valley Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities was unanimously approved by the Virginia Board of Education, making it the first new Governor’s School in the state since 2009.
The New River Valley Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities will provide students from Floyd County, Giles County, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, and the City of Radford Public Schools with access to rigorous coursework, creative problem-solving, and immersive experiences in the arts and humanities. Students will have the opportunity to earn up to 30 university credits while still enrolled in their home high schools, potentially entering college with sophomore status. With access to Radford University’s faculty and facilities, participants will benefit from a unique blend of university-level academics and specialized high school instruction.
A distinguishing feature of the program will be its strong ties to regional arts and humanities organizations. These partnerships will offer mentorship, field experiences, and real-world applications of classroom learning. Scheduled to open in fall 2026, the Governor’s School highlights how the NRV is fostering exceptional educational opportunities for students of all ages.
Read Radford University’s press release here.
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Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.
