About Us
The Jackson River Governor’s School is one of nineteen Academic-Year Governor’s Schools in Virginia. It is a regional public school for motivated high school students, primarily in grades eleven and twelve, who want to go beyond the traditional high school offerings in science, mathematics, and technology.
JRGS is a cooperative venture of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, Bath County Public Schools, Botetourt County Public Schools, Buena Vista City Public Schools, and Mountain Gateway Community College. The school is located on the MGCC campus in Clifton Forge.
Students come to the MGCC campus in the mornings and return to their high schools for afternoon classes in English, social studies, and electives. They also have opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities such as clubs, athletics, and the performing arts at their high schools.
Students participating in the JRGS program in their junior and senior years will earn a minimum of 41 college credits. Prior students have reported few problems in transferring these credits to four year colleges and typically begin college as a sophomore. This can significantly reduce college costs to students and families. Students from the participating school divisions attend the Governor’s school at no cost. JRGS provides the students use of textbooks, a graphing calculator, and a laptop computer. The school divisions pay the tuition costs.
Mission Statement
The Jackson River Governor’s School gives motivated high school juniors and seniors in four school divisions the opportunity to participate in an innovative and challenging program of studies in mathematics, science, and technology. The school provides an opportunity to work with faculty members who have distinguished themselves as college teachers in an environment that nurtures and stimulates students with a genuine interest in science and mathematics. Research projects, visiting professors, and field trips make students aware of the connection of the curriculum to the “real world.”
History
In the Fall of 1998 Dr. Martin Loughlin, Superintendent of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools sparked interest among the superintendents of seven school divisions to investigate the possibility of forming an Academic Year Governor’s School. After several meetings of the interested school divisions and Dabney S. Lancaster Community College a $4400 grant was secured from the New River Education Consortium and the Virginia Economic Bridge to conduct a feasibility study for the Governor’s School.
Dr. Alan K. Farley was contracted to perform the formal study. In early 1999 the school boards of the school divisions passed resolutions supporting the development of a Governor’s School for math, science, and technology. A Governing Board and Planning Committee were established to oversee the development of the Governor’s School. The feasibility study was completed in September of 1999 and a summary of the report was presented to the Virginia Board of Education. The Governing Board selected Dr. Susan Rollinson as the director and she began work in January, 2000. The academic offerings for the first year were finalized with meetings with the Planning Committee. A recruitment plan was developed and implemented. Students and parents at the participating high schools were informed of the opportunities available at the new Jackson River Governor’s School. The Virginia Board of Education waived first review and formally approved the Jackson River Governor’s School to open in the fall of 2000. The Alleghany Highlands, Bath County, Botetourt County, Buena Vista City, Covington City, and Rockbridge County school divisions formally partnered with Dabney S. Lancaster Community College to operate Jackson River Governor’s School for Science, Mathematics, and Technology. In 2005 Rockbridge County withdrew from the partnership because of low student participation.
When the Governor’s School was first established the governing board was made up of the division superintendents, one school board member, and one parent. In 2005 the makeup of the governing board was changed to be one school board member from each participating school division (five members) with the division superintendents serving as ex officio members. The division superintendents rotate serving as the supervising superintendent of the Governor’s School.
Dr. Rollinson resigned as the JRGS Director at the end of the 2006-07 school year because of a family relocation. Julie Drewry served as JRGS Director for the 2007-08 school year. Michael Hall served as Director for the 2008-09 school year. The enrollment for the 2009-10 school year was comprised of fourteen returning students and only five new students. The JRGS Governing Board, division superintendents, and steering committee conducted a study of the structure and operation of the school. The director position was changed to be an employee of JRGS (previously an employee of DSLCC), to be part-time (previously full-time), and to be an individual with administrative experience.
The major goals for the director were to provide effective leadership, to increase student participation, to make the school fiscally stable, and to improve the public image of the school.
Eddie Graham was selected to be the JRGS Director beginning July 1, 2009. Since then, Jackson River Governor’s School has
• Added General Biology I & II to the curriculum.
• Added University Physics I & II to the curriculum.
• Added Differential Equations to the curriculum.
• Added Vector Calculus to the curriculum.
• Added Digital Literacy & Computer Applications to the curriculum.
• Added College Success Skills to the curriculum.
• Increased Introduction to Scientific Research I & II from one credit each to two credits each.
• Developed a robust student recognition program.,
• Worked with MGCC to better align their Associate of Science Degree - Science Major with the JRGS program so that JRGS students need only twenty-six additional credits to earn the degree.
• Worked with MGCC to create a Career Studies Certificate in Science & Mathematics at MGCC that JRGS students earn by successfully completing the first year of the JRGS program. JRGS students participate in the MGCC Graduation to be awarded that certificate.
• Added two one-hour tutoring sessions per week to the first-year student schedule. These sessions are staffed by a MGCC/JRGS instructor.
• Increased the credits students earn in the two-year program to forty-one.
In 2022 Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC) changed its name to Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC). Alleghany County Public Schools and Covington City Public Schools merged to become Alleghany Highlands Public Schools in 2022. With that merger the JRGS Governing Board was reduced from five members to four members.
Governance
The Governing Board develops goals, policies and regulations, and budgets for the school. Board members are Danielle Morgan representing Alleghany Highlands, Teresa Ellison representing Buena Vista City, Linda Puhle representing Bath County, and Jenny Wilson representing Botetourt County. Teresa Ellison is the Board Chairperson and Jenny Wilson is the Vice-Chairperson. JRGS Director Eddie Graham is the Clerk of the Board.
Program of Studies
FIRST YEAR
1st Year - 1st Semester
- College Success Skills - 1 credit
- Biology I or Chemistry I - 4 credits
- Pre-calculus I – 3 credits
1st Year – 2nd Semester
- Biology II or Chemistry II - 4 credits
- Pre-calculus II – 3 credits
1st Year – All Year
- Statistics - 3 credits
- Information Technology - 3 credits
Total 1st Year - 21 Credits
SECOND YEAR
2nd Year – 1st Semester
- Biology I, Chemistry I, or Physics I - 4 credits
- Calculus I - 4 credits
- Intro to Research I - 2 credits
2nd Year – 2nd Semester
- Biology II, Chemistry II, or Physics II - 4 credits
- Calculus II - 4 credits
- Intro to Research II - 2 credits
Total 2nd Year - 20 Credits
Two Year Program Total - 41 Credits
Course Titles & Credits
College Success: SDV 100 College Success Skills 1 credit
Biology: BIO 101 & BIO 102 General Biology I & II 4 credits each
Chemistry: CHM 111 & CHM 112 College Chemistry I & II 4 credits each
Physics: PHY 201 & PHY 202 General College Physics I & II 4 credits each
Physics: PHY 241 & PHY 242 University Physics I & II 4 credits each
Research: NAS 198 & NAS 199 Introduction to Research I & II 2 credits each
Statistics: MTH 245 Statistics I 3 credits (year-long course)
Pre-Calculus: MTH 161 & MTH 162 Pre-Calculus Math I & II 3 credits each
Calculus: MTH 263 & MTH 264 Calculus w/ Analytic Geometry I & II 4 credits each
Information Technology: ITE 152 Introduction to Digital Literacy and Computer Applications 3 credits (year-long course)
OPTIONAL
Calculus: MTH 265 Calculus III 4 credits
Linear Algebra: MTH 266 Linear Algebra 3 credits
Course Descriptions
College Success Skills SDV 100 (1 MGCC credit)
Assists students in transition to colleges. Provides overviews of college policies, procedures, and curricular offerings. Encourages contacts with other students and staff. Assists students toward college success through information regarding effective study habits, career and academic planning, and other college resources available to students. Strongly recommended for beginning students.
Advanced Chemistry CHM 111-112 (4+4 MGCC credits)
Advanced chemistry is an advanced college level chemistry course. This course explores the fundamental laws, theories, and mathematical concepts of chemistry, particularly those of interest to fields of other sciences and of engineering. This course includes laboratory experience to introduce and apply those concepts. Topics studied include: structure and states of matter, atomic theory, types of reactions, thermodynamics, equilibrium, gas laws, and descriptive chemistry. The chemistry SOL will be given at the end of the GSC course. This course also includes stoichiometry, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, kinetics, oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry.
General Biology BIO 101-102 (4+4 MGCC credits)
Explores fundamental characteristics of living matter from the molar level to the ecological community with emphasis on general biological principles. Introduces the diversity of living organisms and their structure, function and evolution.
College Physics PHY 201-202 (4+4 MGCC credits)
This course teaches fundamental principles of physics including mechanics, thermodynamics, wave phenomena, electricity and magnetism, and selected topics in modern physics.
University Physics PHY 241-242 (4+4 MGCC credits)
Teaches principles of classical and modern physics. Includes mechanics, wave phenomena, heat, electricity, magnetism, relativity and nuclear physics.
Introduction to Scientific Research NAS 198-199 (2 + 2 MGCC credits)
Students will conduct an original science research project and present the results as a formal scientific paper, an oral presentation, and a research project.
Statistics MTH 245 (3 MGCC credits)
This course presents an overview of statistics, including descriptive statistics, elementary probability, probability distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing (one-sample and two sample cases for mean and proportion), correlation, and simple linear regression. It also introduces selected nonparametric testing procedures.
Precalculus MTH 161-162 (3+3 MGCC credits)
This course provides an interdisciplinary look at mathematics. Precalculus topics include: college algebra topics, matrices, trigonometric and circular functions, trigonometric identities, exponents and logarithms, mathematical modeling, conic sections, higher degree polynomials, rational and irrational algebraic functions, and sequences and series. Emphasis will be given throughout Precalculus to demonstrating the connections between academic disciplines as they relate to math.
Calculus MTH 263 - 264 (4+4 MGCC credits)
This is a modern unified course in analytic geometry and calculus including functions, limits, derivatives, differentials, indefinite integrals, definite integrals, and applications.
ITE 152 - Introduction to Digital Literacy and Computer Applications (3 MGCC Credits)
Develops understanding of digital literacy. Introduces basic computer concepts in hardware, software, cyber, cloud, database, and operating systems. Includes hands-on experience developing word processing, spreadsheet and presentation documents. Evaluates the reliability of sources. Covers creating a simple web page. Examines topics such as social, legal, and ethical issues. Lecture 3 hours per week.
Why Attend
Students can earn a minimum of forty-one transferrable college credits (at no cost), enter many colleges as a sophomore, save the cost of at least one year of college, and finish degree requirements sooner.
Students earn a Science & Mathematics Career Studies Certificate from Mountain Gateway Community College and may participate in the MGCC Graduation.
Completing a Governor’s School program is a tremendous advantage in the college application process and is a credential that can be included in resumes and job applications throughout your career.
Students learn how to be successful in actual college courses taught by college faculty on a college campus.
Students develop skills in time management, setting priorities, and self-discipline.
The Governor’s School program is offered to students at no cost – the school division pays the tuition and the Governor’s School provides each student all textbooks, a laptop computer, a graphing calculator, and other required items.
Students learn in a college environment with other high school students who have similar interests and abilities and are focused on academic achievement.
Governor’s School classes are scheduled to minimize interference with classes, school events, extra-curricular activities, and social experiences at James River High School.
Admission
Participants in the Jackson River Governor’s School must complete an application process. A selection committee from each high school reviews the applications and selects finalists and alternates from their school. Home-schooled and private school students are not eligible to attend the Governor’s School unless they enroll full-time in a JRGS participating public high school. They must apply through the high school they will be attending while participating in the Governor’s School. Application packets are available in each guidance office.
Applicants should
• Be currently enrolled in 10th grade. However, any student who meets the prerequisites for attendance is encouraged to apply.
• Have completed Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Biology with a grade of A or B
• Exhibit above-average performance in most subjects, and superior performance in mathematics and science,
• Exhibit evidence of intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking and imagination
• Show evidence of aptitude, potential, and strong interest in science and mathematics
• Demonstrate the extent to which he/she has taken advantage of opportunities or have overcome lack of opportunities in the local school or community
• Have a sincere desire to attend the Jackson River Governor’s School.
• Have appropriate teacher and school recommendations.
Instructors
Heather Hough
Instructor, Mathematics, Physics, &
Research
Zeba Zafar
Instructor, Mathematics
Scott Peterson
Adjunct Faculty, Chemistry
Ashley Pratt
Instructor, Information Technology
Current Course Schedule
| Spring 2025 Jackson River Governor's School Course Schedule | ||||||||
| 45081 | NAS | 199 | M1GS | Introduction to Research II | 2 | TR | 10:10-11:00 | Hough 416 |
| 45071 | CHM | 112 | M1GS | College Chemistry II | 3 | MF | 9:45-11:00 | Peterson 202 |
| 45072 | CHM | 112 | M1GL | Lab for College Chemistry II | 1 | W | 8:30-11:00 | Peterson 224 |
| 45073 | MTH | 162 | MIGS | Pre-Calculus II | 3 | TR | 8:30-9:45 | Hough 416 |
| 45074 | MTH | 263 | M1GS | Calculus II | 4 | MTRF | 8:30-9:20 | Zafar 388 |
| 45144 | PHY | 241 | M1GS | University Physics II | 3 | MF | 9:45-11:00 | Hough 404 |
| 45145 | PHY | 241 | M1GL | Lab for University Physics II | 1 | W | 8:30-11:00 | Hough 404 |
| 45079 | PHY | 201 | M1GS | General College Physics II | 3 | MF | 9:45-11:00 | Hough 404 |
| 45080 | PHY | 201 | M1GL | Lab for General College Physics II | 1 | W | 8:30-11:00 | Hough 404 |
| 65560 | MTH | 245 | M1GS | Statistics I | 3 | TR | 10:10-11:00 | Zafar 388 |
| 65057 | ITE | 152 | M5GS | Intro to Digital Literacy & Comp. App. | 3 | Virtual | Pratt | |
| Tutoring for 1st-Year Students | MF | 8:30-9:20 | Peterson 202 | |||||
| Tutoring for 2nd-Year Students | TR | 9:25-9:50 | Staff 224 | |||||
Certificate of Career Studies
Students successfully completing one year of Jackson River Governor’s School will earn the MGCC Career Studies Certificate in Science and Mathematics and may participate in the MGCC Graduation Ceremony in May.
Associate Degree Option
Jackson River Governor’s School (JRGS) and Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) have collaborated to develop a new associate degree program tailored to the JRGS curriculum, allowing JRGS students the opportunity to complete requirements for an associate degree while they are still enrolled in high school. The Science- Associate of Science degree requires the completion of only twenty-six credit hours in addition to those that are earned by JRGS students as part of their regularly scheduled courses. These additional credits may be earned a variety of ways, including dual enrollment courses in place at area high schools, MGCC evening and summer courses, independent study, and/or credits by exam. Earning an associate degree from MGCC upon graduation from high school can result in significant financial savings for students and families. Graduates will also be able to take advantage of MGCC’s guaranteed admissions agreements with over thirty four-year colleges and universities, entering as juniors.
Where Graduates Go
Students who have participated in the Jackson River Governor’s School have gone on to enroll in some of the finest colleges and universities in the United States, including:
- Averett University
- Bridgewater College
- Brown University
- Christopher Newport University
- Coastal Carolina University
- College of William and Mary
- Dartmouth College
- Davidson College
- Ferrum College
- George Mason University
- Hollins University
- James Madison University
- Liberty University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Mountain Gateway Community College
- Old Dominion University
- Penn State
- Princeton University
- Radford University
- Roanoke College
- Shenandoah University
- U. S. Air Force Academy
- U. S. Merchant Marine Academy
- U. S. Military Academy at West Point
- U. S. Naval Academy
- Utah State University
- University of Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Military Institute
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest University
- Washington & Lee University
- West Virginia University
- Yale
Student Spotlights
Halen Lowman's Path to Law School
Zachary Vernon to Pursue Law & Government Studies at Princeton University
Contact Us
JRGS Director Eddie Graham
(540) 863-2872
egraham@mgcc.edu