The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has sponsored the Governor’s World Language Academies (GWLA) since 1987. Over 10,300 students have completed one of the programs. The focus of the GWLA is communication and using world languages in a functional and meaningful way. The full-immersion Academies are designed to provide an immersion setting for students who have learned the Academy language in a traditional school setting. The focus is on the development of oral fluency and ease of expression.

Other Summer Programs

Students interested in applying to other summer programs need to refer to that program's page for timelines and applications.

Dates and Location

• French, German, and Spanish Academies (Full-Immersion):
  • Dates: June 21  - July 12, 2025 (3 weeks)
  • Location: Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. 
• Japanese (Partial-Immersion) and Latin Academies:
  • Dates: June 22 - July 13, 2025 (3 weeks)
  • Location: Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia.

Eligibility

• Current 11th graders and mature 10th graders
• Emotional maturity, stability, stamina, and self-discipline to live away from home for an extended period
• Ambassador to their school and FCPS
• Students must be nominated by their school  
  • Schools may nominate up to two nominees per language per school
• Cannot be a:
  • Current applicant to a 2025 Summer Residential Governor’s School
  • Current applicant to another GWLA,
  • Former participant in the Governor’s School/GWLA

Additional Requirements by Language Academy

Latin Academy

Students must complete at least two levels of Latin prior to the beginning of the Academy.

Japanese Academy (Partial-Immersion)

Students must:

• Successfully complete at least level two of ANY world language prior to the beginning of the Academy (but may also be students of Japanese).
• Not be fluent or proficient speakers of Japanese.

French, German, and Spanish Academies (Full-Immersion)

Students must:

• Have completed at least level three of the language prior to the beginning of the Academy.
• Not be native speakers of the Academy language.
• Have developed good proficiency in using this language.
• Be willing to use the target language for all social and academic interactions.

Parent and Student GWLA Information Session

Parents and students are invited to attend the virtual information meeting

• Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2024
• Time: 4 to 5 p.m.

General Information

Please read about important GWLA news, announcement and Guide for Students and Parents/Guardians on the VDOE Governor’s World Language Academies web page.

Timeline

Note: FCPS has internal student deadlines that are earlier than the VDOE deadlines. FCPS students must follow the FCPS deadlines. See the World Language Department Chair at your school for specific deadlines.

• November 6, 2024: Parent and Student GWLA Informational Meeting on Zoom from 4 to 5 p.m.
• Interested students:
  • Register and create an account on the Survey Monkey Apply Platform.
  • Complete the eligibility quiz.
  • Use the Application Planning Guide that you receive from the World Languages Department Chair at your school.
• November 12, 2024: Students must notify interest to World Languages Department Chair and World Languages Teacher
• November 22, 2024: School Selection Process
• December 2024 - January 17, 2025: Student completes application requirements and language testing at school site
• April 15, 2025: VDOE sends notices to students about the status of their applications.
• May 2025: Students notify the VDOE of their acceptance of the invitation through the online application portal.