MLWGS Makes Newsweek's Public Elites List Again

For the fourth consecutive year, Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies (MLWGS) has been recognized by Newsweek magazine as one the “most elite public high schools” in its recent ranking of the nation’s high schools.

These 16 schools were excluded from the list of the “1,500 top U.S. high schools,” said the publication, because “their sky-high SAT and ACT scores indicate they have few or no average students.”

These top performing schools are listed in alphabetical order at http://www.newsweek.com/id/201138.

The other Virginia school listed as one of the 16 “most elite public high schools” is Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Arlington.

MLWGS, located in Richmond's Carver neighborhood, draws about 700 students from 12 districts, including Richmond, Hanover, Henrico, and Chesterfield.

The word “elite” may be used to describe the rigorous and accelerated college preparatory program that MLWGS offers its students, but not the distinctive learning community at the school. MLWGS represents a culturally, socioeconomically, ethnically, and geographically diverse population.

The common denominator for the students who are selected to enter into this academically challenging program is that they are risk-takers who leave behind home schools and friends in search of a “broad-based educational experience that develops their understanding of world cultures and languages, as well as the ability to lead, participate, and contribute in a rapidly changing global society.”

MLWGS students are selected for admission and undergo a highly competitive process coordinated by a regional planning team. However, students who are selected come from diverse backgrounds and accept the challenges offered, including the opportunity to learn in 22 Advanced Placement courses, more than 28 university dual enrollment courses, honors courses, mentorships, and research seminars.