Title IX Compliance Officer and Compliance Officer for Nondiscrimination and Harassment is an Assistant Director and can be reached at [email protected].
Acceptable Computer System Use Agreement
Each student and his or her parent (as well as each employee) must sign the school’s Acceptable Computer Use Agreement before using the school’s computer system. View the policy here, which includes policy regulations and responsible use acceptance agreements for personnel and students.
Advanced Placement Classes
A complete list of advanced placement classes can be found annually in the Course Catalog. Information includes the qualifications for enrolling in classes and the availability of financial assistance to low-income and needy students to take the Advanced Placement examinations. Refer to Policy No. 3016 on this page.
Alternatives to Animal Dissection
MLWGS provides alternatives to animal dissection for students enrolled in classes that require dissection exercises. See Policy No. 3003.5 on this page.
Asbestos
The MLWGS facility was asbestos abated during its renovation. A facility containing no building material-incorporated ACM has no regulatory obligations per the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Reauthorization Act (ASHARA).
Attendance
Refer to MLWGS Policy No. 8003 – Compulsory Attendance on this page, and VA Code 22.1-279.3.C(iii) for information.
Bill of Rights
An engraved copy of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights is posted in the first-floor commons of MLWGS.
Budget
The Regional School Board-approved operating budget can be viewed here. The budget can also be made available in hard copy form as needed upon request.
Budget Public Hearing
Before the Regional School Board approves its budget, the RSB must hold at least one public hearing to hear the views of the citizens. Notice of the time and place for the public hearing is published at least ten days in advance on the school’s website, school news and social media. For additional information, see Policy 7003 on this page.
Cell Phones
The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board establishes age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate restrictions for student use and possession of cell phones. From bell to bell, students are prohibited from using cell phones and smart devices on school property. See Policy No. 4025 on this page.
Child Abuse Reporting
An anonymous option for reporting alleged sexual abuse of minors is available at [email protected].
Any teacher or other person employed who has reason to suspect that a child is an abused or neglected child, including any child who may be abandoned, is required to report such suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to local or state social services agencies or the director or his/her designee; and all persons required to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect are immune from civil or criminal liability or administrative penalty or sanction on account of such reports unless such person has acted in bad faith or with malicious purpose. The Virginia Department of Social Services’ toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline is 1-800-552-7096.
Compulsory School Attendance
For compulsory school attendance, see the Student Handbook or Student Conduct, Policy No. 8002 on this page.
Cost per Pupil
For 2026-2027 = $16,350.40. Local tuition = $11,297.50, State Funding = $5,052.90 (798 Students) Update needed in September after amended budget approval.
Counseling
MLWGS offers academic and career guidance and personal/social counseling that are available to students. View the Counseling website for information. Refer to Policy No. 3011 on this page.
Course Registration Deadlines
Maggie Walker Governor’s School will begin early verbal communications with students in January for the subsequent academic year course registrations. In February, the school will issue information blasts via news posts, social media, Schoology, and the Executive Director’s weekly news blast. Course registration typically occurs in the month of March. Refer to Policy No. 3001.2-Academic Planning and Course Selection on this page (approval of policy in September 2026).
Credits Required for Graduation and Advanced Diplomas
The minimum total units of credit for the MLWGS advanced diploma are 31. See the Student Handbook for specific requirements.
MLWGS graduation requirements exceed requirements for graduation with a Virginia Advanced Studies Diploma. All students electing to attend MLWGS are required to maintain a full-day schedule of classes.
Standard diplomas are no longer issued at MLWGS. Also see Requirements for Graduation below.
Diabetes Information for Parents
A one-page resource for parents and guardians about Diabetes Mellitus Types I and II.
Dual Enrollment Classes
A complete list of dual enrollment classes can be found annually in the Course Catalog. Information includes the qualifications for enrolling in classes and the availability of financial assistance to low-income and needy students to take the Advanced Placement examinations. Refer to Policy No. 3016 on this page.
Eating Disorders Awareness Information
The state requires every school board to annually provide information to parents and pupils in grades 9-12 (MLWGS specific) regarding eating disorders. MLWGS provides a list of resources in the Student Handbook under Eating Disorders Awareness, along with the Executive Director’s notice to parents. Additional information and guidelines developed by the Virginia Department of Education, Va Code § 22.1-273.2 are available at their website http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/index.shtml under the heading “Eating Disorders Awareness in the Public School Setting”. Additional assistance can be provided by the MLWGS Counseling Department; call 804-354-6800 x3213 and ask to speak to your student’s counselor.
Emergency Procedures
The school’s written procedures for emergencies are outlined in the student handbook and discussed with staff and students during the first week of each school year. Student handbooks are available online, and emergency procedures are discussed with students and parents during student orientation and Back-to-School events. Refer to Regional School Board Policy No. 2020 – School Crisis, Emergency Management, and Medical Response Plan on this page. Also, see Operational Changes-Special Messages.
Extracurricular Activities
Academic teams, athletic teams, and co-curricular activities are listed here. Note: Considering not all families have access to social media, employees and school volunteers are prohibited from using a social media platform as the sole means of communication with students for the facilitation of school-related extracurricular activities. See Policy 4029 on this page (coming September 2026).
Fees
Student fees and fee schedules can be viewed here. Also, see Policy No. 4015 on this page.
Fentanyl Awareness
The one-page flyer is designed to promote awareness of the dangers and prevalence of fentanyl and provide essential information on fentanyl overdose prevention and preparedness for high school-age students.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
Parents and adult students have the right to inspect and review education records, amend education records, consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information in education records, and file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education. View the Model Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools. Also refer to the school FERPA Policy 4070 and Student Records Policy 4045, both on this page, which include the school’s FERPA policy and defines the categories of information the school designates as directory information.
Freedom of Information (FOIA)
Dr. Michael Smith is the designated FOIA officer for MLWGS. Specific FOIA information can be viewed in Policy No. 6000, 6000.1, 6000-R, and forms 6000-F1 and 6000-F2, all located on this page.
Free and Reduced Food Services
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School is committed to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals during the school day. Families who may need financial assistance with breakfast or lunch are encouraged to complete the Meal Credit and Financial Assistance Request.
MLWGS determines eligibility using self-reported information and the federal income eligibility guidelines for school meals. A student does not automatically qualify for meal assistance because their home school or school division participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). No income or other supporting documentation is required to apply. For students who qualify, their home school division provides the financial support for eligible meal assistance at MLWGS.
Homeless Students
MLWGS is committed to the educational rights of homeless children who have been accepted into its program. Refer to Policy No. 1033 on this page.
Internet Safety
To emphasize the essential role of technologies in the learning experiences of students, the Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional School Board is committed to developing and implementing internet safety policies and programs. Safeguarding students remains the utmost priority in education. Due to the ever-changing nature of internet technologies, it is important for all members of the community to actively address this imperative. In the learning environment, leaders allow for safe access to the internet, teachers design safe lessons, and students safely use technology. Refer to Policy 2064-Internet Safety on this page. (coming Sept 2026)
Internet Privacy
See Internet Privacy Policy No. 2070 on this page. MLWGS has adopted this policy for its mlwgs.com website. This policy is intended to explain our current Internet privacy practices, but shall not be construed as a contractual promise. We reserve the right to amend our Internet Privacy Policy and Internet Privacy Policy Statement at any time without notice.
Learning Objectives
At the beginning of each school year, parents or guardians are provided with the learning objectives for their child and a copy of the syllabus for each of their child’s courses. Most MW classes are not SOL classes, but parents seeking additional information on the SOL’s may visit the VDOE website. Refer to Policy No. 3001.1 on this page.
National Moto
The statement “In God We Trust,” the National Motto, enacted by Congress in 1956, is posted in a conspicuous place within the school. Policy No. 3000.1 on this page.
Nondiscrimination
MLWGS does not discriminate with regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, genetic information or disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. More detailed information, including contact information for Compliance Officers and procedures, can be found here for personnel and here for students. See Policy No. 0011 on this page.
Parking Passes for Students: Valid Driver’s License is Required
§ 22.1-2025.1. Each public high school shall require any student who applies to obtain a pass to park a vehicle on school property to provide evidence that the student possesses a valid driver’s license or driver’s privilege card. The school shall utilize a standard application form for students to use to obtain a pass to park a vehicle on school property.
Parental and Family Involvement
MLWGS endorses parental involvement and encourages the regular participation of parents in all aspects of its program. Refer to Policy No. 6002 on this page.
Policies, Procedures, and Regulations
MLWGS maintains current copies of all adopted policies and regulations on its website. Printed copies of policies and regulations are available upon request to citizens who do not have online access. Policies can be accessed here.
PPRA (Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment)
PPRA requires schools/divisions to provide notice of their policy controlling the administration of surveys on certain sensitive topics, including political or religious beliefs and behavior involving sex or illegal conduct. View Policy No. 3007 – Administration of Surveys and Questionnaires on this page.
Pupil/Teacher Ratios
In 2026-2027, the average pupil/teacher ratio at MW is 22:1.
Regional School Board
Membership of the MLWGS Regional School Board can be viewed here.
Release of Student Records to Armed Forces Recruiters and Educational Institutions
The Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) requires MLWGS to notify parents of their option to opt-out from student information being provided to military recruiters or institutions of higher education. The opt-out option is available on the Directory Information form in PowerSchool to students and parents. If you did not see this election with your initial form completion, please revisit the document. Also, see Policy No. 4045 – Student Records on this page.
Remediation Policy
MLWGS supports efforts to provide instructional support to those students who have demonstrated a need for such support. See Policy 3003.10 on this page.
Requirements for Graduation
The minimum total units of credit for the MLWGS diploma are 31. The requirement for an Advanced Diploma from Maggie Walker Governor’s School follows:
Standard Unit of Credit
A “standard unit of credit” or “standard credit” is a credit awarded for a course in which the student successfully completes 140 clock hours of instruction and the requirements of the course.
Verified Unit of Credit
A “verified unit of credit” or “verified credit” is a credit awarded for a course in which a student earns a standard unit of credit and completes one of the following: 1. Achieves a passing score on a corresponding end-of-course SOL test. 2. Achieves a passing score on an additional test, as defined in 8 VAC 20131-5, as a part of the Virginia Assessment Program. 3. Meets the criteria for the receipt of a locally awarded verified credit when the student has not passed a corresponding SOL test. 4. Meets the criteria for the receipt of a verified credit for English (writing) by demonstrating mastery of the content of the associated course on an authentic performance assessment that complies with guidelines adopted by the Board of Education.
Refer to Policy 3003.7-The Virginia Assessment Program and Graduation Requirement on this page.
Safe Storage of Prescription Drugs at Home
Proper storage and disposal of these medications can help prevent accidental poisoning, misuse, diversion, and overdose. MLWGS Parental Notification.
Safe Storage of Firearms at Home
Responsible storage practices help prevent accidental injuries, unauthorized access by children or prohibited persons, and other firearm-related tragedies. MLWGS Parental Notification.
School Bus Rider Safety Rules
School bus rider safety rules can be viewed on the MLWGS Transportation page.
School Meals and Snacks
To reinforce the school’s nutrition education program, foods sold during regular school hours on school premises are described in Policy No. 7006 on this page.
Scoliosis
Each year, the state requires that schools/divisions notify all parents of students in grades 5-10 about a physical condition known as scoliosis. This condition affects about two or three percent of all adolescents and causes a curvature of the spine. For additional information about scoliosis, visit the University of Virginia Health System.
Services for Students Identified As Deaf or Hard of Hearing or Visually Impaired
Families are encouraged to explore free services available from the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Parents without internet access may seek information from the MW Counseling Department.
Sexually Explicit Instructional Materials
MLWGS will provide to parents/guardians, at least (30) days before the use of any instructional materials with sexually explicit content, a written notice that specifically identifies the instructional materials with sexually explicit content, and informs parents of their right to review such instructional materials and informs them of their right to have their child use alternative instructional materials. See Policy 3003.7-Sexually Explicit Instructional Materials on this page (updating Sept 2026).
Sex Offender Registry
The Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry can be accessed online through the Virginia State Police website.
Standards of Learning (SOLs)
The Standards of Learning (SOL) describe the commonwealth’s expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver education. Information from the Virginia Department of Education can be viewed here and here. Parents or guardians will be provided at the beginning of each academic year with a list of SOL’s applicable to their child’s grade level and an approximate date of testing.
SOL Schedule: 9th Grade = Biology (June) and Math (May or June). 10th Grade = Writing (March) and possibly World History II and VA History (June). 11th Grade = Reading (June) and possibly US and VA History (June).
Student Conduct
Student conduct is reviewed annually at the start of each school year or upon enrollment at MW through a review of the digital Student Handbook that each enrolled student at MW has access to. A digital signing statement is required from each student and their parent that denotes their understanding of student conduct and that parents reserve their rights to express disagreement with school policy or decisions. Refer to Policy No. 8002 on this page.
Suicide Prevention Materials
Parents have the right to review any audio-visual materials that contain graphic sexual or violent content used in any anti-bullying or suicide prevention program. Before the use of any such material, the parent of a child participating in such a program is provided written notice of the parent’s right to review the material and the right to excuse the child from participating in the part of such program utilizing such material. Refer to Policy 4008-Suicide Prevention and 4008.P on this page.
Telehealth Services
The Regional School Board may provide school-based mental health teletherapy services and permit any student to schedule and participate in telehealth services and mental health teletherapy services on school property during regular school hours on the same basis as such students are permitted to schedule and participate in school counseling services. Refer to Policy 4019-Student Health Services on this page.
Textbook Selection, Adoption, and Purchase
In approving textbooks and high-quality instructional materials, the Regional School Board gives notice to parents that textbooks under consideration will be listed on the school’s website and made available at designated locations for review by any interested citizens. Refer to Policy 3006-Textbooks, etc. on this page.
Title IX Coordinator Contact Information
Dr. Max Smith and Dr. Lisa Williams are the Title IX coordinators and can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected]
Tobacco and Nicotine Vapor Products
Educational programs are designed for students on the health and safety risks of tobacco and nicotine vapor products. Educational materials used for instruction are available to parental inspection. See Policy No. 3020 on this page. Other policies that speak to tobacco and nicotine vapor products are 4077 on this page, and 6009.1 on this page.
Unlawful Manufacture, Distribution, Dispensing, Possession for Use of a Controlled Substance
MLWGS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employees view Policy No. 5090.
Wellness Policies
The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School Regional Board has established the following goals to promote student wellness; 1) Nutrition Promotion and Education and 2) Physical Activity. The Wellness Committee has been implemented to oversee wellness progress and is led by the Activities Director, with membership consisting of the Health and PE teachers, support staff, cafeteria staff, and parent and student representation. Other MLWGS staff, parents, and stakeholders may also participate on an at-large basis. The Wellness Committee provides an annual report to the Regional School Board and the public on its activities and accomplishments. See Policies 4075 and 4075-R on this page.
Youth Health Risk Behavior Survey
The Regional School Board will notify parents of students enrolled at MLWGS selected for participation in the survey of student health risk behaviors pursuant to Va. Code § 32.1-73.8 that their child may be randomly selected to participate in the survey unless the parent denies consent for the student’s participation in writing before administration of the survey. The notice must be in writing and be given at least 30 days before the administration of the survey. The notice will inform the parent regarding:
- the nature and types of questions included in the survey,
- the purposes and age-appropriateness of the survey,
- how information collected by the survey will be used,
- who will have access to such information,
- whether and how any findings or results will be disclosed, and
- the steps that will be taken to protect students’ privacy.
Parents have the right to review the survey before its administration. See Policy 3007 on this page.
Administration of Surveys and Questionnaires; Va. Code 22.1-79.3