Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School
The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies (MLWGS) is an innovative public high school offering a comprehensive college preparatory program emphasizing government, international studies, science, mathematics, languages, and fine arts. The school serves students selected on the basis of aptitude and interest in its mission.
Vision Statement
Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies (MLWGS) will develop life-long learners who embrace the responsibility of citizenship, the value of ethical leadership, and the richness of diverse cultures.
Commitment to Diversity
The MLWGS Regional School Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination 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. This attitude will prevail in all of its policies concerning staff, students, educational programs and services, and individuals and entities with which the Board does business.
The Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies is fully committed to diversity and recognizes that a diversity of perspectives leads to a strong educational community. Maggie Walker is thus committed to recruiting and retaining students, faculty, and staff who are not only highly able but who also value our international mission and represent the diversity of the world we share.
Additional Resources:
- Regional School Board Resolution Condemning Racism, adopted June 18, 2020
- Approved Strategic Plan
About The School
Established in 1991, MLWGS is the product of a public/private partnership to support the needs and interests of the region’s gifted high school students. In 1998, the Regional School Board facilitated the renovation of the historic Maggie L. Walker High School building to become the permanent home of MLWGS. Through a coordinated effort, the school’s Booster Groups, PTSA, and Foundation continue to partner with the Regional School Board and school leadership to raise parental and corporate support for the school. As a public school, MLWGS is also supported by the Virginia Department of Education.
A Richmond Times-Dispatch editorial for Saturday, May 18, 2013, said that “Maggie Walker is the finest comprehensive high school — public or private — in Metro Richmond.” On August 27, 2014, Maggie Walker Governor’s School was ranked by Newsweek/The Daily Beast/Washington Post as the 12th best public high school in the nation. Unfortunately, the author of this annual ranking has since retired the listing of Best Public Schools. In 2023, MLWGS ranked #8 in Best Public High Schools in the US by Niche.
Maggie Walker is described by students and alumni as “inclusive,” “friendly,” “fostering independence,” and “surprisingly non- competitive.” Students balance academics with high involvement in an eclectic set of courses, clubs and broad participation in successful athletic teams. MLWGS fosters an incredibly tightly-knit community of passionate students, dedicated teachers, involved parents, and connected alumni.
Accreditation
March 14, 2000 – Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Education