Am I eligible to attend CBGS?
Students who are eligible to attend are high ability 10th, 11th, and 12th graders from participating school divisions in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck regions of Virginia.
How do I apply to CBGS?
Students interested in applying to CBGS can obtain an application from their school counselor, or download one here. Completed applications should be submitted to your home school counselor.
Is CBGS difficult?
CBGS is a rigorous academic experience, but has a manageable course load for high school students that will help you develop time management skills. CBGS is an incredibly supportive community, and the friends you make here will become like extended family and will be a life-long network. In addition, teachers are always willing to spend extra time with you and provide after-school tutoring if necessary.
What courses are required at CBGS?
Students take a combination of the following courses: Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Foundations in Science, and Marine & Environmental Science I & II. All courses meet and/or exceed the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) requirements.
Will CBGS help prepare me for college?
By attending CBGS, colleges can see that you are willing to go the extra mile to pursue your education. CBGS alumnae have a solid math and science foundation, as well as the time management skills to handle college-level coursework.
Can I still participate in extracurricular activities?
Yes. CBGS students return to their home high schools by lunch. Many students are actively involved in extracurricular activities like cross-country, swimming, chorus, dance, and many more. Some students find it challenging to balance the additional workload, so each will need to make a decision on what works best for them.
Are there extracurricular opportunities at CBGS?
CBGS students are encouraged to participate in the Blue Crab Bowl, RCC Mathematics Contest, the Canon Envirothon, and a host of community service opportunities. Independent research projects are also required your junior and senior year, culminating in your senior research presentation.
Are community service hours required?
CBGS encourages students to give back to the community that supports us. There are many opportunities for group community service, such as a trash pick-up along Dragon Run, or oyster plantings in the Rappahannock. CBGS also offers a service award for students who have completed 120 or more hours of volunteer work (half of which should be environmentally-related) over their three years at CBGS.
What research opportunities are available through CBGS?
CBGS uses the Chesapeake Bay as a living classroom. Students can explore and harness their intellectual curiosity by participating in world-class research opportunities with local academic institutions and partners.
What field trips are offered?
CBGS prides itself on offering about a third of its instruction as hands-on, in the field studies. The student’s field studies each year trace the path of a drop of water from the mountains to the sea. Sophomores will visit Shenandoah National Park for a watershed survey. Juniors conduct an open water study and an estuary investigation on the Coan and Potomac Rivers. Seniors will visit the Outer Banks.
There are also some additional group field trips, such as a visit to DC’s Science and Engineering Expo.