County & State Programs

PRIME Program

Update as of 12/12/24: PRIME is no longer offered in APS. However, there is a dedicated page for work-based learning opportunities: Work-Based Learning & Opportunities; students should start seeing opportunities populated in January or February, 2025.

Fine Arts Apprentice Program

The Fine Arts Apprentice Program provides students who have demonstrated achievement in and commitment to the Fine Arts (drama, instrumental and vocal music, dance and visual arts) with enrichment opportunities throughout the school year. All Arlington Public Schools students who will be in grades 10, 11, or 12 next September are welcome to apply.

Applications and auditions are held during the spring for the following school year. Students receive half a credit for their participation and completion of the requirements in the program. For more information, please visit the Fine Arts Apprentice Program web page.

Virginia’s Governor’s School Program

The Commonwealth of Virginia has summer residential programs for identified gifted students in the humanities; foreign language; visual and performing arts; agriculture; math, science, and technology; life science and medicine; and mentorships in engineering and marine science. Acceptance to these programs is based on a competitive application process, auditions and interviews (auditions and interviews are held only for the Visual and Performing Arts program). The academic and visual and performing arts programs last four weeks. Students must be able to commit to stay for the entire duration of the program. The programs are held on various university campuses throughout the Commonwealth. Mentorships are available in engineering through NASA. The mentorship programs are five weeks long. General information about the summer residential program is available on the Governor’s School website. Students may apply during their sophomore and junior years and may only attend one program during their high school career.

The competitive application process for these programs begins in the fall at the school and county level and students whose applications are sent on to the state level must be able to make a commitment to wait until mid-April to find out if they have been accepted before making any other plans for the summer.

Summer Opportunities

Enrichment opportunities abound for high school students in all interest areas. Most programs do require tuition but many offer financial aid. Opportunities for gifted students may be found through the listing of the National Association of Gifted Students and on the Additional Enrichment Opportunities page.

Many colleges and universities have summer programs in which students can enroll in courses and receive college credit. These programs can be located through the schools’ web sites.

This listing does not carry or imply APS Gifted Services Office’s endorsement of these programs. It is provided for informational purposes only.