The Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts and Technology (ARGS) provides a unique opportunity for a community of learners, students with similar interests, to pursue excellence in specific focus areas of the arts and technology: Dance, Music (Instrumental Music, Piano, Vocal Music, Music Technology), Literary Arts, Technology, Theatre Arts (Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre), and Visual Arts. To ensure that all qualified students have the opportunity to apply for admission, the criteria and evaluation procedures have been developed using multiple and nontraditional measures designed to identify students gifted in the arts or technology, regardless of cultural background.
Visit the ARGS website to learn more about their unique offerings.
About the Application
The ARGS application is accessible via Enroll RPS (enrollrps.schoolmint.com). All 8th grade students who are enrolled in Algebra I or a higher math, and who are current residents of Richmond, may apply. Application Requirements: All RPS applications must be completed online. No paper applications will be accepted.
Students interested in ARGS can apply for one of the following Focus Areas:
- Dance
- Literary Arts
- Music (Instrumental, Vocal, and Music Technology)
- Theatre Arts (Theatre, Musical Theatre, and Technical Theatre)
- Visual Arts
- Technology
Students must select a Focus Area on their application; each Focus Area has specific audition requirements, including the components that will be judged. Interviews, auditions, and portfolio reviews are held annually in January. Applicants will be notified of their assigned audition date by late December. A regional committee composed of educators and professionals skilled in technology and the arts will evaluate and rank applicants by Focus Area. Richmond Public Schools will select the most outstanding candidates based on their Focus Area, the number of available slots in each Focus Area, and the total number of openings overall. Acceptance status notifications will be sent to applicants on March 6, 2026.
Click here to read more about the ARGS admissions process, and check back soon for more resources and information about this year's application process.
