SummerQuest!
Dear Families,
We are delighted to invite your child to apply for SummerQuest! 2025, a Virginia Summer Regional Governor’s School for gifted middle school students. This year’s program, SPYQUEST!, promises an exciting, academically enriching experience from July 7-10 and July 14-17, 2025. SPYQUEST! is designed to engage and challenge students with similar interests and abilities. While the program is fun and interactive, it is important to note that it is not a summer camp but a rigorous, two-week academic commitment. 1the program is only open to 5th, 6th, and 7th grade student enrolled in Culpeper County Public Schools.
To complete the application process, please ensure the following steps are completed:
Student Application Submission:
Your child must complete their portion of the online application. Acceptance to SPYQUEST! is highly competitive, with only 20 spots available. The completed application and essay must be submitted online by April 4, 2025.
It is helpful to complete the essay before you begin the application.
This is a competitive process. All three parts of the application (the essay, standardized test scores, and the teacher recommendation) are important in the rating process. For the essay portion of the application, please choose one of the three questions below and respond to it. Essays should be 500 words or less.
Choose a question to answer in your student essay:*
Spies play a secretive role in protecting their countries, but they often have to make difficult choices. In your opinion, is it ever acceptable for a spy to break the law for the greater good? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from history, fiction, and your own reasoning.
You've just discovered that your best friend is a spy working for a secret organization. One day, they ask for your help on a dangerous mission that could change the fate of the world. Do you accept? What challenges do you face, and how do you navigate the world of espionage? Write about the adventure, the secrets you uncover, and how your friendship changes along the way.
You receive a mysterious note slipped into your locker with one simple message: "Trust no one. Your mission begins at midnight." Suddenly, you're thrust into the world of espionage with no training and only a few clues to guide you. Write about how you handle the mission, who you meet along the way, and what secrets you uncover. Will you be able to stop the enemy before time runs out?
Submit Student Application Here
Teacher Recommendation:
A teacher recommendation is also required and must also be submitted by April 4, 2025.
Incomplete applications, including those missing standardized test scores or teacher recommendations, cannot be considered. Please forward the following link to the teacher, counselor, or principal who will complete the recommendation for your child:
We greatly appreciate your support in ensuring that all steps are completed on time.
SPYQUEST! is a wonderful opportunity for your child to immerse themselves in a stimulating academic environment alongside peers with similar abilities and interests. We are excited to review your child’s application.
The program will take place at Emerald Hill Elementary School in Culpeper County from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. daily. Students will be enrolled in one primary class based on their preferences, with the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on activities across different subjects. There is no tuition cost for the program, but a fee will be charged to cover the field trip and program t-shirt, with specific details provided in the acceptance letter.
All notification letters concerning acceptance will be sent no later than May 1, 2025.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Coordinator for Gifted Services in your county:
Culpeper: Mrs. Heather O’Brien, hobrien@culpeperschools.org, 540-825-3677 x3152
The following are SummerQuest! themes from the last few years:
SuperQuest!
SummerQuest! School of Rock
Adventures in Time and Space (Dr. Who theme)
SummerQuest! and the Rings of Fire.
Law and Order
Stuck in the Middle with You!
Extra, Extra, Read All About it!
It's a Small Word Afterall.
A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Once Upon a Time
Candy Quest!
SpyQuest!