Maggie Walker assistant principal highlights language offerings, open house and application timeline

Dr. Mike Smith, assistant principal at Maggie Walker, told a Goochland County audience that the regional school emphasizes interdisciplinary study, world languages and student supports and laid out the school's application timeline.

Smith said Maggie Walker offers 10 language options and takes a regional approach to global studies and literature. He described the school's four pillars — courage, compassion, community and collaboration — and said the curriculum scaffolds presentation and research skills from ninth grade through a senior capstone. "Circle October 26. That's the most important thing on there," Smith told families when noting the open house and application timeline.

On logistics, Smith said the program is open to students in eighth grade and stressed residency is the basis for selection: "It's based on residency," he said when asked whether a student's residence or current school determines eligibility. He listed a formal on-site assessment in January and said applications are due December 2; letters of acceptance generally go out in February into March, and the class size for entering freshmen is roughly 180—690 students across the regional intake, with Goochland typically allocated about four to six seats.

Smith also highlighted nonacademic offerings such as extended lunch to support clubs and tutoring, study-abroad and travel opportunities, and a range of advanced-placement and college-credit courses through VCU and other partners. He said families should consult the program website for full details and asked attendees to follow up with staff at the open house or via the contact information on the handout.

What happens next: Families were invited to attend the Oct. 26 open house and to apply by the stated deadline; Smith encouraged prospective applicants to speak to counselors at their middle schools about the application process.