The Gatton Academy: An Inside Look at Our Atypical High School

An Inside Look at Our Atypical High School

AcademyGatton

The

Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky

OverviewEach year the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky

selects a minimum of 60 Kentucky students who apply during their sophomore year

and are awarded admission based on standardized test scores, grades, responses

to essay questions, recommendations, and personal interviews. Instead of spending

your junior and senior years in a traditional high school, you can apply to enroll at

the Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely-dedicated residence hall and take courses

offered by Western Kentucky University. As an Academy student, your classmates are

fellow Gatton Academy students and WKU undergraduate students. At the end of two

years at the Gatton Academy you will have earned at least 60 college credit hours in

addition to completing high school. You may choose to stay at WKU, attend another

university in Kentucky, or continue your studies at other prestigious colleges and

universities across the nation to complete your bachelor’s degrees.

Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson delivered a special lecture for Gatton Academy students. Dr. Tyson is director of the Hayden Planetarium of the American Museum of Natural History and host of NOVA ScienceNow, which explores the frontiers of scientific discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of the universe. Dr. Tyson also joked with Academy students about receiving hate mail for his vote to “demote” Pluto from its planetary status.

1The Gatton Academy

MissionWestern Kentucky University houses the Carol Martin

Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky.

Our mission is to offer a residential program for bright,

highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have

demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced careers in

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Gatton Academy also seeks to provide its students

with the companionship of peers; to encourage students to

develop the creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-

discipline that lead to independent thought and action; and

to aid students in developing integrity that will empower

them to benefit society.

Our goal is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young

scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment

which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing

them for leadership roles in Kentucky.

132Students in the Academy student body earn a minimum of 60 hours of college credit during their two years of study.

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2 The Gatton Academy

What will a Gatton Academy education offer me?The Gatton Academy will offer you the opportunity to

receive at least 60 hours of college credit and a high

school diploma. You will have university professors

teaching classes that will allow you to work to your

ability. You will have the opportunity to take classes

focusing on various STEM (science, technology, engi-

neering, and mathematics) subjects. Your interest and

ability in math and science will be supplemented with

opportunities for research during the academic year as

well as in the summer. Additionally, you will encounter

a broad range of academic experiences in the humani-

ties, languages, and social sciences. You will live with

other Gatton Academy students in Schneider Hall, pro-

viding opportunities for meaningful relationships with

social and academic peers.

How much will my family need to pay?The Gatton Academy, which is generously funded by

the Kentucky General Assembly, provides tuition, hous-

ing, and meals for all students. You will be responsible

for your books, travel expenses, and any incidentals. No

student is turned away because of financial hardship.

Must I live on campus?All Gatton Academy students live in Schneider Hall, the

heart of our living/learning environment. The space is

dedicated exclusively for Academy students and creates

a community within a community on the WKU cam-

pus. The recently renovated residence hall features a

twenty-station computer lab, wireless internet, numer-

ous community spaces, and laundry facilities. The resi-

dential and academic aspects of the Gatton Academy

The BIG Questionscombine for an overall experience that is unlike any

other university residence hall.

How much interaction do Gatton Academy students have with traditional college students?All of your classes will be WKU courses, taught by uni-

versity faculty members. Remember, you will be a WKU

student as well as a Gatton Academy student. Your

classes will be regular WKU courses. In most classes,

you’ll sit alongside traditional college students, though

you may have a few courses that will consist of only

Gatton Academy students. The majority of your social

interaction will take place with other Gatton Academy

students through events and activities.

3The Gatton Academy

There is paperwork that must be completed and other

protocol to follow before the arrival of a visitor.

How does my high school benefit from my acceptance to the Gatton Academy?The Gatton Academy acts as an extension of every high

school in the state by working with local educators to

meet the needs of high-ability students like you. You

will be dually-enrolled in both your sending school and

the Academy. Your test scores on the state assessment,

ACT, and any awards or honors you may receive (such

as National Merit) will be credited to your high school.

Educators at your high school should be proud that you

have been selected to attend the Academy!

Where will I eat?You will have a meal card that allows you to eat at

almost all dining locations across campus. Included as

part of the experience, students receive a 19-meals-per-

week meal plan at no cost. Fresh Food Company has a

variety of traditional dining hall food choices, as well as

vegetarian options, sandwiches, international cuisine,

and pizza. Subway, Papa John’s, Red Zone, Taco’s Last

Stand, Chick-fil-A, and other food court options have

several value meal options available with your meal

plan.

When will I be able to go home or have visitors?At least once a month there will be a closed week-

end where you must go home and the building will

close. Students will be permitted to go home any other

weekend so long as it does not conflict with a required

activity. Students are highly encouraged to remain on

campus during weekends, as it is an important time for

relaxation, study, and community building.

Parents and friends may visit whenever they like,

providing it does not interfere with your class schedule.

of Kentucky’s 120 counties have been represented among the Gatton Academy’s student body since the program opened in 2007.95

Atypical High School

We’re not typical high school

students. Learn more about

our atypical approach to learn-

ing in this short video.

Gatton Academy Named to Newsweek’s List of “Public Elite” High SchoolsEach spring, Newsweek rec-

ognizes the top six percent of

public schools as measured

by the Challenge Index ratio

devised by Washington Post education columnist

Jay Matthews. The ratio is the number of Advanced

Placement and/or International Baccalaureate tests

taken by all students at a school in the previous

year divided by the number of graduating seniors.

This year, Newsweek recognized 1,600 schools

from across the country. The Challenge Index is

designed to recognize schools that challenge aver-

age students. Top-performing schools, such as The

Gatton Academy, were excluded from the regular

list of well-performing high schools because of their

exceptional quality. Specialized schools are, instead,

acknowledged by The Public Elites. The Gatton Acad-

emy marks the only occasion in which a Kentucky

high school has been recognized as a member of

The Public Elites, and is one of only twenty schools

nationwide on the list this year.


Just because you leave the classroom doesn’t mean that learning has to stop. Schneider Hall, the Gatton Academy residence hall, is a vibrant space and the heart of our living/learning community. Club activities, study sessions, and simply hanging out with friends are only a small sample of what you’ll find in your home-away-from-home.

5The Gatton Academy

AcademicsHow many classes will I take each semester?In order to graduate from the Gatton Academy with

60 hours of credit, you will need to take a minimum of

15 hours (four to five classes with labs) each semester.

After satisfactory completion of the first semester, you

may also choose to take an elective course.

Will I need to bring my own computer?Because the integration of technology in the learn-

ing environment is at the heart of the rigorous Gatton

Academy curriculum, you will be provided with a Dell

notebook computer for the duration of the program.

Each laptop features Microsoft Office, Mathematica, and

other software that will be of interest and use to Gatton

Academy students. These laptops are networked to the

printer in the Schneider Hall computer lab as well. You

may bring your own desktop computer and other pe-

ripherals if you so choose. Students also have access to

free technical support by phone and in person through

WKU’s Information Technology Division.

What kind of support is available to help students transition into the Academy living/learning community?A week before your classes begin, you will arrive at the

Academy for Adventure Week. This time will be spent

getting to know the Academy staff, your peers, and

campus. You will participate in several sessions focus-

ing on study skills, life choices, mathematics, and other

areas. As classes begin, you will have mandatory study

hours that all new students attend to help you handle

the workload of college courses. Additionally, students

attend Academy Seminar weekly that focuses on a va-

riety of academic, social, and emotional issues relevant

to first-year students.

What academic support will be available for me?Several measures are provided to help you succeed.

The Study Skills Coordinator assists students in learn-

ing to set aside a specific time to study and to develop

positive habits that will carry forward in later semes-

ters. Tutors are available for assistance in a variety

of classes. The Academic Coordinator is available to

students who require help with choosing classes and

scheduling one-on-one time with tutors. There is also a

Coordinator of Research, Internships, and Scholarships

on staff who assists students who are looking to further

their academic career and interests.

What college options are available after I complete my study at the Gatton Academy?Members of the staff will work closely with you as you

narrow your college search. Annually, Gatton Academy

seniors are offered over $10 million in scholarships.

Western Kentucky University, the University of Ken-

tucky, and the University of Louisville have designed

scholarships specifically for Academy graduates.

Around 40% of our alumni choose to continue their

studies at universities outside of Kentucky. Schools in-

clude MIT, Stanford University, Cornell University, New

York University, Princeton University, Georgia Tech,

Vanderbilt University, and other prestigious institutions.

See page 12 for more schools Academy alumni are at-

tending.

The Center for Gifted Studies

The Center for Gifted Studies at

WKU sponsors a variety of excit-

ing programs for young people

who are gifted and talented.

Summer programs for students

like SCATS and VAMPY are a great

way to connect with others who

have a passion for learning.


Are there opportunities to conduct scientific research?The opportunity to conduct research is fairly uncom-

mon for high school students. One of the added values

of being admitted to the Gatton Academy is the chance

to engage in real, undergraduate-level research proj-

ects while studying at WKU. You are encouraged to

participate in research both during the academic year

and through research internships during the summer

months. Research conducted on campus during the

academic year allows you to pursue your specific

scientific interests beyond the curriculum, working

under the supervision of a university professor. Many

students share their research at student and profes-

sional conferences across the state, nation, and globe.

Research also provides a great springboard to enter

contests such as the Intel Science Talent Search and

Siemens Competition.

of the students at the Gatton Academy engage in a scholarly research pursuit supervised by faculty members at WKU and across the nation.75%

Program Overview Video

Curious what it’s like to be an

Academy student? Our students

and alumni share what makes

learning at the Gatton Academy

different from other high schools

as well as why this community is

such a special place.

7The Gatton Academy

Student LifeWho will be my roommate?While at the Academy, you will share a room with one

other person. The Academy will pair you with a room-

mate based on an interest survey taken the summer

before you arrive. You can also request to be paired

with another student you know. Each room is part of a

connected suite, meaning that you share a bathroom

with a total of three other students. Each room includes

two loft-style beds, two wardrobes, two dressers, two

desks, and a chest of drawers. Most wings have be-

tween sixteen and twenty students.

In what social activities will I be able to participate?There is a full range of clubs and organizations at the

Academy, though your input and interests are extremely

important in creating new opportunities. Existing clubs

include FBLA, Beta Club, Green Club, mock trial, chess

club, gaming guilds, student government, activities

committee, and Community Leaders. The Gatton Acad-

emy also has its own yearbook, prom, and graduation

ceremony. Students may also participate in numerous

WKU organizations including HOSA, Big Red Marching

Band, Ultimate Frisbee, and choir. You are also encour-

aged to attend lectures and other events on campus.

What social and emotional support is available?The Gatton Academy staff includes the Assistant Direc-

tor, Counseling Services – a certified counselor special-

izing in the social-emotional needs of students who are

gifted and talented. Full-time Residential Counselors

live in Schneider Hall to assist in planning activities and

serve as daily resources. The Coordinator: Residential

Life and the Assistant Residential Life Coordinator also

live in apartments in Schneider Hall. The staff is well-

trained in dealing with the social and emotional needs

of academically gifted young people. The Gatton Acade-

my boasts a Student Life Staff to student ratio of 1:15.

Will I still be able to participate in activities with my old high school?While your sending high school will make the final

decision regarding what you may or may not participate

in, the Gatton Academy permits students to partake

in multiple activities offered by their local high school.

Students are welcome to attend their high school’s

prom, participate in graduation exercises, and compete

in Governor’s Cup.

What sports are available?Students have access to the Preston Health and Ac-

tivities Center, which sponsors fitness classes, yoga,

swimming, aerobics, cycling, and other daily workout

sessions. You may participate in a variety of intramu-

ral sports at WKU. Gatton Academy students are not

eligible to participate in KHSAA and NCAA-sanctioned

sports. Because of the rigorous academic demands,

students may not participate in organized sports with

their home high schools.

What is a typical weekend like at the Academy?After a week full of classes and studying, weekends are

when Academy students find time to relax, socialize,

and have fun. Sign-up sheets for pre-planned weekend

activities are posted in the lobby, where students can

choose to participate in activities ranging from rock

climbing and professional ballet performances to visits

to apple orchards, professional bull riding competitions,

camping in Mammoth Cave National Park, art muse-

ums, human chess games, and dining at unique res-

taurants. Most of these activities are free or affordable

For every fifteen students at the Gatton Academy, there is a full-time member of the Student Life Staff available to assist in providing support, supervision, and structure.15


and are open for any Academy student to attend. If a

student chooses not to participate, late night movies

in the computer lab or trips to the local mall and cof-

fee shops are always an option.

What safety provisions are in place?Schneider Hall is a secure facility with keyed ac-

cess and desk clerks posted 24-hours. The Gatton

Academy has pioneered an electronic entry system

on campus based on staff members’ and students’

unique identification card. These measures ensure

only Gatton Academy students and staff have access

to the building and appropriate residential spaces.

Each room is equipped with a landline phone ca-

pable of receiving universal “push messages” that can

be sent both audibly and visually in crisis situations.

You will have a daily curfew and are required to

sign out when leaving Schneider Hall for locations

both on and off campus. When leaving campus, you

must be accompanied by other Gatton Academy

students.

In addition, members of the WKU Police Depart-

ment are fully trained and oriented to campus and

will be available to respond immediately should an

emergency arise.

How can I attend religious services?Many churches are close enough to the university

that you may be able to walk. Other churches have

vans that are used to transport students. Bowling

Green has a variety of worship opportunities, includ-

ing churches for most Christian denominations, an

Islamic mosque, and a place for Jewish students to

gather for worship.

Do students have the opportunity to participate in community service?Service learning is an important part of our holistic

approach to education. Gatton Academy students are

encouraged to play an important role as a member

within their local communities. The Academy works

with organizations like Big Brothers and Big Sis-

ters, the Humane Society, and Habitat for Humanity.

Academy students also raised over $2000 toward

international crisis relief efforts in recent years. Many

students assist with ongoing projects around Schnei-

der Hall and with other Academy events. Students

wishing to graduate with honors must participate in

fifteen hours of service learning each semester.

May I bring a car to campus?Students may bring a car to campus exclusively for

travel to and from Bowling Green. Students do not

have daily access to their vehicle. Cars are parked in

the satellite lot approximately three miles from cam-

pus and are accessible only as students depart for

visits home, closed weekends, and holidays.

9The Gatton Academy

Even though Academy students take a full slate of college classes, we remember that you are still a high school student. Important parts of that experience – such as dances and clubs – are a central element of student life at the Academy. We hope to challenge you in the classroom, but we also expect you to have fun!


is the average composite ACT score for students admitted to the Gatton Academy in their sophomore year. Students increase their scores, on average, by over two points by the time they graduate.

29.0

Taking Challenging Courses is the First StepRigor is at the heart of the Gatton Academy’s curricu-

lum. As such, it is important that you seek challenge in

your coursework leading up to admission to the Gatton

Academy. Middle school students should consider tak-

ing Algebra I by the eighth grade so you can complete

both Geometry and Algebra II by the end of your sopho-

more year. Though many districts offer Algebra and

Geometry to advanced middle school students, other

districts do not. The desire to attend the Academy can

serve as a springboard for encouraging your school to

offer this option to students like you. Should districts be

unable to offer those classes, options such as the online

Kentucky Virtual High School can allow students to

take the class during the school year or even summer.

Even though some schools limit Advanced Place-

ment options for freshmen and sophomore students,

all available opportunities for advanced and honors

courses should be sought. You will need to complete

Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry by the end of your

sophomore year. The majority of students entering the

Gatton Academy as juniors will begin their study with

trigonometry; however, almost one-quarter of students

enter prepared for calculus or more advanced math

classes.

Get Involved In and Out of the ClassroomThere are three specific elements our admissions com-

mittee looks for in Academy applicants such as you:

maturity, personality, and individuality.

Maturity is gauged as the academic preparation

necessary to be successful in university-level study

while, in tandem, addressing the challenges of living

in a residential environment. Service learning is often

a great way to develop maturity and a sense of one’s

How can I become a student at the Gatton Academy? responsibility to self, family, and community. Both the

rigor of collegiate learning and living away from home

can be a challenge. We want to ensure you are ready

academically, socially, and emotionally for this highly

rewarding experience.

Personality refers to the passion that you will bring

to the Gatton Academy for math and science. While

numerous students make good grades in these sub-

jects, it takes a student who has a passion for learning

11The Gatton Academy

and wants to pursue an advanced career in STEM to be

the right fit for the Academy. Have you participated in

a science fair? Have you spent a summer looking into

a STEM field through a camp or research program for

young students? Our admissions team looks for activi-

ties both in and out of the classroom that defines your

interest in math and science.

Finally, we look for the traits that help you stand

out. We anticipate this year’s pool of applicants to reach

200 students from across the state. What makes you

unique? Your awards and extracurricular activities are

useful in this area. The admissions committee does not

look for the longest list of accomplishments; instead,

we are looking for quality and commitment. The Acad-

emy understands that students are only beginning their

high school careers and will have had limited options

for leadership in clubs and organizations.

ACT and SAT Exams Test Your AptitudesThe common misconception about these tests is that

they are just for high school seniors getting ready for

college. Kentucky public school students are being

introduced to these tests earlier and earlier. Currently,

ACT Performance

ACT statistics are compiled using the best composite score reported for each student.* Members of the Class of 2008 were admitted during their junior year.** Kentucky began administering the ACT to all public high school juniors in 2008.

Class Sophomore Admission

Junior Assessment

Senior Exit

2008 27.1* n/a** 29.2

2009 26.5 28.2 29.2

2010 28.8 29.9 31.1

2011 28.8 30.0

2012 29.0

National Merit Performance

The merit status is based upon the PSAT, which students complete in October of their junior year.

Class Semifinalists

2008 6

2009 4

2010 12

2011 11

eighth grade students take the EXPLORE test. All soph-

omores take the PLAN test, a pre-ACT. Finally, as part

of the state’s school accountability system, all juniors

take the ACT. In fact, many Academy applicants will

have taken one of these tests as seventh grade students

through the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) or

similar programs.

It’s never too early to begin thinking about these

tests. While the EXPLORE and PLAN tests will familiar-

ize students with the format of the ACT, the materials

on these tests are appropriate to the grade level in

which the test is given. There is no substitute to taking

a full ACT or SAT exam. Many students find their scores

improve as they become more comfortable with the

expectations and pacing of the test.

All students who wish to apply for the Gatton

Academy must take either the ACT or SAT prior to the

application deadline. You must also score a minimum

of 22 on the math portion of the ACT or 520 on the

math portion of the SAT.

The Gatton Academy recommends students take

the exam at least once during their sophomore year

so that scores reflect your current aptitudes. If pos-

sible, students are encouraged to test in June after their

freshman year and in December of their sophomore

year. Dates for the ACT and SAT in fall and winter are

available on the Timeline page of the Academy website.

Please submit SAT and ACT scores directly to WKU.

Submit ACT scores to code 1562. Submit SAT scores to

code 1901.


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Gonzaga UniversityAcademy alumni continue their studies at schools across the nation.


Information Sessions Help You Learn More about Our ProgramGatton Academy representatives will conduct several

information sessions across Kentucky during the fall

semester. Information sessions are a wonderful op-

portunity to speak with Gatton Academy staff members

face-to-face without having to travel to Bowling Green.

Families attending information sessions are kindly

asked to RSVP at http://gattonacademy.eventbrite.com.

The Gatton Academy will also conduct several online

information sessions during winter. More details about

these sessions are available on our website.

Preview Weekends Allow You to Experience the Academy in PersonIn order to allow both you and your parents the op-

portunity to experience the Gatton Academy living/

learning environment, the Gatton Academy is pleased

to announce that Preview Days will be held in Septem-

ber, November, and January. Middle and high school

students and their families are invited to attend Preview

Days to tour Schneider Hall, speak with Gatton Acade-

my students, their parents, and staff while experiencing

life within the Gatton Academy community.

Complete Our Online Application for AdmissionThe Gatton Academy is a unique opportunity for some

of the Commonwealth’s brightest high school students.

The program selects approximately 60 Kentucky resi-

dents each year to finish their high school experience in

residence. Gatton Academy applicants are high school

sophomores who will have completed Geometry, Alge-

bra I, and Algebra II by the end of their sophomore year.

Students are selected based on SAT or ACT scores;

academic grades from ninth and tenth grades; interest

in advanced careers in science, technology, engineer-

ing, and math; student responses to application essay

questions; interviews by Academy staff members; and

recommendations from teachers and other individuals

who can attest to a student’s need and preparedness for

the program.

The Student Admissions Application is available on

our website (www.wku.edu/academy). All application

materials are completed online. Specific information

regarding the admissions process, important dates, and

other elements of the application is available via the

Admissions page of our website.

Once you have examined this information as well

as the requirements for admission, please also consider

the following dates. All application materials must be

submitted no later than February 1 of your sophomore

year. There are no exceptions to this deadline. Please

prepare your packet in a timely manner and provide

teachers, counselors, and other adults preparing letters

of recommendation plenty of advanced notice to ensure

a quality letter as well as thoughtful consideration.

After the February 1 application deadline, the Gat-

ton Academy Admissions Committee will review your

application. By March 1, a select group of students will

be asked to visit WKU for a formal interview later that

month. Final acceptance notifications are sent via email

no later than April 1.

in renewable scholarships were offered to the Gatton Academy’s most recent graduating class of seniors. 100% of students graduating from the Gatton Academy enroll in a college or university the following year.

$10 MILLION

Mathematics (3-4 Courses)

Students will be assigned their introductory math course based

on prior coursework and placement exams administered by the

WKU Department of Mathematics.

In addition to Math 371, students must also complete Math

227 or receive credit through other means (Advanced Place-

ment) and all prerequisite courses. Coursework in math beyond

Calculus II is optional and is counted toward STEM electives.

Students not in need of lower level math classes may apply re-

maining credits toward STEM electives in other subjects.

Math 117 Trigonometry (3 Hours)

Math 136 Calculus I (4 Hours)

Math 137 Calculus II (4 Hours)

Math 371 Computational Problem Solving (3 Hours)

Core Sciences (5 Courses)

Each student must minimally complete one course and lab from

each core area and at least one, complete two-course-and-lab

sequence. It is recommended that unless students have a signifi-

cant reason to increase the science load in other areas, students

should complete all four core sequences for STEM electives.

Chemistry 116 cannot be used to meet the minimum one-

course requirement in chemistry. Instead, Chemistry 116 may

be applied toward a STEM elective. Students must complete a

minimum of Chemistry 120.Curr

iculu

mThe academic rigor of the Gatton Academy is meant to challenge

students to excel at the highest levels, while drawing connections

between the classroom and real-world research options. Students

are engaged in a core of math and science university courses that are

supplemented with additional coursework in arts, humanities, and

other elective subjects. The Gatton Academy curriculum provides

students with ground for future study in a variety of STEM areas. In

addition, students are able to explore the academic offerings of WKU

through other coursework. Students are required to attend the weekly

Academy Seminar, which offers rotating topics each semester and is

led by professors, Academy staff members, distinguished community

members, and professionals.

Though the majority of learning occurs in traditional classroom

spaces, Academy students explore academic subjects through a variety

of environments and learning styles.


Biology 120/121 Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics/Lab (4 Hours)

Biology 122/123 Biological Concepts: Evolutions, Diversity, Ecology/Lab (4 Hours)

Chemistry 120/121 College Chemistry I/Lab (5 Hours)

Chemistry 222/223 College Chemistry II/Lab (5 Hours)

Computer Science 240/244 Computer Science I/Lab (4 Hours)

Computer Science 241 Computer Science II (3 Hours)

Physics 255/256 University Physics I/Lab (5 Hours)

Physics 265/266 University Physics II/Lab (5 Hours)

STEM Electives (3-5 Courses)

Students may complete their three required STEM electives and

associated labs in the following areas: agriculture, architecture,

astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering,

geography, geology, health sciences, manufacturing, mathematics,

meteorology, physics, and/or psychology.

Courses outside of Ogden College of Science and Engineering

may be approved as a STEM elective on a case-by-case basis pro-

viding content is sufficiently linked to core math and/or science

principles.

English (2 Courses)

Students who score 29 or higher on the English portion of the ACT

or 670 or higher on the critical reasoning portion of the SAT re-

ceive three hours of credit for English 100 and begin with English

200.

English 100 Introduction to College Writing (3 Hours)

English 200 Introduction to Literature (3 Hours)

English 300 Writing in the Disciplines (3 Hours)

Seminar (3 Courses)

Academy of Math and Science 175 Seminar 1 (1 Hour)



Pre-College Requirements (As Needed)

Students will complete additional pre-college requirements as

mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and their sending

institutions based on previous coursework in their freshman and

sophomore years.

History 119 Western Civilization to 1648 (3 Hours)

History 120 Western Civilization Since 1648 (3 Hours)

History 241 United States History Since 1865 (3 Hours)

Political Science 110 American National Government (3 Hours)

Physical Education 100 Health and Wellness (3 Hours)

Art 100 Art Appreciation (3 Hours)

Music 120 Music Appreciation (3 Hours)

Foreign Languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Swahili)

Electives

After the first semester, Gatton Academy students in good stand-

ing are able to take up to 19 credit hours, including optional

electives. Additional coursework is solely at the discretion of the

Coordinator for Academic Services.

Need Help Completing the Online Application?

The admissions application helps

us not only learn about your

academic strengths but also

about you as an individual. If you

need help completing the online

application, this handy video will

walk you through the process

step-by-step.

core courses in STEM subjects introduce students to a broad array of scientific concepts and learning experiences.12


The Gatton Academy provides a wide array of op-

portunities for students to participate in international

learning experiences. As the world continues to shrink

through a variety of advancements, it is extremely

important that students are mindful of the languages,

cultures, and practices of people across the globe.

While technology has made the connections increas-

ingly easy, there is no substitute for study and travel

abroad. The Academy is committed to underwriting a

large portion of the costs of these programs to ensure

all students have the opportunity to participate.

Winter Term in EuropeEach January, the Gatton Academy takes approximately

twenty-five students to Europe for a two-week experi-

ence. Students explore the cities, culture, and history of

some of Europe’s most famous countries while immers-

ing themselves in some of humanity’s greatest accom-

plishments. In previous years, students have visited

Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Portugal.

International Reach Research in Costa RicaGatton Academy students have the chance to conduct

field research in the cloudforests of Costa Rica during

the Winter Term. Experiences along the way include

a visit to the city of San Jose, the San Geraro de Ri-

vas mountain region, research in Cloudbridge Nature

Reserve, a night in the jungle, Parque Marino Ballena

swamp ecosystem exploration, Isla del Cano for snor-

keling, and the Arenal Volcano.

Literary Study in EnglandFor three weeks during summer, students can explore

the literature and culture of Britain while developing an

appreciation for literary practices, theory, and concepts.

Students are based at Harlaxton College in Grantham

and visit literary sites throughout the United Kingdom.

Chinese Flagship ProgramWKU’s federally funded Chinese Flagship Program

is actively redefining the way students learn foreign

languages. The program integrates Chinese language

instruction in every stage of the undergraduate edu-

cational path by incorporating a series of mandatory

study abroad experiences and internships throughout

their study. The program is designed to bring talented

students who start with no knowledge of Chinese up to

superior levels of proficiency by the time they graduate

from college.

Stay Connected

Website www.wku.edu/academy

Email [email protected]

Phone 270.745.6565

Facebook www.facebook.com/gattonacademy

Twitter www.twitter.com/gattonacademy

Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/gattonacademy

Vimeo www.vimeo.com/gattonacademy

YouTube www.youtube.com/gattonacademy

Skype gattonacademy

Keeping up with all this

information can be a bit of a

challenge even for the most

interested prospective stu-

dent. That’s why we’re happy

to share with you the release

of the Gatton to Go mobile

phone app. The app is available as a free download available for both

Apple iOS devices (through iTunes) and Google Android OS devices

(through Android Market). The app combines our news, events, and

social media streams to help you know more about what’s going on at

the Gatton Academy and WKU.

When in Doubt, Ask Questions

Members of the Gatton Academy staff are always available to

answer questions via email at [email protected] or by tele-

phone at 270.745.6565 and should be viewed as a resource

when considering this educational opportunity. We are happy

to arrange contact with a current student or parent who can

share their experiences as well. It is important that families fully

understand this academic opportunity when considering it as a

choice for their student. We look forward to helping you through

the decision to become a part of the Gatton Academy!

Download the Gatton to Go Mobile App

The Gatton Academy Western Kentucky University 1906 College Heights Blvd. #71031 Bowling Green, KY 42101-1031

Learn more about our Atypical High School online at www.wku.edu/academy

Documents

The Gatton Academy: An Inside Look at Our Atypical High School