About The Gatton Academy

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Mission

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is 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.  Housed on the campus of Western Kentucky University, students take college classes, engage in faculty-led research, and have the ability to study abroad.

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 enable them to benefit society.

The 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 the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Overview

Each year, The Gatton Academy admits approximately 95 Kentucky sophomores, half of selection male and half of selection female, based on standardized test scores, their GPA, responses to essay questions, personal interviews, extracurricular activities and recommendations.

Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students enroll in The Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely dedicated Gatton Academy residence hall.

Taking courses offered by WKU, their classmates are fellow Gatton Academy students and WKU undergraduate students.

At the end of two years, Gatton Academy students will have earned between sixty and seventy-two college credit hours in addition to completing high school.

Academy graduates may choose to stay at WKU or transfer to other universities to complete their bachelor's degrees.

Gatton Academy students' scholastic test scores and nationally recognized achievements such as state assessment scores, ACT/SAT scores, and national merit awards will be credited to the home high school.

Academy students will be able to participate in their home high school senior class ceremonies.