About The Gatton Academy

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Vision

The Gatton Academy will be a global leader in education, preparing Kentucky students for tomorrow’s STEM careers and infinite possibilities.

Mission

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a residential program on the campus of Western Kentucky University for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interests in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students enhance their creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-discipline through the companionship of peers, university courses, faculty-led research, and study abroad, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Values

Our three tenets guide our decision-making and how we interact with one another, our communities, and beyond.

• Integrity is foundational to all interactions and the ability to make ethical decisions in difficult situations.
• Compassion allows us to demonstrate concern for others, value their feelings, and provide an atmosphere safe and nurturing for everyone.
• Respect communicates the rights and dignity of all people are valued.

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.