The

Gatton
Academy
An Inside Look at Our Atypical High School

Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky

 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.

Overview
Each 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.
Mission
Western 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 Scan me to learn
demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced careers in more about the
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Gatton Academy!
The Gatton Academy also seeks to provide its students You’ll notice these QR (Quick
with the companionship of peers; to encourage students to Reader) codes throughout the
develop the creativity, curiosity, reasoning ability, and self-
brochure. You can scan these
discipline that lead to independent thought and action; and
codes using free readers available
to aid students in developing integrity that will empower
for most smart phones. Scanned
them to benefit society.
links will help you discover the
Our goal is to enable Kentucky’s exceptional young
scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment
infinite possibilities ahead at the
which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing Gatton Academy. Scan the code
them for leadership roles in Kentucky. above to visit our website.

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

The Gatton Academy 1

 combine for an overall experience that is unlike any

The BIG Questions

other university residence hall.

How much interaction do Gatton

Academy students have with
What will a Gatton Academy Must I live on campus? traditional college students?
education offer me? All Gatton Academy students live in Schneider Hall, the All of your classes will be WKU courses, taught by uni-

heart of our living/learning environment. The space is versity faculty members. Remember, you will be a WKU
The Gatton Academy will offer you the opportunity to
dedicated exclusively for Academy students and creates student as well as a Gatton Academy student. Your
receive at least 60 hours of college credit and a high
a community within a community on the WKU cam- classes will be regular WKU courses. In most classes,
school diploma. You will have university professors
pus. The recently renovated residence hall features a you’ll sit alongside traditional college students, though
teaching classes that will allow you to work to your
twenty-station computer lab, wireless internet, numer- you may have a few courses that will consist of only
ability. You will have the opportunity to take classes
ous community spaces, and laundry facilities. The resi- Gatton Academy students. The majority of your social
focusing on various STEM (science, technology, engi-
dential and academic aspects of the Gatton Academy interaction will take place with other Gatton Academy
neering, and mathematics) subjects. Your interest and
students through events and activities.
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.

2 The Gatton Academy


Gatton Academy
Named to Newsweek’s
List of “Public Elite”
High Schools
Each 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.
Where will I eat? There is paperwork that must be completed and other
protocol to follow before the arrival of a visitor.
You will have a meal card that allows you to eat at
almost all dining locations across campus. Included as
How does my high school benefit from
part of the experience, students receive a 19-meals-per-
week meal plan at no cost. Fresh Food Company has a my acceptance to the Gatton Academy?
variety of traditional dining hall food choices, as well as
vegetarian options, sandwiches, international cuisine,
The Gatton Academy acts as an extension of every high
school in the state by working with local educators to
and pizza. Subway, Papa John’s, Red Zone, Taco’s Last
Stand, Chick-fil-A, and other food court options have
meet the needs of high-ability students like you. You
will be dually-enrolled in both your sending school and
several value meal options available with your meal the Academy. Your test scores on the state assessment,
plan. ACT, and any awards or honors you may receive (such
as National Merit) will be credited to your high school.
When will I be able to go Educators at your high school should be proud that you
home or have visitors? have been selected to attend the Academy!
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
Atypical High School
activity. Students are highly encouraged to remain on We’re not typical high school
campus during weekends, as it is an important time for students. Learn more about
relaxation, study, and community building. our atypical approach to learn-
Parents and friends may visit whenever they like, ing in this short video.
providing it does not interfere with your class schedule.
95
of Kentucky’s 120 counties have been represented
among the Gatton Academy’s student body since
the program opened in 2007.
The Gatton Academy 3
 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.

4 The Gatton Academy


Academics
How 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.
The Gatton Academy 5
 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.

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

75%
students share their research at student and profes- of the students at the Gatton Academy engage in
sional conferences across the state, nation, and globe. a scholarly research pursuit supervised by faculty
Research also provides a great springboard to enter members at WKU and across the nation.
contests such as the Intel Science Talent Search and
Siemens Competition.

6 The Gatton Academy


Student Life
Who 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.
15
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.
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
The Gatton Academy 7
 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
8 The Gatton Academy
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.
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!

The Gatton Academy 9

 How can
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.

I become a
Even though some schools limit Advanced Place-
ment options for freshmen and sophomore students,
all available opportunities for advanced and honors

student at
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

the Gatton
trigonometry; however, almost one-quarter of students
enter prepared for calculus or more advanced math
classes.

Academy? Get Involved In and Out of the Classroom

Taking Challenging Courses is the First Step
Rigor 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
There 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
is the average composite ACT score for students
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

29.0
Geometry to advanced middle school students, other
admitted to the Gatton Academy in their sophomore
districts do not. The desire to attend the Academy can
serve as a springboard for encouraging your school to
year. Students increase their scores, on average, by
offer this option to students like you. Should districts be over two points by the time they graduate.

10 The 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
ACT Performance
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 Aptitudes
The 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,
National Merit
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

Class
Sophomore Junior Senior Performance application deadline. You must also score a minimum
Admission Assessment Exit of 22 on the math portion of the ACT or 520 on the
Class Semifinalists
2008 27.1* n/a** 29.2 math portion of the SAT.
2008 6 The Gatton Academy recommends students take
2009 26.5 28.2 29.2 the exam at least once during their sophomore year
2009 4 so that scores reflect your current aptitudes. If pos-
2010 28.8 29.9 31.1
sible, students are encouraged to test in June after their
2010 12
2011 28.8 30.0 freshman year and in December of their sophomore
2011 11 year. Dates for the ACT and SAT in fall and winter are
2012 29.0
available on the Timeline page of the Academy website.
The merit status is based upon the PSAT,
ACT statistics are compiled using the best composite score reported for each student. Please submit SAT and ACT scores directly to WKU.
which students complete in October of
* Members of the Class of 2008 were admitted during their junior year. their junior year. Submit ACT scores to code 1562. Submit SAT scores to
** Kentucky began administering the ACT to all public high school juniors in 2008. code 1901.

The Gatton Academy 11

 Stanford University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University University of Edinburgh

Auburn University
Arizona State University
Johns Hopkins University

Washington University in St. Louis

Florida Institute of Technology
Vanderbilt University
Centre College
University of California at Los Angeles

Miami University, Oxford

University of Tennessee, Knoxville
California Institute of Technology

University of Louisville
Northwestern University

Louisiana State University

Carnegie Mellon University

University of Oklahoma
Rice University
Georgia Institute of Technology Emory University

University of
Kansas State University Case Western Reserve University

Kentucky
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Virginia

Mount Holyoke College

New York University

Colgate University

Davidson College
Western Kentucky

Indiana University at Bloomington

The Ohio State University
University of Chicago University
Princeton University University of Pennsylvania

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at New Brunswick

Academy alumni Gonzaga University

University of Pittsburgh
continue their
studies at schools Massachusetts Institute of Technology
across
12 the nation. The Gatton Academy
Information Sessions Help You
Learn More about Our Program
Gatton 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 Person
In 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.
$
10
MILLION
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.
Complete Our Online
Application for Admission
The 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.
The Gatton Academy 13
 The academic rigor of the Gatton Academy is meant to challenge

Curriculum 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
Mathematics (3-4 Courses)
Students will be assigned their introductory math course based
addition, students are able to explore the academic offerings of WKU
on prior coursework and placement exams administered by the
through other coursework. Students are required to attend the weekly
WKU Department of Mathematics.
Academy Seminar, which offers rotating topics each semester and is In addition to Math 371, students must also complete Math
led by professors, Academy staff members, distinguished community 227 or receive credit through other means (Advanced Place-
members, and professionals. ment) and all prerequisite courses. Coursework in math beyond
Though the majority of learning occurs in traditional classroom Calculus II is optional and is counted toward STEM electives.
spaces, Academy students explore academic subjects through a variety Students not in need of lower level math classes may apply re-
of environments and learning styles. 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.
 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)
Academy of Math and Science 175 Seminar 2 (1 Hour)
Academy of Math and Science 175 Seminar 3 (1 Hour)
Pre-College Requirements (As Needed)
Students will complete additional pre-college requirements as
mandated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and their sending Need Help Completing
institutions based on previous coursework in their freshman and the Online Application?
sophomore years.
The admissions application helps
History 119 Western Civilization to 1648 (3 Hours) us not only learn about your
History 120 Western Civilization Since 1648 (3 Hours)
academic strengths but also
History 241 United States History Since 1865 (3 Hours)
about you as an individual. If you
Political Science 110 American National Government (3 Hours)
Physical Education 100 Health and Wellness (3 Hours)
need help completing the online
Art 100 Art Appreciation (3 Hours) application, this handy video will
Music 120 Music Appreciation (3 Hours) walk you through the process
Foreign Languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Ancient step-by-step.
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.
12
core courses in STEM subjects introduce
students to a broad array of scientific
concepts and learning experiences.
The Gatton Academy 15
 International Reach
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.
16 The Gatton Academy
Winter Term in Europe
Each 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.
Research in Costa Rica
Gatton 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 England
For 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 Program
WKU’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
Keeping up with all this
Download the information can be a bit of a
challenge even for the most
Gatton to Go interested prospective stu-

Mobile App dent. That’s why we’re happy

to share with you the release Website
of the Gatton to Go mobile www.wku.edu/academy
phone app. The app is available as a free download available for both
Email
Apple iOS devices (through iTunes) and Google Android OS devices
academy@wku.edu
(through Android Market). The app combines our news, events, and
social media streams to help you know more about what’s going on at Phone
the Gatton Academy and WKU. 270.745.6565
Facebook
www.facebook.com/gattonacademy
Twitter
www.twitter.com/gattonacademy
When in Doubt, Ask Questions
Flickr
Members of the Gatton Academy staff are always available to
www.flickr.com/photos/gattonacademy
answer questions via email at academy@wku.edu or by tele-
phone at 270.745.6565 and should be viewed as a resource Vimeo
when considering this educational opportunity. We are happy
www.vimeo.com/gattonacademy
to arrange contact with a current student or parent who can YouTube
share their experiences as well. It is important that families fully www.youtube.com/gattonacademy
understand this academic opportunity when considering it as a Skype
choice for their student. We look forward to helping you through gattonacademy
the decision to become a part of the Gatton Academy!
 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