The Gatton Academy

The Gatton Academy at Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a two-year residential STEM program for gifted Kentucky high school students, who spend their junior and senior years living and studying at WKU. Students take college classes, carry out research with professors, and have the chance to study abroad. The Commonwealth of Kentucky pays for tuition, fees, room and board, so admitted students do not pay to attend.

Applicants for the Class of 2029 must be domiciled Kentucky residents who are sophomores when they apply and will be juniors by the time they enroll on August 1. They must complete Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II before enrolling and need at least a 22 on the ACT math section or a 540 on the SAT math section. The online application opened on August 1, 2026, and includes essays, two recommendations (one from a current or former math or science teacher), an official transcript covering freshman and sophomore years, and official ACT or SAT scores sent to WKU. The 2027 application deadline is February 1, 2027 at 11:59pm Central Time. Selected applicants attend an Interview Day on February 27, 2027, and admission decisions are emailed in mid-March 2027.