Its main building is located in Tappahannock, Virginia, directed by Dr. Jason Strong.

According to the main site, "The Chesapeake Bay Governor's School for Marine and Environmental Science provides a community of learners the opportunity to explore connections among the environment, math, science, and technology -- developing leaders who possess the research and technical skills, global perspective, and vision needed to address the challenges of a rapidly changing society."

One of the 18 Virginia Governor's Schools, it draws students from 13 school districts divided among three sites: There are three sites linked to the Chesapeake Bay Governor's School: Bowling Green site, located at the Caroline County School Board building; Glenns site, located at Rappahannock Community College's Glenns campus; and Warsaw Site, also located at Rappahannock Community College's Warsaw campus.

The sites generally remain separate, however there are occasional "all-site" days where students from all three sites are able to join collectively to perform an activity, often an educational field trip.

In addition, students earn dual enrollment credits for each course through Rappahannock Community College.