[2] Planning for Mountain Vista began in 2003; its participating counties were one of the last in the state not covered by an existing academic-year governor's school or similar program.

[3] The participating school systems surveyed parents and students within their respective counties to gauge interest.

A plan for implementation was created and put into motion; A committee was formed, and approval was sought from the Virginia Department of Education.

[7] Each county's school board was responsible for approving both the funding and a 3-year commitment in order for the project to continue.

The Mountain Vista curriculum was designed to be a college level mathematics and science program providing a solid basis for doing research and making connections between disciplines.

Most MVGS classes are eligible for dual enrollment, giving the students the ability to earn college credits while still in high school.