Governor's Schools

South Carolina has two Governor’s Schools, one emphasizing arts and humanities, another for science and mathematics. The schools offer advanced learning for the gifted and talented in a residential context.

The Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities began at Furman University as a summer honors program in 1981. This school serves as a laboratory for new and emerging concepts in the arts, humanities, and other educational areas. Gifted students can participate in master classes, private studio lessons, individual and ensemble study, seminars, and workshops. In 1999 the school relocated to an eight-acre site near the Reedy River Falls. The campus replicates an Italian village with ambience befitting the arts, located in the heart of Greenville’s art community. In addition to a traditional academic curriculum with an interdisciplinary arts and humanities emphasis, art departments include creative writing, dance, music, drama, and visual arts, while the humanities curriculum is an integrating focus for all areas of study.

Governor Carroll Campbell first suggested the establishment of a Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM). Located in Hartsville, GSSM is a public residential high school for academically gifted and talented juniors and seniors. Among the rare specialized high schools nationally, GSSM’s class schedule is more like that of a college than high school. Students are required to do an independent research project. There is a January interim semester for a variety of educational experiences.

Special outreach activities at the two governor’s schools include a distance learning program, summer programs, teaching workshops, honors programs, Team Gear Up, and Residential Arts Academies. These programs are available to high school and some middle school students. Graduates of Governor’s Schools attend top colleges statewide and nationally with substantial specialized preparation to succeed.