South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

Last updated
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
SCGSSM logo.jpg
Address
South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
401 Railroad Ave.

,
United States
Coordinates 34°22′23″N80°03′54″W / 34.373°N 80.065°W / 34.373; -80.065
Information
Type Public boarding school
Motto24/7Smart [1]
Established1988
OversightBoard of Trustees
Grades11-12
Number of students261 [2]  (2020–21)
Student to teacher ratio10:1
CampusResidential Dormitories mixed with Labs, Classrooms, a Student Activities Center, and a Gymnasium
Color(s)   Navy blue and silver
Mascot Eagle
Nickname Govie(s)
NewspaperThe Govie Gazette
YearbookExcelsior
AffiliationSouth Carolina Department of Education
NCSSS
Coker University
Website www.scgssm.org

The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM or SCGSSM) is a public, boarding high school for students in grades 11 and 12, located in Hartsville, South Carolina. The school concentrates on science and mathematics, but offers the full spectrum of the humanities as well.

Contents

Academics

Students at GSSM select from a wide range of STEM courses during their two years on campus. Typically, 18 AP courses are offered and 45% of the STEM courses are listed as "Above AP". [3] Students can conduct semester or year-long scientific investigations, [4] in addition to the required Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI). [5] During SPRI, students conduct six weeks of mentored scientific, business or economics research at university or corporate R&D labs across South Carolina or in locations across the United States and other countries. In 2009, GSSM began the Research Exchange Scholars Program (later renamed the Research Experience Scholars Program) with exchange students from Pforzheim, Germany [6] and Daejeon, Korea. The program has grown to include more locations in Germany and China, and plans are underway to include sites in a number of countries. In 2017, the RESP program included sites in Germany, Korea, and China.

In addition to a rigorous STEM curriculum, GSSM also offers a wealth of humanities courses and a January Interim [7] mini-mester of experiential courses and national and international trips. Courses and trips vary from year to year.

Every student is assigned a college counselor that has years of experience working in college admission offices. GSSM helps students get into the colleges they want and helps them apply for scholarships.

Outreach

Beyond the education provided to students in residence, the school delivers outreach programs [8] for middle schoolers in satellite locations statewide, as well as for rising 8th through 10th graders at its annual, residential summer program, GoSciTech.

GoSciTech, originally named Summer Science Program (SSP), began as a one-week program in 1990. As of 2012, the camp expanded to offer up to four weeks of courses and was renamed GoSciTech. In 2016, nearly 30 courses were offered to over 500 students.

Satellite camps include iTEAMS Xtreme and iTEAMS Xtreme: Next Generation, computer science, technology and robotics day camps. CREATEng, an engineering and design thinking day camp, was added in 2014. More than 1300 students and teachers from across the state participated in GSSM's summer outreach programs during the 2016 summer.

History

The school was founded in 1988 by Governor Carroll Campbell and Charles W. Coker on the grounds of Coker College. It moved to a purpose-built campus nearby in 2003. [9] In 2010, two new wings were added: the Academic Wing, containing classrooms and laboratories, and the Student Activities Center, which includes an engineering projects center and also a gym, weight room, game room, and kitchen. In 2015, the school reached maximum capacity of 288 students. [10]

Admissions

Admission to GSSM is by application and open to any resident of South Carolina in their sophomore year of high school. Juniors and seniors are not eligible to apply. Applicants are invited through a competitive selection process, with about 149 invited in 2016 (varying from year to year so that the student body size at the start of each year is 288). Applications are due by February 15 for 'priority admissions' and July 1 for 'rolling admissions' (2021 [11] ) before the school year in which the students will begin attending. For the 2020–2021 school year, submission of a PSAT, SAT, or ACT score was optional. The initial application consists of three required essays, one optional essay, a character video, teacher recommendations, and a high school transcript. [12] Students who meet the basic requirements are invited for an interview in March. The acceptance decision is released by the end of March. The remaining students are placed on a waiting list, which is pulled from should any of the originally selected students decide not to accept.

Student life

SCGSSM State Soccer Championship 2012 SCGSSM State Soccer Championship 2012.jpg
SCGSSM State Soccer Championship 2012

All students live in the dorms. Each suite consists of two rooms and a bathroom connecting them; two students live in each room. [13] There are two sides to the dorms: A side for AMAB people and B side for AFAB people. Each side has three floors (called houses). There is one RLC (Residence Life Coordinator) per floor. RLCs are full-time staff members that live on campus to assist the students. The RLCs are assisted by two RAs (Resident Assistants) who are Coker University students that live at GSSM. [14]

Much of the student body participates in the school's numerous clubs and societies. GSSM has almost 70 clubs and societies. [15] Notable clubs include the Interact club, which connects students to volunteer opportunities, the Mock Trial club and Academic Team, and Common Ground, an LGBT club for queers and allies. [16]

Many students also participate in varsity athletics with cross country, swimming, volleyball, tennis and soccer teams consistently ranked highly and/or participating in state championships. In 2017, boys' cross country won the 1A state championship. In 2018, the boys' soccer team won the South Carolina division 1A state championship. In November 2018, the girls' volleyball team won the South Carolina division 1A state championship. The school also boasts multiple individual and team track and field state champions, as well as SC state chess championships. [17]

Students are required to complete 50 hours of community service annually, though a majority of the students surpass this requirement. Service projects include tutoring local students and residents, computer, website and IT help for business owners, volunteering at the animal shelter and food bank, and helping around campus.

Notable alumni

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hartsville, South Carolina</span> City in South Carolina, United States

Hartsville is the largest city in Darlington County, South Carolina, United States. It was chartered on December 11, 1891. The population was 7,764 at the 2010 census. Hartsville was chosen as an All-America City in 1996 and again in 2016. Hartsville has also been a National Arbor Day Foundation Tree City since 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science</span> Residential school in Texas, United States

The Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) is a two-year residential early entrance college program serving approximately 375 high school juniors and seniors at the University of North Texas. Students are admitted from every region of the state through a selective admissions process. TAMS is a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy</span> Public residential magnet school in Aurora, Illinois, United States

The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, or IMSA, is a three-year residential public secondary education institution in Aurora, Illinois, United States, with an enrollment of approximately 650 students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities</span> Public secondary school in Muncie, Indiana, United States

The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities is a nationally ranked public high school located on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. The Academy offers both residential and non-residential (commuter) options for juniors and seniors. As of the 2022-2023 academic year, a non-residential only pilot program for high school sophomores has been added, though it remains to be seen if it will persist. Admission is open to high ability, gifted, and talented high school students living anywhere in Indiana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics</span> Public boarding school in Durham, North Carolina, United States

The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) is a two-year, public residential high school with two physical campuses located in Durham, North Carolina and Morganton, North Carolina that focuses on the intensive study of science, mathematics and technology. It accepts rising juniors from across North Carolina and enrolls them through senior year. Although NCSSM is a public school, enrollment is extremely selective, and applicants undergo a competitive review process for admission. NCSSM is a founding member of the National Consortium of Secondary Stem Schools (NCSSS) and a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Carolina State University</span> Historically black university in Orangeburg, South Carolina, US

South Carolina State University is a public, historically black, land-grant university in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It is the only public, historically black land-grant institution in South Carolina, is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts</span> Public school in Louisiana, United States

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) is a public residential high school located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, US on the campus of Northwestern State University (NSU). It is a member of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology (NCSSSMST). In 2016, Niche ranked LSMSA the 9th best public high school nationwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alabama School of Mathematics and Science</span> Residential secondary school in Mobile, Alabama, United States

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) is a public residential high school in the Midtown neighborhood of Mobile, Alabama. ASMS is a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS). It graduated its first class in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science</span> Residential public high school in Columbus, Mississippi, United States

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) is Mississippi's only public residential high school for academically gifted students and is located in Columbus, Mississippi, United States on the campus of the Mississippi University for Women. A member of the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS), it is a statewide public magnet school.

Coker University is a private university in Hartsville, South Carolina. It was founded in 1908 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Coker's sports teams, nicknamed the Cobras, compete in NCAA Division II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Academy of Mathematics and Science</span> Public, secondary school in Carson, California, United States

The California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS) is a public magnet high school in Carson, California, United States focusing on science and mathematics. Its California API scores are fourth-highest in the state.

Governor's School may refer to:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics</span> Public boarding school in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics (OSSM) is a two-year, public residential high school located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Established by the Oklahoma state legislature in 1983, the school was designed to educate academically gifted high school juniors and seniors in advanced mathematics and science. OSSM opened doors to its inaugural class in 1990. It is a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts</span> Public residential high school in Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas, United States

The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) is a public residential high school located in Hot Springs, Arkansas that serves sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It is a part of the University of Arkansas administrative system and a member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools. The school was originally known as The Arkansas School for Mathematics and Sciences. The school is accredited by AdvancED.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tarbiat Modares University</span> Educational institution in Tehran, Iran

Tarbiat Modares University is a distinguished graduate institution situated in Tehran, Iran. Established in 1982, its primary mission is to cultivate and prepare future university educators. Regarded as one of the premier academic institutions in Iran, Tarbiat Modares University is recognized for its excellence in higher education. Admission is through national-level university exams, and in most programs, is limited to top performers.

The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts & Humanities (SCGSAH) is a prestigious boarding school for the arts located in Greenville, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1999 by Virginia Uldrick, the high school program provides pre-professional training in creative writing, dance, drama, film, music and visual arts to sophomores, juniors and seniors, in a master-apprentice, arts-centered community. The Governor's School also offers arts-intensive summer programs for 7th-through-11th-grade students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Institute of Science Education and Research</span> Higher education institution in Bhubaneswar, India

The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) is a public research institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, under the umbrella of the Indian Department of Atomic Energy. The institute is affiliated with Homi Bhabha National Institute. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, laid the foundation stone on August 28, 2006. Government of India earmarked an initial outlay of 823.19 crore (US$100 million) during the first seven years of the project, starting in September 2007. It was ranked second in the country by the Nature Index 2020.

Mountain Vista Governor's School for Science, Math & Technology is one of Virginia's 19 state-initiated governor's schools, serving primarily 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The school is composed of two campuses, one each in Middletown, Virginia, United States and Warrenton, Virginia, United States. Admission is determined via an application process.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky</span> Public school in Bowling Green, Warren, Kentucky, United States

The Gatton Academy is a public academy and an early college entrance program funded by the state of Kentucky and located on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, United States.

The Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science (KAMS) is a two-year, residential, early-entrance-to-college program for U.S. high school juniors and seniors who are academically talented in the areas of mathematics and science. Located on the Fort Hays State University campus in Hays, Kansas, students concurrently complete their last two years of high school, while earning over 60 college credits.

References

  1. "24/7SMART - Trademark Details". JUSTIA Trademarks. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  2. "SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics". School Directory Information. National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  3. "Course Catalog and FAQs | The South Carolina Governor's School for Math and Science". www.scgssm.org. Archived from the original on 2015-11-01.
  4. "Scientific Investigation | SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics". www.scgssm.org. Archived from the original on 2016-08-15.
  5. "Senior Research | The South Carolina Governor's School for Math and Science". www.scgssm.org. Archived from the original on 2015-11-01.
  6. "Governor's School to hold Research Exchange Scholars Program (RESP) reception".
  7. "January Interim | The South Carolina Governor's School for Math and Science". www.scgssm.org. Archived from the original on 2015-11-01.
  8. "Outreach & Camps | The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics". www.scgssm.org. Archived from the original on 2013-11-27.
  9. Ray, Rusty (October 6, 2010). "Governor's School brings the best and brightest to Hartsville". SC Now.
  10. "Mission and History". South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics. 25 September 2012.
  11. "Important Admissions Dates". 27 November 2012.
  12. "Residential Admissions". SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics. 2015-08-07. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  13. "The Residence Hall". SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics. 2015-08-06. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  14. "Residence Life". SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics. 2012-09-25. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  15. "Clubs and Activities". SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics. 2015-08-06. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  16. "Clubs and Societies". SC Governor's School for Science & Mathematics. 2015-08-06. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
  17. "2015 Report Card" (PDF). State of South Carolina.
  18. "NBC's Parks and Recreation star has SC ties". WIST.
  19. Monk, John (9 August 2016). "Hawk-killing USC trustee says he got bad deal from 'bird lover' judge". The State. Retrieved 17 January 2019.