Mission and History

The Governor's School for Science and Mathematics was founded in 1988 under the leadership of former Governor Carroll Campbell and Charles W. Coker, then-president of Sonoco Products Company.

Mission Statement

The mission of the South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is to offer our state's most academically motivated students a unique learning environment that strengthens their ability to think critically, stimulates the joy of learning and fosters the excitement of discovery through hands-on scientific research.

The purpose of GSSM is to positively impact South Carolina's economic development through the cultivation of our current students and alumni, who are our state's future political and business leaders.

History and Future

When GSSM was established in 1988, the School resided on the campus of adjoining Coker College in Hartsville with plans to move into its own facility. In 2003, the School moved down the street to a new state-of-the-art building housing 128 students.

With a goal of increasing the student body to 300, the School is currently working on expansion plans.