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 purpose of the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics is to provide for the education of the scientifically astute leaders vital to the development of the economy of the state. The flagship residential program offers the most academically able students of this state a learning environment that strengthens their ability to think critically, stimulates the joy of learning, and fosters the excitement of discovery through scientific research.
GSSM leads the full development of her students, combining a curriculum that challenges across the full spectrum of the humanities as well as science and mathematics, with a strong emphasis on character and ethics.
GSSM is an educational resource, serving South Carolina as a model for academic excellence, enhancing science and mathematics education throughout the state through partnerships with public schools and school districts.
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 by 2010, the School is currently working on expansion plans.
