
Tuition
There are no tuition charges at GSSM, just a meal fee and one-time security deposit. No student will be denied participation in GSSM’s residential program due to inability to pay fees—financial aid is available.
Fees and Financial AidSent on Behalf of Vice President for Student Development, Dr. Emilye Mobley:
Dear GSSM Families:
On Monday, August 17th, GSSM began the 2020-2021 school year. We have been busy preparing for the opening of school and are excited to begin the semester. Unfortunately, we are not able to begin the school year in our usual manner, but we will strive to create an engaging and community rich experience for our students. The safety and well-being of the school community is our priority and our decision to begin the year virtually supports the safest start of school.
We recognize that the residential aspect of the GSSM experience is one of the hallmarks of the residential program and we are committed to fostering engagement and building community among the Classes of 2021 and 2022. There is no way to completely replicate what we do when we are in residence, but we will implement efforts and initiatives that will assist students in connecting with each other as we work to develop ethical leaders and encourage service. We will intentionally encourage and support student engagement through programs, student organizations, the arts, service, and opportunities for leadership development.
The safety and well-being of our school community was and continues to be paramount as we consider opening the residence hall. In late July, the Governor’s School proposed offering two-week residencies during the fall semester to students who are interested. This plan was approved by Molly Spearman, State Superintendent of Education, and endorsed by the GSSM Board of Trustees on Friday, August 7th, 2020. Our commitment is to offer this residential option in the safest way possible. Be assured that our shared goal is to have all students return to campus as soon as this can be safely accomplished. It is important to note that there will be conditions for participation designed to support community safety and wellness. These residencies are optional and will be offered on the following schedule:
Juniors – Sunday, September 20th – Friday, October 2nd
Juniors – Sunday, October 4th – Friday, October 16th
Seniors – Sunday, October 25th – Friday, November 6th
Seniors – Sunday, November 8th – Friday, November 20th
The GSSM Board of Trustees and Administration reserve the right to amend this plan as appropriate based on the best available data. We will continue to monitor state and national trends related to COVID-19 along with DHEC and CDC guidance.
To support health and safety, there will be protocols and conditions associated with participating in these two-week residencies. We are committed to providing as much information as possible so families can make informed decisions regarding this option. The conditions will operate in direct correlation with what is currently expected of employees and contractors who are working in the building.
GSSM will make every effort to update the school community with timely information about specific health and safety guidance important for our students, faculty, and staff. We will establish specific requirements applicable to students, including but not limited to requirements for COVID-19 testing, temperature checking, symptom reporting, physical distancing, limitations on mass gatherings, wearing a face covering, contact tracing, disinfection protocols, limitations on guests, and short-term isolation requirements. These expectations will be updated as needed by the GSSM. Adherence to health and safety requirements applies to all community members and extends to all aspects of campus including bedrooms, bathrooms, classrooms, and common spaces. While GSSM will do everything within our capacity to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we cannot guarantee that the protocols instituted will prevent the spread of and exposure to COVID-19. Every person will play a role in reducing the risk for themselves and others.
During the residencies, students will be housed one student per suite. There will be conditions for participation that will have to be adhered to by all students to continue the residency once they are on campus. A summary of the conditions is outlined below for your consideration:
Sometime after September 4th, families who commit to participating will receive additional details regarding move-in, life on campus, activities, and the use of spaces. Based on the information provided, we ask that you complete the Registration and Release found here. We are asking that all families return the form by Friday, September 4th, to me at mobley@gssm.k12.sc.us. If you have questions or need further clarification, I can be reached using the same email. Questions related to academics and instruction during the residencies should be directed to Danny Dorsel, Senior Vice President for Residential, at dorsel@gssm.k12.sc.us.
Sincerely,
Emilye Mobley, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Development
SC Governors School for Science & Mathematics