Residential High School

GSSM’s two-year, tuition-free, early college experience gives high school juniors and seniors with exceptionally strong academic preparation across disciplines.

Explore Application Requirements

GSSM offers unique opportunities for the advanced study of science, math, and engineering, paired with equally strong offerings in humanities and social sciences.

Our students emerge with the deep knowledge and broad, well-rounded perspective that is the foundation for success and achievement in a wide range of future pursuits.

Academics

Our curriculum, which utilizes state-of-the-art lab facilities and equipment, allow you to work ahead of your grade level and challenge yourself with new aspects of your favorite subjects. We also offer college- and graduate-level learning opportunities not available in traditional high schools, like international research, independent study and mentored science and economics research.

You can expect to find all the courses that you have in your home high school, plus many other advanced elective courses found only at GSSM.

  • Rigorous science and math coursework—check out our course catalog and FAQs
  • Creative, stimulating classroom experiences
  • Highly educated, expert faculty
  • Superior lab facilities for biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science
  • Community of engaged and motivated scholars

Why GSSM?

Unparalleled Faculty

GSSM faculty members are chosen for their intelligence, experience and ability to bring out the best in their students. All members of our faculty have advanced degrees in their field and 86 percent have doctorates. Many are actively involved with our student teams and organizations outside the classroom.

What’s more, they consistently challenge students to think independently and stretch themselves academically. 

Independent Study

GSSM students can participate in independent study courses to further pursue an area of interest. If a student is interested in a course that is not currently being taught, he or she can approach a faculty member about teaching the course.

For years, neuroscience was such a popular independent study course that GSSM turned it into an official schedule offering. Other popular independent study topics include math, computer science and history.

Special Academic Opportunities

Summer Research

Every student at GSSM participates in a summer research experience mentored by academics and professionals across South Carolina, the country, and the world. They compile and analyze their research findings, prepare formal research papers, and present their work at the GSSM Annual Research Colloquium and at the SC Junior Academy of Science annual meeting.

GSSM students gain a unique and direct experience with the scientific process, which develops their understanding of the scientific method, the methods of discovery, subject matter expertise, critical thinking skills, data analysis and quantitative skills, creativity, and communication skills.

They may have additional opportunities to present their research in academic journals or at professional conferences in conjunction with their summer research mentor.

Engaging Electives

January Interim, a three-week mini-mester of experiential courses and travel, takes place between the fall and spring semesters and explores fun subjects outside of the ordinary curriculum.

These popular, unique classes give students a chance to express themselves creatively, discover interests outside of their academic pursuits, and travel in the US and abroad.

Past courses have included:

  • Art in the Interim
  • Bermuda High Soaring School Introductory Gliding Course
  • A Tale of Three Cities Eastern Style: China
  • Equine Science and Horsemanship
  • Charting the Galapagos Islands
  • Mental Health Through Pop Culture: The Psychology of Adrian Monk
  • Introduction to Filmmaking
  • Robotics with Younger Students: Working with Elementary School Students
  • Tech Trek: Boston and New York City

Explore Special Academic Opportunities