South Carolina’s young artists in Grades 6–11 invited to apply for summer programs, tuition-free residential high school.
Staff reports
South Carolina students interested in pursuing their passion for the arts are invited to apply to the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities’ public residential high school and immersive summer programs based in downtown Greenville. Admissions applications for 2027-2028 are open for students in Grades 6 through 11 seeking to explore their interests or receive pre-professional training in creative writing, dance, drama, film, music and visual arts.
The Governor’s School’s tuition-free, residential high school serves 10th- through 12th-Grade students and provides intensive, pre-professional arts education within a supportive, arts-centered environment. Students live and learn together while receiving daily instruction and mentorship from professional artists. They also engage in rigorous academic studies that meet and exceed the requirements for a South Carolina diploma. Students apply in 9th or 10th Grade depending on their art area of interest.
Governor’s School students are consistently recognized in regional and national arts competitions, including YoungArts, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Youth America Grand Prix, and U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Many graduates attend the top colleges and universities in the nation with artistic and academic scholarships. Distinguished alumni include South Carolina Teachers of the Year, recipients of Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Webby awards, and an Academy Award nominee.
Every summer, approximately 500 students from across the state attend the Governor’s School’s overnight summer programs. They offer students in Grades 6 through 11 an opportunity to explore their creative potential, gain foundational skills and refine their artistic talents. Students learn from professional artists in dedicated studios with peers who share their interests. Programs range from one to five weeks.
“The Governor’s School gives young artists from all backgrounds and skill levels the opportunity to immerse themselves in their craft while discovering who they are as artists and individuals,” said Cedric Adderley, school president. “Whether students join us for the residential high school experience or a summer program, they become part of a community that encourages creative exploration, artistic growth and the pursuit of excellence.”
As a public school funded by the state, the residential high school program is tuition-free. Families are only required to cover a room deposit and meal plan. Summer program costs vary by program. Financial assistance is available for all programs through the S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation.
All South Carolina students are eligible to apply. Application and audition requirements, program costs and financial assistance information can be found online at SCGSAH.org. The priority application deadline for all programs is Jan. 15, 2027. Students interested in Early Decision Dance must apply by Oct. 23, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted as space is available.
The Governor’s School is hosting its annual Go Govie! Days on Saturdays, Nov. 7, 2026, and Jan. 9, 2027. This is an opportunity for interested students and families to tour campus, attend arts demonstrations, and learn more about the school’s programs. To register, visit www.scgsah.org/go-govie-day.