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Admissions

Admissions

About Admissions

Bridging High School and Higher Education

At GTCHS, opportunity isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you step into. Here, students experience the challenge of earning college credit while developing the leadership, service, and problem-solving skills that will serve them long after graduation.

Each year, more families across South Carolina apply than there are available seats. That’s why we use a lottery process to ensure fair access for all. If you’re ready to pursue a high school experience that goes beyond the ordinary—one built on dual enrollment, innovation, service, and strong relationships—we invite you to apply and take that first step toward becoming part of the Warrior Way.

Advancing Our Students Academically

Why Families Choose GTCHS

Our model aligns high school and college curricula through a true dual enrollment experience, not just AP classes or exam-based credit.

  • 84% of GTCHS students take at least one college course before graduation
  • More than half of seniors graduate with 24 or more college credits (equivalent to a full year or more of college already completed).
  • 92% of GTCHS graduates enroll in a two- or four-year college, many entering with sophomore standing
  • GTCHS follows a mastery-based learning model, requiring students to earn a minimum grade of 75 to receive credit for both high school and college courses

While GTCHS is open to all South Carolina students through a non-merit-based lottery, our rigorous, college-aligned environment may not be the right academic fit for every student. It’s essential for families to thoughtfully consider whether our high expectations and early college model align with their students’ goals, work habits, and readiness to thrive.

Setting the Bar

GTCHS remains a model for innovation in public charter education:

  • First South Carolina High School Recipient of the National Jefferson Award for community service (2016)
  • Nationally recognized as a Model Charter High School by Building Hope, a nonprofit organization committed to supporting and expanding high-quality K–12 charter schools across the country
  • First Public Charter School to receive National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
  • First Public Charter School to receive Palmetto’s Finest

ACT Average

22.1 (exceeds state and national average)

SAT Average

1144 (the ninth highest in SC and exceeds all local schools)

College Success rate

90% pass rate for college classes (compare to AP local pass rate of 59% with the highest Greenville County school being 74% and the local private schools reporting 81%)

How Our Rising Freshman Lottery & Enrollment Process Works

GTCHS is a tuition-free public charter school open to all South Carolina residents. We are proud to welcome a diverse community of learners through a fair and transparent admissions process. Each year, we receive more applications than available openings. Under South Carolina charter law, all rising freshman admissions are determined through a lottery process. Admission for rising 10th and 11th-grade students is based on available seats and waitlist position.

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Information Meeting & School Tour
    Prospective families are invited to attend an Admissions Information Meeting held in the fall. This event provides an overview of the GTCHS model, highlighting what makes our community unique and what dual enrollment looks like at the high school level. School tours are available at this event to help families experience our campus firsthand.
  2. Open Enrollment Application Period
    During the Open Enrollment window each fall, families submit an online application for the upcoming academic year. Current South Carolina residency is required to apply. Rising 9th graders apply during this window; upperclassmen may also submit waitlist applications.
  3. Lottery Drawing
    After the Open Enrollment period closes, a lottery drawing overseen by a third party determines admissions and placement on the waitlist. The lottery process is governed by state guidelines and overseen to ensure fairness and transparency. Families are notified of acceptance or waitlist status via email.
  4. Acceptance & Enrollment
    Accepted families confirm their intent to enroll by submitting required forms and attending a required Intake Meeting in the spring. At this meeting, students and families learn about GTCHS expectations, programs, and community culture to ensure a strong start to the school year.

Please Note:

  • The lottery process applies only to rising 9th-grade applicants. Rising 10th and 11th-grade students are offered seats in the spring based on availability and their waitlist position.
  • Enrollment priority is given to siblings of currently enrolled students and siblings of GTCHS graduates within the past six years.
  • Children of current GTCHS employees are also granted enrollment priority.
  • All applicants must be South Carolina residents and performing at or above grade level at the time of application.

Join Our Waitlist:

Class of 2030 (rising 9th graders)

Class of 2029 (rising 10th graders) 

Class of 2028 (rising 11th graders)

Lottery Information:

Lottery/Open Enrollment