About Us
Gowensville Christian School
We exist to partner with Christian parents seeking an education that sets a high standard of individualized excellence founded on Biblical truth. Our vision for each student is that they grow into young men and women who bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of the Lord our God (Col. 1:9-14)
Our Focus
Our focus is to serve families seeking a 3rd-12th grade educational option apart from the traditional public or homeschool models. This hybrid model will allow for both flexible classroom time as well as high educational standards. The long-term objective will also include an emphasis on student exposure, experience, and service to the community’s agricultural heart by partnering with local farms and agricultural experts.
Meet Our Team
Rachel Hyder
Director
Rachel is a mathematics educator of 11 years and a passionate advocate for the Biblical education of the youth in our local Upstate community. She received her BS in Mathematics from Furman University and her MEd (Math) at Converse College working both in Greenville county high schools and then as a part-time Mathematics Professor at USC Upstate in Spartanburg. Dedicated to her husband of 19 years and their five children, Rachel and her family run a small family dairy alongside Hyder Peach Farm.
Josh Hyder
Advisory Board Member
Josh is a Landrum local; born and raised. He works for his family on the Hyder Peach Farm as well as side-jobs in wood working, handy-man and construction, sawmilling, hay making and many other skills. He has been a member of First Baptist Church Gowensville since childhood and has served as a deacon as well as on the church's safety team. He and his wife also run a small family dairy.
Kent Smith
Advisory Board Member
Kent Smith is a United States Air Force veteran who brings a strong commitment to service, leadership, and conviction to Christian education. He holds several academic degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Kent currently serves as the manager of an outdoor sporting goods store. His professional experience, theological training, and military background have equipped him with a thoughtful and principled approach to education. Kent is passionate about supporting Christ-centered education that nurtures both academic achievement and spiritual growth. He is honored to serve on the school board and to partner with families and faculty in advancing the school's mission of developing students who love God and serve others.
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Ron Rountree
Advisory Board Member
Ron is a native of Greenville SC, married with 2 kids. He holds his Bachelors in Science from Southern Wesleyan University. Ron is also the former President and majority owner from New Life Chemical & Equipment and now retired. He serves as an Elder at Mitchell Road PCA church in Greenville, SC.
Patricia Rountree
Advisory Board Member
Patricia was born and raised in Gowensville on a dairy farm. She attended the University of South Carolina and studied psychology and education. She is wife and helper to Ron and has twin girls who are grown. Patricia enjoys family, especially her grandchildren. She is a member of Mitchell Road Presbyterian in Greenville. Patricia has a heart for ministries involving children.
Dr. Ryan Ford
Advisory Board Member
Dr. Ryan Ford is the director of clinical operations at Precision Health, a clinic specializing in spine and musculoskeletal disorders, migraine and persistent headache, concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. Dr. Ford holds dual degrees from Palmer College of Chiropractic with post-doctoral training in primary spine care and concussion care from SUNY Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine. He is dedicated to becoming an ever more stubborn follower of Jesus. He is a husband and father, and believes that lifelong learning starts with a solid foundation built during childhood.
Veritas Classical Curriculum
David and Bev Kinsey
Curriculum Owners - Veritas Classical Schools
David Kinsey is the Owner, Director, and Administrator of Veritas Classical School. He graduated from Bryan College with a BA in Bible, and from Reformed Theological Seminary with a MA in School Admin. He has over 30 years of experience as an educator, with 23 of those years in school administration. Dave served for 15 years as the Headmaster at Fellowship Christian Academy in Roswell, during which time the school grew from 160 students to over 600 in the K – 12 program. He was also instrumental in the formation of the school at Perimeter Presbyterian Church in Duluth and has always been a strong supporter of the homeschool movement. Mr. Kinsey believes his role as an educator is to partner with parents in providing the best possible education for their children.
Our Partners
