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 7th-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 17 years and their four children, Rachel and her family run a small family dairy alongside Hyder Peach Farm. She also volunteers in Gowensville First Baptist Church's KidzLife ministry.

Melissa Jones

Assistant Director

Melissa is a wife of 12 years and a lifelong resident of Greer, SC. She received her BA in Early Childhood Education from Clemson University and her MEd in Education from Converse College. Post-graduation, she worked as an educator for 12 years in Spartanburg County. During this tenure, she completed training in reading intervention and served on multiple curriculum advisory teams. In 2023, Melissa left her role as a full time educator to homeschool her two daughters. Melissa and her family are members of Gowensville First Baptist Church. They have a heart to see the next generation love God, become servant-hearted, and spread the love of Jesus.

Kent Smith

Advisory Board Member

Kent’s calling to see others grow in Christ led to his appointment as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Gowensville First Baptist Church in June of 2022. A military veteran, and prior to his ordination, Kent spent over a decade working with professionals in adult learning and instructional systems design. Kent received his M.A. in Theological Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also holds a B.S. in Business Administration and two associate degrees. He and his wife have two children.

Lisa Dover

Advisory Board Member

Lisa is a wife of 36 years and lives in Campobello, SC. She received her BA in Early Childhood and her Masters in Library Science. She also received training in Reading Intervention. Post graduation she worked in Spartanburg County Schools for 30 years. In 2023, Lisa retired from her role as teacher to spend more time with her grandchildren. Lisa and her husband attend Gowensville First Baptist Church. They enjoy serving the Lord together and helping to make disciples.

Veritas Classical Curriculum

Learn More Here

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