A Columbia Mom’s Guide to Schools of Choice

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We are blessed to receive tax-funded public education in the U.S. Literacy is a gift whose praises cannot be stressed enough. And in addition to the option of a family’s zoned or neighborhood school, there’s a growing trend to have other options for schools. These are sometimes called magnet schools; in the Midlands, they’re more commonly known as “school of choice.”

Sometimes a school of choice may involve one curriculum for the entire student body. Other times it’s a smaller program housed in a traditional school; students benefit from a small learning community while enjoying the advantages of a larger facility. Some schools of choice have a specific academic focus — languages, science, the arts — while others adapt an instructional method such as Montessori or inquiry-based learning. And still others, mostly for older students, help students focus on the careers they’ll have once they leave the classroom. For the students — and their families — who want a specific type of learning experience, it’s a priceless opportunity.

In most school districts, January is the time to apply for school of choice programs for the following academic year, though this varies by district and by school. So if you’re interested in sending your child to a school of choice for 2015-16, now’s the time to learn about your options.

Considering your school options? Check out our guide.

Note on magnet schools: Sudents already living within the school’s geographical region usually have preference. Then additional spaces are offered to other students in the district.  Some schools have additional requirements to get in, such as academic achievement.

 


 Richland 1:

Elementary Schools:

Middle and High Schools:

  • Montessori program at W.G. Sanders Middle. Students must have been enrolled in an elementary Montessori program.
  • Richland One Middle College: A dual-enrollment high school, which offers high school students an opportunity to take courses from Midlands Tech for credit in both high school and college… for FREE.

School friends
Kindergarten friends are the best friends.


Richland 2:  

Any Rich 2 student may apply to the district’s magnets, though some have special guidelines for acceptance. Rich 2 offers 35+ magnet programs, by far the most for any district. The application process begins online today and continues through January 30. For information about each program, visit its website or attend an info session at the school.

 Elementary Schools:

Middle Schools:

High Schools:

Alternative Schools:

Charter School:

  • Richland Two Charter High School: A “blended virtual high school,” with classes taken online. Tests are taken at the school, and students can work with teachers and tutors for one-to-one help.

Lexington/Richland 5: 

preschooler
Start your children off right with an academic program that meets their needs.

Any Lex/Rich 5 student may apply to their magnet, though some have special guidelines for acceptance.  There are 10 magnets schools within this district. Learn more about each program at an information fair on Thursday, January 8 at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

Elementary Schools:

Middle and High Schools:

 


 Lexington 1:

Lexington 1 offers its students language immersion opportunities including Mandarin, German, Spanish, and French. Programs in Arabic and Hindi, among others, are planned.

Elementary Schools:

Information sessions begin this week. Registration begins in late January.

  • Deerfield Elementary (German immersion)
  • Gilbert Primary (Spanish immersion)
  • Meadow Glen Elementary (Mandarin immersion)
  • Midway Elementary (French immersion)
  • Pleasant Hill Elementary (Spanish immersion)
  • Red Bank Elementary (Spanish immersion)

    Help her reach her potential with the right school for her.

High Schools:

 


Lexington 2:

Lexington 2 has “partial school of choice.” Applications will be accepted beginning January 21.

preschool pumpkin
When you find a school that’s the right fit, everyone will be happy.

 Kershaw:


 

No matter what type of education is best for your family, there are MANY different options for education in the Midlands. Best of luck in your family’s education!

 

Will you consider schools of choice for your child next year? Share your story in the comments.

“School friends” photo, second from top: woodleywonderworks / Foter / CC BY

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