Since 1951 the Sumter community has been divided into two school districts, District Two and District 17.  However, in 2008, upon the recommendation of the legislature, the Governor signed legislation that combines the two school districts into one effective July, 2011.  A new consolidated Board will be elected by the community during the general election in November, 2010.

The consolidated school district will benefit the students as it will provide for a melding of resources and talents and more money can be concentrated in the classrooms and for teacher salaries.    The consolidation should also resolve the district attendance line issues that have in the past divided neighborhoods and subdivisions.  It will eliminate the problem of a child being transported to a school miles away from their home when there is a school much closer that they will be able to attend.

Until the consolidation becomes effective in the summer of 2011, Sumter will continue to be served by two school districts. 

Sumter School District Two serves approximately 9,000 students in grades PK-12. Two high schools, four middle schools and nine elementary schools provide a learning environment in which excellence is expected. The seniors from last year’s graduating classes earned over $11.8 million in scholarship offers, and our students and teachers have consistently received state and national recognition. Approximately one-third of the student population is made up of military dependents, and District Two employs many military spouses and retirees. Two of the schools are within the confines of Shaw Air Force Base.  District Two has always had an excellent relationship with our military families, and we appreciate the diversity and wealth of life experiences they bring to our classrooms. All of our schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the SC State Department of Education. Over half of them have been recognized as Red Carpet Schools in recognition of their family friendly atmosphere.  District Two has been the recipient of numerous state and federal grants including funding for technology, teacher professional development, curriculum assistance in various areas, and laptops for students.  District Two has just entered into a $58 million lease-purchase agreement which will enable us to make additions and renovations to many of our schools.  Our mission is to ensure the highest quality education for each student, and our test scores and accolades show that we are achieving this.   For more information on the district and for links to all of the District Two schools, visit the website at  http://www.sumter2.org

Nationally known for excellence, District 17 schools have received numerous prestigious recognitions, including three National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and the What Parents Want Award from School-Match, an Ohio-based consulting firm. The district enrolls more than 8,600 students in grades preschool through 12 and employs over 1,500 staff members. Sumter School District 17 includes seven elementary schools, four middle schools, one high school, an alternative learning center, and the Early Head Start program. The only high school in the district, Sumter High School’s academic, choral, band and athletic programs are second to none in the state. These outstanding programs have enabled the school to win numerous awards including being selected as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, a model high school for South Carolina, a Grammy Signature School, and an International Baccalaureate site. Eighty-two percent of District 17’s graduates go on to pursue higher education at junior and senior colleges. In addition, the district offers choice opportunities, which include the Magnet School for the Fine Arts and Technology, the Science Connections Magnet School, the Sixth Grade Oaks Academy, the School for Inquiry, and the IB Middle Years Programme. All of the district’s schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the State Department of Education. Sumter School District 17 remains committed to its mission of providing an education of high quality to every student by providing challenging, innovative learning experiences in a safe, supportive and culturally diverse environment. http://district.sumter17.k12.sc.us/home.aspx

In addition to its fine public schools, Sumter also offers acclaimed private schools including Wilson Hall, Thomas Sumter Academy and several others. These schools have a reputation for producing top students who go on to even greater achievements at the college level. Church-affiliated schools include St. Anne’s School, which serves elementary students, St. Francis Xavier, for high school students, Sumter Christian School and Westside Christian Academy. In addition, there is a vibrant and active home school association, as well as Sumter Academy, which works with students who learn differently. Sumter is also home to Homeward Education Association. Homeward is an accountability association for homeschoolers throughout the state of South Carolina. Homeward is one of the largest accountability associations in the state accounting for over 1700 families and 3000 students. Homeward offers a wide range of support for accountability. For more information please visit www.homewarded.com.

Access to higher education is both convenient and affordable thanks to the University of South Carolina Sumter. USC Sumter, one of eight campuses in the University of South Carolina System, was opened in 1966 and today has an enrollment of about 1,400 per academic year. USC Sumter confers two-year associates degrees and offers several baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. USC Sumter also offers students the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate athletics for both male and female sports programs.

Central Carolina Technical College provides quality, affordable post-secondary education and lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to its degree programs, CCTC offers continuing education programs that include an interesting selection, among them are arts and crafts, auto repair for women, golf, business courses and over a dozens more.

Morris College; a four-year accredited college, and Troy State University, which offers degrees on the master’s level, round out Sumter’s educational institutions.

Located on Shaw Air Force Base; higher education opportunities include Troy University Graduate School, St. Leo University, Webster University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.