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Sumter School District was formed on July 1, 2011, by
consolidating Sumter School Districts Two and 17. Mr. Randolph D. Bynum, Sr.
serves as the district’s first superintendent. Sumter School District enrolls
more than 17,000 students in grades preschool through 12 and employs over 3,000
staff members. The district includes 16 elementary schools, seven middle
schools, three high schools, two alternative learning programs, and the Early
Head Start program. The International Baccalaureate Diploma and Middle Years
programs are available at Sumter High School and Bates Middle School,
respectively. All of the district’s
schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and
by the State Department of Education.
Approximately
one-third of the student population is made up of military dependents, and Sumter
School District employs many military spouses and retirees. Two of the schools
are within the confines of Shaw Air Force Base. Sumter School District 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.
A wide range of educational opportunities are offered to
students. All elementary children
receive advanced training in technology in addition to fundamental instruction
in reading, science, social studies, language arts, health and physical
education.
The academic program at the middle schools is exploratory in
which students may schedule a variety of courses. In addition to the required
courses, electives are offered in vocational programs, music, home economics,
art, band, and more. With the advice of parents, teachers, and counselors, a
carefully planned proposal for a high school program is developed to reflect
future needs and interests of each eighth grade student.
The district’s three high schools operate on a 4X4 block
schedule that gives students the opportunity to earn more credits while in high
school. The high school curriculum not only challenges students who go on to college,
but also provides job-ready skills to those who enter the work force after
graduation through its varied vocational courses and its partnership with the
Sumter County Career Center. High school students have the opportunity to take
advanced courses in addition to college level courses through Central Carolina
Technical College and USC Sumter.
Students at all grade levels can also take advantage of a wide range of
extracurricular activities that enhance their learning environment.
For more information, please visit http://sumterschools.net.
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.
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