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.