Academics

To support this vision for our graduates, six Centers for Advanced Study located throughout the district provide students with focused knowledge and skills at the advanced level. Students from all the district’s high schools are eligible to apply to and participate in these centers:

• The Center for Advanced Agribusiness Research located at Pelion High 
• The Center for Advanced STEM Studies at Lexington Technology Center
• The Center for Law and Global Policy Development at River Bluff High 
• The Center for Media Arts, Design and Production at River Bluff High
• The Center for Public Health and Advanced Medical Studies at White Knoll High
• The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Lexington High

Students at each Center explore advanced coursework for two to three years (depending on the Center) for a half day all year long.

Center students have many opportunities for self-directed learning. They have opportunities to develop their research skills, pursue a deeper understanding of a subject area of their own interest, and interact with experts in their particular field of study.

Each Center focuses on preparation for post-secondary study and careers through specialized research projects, dual credit courses, Advanced Placement courses and externships (work-based experiences that are short in duration). Such cutting edge opportunities enhance student motivation to become academically confident and competent.

It is the goal of Lexington County School District One to prepare a new generation of leaders and global citizens. Our desire is to develop self-directed and reflective students who accept ownership and responsibility for their learning. We want our students to develop self-confidence in their academic abilities and competence in using 21st century knowledge and skills to achieve sophisticated learning.

Most of all, we want to ensure that Lexington One graduates maintain their competitive edge. This means that our graduates must possess the necessary skills to compete, contribute, and succeed both locally and globally. They must be well-equipped to meet the anticipated needs of jobs, challenges and technologies that currently do not even exist.

Dual enrollment provides high school students with the opportunity to earn both college and high school credit.  All five high schools in Lexington One offer dual enrollment courses in conjunction with the University of South Carolina at Sumter.

In 2019-2020, 522 students were enrolled in 1,584 courses, attempted 4,752 credit hours, and saved an estimated $2,376,000 in tuition costs.  Student participation in our dual enrollment program has increased from 53 student in 2013-2014 to 522 students in 2019-2020.

Courses offered include English Compostiion, Spanish, American History, Political Science, Art, Music, Sociology, Psychology, Computer Science, Statistics, Agriculture, Horticulture, and Athletic Training. 

Additional opportunities in dual enrollment, including Teacher Cadet, are currently available through these colleges and universities:

Columbia College
Midland Technical College
Piedmont Technical College
The University of South Carolina - Aiken
The University of South Carolina - Columbia

SC Department of Education Policy for Dual Enrollment
 

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Dual credit courses - whether they are taken at the school where the student is enrolled or at a postsecondary institution-are those courses for which the student has been granted permission by his or her home school to earn both high school units of credit and college credit.  One quality point may be added to the CP weighting for dual credit courses that are applicable to baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, or certification programs that lead to an industry credential offered by accredited institutions per established district articulation agreements.  (see also SBE Regulation 43-234, Defined Program, Grades 9-12, and Graduation requirements).

Dual Credit Articulation Agreements
To award dual credit, districts must develop detailed articulation agreements with partner Instutuions of Higher Education (IHEs), whether two-year or four-year colleges or technical colleges, that clearly outline the specific courses that will be allowed for dual credit.  Students may not take college courses on their own time at an instituion of higher education with the expectations that the course would be transcribed back to the high school transcript without first consulting the district to determine if the course is a part of articulated agreement between the high school and IHE.

Textbooks
Students and families may have to purchase or rent textbooks for dual enrollment courses.  Contact your school for mroe course-specified information or questions. 

Questions:
Brandon Baskett
Dean for Higher Education Services
bbaskett@lexington1.net.