Education

Lexington-Richland School District Five is the first and only Professional Development School District that is part of the network at USC. (Photos/Lexington-Richland School District Five)

Excellence in education

School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties is committed to excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and community service.

Our long legacy as a top district is the result of the combined efforts of many individuals and groups supporting our students.

The district earned a top rating on national rating site Niche.com, and a recent No. 1 ranking for “Districts with the Best Teachers in South Carolina.” Our elementary and middle schools are ranked among the top in the state for academics by Niche. com, and in 2019, 163 School District Five middle school students were named South Carolina Junior Scholars for PSAT scores and other measures.

School District Five high schools are among the

9 www.GreaterIrmoChamber.com best in the state and the nation, preparing students for college and careers annually. U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best High Schools rankings rated the district at the top for preparing students for college, and several students earned National Merit Scholarships during the 2018-2019 school year. The district’s SAT and ACT scores were again among the top in the state, and School District Five’s graduating classes earned millions in academic and athletic scholarships.

In School District Five, our goal is to provide students with experiences and programs of study that will prepare them for the workforce and help make them good citizens. Our career development programs earn top honors and accolades, including national awards for students at the district’s Center for Advanced Technical Studies. School District Five

Leaphart Elementary STEAM Magnet students learn how to read music.

Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce Directory and Relocation Guide 10 also is a leader in career development opportunities for students with special needs, winning numerous awards for its BOOM (Building Occupational Opportunities in the Midlands) initiative with Midlands Technical College and Project SEARCH program with Prisma Health.

We know that characteristics taught in school will carry over to college and career successes. School District Five students and staff annually participate in community service events and contribute to March of Dimes, United Way and other charitable organizations.

Our schools provide a wide array of enrichment opportunities, from top athletic teams and activities to award-winning arts and music programs. School District Five sports teams had successful seasons during the 2018-2019 school year, including state championships in cheer, football, baseball and lacrosse. Band, choir, orchestra and arts programs in elementary, middle and high schools also continued to shine, receiving several prestigious awards. Groups like FFA, HOSA and DECA also continued to give our students opportunities to hone their skills and grow their passions.

These honors and accolades are made possible through the work and dedication of our world-class educators, many of whom are among the best in the state and nation. The district had two principals earn statewide awards. Dr. Michael Lofton was named 2019 South Carolina School Administrators Association High School Level Principal of the Year, while Anna Miller was named the 2019 South Carolina Middle Level Principal of the Year. School District Five Chief of Planning and Administration Michael Harris was also named the 2019 District Level Administrator of the Year by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators, and many other teachers and staff earned local and state awards.

School District Five takes pride in being a school system “Where Every Choice is a Great Choice.” Choice and magnet offerings have been expanded and families can choose from most schools in the district regardless of school zone. This approach helps ensure that each student can find the learning environment that best fits his or her needs and provides the very best opportunity for success.

From top federal and state ratings to state championships, our achievements are the result of the combined efforts of school leaders and teachers, engaged parents and exceptional students. Together, we are pursuing excellence for tomorrow’s challenges.

Above, School District Five Chief of Planning and Administration Dr. Michael Harris was named the 2019-2020 top district-level administrator in the state by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

At left, Irmo High School at dusk.

VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

Dr. Akil Ross was named National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, while Dr. Michael Lofton was named Magnet Schools of America National Principal of the Year. Irmo High School’s Kaaren Hampton was named one of The State newspaper’s top “20 under 40.”

NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Niche.com rated School District Five as a top school district in South Carolina. U.S. News & World Report ranked School District Five among the top in South Carolina for preparing students for college.

Facts about District Five

ENRICHING ACTIVITIES

District Five athletic programs, bands, orchestras and visual and performing arts programs continue to earn state and national honors.

CHOICE PROGRAMS

School District Five was awarded a $13.7 million federal grant in 2017 to fund new magnet programs at Nursery Road Elementary, H. E. Corley Elementary, and Leaphart Elementary. It also funds a new career initiative magnet program partnering Irmo High School and the Center for Advanced Technical Studies.

TOP SCHOLARSHIPS

District Five had a number of Palmetto Fellows and National Merit Scholarship winners in 2018. Students in elementary, middle and high schools also earned state and national awards for academic performance.