Aiken County Public Schools and USC Aiken Host First Interest Meeting For The Aiken Scholars Academy
The Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD) and the University of South Carolina Aiken fielded questions from parents interested in the new Aiken Scholars Academy (ASA), a thematic high school to be located on the university’s campus, beginning fall 2018.
Dr. Sandra Jordan, USC Aiken chancellor, and Dr. Sean Alford, superintendent of the ACPSD, hosted an informational meeting in the university’s Student Activities Center, giving families a glimpse of what their students might expect if admitted to ASA. The Aiken Scholars Academy will enhance the preparedness of Aiken County Public School students by exceeding standards of college and career readiness and meeting the needs of an increasingly technical and highly skilled future workforce. The academy will offer high school students a unique and engaging educational structure that will introduce them to and immerse them in the collegiate environment.
More than 150 attended tonight’s meeting to learn more about the elite opportunity. “We want to open up US News and World Report a few years from now and have the number one high school in the nation here in Aiken County,” Dr. Alford stated as a goal for the Aiken Scholars Academy.
An initial class of 50 of the brightest 9th-grade students throughout the county will make up the first cohort for the academy. Students will attend classes inside the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center. Enrollment will be expanded each year by an additional 50 students until reaching a maximum enrollment of 200 students during the fourth year.
For interested students and families, it’s important to plan now. “For students to be able to handle this coursework,” Dr. Alford explained, “they need to arrive having successfully completed two years of high school math credits (Algebra 1 and Geometry), English 1, Computer Science, and World Language. While that’s a hefty load for a rising ninth grader, Aiken Scholars Academy students need the capacity and ability to excel in college level coursework immediately as freshman. They have to have a firm foundation, particularly in the areas of ELA and mathematics.”
All students who reside in Aiken County, including those who attend public school, private schools and home school are encouraged to apply. Standardized test scores, grades, recommendations and writing samples will make up a portion of the application process.
“Students: if you have not scheduled the courses that would allow you to complete this sequence by the end of 8th grade and you have a serious desire to attend the Aiken Scholars Academy, I recommend that you call your counselor and adjust your coursework.”
Dr. Sandra Jordan, USC Aiken’s Chancellor, said the university was thrilled to collaborate with the District on such an exciting and innovative project.
"The student body for the Aiken Scholars Academy will be among the highest performing students in the county, and they will enjoy a competitive school environment with a challenging curriculum,” she said.
"Our own Pacers may see these high school students on campus and even have classes with them at some point. We will welcome these young scholars to USC Aiken and we are so pleased to partner with the Aiken County School District on this important effort."
During the 9th and 10th grade years, Aiken Scholars Academy will be taught by Aiken County instructors as they participate in courses necessary for high school graduation at Honors and Advanced Placement levels. Following their completion of this required coursework, Academy students will be enrolled in college courses on the USC Aiken campus. Students will choose to enroll in courses of interest. By the time they graduate, ASA students may earn 48-60 hours of college credit.
The Aiken Scholars Academy’s website went live following the meeting. Interested students and families are invited to visit www.acpsd.net/AikenScholarsAcademy for additional information and are encouraged to submit questions.