ALL MIDDLE SCHOOLS, INCLUDING STEM & STEAM MAGNET, SET TO OPEN DOORS THURSDAY FOR OPEN HOUSE NIGHT
“Tonight’s Open Houses are for students nearing their middle school years and their families,” Joy Shealy, Executive Director of Middle Schools, stated.
“With every middle school undergoing a transformation through a broadening of advanced course offerings across the curriculum and increased student access to a wide range of artistic, athletic and community activities, current sixth and seventh graders are also encouraged to stop by to find out more about what’s in store at their own schools next year,” Shealy added.
The District’s eleven middle schools, including Jackson STEM Magnet and New Ellenton STEAM Magnet, will open their doors from 6-8:00 p.m. this Thursday, March 9. Both middle school magnet schools are STEM-certified by AdvancED, the premier education accreditation agency worldwide. Both are currently accepting new students.
“To have the AdvancED seal of approval is a testament to the hard work and commitment of the administration and staff of these schools,” Chief Officer of Administration Mr. King Laurence commented. “It also provides an assurance to the families of Aiken County that a first class STEM program is available right here at home.”
All Aiken County middle schools now offer advanced classes with greater rigor, depth and complexity in English, social studies, and science.
Mathematics offerings have been expanded to include Advanced Math 6 and Pre-Algebra for sixth grade students, Advanced Math 7 and Algebra 1 Honors for seventh graders and Algebra 1 and Geometry Honors for high-achieving students in eighth grade, in addition to traditional grade-level courses.
Aiken County’s middle school students may earn high school credits, including Algebra 1 Honors, Geometry Honors, English 1 Honors, World Languages, and Career & Technology Education (CATE), by engaging in high school credit-bearing coursework on their own middle school campus or virtually.
In addition to the thematic programs available at our two middle schools of choice, students at all middle schools have Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) opportunities through elective courses and competitions.
Future Cities, Robotics, MathCounts, Science Fairs, and Synergistic and Project Lead the Way Labs, coupled with extra-curricular activities through clubs and athletic programs in Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Golf, and Cheerleading foster a comprehensive academic and social experience for students transitioning from adolescent to early teenage years.
We look forward to welcoming families to Aiken County Public Schools for the very best in middle school education. Join us at the Open Houses tonight (March 9) and experience, first hand, an enhanced learning and growth opportunity only available in your community’s public schools.