The Aiken area places a priority on learning – from pre-kindergarten to college and beyond. With public, private and religion-based schools available, educational opportunities are plentiful for all students, where academic, as well as physical and emotional, development are stressed.
Aiken County schools have been recognized statewide and nationally for academic excellence and for implementing numerous model programs.
Schools throughout the district received state and national recognition for outstanding achievement last year.
Last year four Aiken County public schools – Jefferson Elementary, J.D. Lever Elementary, A.L. Corbett Middle, and Silver Bluff High School – were recognized as South Carolina Red Carpet Schools. Aiken Elementary won the Carolina First Palmetto’s Finest Award for the second time. Newsweek Magazine once again cited South Aiken High School as one of “America’s Best High Schools.” And Aiken County’s public high school graduates amassed nearly $30 million in scholarships for post secondary education.
Aiken County’s educational curriculum keeps pace with the constant changing world of business and technology. All schools have Internet capabilities, and the International Baccalaureate program, which prepares students for careers in a global economy, is offered at Aiken High School and North Augusta High School.
AIKEN COUNTY SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE
K-12
Aiken County is South Carolina’s sixth largest school district in population.
Address: 1000 Brookhaven Drive
Aiken, SC 29803
Phone: (803) 641-2430
Total Administrative Areas: 5
K-12 Student Population: 24,871 (2008-2009)
Number of Schools: 47
- 7 High Schools
- 10 Middle Schools
- 20 Elementary Schools
- 1 Career and Technology Center
- 3 Charter School Programs
- 6 Alternative Schools
Average Teacher Salary: $48,730
Number of Teachers: 1,868
Number of 4-year-olds: 731
Total Number of Employees: 3,303
Ethnic Composition:
- 58.0% Caucasian
- 33.8% African-American
- 5.2% Hispanic/ESL
- 3.0% Asian/Other
NEW STUDENTS
All new students entering school for the first
time in Aiken County are requested to provide
the following documents:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Number
- Immunization Card/Form
- Proof of residency
IMMUNIZATION
For complete immunization requirements, call 1-800-27-SHOTS or visit www.scdhec.net
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
- Child Development (4K): 4 years old by September 1
- Kindergarten (5K): 5 years old by September 1
- First Grade: 6 years old by September 1
HIGHER EDUCATION
Aiken County’s institutions of higher education, Aiken Technical College (ATC) and the
University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken), offer outstanding opportunities for area citizens. As the #1 public baccalaureate college in the South in the 2009 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s guide, America’s Best Colleges, the University of South Carolina Aiken offers 30 undergraduate degrees and academic programs, and three graduate degree programs. This is the 11th consecutive year that USC Aiken has placed in the top three in America’s Best Colleges.
As a multi-service, two-year comprehensive college, Aiken Technical College works closely with area business and industry in meeting their work force needs. The college offers numerous educational opportunities in the fields of health, public service, business, industrial, engineering technology and computer technology. In addition, ATC offers college transfer programs for those students desiring to continue their education at a four-year institution.
The education in Aiken County does not stop with higher education, though. A strong commitment to lifelong learning is evident in USC Aiken’s exciting programs for seniors. The Academy for Lifelong Learning, located on campus, offers those over age 55 the opportunity to expand their horizons through lectures, group studies and travel.
Also located on the campus of USC Aiken is the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, which offers a hands-on approach to science and math. Established in 1987 as a cooperative effort with business and industry, the center has enriched the educational lives of more than 200,000 students, teachers and citizens since it opened.
The many educational successes in Aiken County come down to one thing – an unparalleled commitment to learning from educators, business and community leaders, and area citizens.
This powerful commitment has forged strong partnerships between education and the business community, and spelled success and an enhanced quality of life for all.
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