School Choice and Choice Programs

Located at Beaufort, Bluffton, and May River High Schools

AP Capstone™ is a diploma program based on two year-long AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. These courses are designed to complement other AP courses that the AP Capstone student may take.

For more information visit: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org

Beaufort County School District (BCSD) and Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) are continuing their expanded academic partnership to increase learning opportunities for students within Beaufort County School District.

This dual enrollment partnership will enable qualified BCSD rising ninth grade students to enroll in a full-time dual enrollment cohort at TCL’s New River Campus or Beaufort Mather Campus. Each cohort will consist of a minimum of 20 students who will experience college-level degree seeking courses as high school students, taught by TCL instructors.

Student eligibility is based on TCL Requirements:

• Enrolled in a BCSD high school
• Must be a legal U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Must have a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 unweighted scale)
• A qualifying PSAT score
• Additional criteria as determined by TCL Admissions and BCSD

Qualifying students attending Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, and May River high schools will be eligible for the cohort housed on TCL’s New River Campus and will have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities and athletics at their home high school. Qualifying students attending Beaufort, Battery Creek, and Whale Branch Early College high schools will be eligible for the cohort housed on TCL’s Beaufort Mather Campus and will have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities and athletics at their home high school.

BCSD Tides freshmen will declare one of two University Transfer Pathways as their “MAJOR”

• Associate of Arts: University Transfer Pathway
• Associate of Science: University Transfer Pathway

As the BCSD Tides cohorts progress to junior and senior high school status, students can take advantage of additional options to earn an Associate Degree in one of the following “MINORS”:

• Associate of Applied Science/Computer Technology-Programming
• Associate of Applied Science/Computer Technology-Networking
• Associate of Applied Science/Cybersecurity
• Associate of Applied Science/Business Administration
• Associate of Science/Allied Health Science
• Associate of Science/Allied Health Science - Medical Assisting
• Associate of Science/ Allied Health Science – Entrepreneurship/Small Business Certificate

Learn more here!

Located at Battery Creek and May River High Schools

The Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma is an international curriculum and examination system that emphasizes the value of broad and balanced study. The Cambridge Academy provides students with the opportunity to pursue a rigorous program of study based on an internationally standardized curriculum.

For more information visit: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org

ChangeMakers Magnet School Program Grant

Located at Hilton Head Island High School

ChangeMakers is a new school-wide magnet initiative continuing the focus on inquiry-based, global exploration through dual language immersion, Project Lead the Way, AVID, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

Located at Whale Branch High School

Early College high school students can earn both a high school diploma and up to two years of college credit at the same time. Early College high schools increase exposure and access to post-secondary study while reducing or eliminating college costs as students prepare for the job market or further study. A strong component of the Early College model is the WBECHS - Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) partnership.

Located at Hilton Head Island High School

IB is a program offered at the Hilton Head Cluster. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a curriculm framework for grades six through 10. It emphasizes conceptual learning through inquiry in all subjects. It connects the content areas and creates a bridge between school knowledge and real world knowledge. MYP culminates with the MYP Personal Project, a passion project for 10th graders. The Diploma Programme is a course of study for grades 11 and 12 with courses from 6 subject areas and IB core content. It allows students the opportunity to earn an international diploma as well as college credit. IB is considered one of the highest rigor programs available to students in terms of preparation for college.

For more information visit: https://www.ibo.org/

Located at Battery Creek High School

Leader in Me® is a whole-school transformation model and process developed in partnership with educators that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. It is based on principles and practices of personal, interpersonal and organizational effectiveness, and upon the powerful premise that every child possesses unique strengths and has the ability to be a leader.

For more information visit: https://www.leaderinme.org/

Located at Beaufort and Whale Branch High Schools

MedTech7 magnet pathways are offered in two clusters: Whale Branch and Beaufort. All MedTech7 schools offer schoolwide Arts Integrated learning. The Beaufort cluster offers Medical pathways in Biomedical Science, Allied Health Science, and Sports Medicine. The Whale Branch cluster offers Technology pathways in Game & Interactive Media Design, Cybersecurity, and Networking pathways. MedTech7 provides theme-based pathways of study which allows students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers and/or post-secondary education.

For more information visit: https://www.beaufortschools.net/families/school-choice programs/medtech7

Located at Beaufort, Bluffton, and May River High Schools

Visual and Performing Arts programs provide opportunities for committed and talented students who have a serious interest in the arts. In-depth study of the arts develops conceptual and technical skills of artistic expression and brings to fruition the student's individual interpretations of the world. The arts training is provided by highly trained art teachers as well as artists in residence. Students participate in extensive, highly specialized courses that can include dance, music theater, visual arts, and communication arts as well as a full academic program.

Located at Beaufort, H.E. McCracken, Lady's Island, and Whale Branch Middle Schools

Arts Integration programs focus on providing extensive opportunities for all students to learn through creative instructional approaches and to express themselves creatively in the arts. The arts curriculum provides students with a creative learning environment that includes performances, exhibitions of artwork, and special performing groups. Arts in Basic Curriculum sites receive funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission to support a comprehensive arts curriculum.

For more information visit: https://www.abcinstitutesc.org/

Located at Beaufort Middle School

Advancement Via Determination (AVID) is an in-school academic support program for grades 6 through 8. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for college eligibility and success. AVID places academically average students in advanced classes, levels the playing field for students of all backgrounds, especially those without a college going tradition in their families; and focuses on students in the academic middle--B,C, and even D students- who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard.

For more information visit: www.avid.com

Located at Hilton Head Island Middle School

ChangeMakers is a new school-wide magnet initiative continuing the focus on inquiry-based, global exploration through dual language immersion, Project Lead the Way, AVID, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasizes intellectual challenge. It encourages students aged 11 to 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally, and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical, and reflective thinkers.

For more information visit: https://www.ibo.org/

Located at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy

Leader in Me® is a whole-school transformation model and process developed in partnership with educators that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. It is based on principles and practices of personal, interpersonal and organizational effectiveness, and upon the powerful premise that every child possesses unique strengths and has the ability to be a leader.

For more information visit: https://www.leaderinme.org/

Located at Bluffton Middle School

Learning Through Leadership schools provide a comprehensive learning model through student leadership development. Learning Through Leadership program goals include fostering a student’s self-esteem, discipline, responsibility, confidence, and creativity. Students will learn to set and meet goals, effectively cooperate with people of various backgrounds and cultures, and resolve conflicts and solve problems.

Located at Beaufort, Lady's Island, and Whale Branch Middle Schools

MedTech7 magnet pathways are offered in two clusters: Whale Branch and Beaufort. All MedTech7 schools offer schoolwide Arts Integrated learning. The Beaufort cluster offers Medical pathways in Biomedical Science, Allied Health Science, and Sports Medicine. The Whale Branch cluster offers Technology pathways in Game & Interactive Media Design, Cybersecurity, and Networking pathways.

For more information visit: https://www.beaufortschools.net/families/school-choiceprograms/ medtech7

Located at River Ridge Academy

Montessori education supports children’s natural development and encourages them to develop their creativity, think critically, solve problems, and manage their own time. Montessori features mixed-age classrooms, allows students to make individual choices about their research and work, and gives them time for uninterrupted concentration. Montessori students enjoy their learning, so they can better remember what they learn.

Located at Beaufort, Bluffton, H.E. McCracken, Hilton Head Island, and Lady’s Island Middle Schools, River Ridge Academy

Through explorations of coding and robotics, flight and space, human body systems, and more, PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery. As they engage in hands-on, collaborative problem solving focused on real-world challenges, students use and stretch their imaginations in brand-new ways and connect their learning to life. All the while, students step into roles spanning the career landscape - a crucial experience during this transitional time in their lives. PLTW Gateway courses are offered at BCSD middle schools and are not available as a program of choice.

For more information visit: www.pltw.org

Located at Bluffton Elementary School 

Acceleration Elementary Academy is a strategy that allows a student to progress through school at a faster rate. In an accelerated model, a student can complete their elementary learning years at a younger age. For this program of choice, specific qualifications will be required and can be discussed more in depth upon interest.

Located at Beaufort and Pritchardville Elementary Schools

AMES is a program based on rigorous math and science foundational skills taught through the use of science and engineering projects. The AMES learning environment is designed to actively engage students in exploration, discovery, experimentation and mastery of standards. For this school choice, specific qualifications will be required and can be discussed more in depth upon interest.

Located at Hilton Head School for the Creative Arts, Lady's Island, Mossy Oaks and Whale Branch Elementary Schools

Arts Integration programs focus on providing extensive opportunities for all students to learn through creative instructional approaches and to express themselves creatively in the arts. The arts curriculum provides students with a creative learning environment that includes performances, exhibitions of artwork and special performing groups. Arts in Basic Curriculum sites receive funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission to support a comprehensive arts curriculum.

For more information visit: https://www.abcinstitutesc.org/

Located at Hilton Head Island IB Elementary School

ChangeMakers is a new school-wide magnet initiative continuing the focus on inquiry-based, global exploration through dual language immersion, Project Lead the Way, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

Located at Bluffton Elementary School

Computer Science is an immersive program that places emphasis on the use of technology to support learning and creative expression. Students develop skills needed to thrive in a digital world.

Located at Broad River and Hilton Head Island Elementary Schools

Dual-Language is a form of education in which students are taught literacy and content in two different languages during the school day. Students have the advantage of learning required subject area content and becoming fluent in a second language at the same time. Chinese and Spanish dual language programs are currently offered.

Located at Hilton Head Island IB Elementary School

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3-12 nurtures and develops young students as caring, active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. The PYP offers an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that builds conceptual understanding. The PYP has evolved to become a world leader in future-focused education.

For more information visit: https://www.ibo.org/

Located at Coosa, Lady's Island, M.C. Riley, Shanklin, St. Helena, and Robert Smalls Leadership Academy

Leader in Me® is a whole-school transformation model and process developed in partnership with educators that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. It is based on principles and practices of personal, interpersonal and organizational effectiveness, and upon the powerful premise that every child possesses unique strengths and has the ability to be a leader. For more information visit: https://www.leaderinme.org/

Located at Okatie Elementary

Learning Through Leadership schools provide a comprehensive learning model through student leadership development. Learning Through Leadership program goals include: fostering a student’s self-esteem, discipline, responsibility, confidence, and creativity. Students will learn to set and meet goals, effectively cooperate with people of various backgrounds and cultures, resolve conflicts and solve problems.

Located at Mossy Oaks and Whale Branch Elementary Schools

MedTech7 magnet pathways are offered in two clusters: Whale Branch and Beaufort. All MedTech7 schools offer schoolwide Arts Integrated learning. The Beaufort cluster offers Medical -themed lessons and units of study to help students explore the world of medicine. The Whale Branch cluster offers Technology-themed lessons and units of studies where students can learn the basics of coding, computers, and more. MedTech7 provides theme-based pathways of study which allow students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers and/or post-secondary education. For more information visit: https://www.beaufortschools.net/families/school-choiceprograms/medtech7

Located at Beaufort Elementary School and River Ridge Academy

Montessori education supports children’s natural development and encourages them to develop their creativity, think critically, solve problems, and manage their own time. Montessori features mixed-age classrooms, allows students to make individual choices about their research and work, and gives them time for uninterrupted concentration. Montessori students enjoy their learning so they can better remember what they learn.

Located at Coosa, Port Royal, Pritchardville, and Red Cedar Elementary Schools

Project Based Learning provides an engaging, personalized learning environment where students are encouraged to achieve success and develop a love for learning. Through Project Based Learning, students engage in hands-on activities that are reflective of real-world challenges. This program encourages students to further explore subject areas and make meaningful connections between past knowledge and new concepts.

Located at Beaufort, Bluffton, Broad River, Coosa, Hilton Head Island IB, Hilton Head Island Creative Arts, Mossy Oaks, Okatie, Shanklin, and Whale Branch Elementary Schools, and Robert Smalls Leadership and River Ridge Academies

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) places an emphasis on curriculum that encourages hands-on engagement, problem solving, and the use of technology for research, collaboration, and project presentation. Students apply STEM knowledge and employ critical thinking skills as they learn and discover. For more information visit: https://www.pltw.org/our-programs/pltw-launch

In conjunction with VirtualSC and district partnerships, BCSD is able to offer a full-time virtual high school option. Students take core courses in English, math, science, and social studies as well as electives using approved South Carolina curriculum aligned with state standards. All virtual high school courses are taught by highly qualified and certified South Carolina teachers.

Students remain enrolled in their zoned school in Beaufort County School District and are eligible for participation in extracurricular events and activities. Students will be provided a device by the school district, but will need a stable internet connection.

Students need to be self-motivated and complete much of their coursework in an asynchronous (independent of teacher) format. Students will also participate in synchronous (real-time, live) learning for each course. Virtual teachers will provide schedules for weekly office hours and live sessions of instruction. Parents should and contact the school counselor at the student’s zoned school to discuss if the student would be a good candidate for virtual learning, and request the application.

Low Country Virtual is a tuition-free, full-time, online public school program based upon the National Standards for Quality (NSQ). Beaufort County School District has partnered with several other districts across the state as part of the Lowcountry Education Consortium whose purpose is to provide full-time, standards-based virtual education to students.

Low Country Virtual offers a strong South Carolina standards-aligned curriculum and a flexible, online learning environment. Students will be able to take core courses in English language arts, math, science, and social studies as well as electives via a high-quality curriculum taught by certified teachers. Students remain enrolled in their zoned school in Beaufort County School District and are eligible for participation in extracurricular events and activities.

Students will be required to log in daily for synchronous (real-time, live) instruction. Sample schedules by grade level are available. Students will be provided a device by the school district, but will need a stable internet connection.

Parents considering Low Country Virtual should read over the Guidelines for Success and then contact the school counselor at the student’s school to discuss if the student would be a good candidate for virtual learning. The Frequently Asked Questions section also provides information for parents considering Low Country Virtual.

For more information visit: https://lowcountryvirtual.org/

Virtual Learning Options

Athletics, Arts, and Extra-Curriculars

Students who qualify for a virtual learning option remain enrolled at their zoned BCSD school. Enrollment in BCSD school allows students to participate in athletics, the arts, and other extra-curricular clubs while taking courses virtually. Virtual Learning provides a flexible schedule helping make demanding travel, practice, and rehearsal schedules more manageable while maintaining academic success.