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Our vision is to create a nurturing, supportive, and collaborative learning environment that focuses on growing each student as an individual through a unique, high-quality, and rigorous educational experience immersed in the college atmosphere, preparing Scholars for entrance into an ever-changing and advanced society.
School Events
Announcements
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STEM CAREER CAMP
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SCHOOL FEES & REGISTRATION FOR 23-24- Registration for fall is OPEN NOW! For students currently enrolled in Aiken County Public Schools, registration is quick and easy. Parents and guardians can register through their Powerschool Parent Portal Account. If you do not already have a Parent Portal account created, please contact us for assistance.
New student registration for students who are coming from outside ACPSD (even if previously attended) will also be completed online. Parents and guardians of new students SELECT HERE TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Fees for the upcoming school year have been assessed in PowerSchool for ALL students in grades 9-12 based on the previous year's status. Fees, where applicable, include annual school fees ($65.00), along with technology fees ($50.00; this fee can no longer be waived).
We ask that all fees be paid prior to the start of the school year. They can be paid at school, mailed in by check, or online through eFunds.
If you have any questions related to fees, please contact Amanda Chadwick (achadwick@acpsd.net).
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2023-2024 SCHOOL CALENDAR- Check out next year's calendar HERE! School starts JULTY 25TH!
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FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK- Check ASA's Facebook page for updates regarding what's happening on campus. Click "FACEBOOK" to like and share our school's page.
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ASA IS A PUBLIX PARTNERS SCHOOL- Did you know? Publix Partners will donate a portion of your grocery purchase to our school! Start by enrolling at publix.com/partners and selecting our school. Then provide your phone number every time you check out at Publix. Terms & conditions apply.
Directions for setting up an account can be found HERE.
District Headlines
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Davis Named Assistant Principal at Byrd Elementary School for 2023-24 School Year
Kyle Davis has been named assistant principal at Byrd Elementary School for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. He has served in the role on an interim basis since October, and the school board approved his official appointment during their regularly-scheduled meeting Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
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Morris Named Assistant Principal at Midland Valley High for 2023-24 School Year
Mary Ellen Morris has been named as an assistant principal at Midland Valley High School for the 2023-24 school year. She has served in the role on an interim basis since September, and the school board approved her official appointment during their regularly-scheduled meeting Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
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Pope Named Assistant Principal at Aiken High School for 2023-24 School Year
George Pope has been named as an assistant principal at Aiken High School for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. He has served in the role on an interim basis since February, and the school board approved his official appointment during their regularly-scheduled meeting Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
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Badillo Named Assistant Principal at Highland Springs Middle School for the Upcoming 2023-24 School Year
Eliezer ‘Eli’ Badillo has been named as an assistant principal at Highland Springs Middle School for the upcoming 2023-24 school year. His appointment as an assistant principal for the District’s new middle school was approved during the regular meeting of the Aiken County Board of Education on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
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Lehman Named Assistant Principal at Highland Springs Middle School for the Upcoming 2023-24 School Year
Lehman currently serves as a Social Studies teacher at North Augusta High School. His appointment as assistant principal for the District’s new middle school was approved during the regular meeting of the Aiken County Board of Education on Tuesday, March 28, 2023.
Q & A
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What is the Scholars Academy? Aiken Scholars Academy (ASA) is a partnership between UofSC Aiken and Aiken County Public School District (ACPSD) to create an academic school of excellence. The Academy offers advanced students an engaging educational experience that introduces and then immerses them into the collegiate environment.
When did the school open? The school opened its doors to the first cohort of students in August of 2018, with a beginning enrollment of 50 ninth grade students from all over Aiken County.
Who can apply to attend the Scholars Academy? Rising 9th grade students with a proven record of academic excellence can apply. Standardized test scores, middle school academic performance, writing samples, recommendations, and an interview are part of the application process. Only 50 students will be accepted annually. Students must reside in Aiken County and are required to show proof of residency upon enrollment.
Where do classes take place? In 9th and 10th grade, classes take place in ASA's new building on the UofSC Aiken campus. In 11th and 12th grade, students take coursework through UofSC Aiken classes.
How can my child participate in sports or other extra-curricular activities? Students wishing to participate in athletics can join those offered at the high school for which they are zoned as long as they meet SCHSL eligibility requirements. ASA offers extra-curricular activities as well for student participation. Parents must make arrangements to transport their Scholar to and from activities at the zoned school outside of regular school hours and for activities at ASA that take place after school hours.
How much interaction will scholars have with the college students? During the freshman and sophomore years, high school students will have limited access and exposure to UofSC Aiken students. During the junior and senior years, Aiken Scholars Academy students will be fully immersed in the collegiate experience. While students will not attend classes in their freshman and sophomore year with college students, they will encounter students informally in common spaces like the library, computer lab, Student Activities Center, etc.
Are the classes offered here honored at all in-state institutions? What about out-of-state? There is a state articulation agreement between SC Colleges for accepting transferable credits (sctrac.org). Many out-of-state colleges will accept credits from SC Institutions. Guidance will be provided to students when selecting courses; however, students and parents are encouraged to research the institutions they want to attend for transferable credits.
Will the grading scale be based on the school district’s standards or the university’s? High school courses taught by high school teachers will follow all instructional and grading policies for ACPSD. Requirements and expectations will be communicated to students and parents via course syllabi. College courses will be taught according to college standards and grading. College courses will be reflected on the high school transcript, along with the numerical grade for the course. All courses, high school and college level, will factor into the high school GPA. Additionally, the college courses will be reflected in their post-secondary transcript.
How large will the individual classes be? Class sizes will be slightly smaller than an average high school class, with student to teacher ratios of 25:1.
Will ASA students change classes their freshmen and sophomore years? Yes, scholars will transition to classes within the Aiken Scholars Academy building.
Will my student have to apply to the university as a sophomore to take courses as a junior? No. Scholars enrolled in the Aiken Scholars Academy and in good academic standing following their sophomore year will seamlessly transition into UofSC Aiken college classes.
How can I prepare my middle schooler now to be competitive/accepted? Students applying to the Academy must be enrolled in English I and Algebra 1 or Geometry in 8th grade. If students do not complete Geometry in 8th grade, they must complete it in the summer through ACVA. Additional recommended coursework includes Computer Science, World Language and Pre-Writing (iNFUSION Summer Experience in the summer before 8th grade). Students should maintain good grades and are encouraged to engage in their school and local community.
What is the application process for the ASA? The application will open each fall with ample time for students to complete and submit. Details, dates and a timeline for the ASA will be accessible to students and parents directly on the ASA website under the Future Scholars tab.
When will my child be advised of acceptance? Applications are due late January or early February. Applicants will be notified of acceptance prior to Spring Break.
Where can we get more details on ASA? ASA hosts multiple information sessions throughout the school year for intersted applicats, as well as offers Open House opportunities for potential students to observe classes. Please contact the school for dates and times 803-306-1400.
How will academic scholarships be affected with such a small number of students? Although each scholarship opportunity must be researched, state scholarships provide for means of qualification other than class rank. Please review the qualification information for Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program and LIFE Scholarship by following the links here.
APPLICANT INFO
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Application notifications were mailed Friday, March 31st. Applicants who were invited to attend should complete the commitment form by Thursday, April 14th.
ASA will host an Open House for all students who need Geometry Honors for entrance on Monday, April 17th at 6:00 p.m. at the school.
Upcoming Events
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
5:00 PM Aiken County Career & Technology Center Completer Ceremony
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Thursday
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Friday
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June 13, 2023
6:00 PM Board of Education Meeting
National Honor Society 2022-2023













































Attributes of Premier Students
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For a closer look at the Attributes of Premier students in Aiken County Public Schools, click on the words "Attributes of Premier Students," or simply look around your school as we're sharing these attributes in a big way and posters and banners are everywhere!