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 interested applicants, 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.