Centers for Advanced Study

Developing Highly Skilled, Self-Directed Students

It is the goal of Lexington County School District One to prepare a new generation of leaders and global citizens. Our desire is to develop self-directed and reflective students who accept ownership and responsibility for their learning. We want our students to develop self-confidence in their academic abilities and competence in using 21st century knowledge and skills to achieve sophisticated learning.

Most of all, we want to ensure that Lexington One graduates maintain their competitive edge. This means that our graduates must possess the necessary skills to compete, contribute, and succeed both locally and globally. They must be well-equipped to meet the anticipated needs of jobs, challenges and technologies that currently do not even exist.

To support this vision for our graduates, six Centers for Advanced Study located throughout the district provide students with focused knowledge and skills at the advanced level. Students from all the district’s high schools are eligible to apply to and participate in these centers. Students at each Center explore advanced coursework for two to three years (depending on the Center) for a half day all year long. Center students have many opportunities for self-directed learning. They have opportunities to develop their research skills, pursue a deeper understanding of a subject area of their own interest, and interact with experts in their particular field of study. Each Center focuses on preparation for post-secondary study and careers through specialized research projects, dual credit courses, Advanced Placement courses and externships (work-based experiences that are short in duration). Such cutting edge opportunities enhance student motivation to become academically confident and competent.

Explore the Centers

The Center for Advanced Agribusiness Research at Pelion High

Advanced Agribusiness Research Center at Pelion High School provides students an intensive study of Agribusiness through experimental agriscientific research, entrepreneurial ventures, and advanced studies while participating in leadership opportunities in South Carolina's leading industry.

Students enrolled at the Advanced Agribusiness Research Center develop and enhance interpersonal characteristics, communication, and business skills through self-directed learning opportunities in agribusiness to become responsible local, national, and global citizens in the 21st Century.

World-Changing Careers

This center is not just for students interested in agriculture. The center provides opportunities for students interested in science, marketing, business management, and research careers, all of which relate to South Carolina’s number one industry — agribusiness.

With food and energy production on the forefront of local, national, and global priorities, the Center is an imperative and timely addition to our district as we prepare our students to become “…thinking, productive and responsible citizens in the global, competitive, 21st century.”

Resources

Advanced Agribusiness Research Interest Form

Contact:
Sean Bishton, Principal
803-821-2200

The Center for Advanced STEM Studies at Lexington Technology Center

The Center for Advanced STEM Studies at Lexington Technology Center is a robust series of seven courses that engage students to become self-directed and reflective learners.

Students have opportunities to develop leadership and communications skills while investigating STEM topics at the global, national, local, and personal levels.

At the Center for Advanced STEM Studies, students interested in the fields of engineering, architecture, and physics have the opportunity to gain a more thorough understanding and exploration of these topics.

Resources

Advanced STEM Studies Interest Form

Contact:
Bryce Myers, Director
803-821-3000

The Center for Law and Global Policy Development at River Bluff High

The Center for Law and Global Policy Development at River Bluff High School features a curriculum developed closely with area international policy and legal professionals to ensure that students' experiences are grounded in an understanding of the process involved in the creation of public policy, as well as the practical application of law.

This curriculum is built around case studies involving social, environmental, and economic issues impacting citizens on the local, national, and international levels. In addition, students learn how to apply the technological skills needed to navigate the professional needs of policy creation/implementation and legal research/practice. The Center for Law and Global Policy Development has as its focus the understanding that public service is the aim of policy and legal professions.

Students applying to the Center are recommended to have completed one World Language credit before entering the freshman year. The Center is open to all juniors and seniors in Lexington One. Students will spend a half-day within the Center each semester.

Resources

Law & Global Policy Development Courses

Interest Form

Contact:
Jacob Smith, Principal
803-821-0705

The Center for Media Arts, Design and Production at River Bluff High

The Center for Media Arts, Design, and Production at River Bluff High School offers students the opportunity to craft works that link technological skill to their creative energies. The Center offers experiences in music technology and recording, television and video production, and digital photography.

The Center is open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors in Lexington One. Students spend a total of a half day within the Center each semester.

Students and faculty collaborate with each other and with other professionals on projects that are shared in a variety of venues inside and outside of RBHS. Students also develop practical skills applicable to almost any career including: critical analysis, research, teamwork, flexibility, perseverance, and the ability to meet deadlines. The relationship between the fine arts, technology and business, as well as the creative collaboration required to be successful in the media arts, design and production industries, are at the core of students’ experiences in this Center for Advanced Study.

Areas of Emphasis

Students can choose to specialize in one of four main areas of emphasis:

Music Technology and Recording
Television and Video Production
Digital Photography

Resources

Media Arts, Design, and Production Courses

Media Arts, Design and Production Interest Form

Contact:
Jacob Smith, Principal
803.821.0700

The Center for Public Health and Advanced Medical Studies at White Knoll High

The Center for Public Health and Advanced Medical Studies is located on the campus of White Knoll High School. The Center is open to all students in Lexington School District One beginning in grade 10.

Students spend a total of two 90-minute blocks within the Center (half a day) each semester. All students take four Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses focusing on the biomedical sciences. In addition to the courses taken through the center, students have the opportunity in their senior year to gain real world exposure through various work force visits.

Students applying to the Center are required to have completed Biology 1 and Algebra 1 Honors prior to their sophomore year and have completed or be enrolled in Algebra 2 (Honors preferred). Students must pass all Center courses at a given grade level to continue to the next year of the program.

Resources

Public Health and Advanced Medical Studies Application Form

Public Health and Advanced Medical Studies Flyer

Public Health and Advanced Medical Studies Fact Sheet

Over-Subscription Rubric

Contact:
Nicholas Pearson, Principal
803-821-5200