Public School Benefits Opportunities for Lexington and Richland Students

by Marilyn Thomas

The eclectic educational and extracurricular programs offered by Lexington’s public schools represent life-changing opportunities for young people of the local community. Lexington District One and School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties are dedicated to providing academic excellence and enriching experiences to better prepare their students for a successful future.

Where Every Choice is a Great Choice

School District Five of Lexington & Richland Counties

“School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties is committed to excellence in academics, the arts, athletics and community service,” says Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr., an experienced educator who currently serves as the superintendent of District Five. “In School District Five, our goal is to provide students with experiences and programs of study that will both prepare them for the workforce and help make them good citizens.”

“In public education, we get the benefit of serving all students,” he says. “In School District Five, over 60 languages are spoken by students and staff.” Because of this diversity, “Students have the opportunity to learn from each other about different cultures and experiences, fostering social skills and global understanding.”

“Our long legacy as a top district is the result of the combined efforts of many individuals and groups supporting our students,” he says. In 2021, a survey was conducted within District Five to identify what motivates the school staff. Eighty-six percent said that they “love their students and want them to grow,” and 100 percent responded that “they are here for the students.” Superintendent Ross explains, “That shared commitment became the vision of our district—We Love and Grow Our Students. All of our district’s success can be attributed to those values.”

According to Superintendent Ross, Niche.com [an online education resource with more than 140 million reviews and ratings] has ranked School District Five as ‘the number two school district in South Carolina’ and the number one ‘best place to teach in South Carolina”. Also, “U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best High Schools rankings rated the district at the top for preparing students for college,” he says. During that same year, “The district’s SAT and ACT scores were again among the top in the state,” and “the graduating classes earned millions in academic and athletic scholarships” with several students winning National Merit Scholarships.

“School District Five takes pride in being a school system ‘Where Every Choice is a Great Choice,’” adds Superintendent Ross, and currently, the district has 16 magnet programs, which use a unique curriculum with a specialized focus or theme. “Choice and magnet offerings have been expanded, and families can choose from most schools in the district regardless of school zone. This approach helps ensure that each student can find the learning environment that best fits his or her needs and provides the very best opportunity for success.”

Additionally, “Our schools provide a wide array of enrichment opportunities, from top athletic teams and activities to award-winning arts and music programs,” says Superintendent Ross. “School District Five sports teams had successful seasons during the 2023-2024 school year,” and “band, choir, orchestra and arts programs in elementary, middle and high schools also continued to shine, receiving several prestigious awards.”

Dynamic and Engaging Learning Experiences

Lexington County School District One

By serving more than 27,000 students, who reside within the district’s 360-mile span across Lexington County, and employing a workforce of about 4,100 employees, “Lexington One plays a vital role in shaping the future of Lexington County, South Carolina, our nation, and the world,” says Libby Roof, the chief communications officer of Lexington School District One.

“At Lexington One, we’re dedicated to providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to be successful in college, careers, the military and beyond,” she says.

This educational journey begins for students who enroll in the district’s “comprehensive range of educational programs” offered within its 32 schools, which include 18 elementary schools, eight middle schools, five high schools, a technology center, and a community learning center.

“From early childhood education to adult learning, Lexington One provides opportunities for all,” Ms. Roof says. “From athletics, archery teams, and performing arts programs, to dual enrollment coursework, career and technology certifications, and work-based learning opportunities, Lexington One strives to help our students experience and participate in various studies and programs.”

Furthermore, “The district’s commitment to academic excellence, coupled with robust programs in athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service, has earned recognition year after year,” she says.

For example, Ms. Roof explains, “Lexington County School District One outpaced the state on the overall performance for the 2024 South Carolina School Report Cards,” an annual accountability report published by the state’s Department of Education. Several statistics from that publication are worth noting: 50 percent of Lexington One schools scored “good” or “excellent,” 93 percent scored “average” or above, and the district’s on-time graduation rate (of 88.2 percent) exceeded the state’s average.

“Whether students earn a certificate in one of our 21 career and technology programs, participate in our French, Spanish, German or Mandarin language immersion programs, or participate in after-school activities such as running or language clubs, our students at all levels develop the academic and power skills to be college, career and military-ready,” says Ms. Roof.

“To achieve our mission of guiding all students to learn, grow and excel, we’ve developed the Lexington One Graduate Profile, which outlines the essential qualities we strive to instill in all of our students,” Ms. Roof explains. To support this goal, the district established a comprehensive framework that guides the district’s educators “in creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences.”

“By graduation, all Lexington One students should be knowledgeable, creative thinkers and problem solvers, independent learners, communicators, collaborators, future-ready leaders, personally and socially responsible, kind and resilient,” she adds.

“As Lexington One continues to grow and evolve,” Ms. Roof concludes, “the district remains steadfast in its commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for all students, guiding them to learn, grow and excel every day!”