GCSD Magnet Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Magnet Programs?
Our new magnet programs are located in the Carvers Bay area and focus on Digital
Immersion, STREAM, Creative and Performing Arts, STEAM, and Early College and
Career. Our programs promote specific theme curriculum and implementation of
school-wide AVID strategies that teach students organizational skills,
note-taking, and critical thinking by using strategies like WICOR (Writing, Inquiry,
Collaboration, Organization, and Reading). Each school’s theme is integrated with SC
state standards to provide an enriching, innovative, and engaging learning
experience for all students. Students have the opportunity to create, perform and
apply real-world applications to build content knowledge that is enhanced with
hands-on learning opportunities. The purpose of GCSD magnet programs is to
improve student achievement, promote diversity, and create awareness of career
opportunities relative to the fields of study in which students may be interested.
What grade levels are served in the GCSD Magnet Programs?
GCSD offers five magnet programs in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Which schools in GCSD have whole school Magnet programs?
Brown’s Ferry Elementary School for the Creative and Performing Arts
Brown’s Ferry offers students an arts-infused curriculum with opportunities
to explore a variety of creative and performing arts experiences. Brown’s
Ferry is a vibrant hub of creativity that honors the talents of each child and
empowers student-centered learning, exploration, and engagement with the
arts.
Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
Plantersville offers students a rigorous and engaging curriculum using media
and technology to support digital literacy and computational thinking. A
progression of scaffolded learning opportunities to support digital
foundational skills to computer science and computational thinking (robotics,
coding, and engineering) provides students with a comprehensive curriculum that
prepares them for success in multiple STEM pathways.
Pleasant Hill STEAM Academy
Pleasant Hill offers students a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum of Science,
Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math that is grounded in
project-based learning and inquiry to inspire and empower students to
explore the natural world.
Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
Carvers Bay Middle School is the crossroads where students deepen their
exploration of STEAM content through an expanded choice of electives as well
as in the core curriculum. Project-based learning and inquiry serve as the
foundation for the STEAM Academy.
Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School
Carvers Bay High School offers students rigorous and authentic academic
and career-readiness pathways in Computer Science, STEM , and the Arts with
opportunities for specialized curriculum, work-based learning, and
opportunities to earn college credit in partnership with Horry-Georgetown
Technical College through dual enrollment. As part of the school’s curriculum,
students will be able to earn industry workforce credentials, completion of
Career and Technical Education (CTE) credentials, and an Associate’s Degree.
Who can attend a Magnet school in GCSD?
Any student currently residing in GCSD may submit an application during the
application windows to attend a magnet school. If the student is accepted and
chooses to enroll, students must attend the school of their choice full-time and
remain enrolled for the entire school year. Students are not permitted to attend a
magnet school part-time to take individual classes.
How do I apply for a Magnet school for my student?
You must complete an online application for each student. The application link will be
available on GCSD and each school’s websites during the application windows.
The magnet application is a separate process from Power School registration.
Parents must complete both the magnet application and the Power School
registration to be considered for a magnet program.
How many application windows are there and what is the timeline for each
window?
There are three application windows. The spring and summer windows for
2026 are listed below.
Application window 1 is open from Monday, February 23rd - Wednesday,
Monday, March 9th at 5:00 pm.
Application window 2 is open from Thursday, April 23rd - Monday, May 11th,
2025 at 5:00 pm.
Application window 3 is open from Monday, June 22nd - Monday, July 13th at
5:00 pm.
I missed the deadline to apply for the first window. Are there any exceptions?
For students who enroll in a GCSD school outside of the Magnet schools attendance
area, there are two additional application windows. Window 2 opens April 23, 2026 and
closes May 11, 2026. Window 3 opens June 22, 2026 and closes July 13, 2026.
Do I apply if I live in the attendance zone of a Magnet school?
No, if you live in the attendance area and would like to attend the school you are
zoned for, you do not have to apply.
However, if you live in an attendance zone of a Magnet school and wish to attend
another magnet school out of your specified zone, you must apply to go to that
Magnet school. (e.g., You live in Oatland Community and should attend BFESCPA
because that is your zoned school, but wish to attend Plantersville Elementary
Digital Immersion School, then you must apply to attend Plantersville school).
Can I change my magnet application?
Prior to the application closing, you can log back into your application if it has not
been fully submitted and adjust your choice. If you have already submitted your
application, all changes must be directed through the GCSD Magnet office at
843-436-7121.
Is transportation provided?
Transportation will be provided for students residing in Georgetown County if
requested by the parents or legal guardian. Bus stops will be assigned as closely
and safely as practical to the residence of the student(s).
Are siblings kept together when they apply to the same school?
Siblings can attend the same school. An application must be submitted for each
student.
If a student attends a magnet program in an elementary school, may they
continue in these programs at the middle or high school level?
Yes. If you are not zoned for the middle or high school magnet you wish to attend,
you will need to complete an application for your student in the spring of their 5th
and 8th grade year.
Are there any costs associated with entrance into magnet programs?
There is no cost associated with magnet programs for any GCSD student.
Do I have to apply every year to keep my magnet seat?
If you wish to continue at the same magnet school for the following year, you will not
be required to complete a magnet application. However, if you wish to change
magnet programs, you are required to complete an application.
I am an employee with Georgetown County School District, do I need to apply
for my student to attend?
Yes. If your student is not zoned for the magnet school you wish for the student to
attend, you must complete an application.
What if my student is not currently a Georgetown County School District
student?
Out-of-county transfers are students living outside of Georgetown County and are
permitted to transfer to Georgetown County School District in accordance with
district guidelines and state law.
Students requesting Out-of-County transfers must:
1) Obtain a release from his or her home school district unless they can otherwise
verify qualification for attendance in the district (i.e., ownership of land in
Georgetown County).
2) Pay an out-of-county tuition fee through the GCSD’s Business and Finance
Department. A waiver may be obtained in the following situations:
The student’s parent/legal guardian is a full-time employee of the
Georgetown County School District.
The student owns land in his/her name in Georgetown County at the
assessed value of $300 or more OR the parent/legal guardian of the
student pays more taxes in Georgetown County than the amount of the
tuition fee.
My child appears to be interested in several Magnet Programs. How do we
make the choice?
Families are encouraged to attend the GCSD Magnet Information Night on Thursday,
April 23, 2026 anytime between 5:00-6:30 pm at Carvers Bay Early College and Career
High School located at 13002 Choppee Rd, Hemingway, SC. Families will have the
opportunity to meet with school representatives, review the brochures, and learn
about each magnet program. During this time, you may also apply for a school of
your choice.
Additionally, prospective families are welcome to sign up for tours of any Magnet
school to see the learning opportunities available. These tours are offered on specific
dates and are during the school day.
Can a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) apply for
Magnet Programs?
Magnet Programs are available for all GCSD students regardless of a disability.
Educational services for a student with special needs are detailed in their
Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Individual Accommodation Plan.
Students with disabilities will be provided with equitable access to the schools that
are consistent with the child’s IEP.
How are students selected for a magnet school?
Following the Magnet window, students who submit an application are selected
through a random computerized process. Two criteria are used: the application was
submitted during the online application period, and school capacity. GCSD uses a
third party online platform (Novus Choice) to conduct a fair and equitable process.
How will families find out about their selection status?
Parents/students will be emailed when selections are made. Parents/students
must login to their Magnet account to see if your student(s) were selected to attend
a Magnet program. If selected for a Magnet program, students/parents must accept
the seat. Once a parent accepts the magnet offer, notification to school will occur.
A magnet school application and acceptance is only the first step in enrolling a
student in the Magnet program of your choice. ALL parents must also complete the
GCSD Power School student enrollment form that opens in the spring. Once you have
completed both steps (Magnet application and PowerSchool registration), then the
student is officially enrolled in the Magnet school.