Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions for Magnet Programs

What are magnet programs?

Our new magnet programs are located in the Carvers Bay area and will have a focus on Digital Immersion, STREAM, Creative and Performing Arts, STEAM, and Early College and Career. We look forward to promoting specific theme curriculum and implementation of evidence- based AVID system. The theme/focus will be integrated with the South Carolina State Standards to provide an enriching, innovative, and engaging learning experience for all students. Students will have the opportunity to create, perform and apply real-world applications to build content knowledge that is enhanced with hands-on learning opportunities. Our focus is to prepare every student academically, socially, and emotionally to be creative leaders in a global society.

The purpose of magnet programs are to improve student achievement, promote diversity, and create an awareness of career opportunities relative to the fields of study in which students may be interested.

What grade levels are served?

GCSD offers five magnet programs for grades Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Which schools in GCSD have magnet programs? (Whole School Magnet Programs)

Brown’s Ferry Elementary for the Creative and Performing Arts

Brown’s Ferry will offer students an arts-infused curriculum with opportunities to explore a variety of creative and performing arts experiences. Brown’s Ferry will be transformed into 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 will offer 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) will provide students with a comprehensive curriculum that will prepare them for success in multiple STEM pathways.

Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy

Pleasant Hill will offer 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 will be the crossroads where students will 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 will offer 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. 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 and dual enrollment pathways.

Who can attend a magnet school?

Any student currently residing in GCSD may submit an application to attend a magnet school. If the student is accepted and chooses to enroll, students must attend the magnet school 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 the GCSD website beginning Monday, April 3, 2023.

How long is the application window?

The application window is open from April 3, 2023- April 28, 2023. The application will close at 11:59 PM on April 28, 2023.

I missed the April deadline to apply. Are there any exceptions?

For students new to GCSD (after April application period) who wish to apply for a magnet school, a second application window will be available from Monday, June 26, 2023 (8:00 AM) until Thursday, June 29, 2023 (12:00 PM).

Do I apply for my zoned school?

Zoned School is the school that is aligned to your home address.

No, you do not need to apply to your zoned school. If you are interested in a non-zoned magnet, you will need to submit an application for the non-zoned school.

Can I change my magnet application?

Prior to the application closing on April 28, 2023 at 11:59 PM, you can log back into your application if it has not been fully submitted and adjust your first and/or second choice. If you have already submitted your application, all changes must be directed through the Magnet Office to Connie May at [email protected]

Is transportation provided?

Transportation will be provided for the students if requested by the parents or legal guardian. Bus stops will be assigned as closely and safely as practical, to the residence of the students.

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 unless you want to apply for your student to attend a different magnet school for the next school year.

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.

Student 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 Monday, April 3, 2023 anytime between 5:30-7 PM at the Beck Administration Building at 2018 Church Street. Families will have the opportunity to meet with school representatives, review the brochures, and learn about each magnet program. Also, if you need assistance with the online Magnet application, we are happy to assist you.

Can a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) apply for Magnet Programs?

Magnet Programs are available for all GCSD students regardless of 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 (April 3-28, 2023), 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) 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 on May 8, 2023. 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 by Monday, May 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM. If not accepted by the date listed, the seat will be given to another qualified student.