• Watkins-Nance Elementary-BLAST Magnet

    Program Description:

    Elementary BLAST at Watkins Nance ElementaryThrough STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and Aerospace opportunities, students in the Richland One BLAST (Building Lasting Aerospace STEAM Trajectories) Magnet Program at Watkins Nance Elementary have unique opportunities to increase their science, technology, engineering and math skills while building awareness for aerospace. A rigorous, fast-paced curriculum challenges students from kindergarten through fifth grade to achieve high levels of engagement and success through our project-based learning units built upon South Carolina state standards.

    Our STEM-based theme serves to ignite curiosity, promote exploration and foster collaboration and scientific thinking through hands-on, inquiry based learning experiences. The inter-disciplinary curriculum provides students with strong foundational knowledge and emphasizes understanding of the world around them.

    BLAST Magnet Pathway: Students who attend our BLAST Magnet program have the unique opportunity to experience a STEM integrated curriculum and Aerospace Pathway from Kindergarten-12th grade (from Watkins Nance Aerospace Magnet to W.A. Perry Middle Aerospace Magnet to the National Defense Magnet at Columbia High).

    To create a seamless transition, fifth-grade students in the Aerospace Magnet Program at Watkins Nance will automatically be enrolled in the sixth grade Aerospace Magnet Program at W.A. Perry Middle School.

    Program Location: Watkins Nance Elementary School

    Program Type: School-within-a-school model

    Grades: Five-year-old kindergarten (5K) and grades 1-5

    Eligibility Criteria: Open to all Richland One students

    Student Selection Method: Lottery

    Enrollment Capacity: 20 spots per grade level (5K through fifth grade)

    Bus Transportation: Provided for all students

    Parent Session: 

    In-person sessions

    • Jan. 10, 2024 3:30pm -4:00pm
    • Jan. 18, 2024 3:30pm -4:00pm
    • Jan. 31. 2024  3:30pm -4:00pm

    Virtual Sessions:

    Click Here to Join the session

    • Dec. 14, 2023 9:00am -9:30am
    • Jan. 16, 2024 1:00pm-1:30pm
    • Jan. 18, 2024 3:00pm-3:30pm
    • Jan.23, 2024 9:00am -9:30am
    • Jan. 25, 2024 3:00pm -3:30pm
    • Jan. 30, 2024 1:00pm- 1:30pm

    Contact Information:

    Reynard Jefferson - Principal; Reynard.jefferson@richlandone.org (803)733-4321
    Stephanie Long - STEM Consultant; Stephanie.long@richlandone.org (803)733-4321