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Academic All Stars & High School Scholars

History

In 1983-84, Richland County School District One implemented the High School Scholars (HSS) program. This program, leading to a special diploma, is designed to encourage students to pursue excellence through a rigorous academic program.

High School Scholars

Students who are successful participants in the High School Scholars Program and achieve a 4.0 GPA or better in HW, HH, AW, IW, or EW courses will receive a High School Scholars stole at the end of their senior year. All High School Scholars students are automatically named Academic All-Stars. At graduation, High School Scholar students will receive a diploma designating them as Richland County School District One High School Scholar. 

Academic All-Stars

To qualify as Richland One Academic All-Stars, students must be ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school’s senior class and have at least a 3.5 grade-point average (GPA). Students who are ranked in the top 10 percent of their senior class but do not have at least a 3.5 GPA are ineligible. No grade lower than a C will be accepted. Selection is made based upon the students’ academic standing at the end of the first semester of their senior year.

Eligibility

Any student who has the ability and desire for excellence in academics and to contribute meaningfully to the school may apply.

Application Procedures

If students have met the curriculum requirements, they are eligible to become a participant in the program at any time. Students who transfer into the district may participate in the program if they can provide official verification that they have taken courses comparable to HW, HH, AW, IW, or EW courses required in the program.

Grades

Students must have and maintain a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) in HW, HH, AW, IW, or EW courses throughout their High School experience. (4 English, 4 Math, 4 Science, 4 Social Studies, and 3 World Language). One unit of PE/ ROTC, along with ten units of Electives is also required. No grade below a “C” will be accepted.

Course Requirements

English

  • HW, AW, IW, EW 4 Units

Math

  • HW, AW, IW, EW 4 Units

Science

  • HW, AW, IW, EW 4 Units

Social Studies

  • HW, HH, AW, IW, EW 4 Units

World Language

  • 3 Units

Physical Education/ROTC

  • 1 Unit

Other Electives

  • 10 Units

Minimum Total

  • 30 Units
  • HW– Honors
  • HH - 1/2 unit Honors
  • AW—Advanced Placement
  • IW—International Baccalaureate
  • EW— Dual Credit

Richland County School District One High School Scholars

Extracurricular Requirements

Students must earn a minimum of eight points for extracurricular activities. These points may be earned through in school activities, out of school activities, or community service. If students participate in some activities not included in the point system, they have the right to present them to the School Counselor to determine whether these activities can count towards the extracurricular requirements. The students will document their points and present them to their school counselor to determine accuracy using the provided form.

Out of School Points

One point:

  • Participation in community band, choir, dance, drama, orchestra, theater, sports team, or JROTC. (A maximum of 1 point per year may be earned from such events)

In School Points

One Point:

  • Academic Competition
  • Any team sport
  • Color Guard 
  • Crew or cast member of a production in visual and performing arts
  • District Advisory Committee Member
  • Drill Team
  • Officer/club member of an inschool club, student council, or government
  • Staff member of annual, magazine, newspaper or yearbook

Community Service Points

One point:

  • This work is to be done during the school year. A maximum of 1 point per year may be earned from such service. A verification letter must be completed. Examples include but are not limited to marathons, walk or read-a-thons.