Middle school students in the Richland One Career Exploration Magnet Program have multiple opportunities to explore various careers pathways through academic and leadership development. Through a rigorous, fast-paced curriculum, students achieve high levels of engagement and success through our project-based learning units that are built around South Carolina state standards. Each day, students make meaningful connections between what they are learning in class and the world around them. W.G. Sanders is a Leader in Me School, and students are given multiple opportunities to serve in leadership capacities in their communities, school and country. From touring our nation’s capital to participating in entrepreneurship tours on Wall Street, to spending two days in leadership retreats geared just for middle schoolers, our students are on the go and making connections to the world around them. Ongoing parent involvement through workshops and programs is highly encouraged for students participating in the magnet program.
Secondary Pathway: Eighth-grade Career Exploration students will automatically be enrolled as freshmen in one of the four Career Academies at W.J. Keenan High School.
Program Location: W.G. Sanders Middle School
Program Type: School-within-a-school model
Grades: 6-8
Eligibility Criteria: Open to all Richland One students
Student Selection Method: Lottery
Enrollment Capacity: 60 slots per grade level (6-8)
MEDICAL MAGNET ACADEMY The Medical Magnet Academy introduces students to various careers in health sciences. The three-year program for middle school students emphasizes science, technology, engineering and math skills that will help them understand the fundamental principles of careers in health care and prepare them to be 21st century critical thinkers. Courses offered include Career Exploration, Medical Careers II and Medical Detective. W.A. Perry is a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) school. The Medical Magnet Academy also offers pathways in aerospace, engineering, technology and the arts.
Program Location: W.A. Perry Middle School
Grades: 6-8
Program Structure: School-within-a-school model
Eligibility Criteria: Open to all Richland One students
Selection Method: Application
Enrollment Capacity: 20 slots per grade level
Bus Transportation: Provided only for students zoned to W.A. Perry Middle School
The mission of the Montessori Middle Level Program is to provide a complete academic environment for each student and to form a community of learners that nurtures the adolescent in a caring and social climate. We strive to be a community of adults and teenagers who respect each other’s deepest personal and human qualities. Our goal is to help students understand the connection between finding one’s place in society and purpose in the universe.
Our program is best known for its multi-grade learning communities, field studies, service learning projects, group initiatives, erdkinder (student managed farm-based experience), thematic work emphasis, seminars and relationship building.
Students, families and teachers sign contracts requiring a commitment to the Montessori values of learning, community involvement and respect for others.
Program Location: W.G. Sanders Middle School
Grades: 6-8
Program Structure: School-within-a-school model
Eligibility Criteria:Three prior consecutive years of Montessori education program with Montessori certified teachers