Spring Hill High is a 'Great Opportunity for the District,' Says Principal

Spring Hill High — Lexington-Richland 5's new magnet high school — will offer students in grades 9 and 10 a unique opportunity to participate in programs that meet their interests, school principal Dr. Michael Lofton said. 

"I think it’s a great opportunity for the district," Lofton said of the school. "I think you will see some great opportunities from (Spring Hill)."

The school, which is scheduled to open during the 2013-2014 school year, is located at Broad River and Mount Vernon Church roads in Chapin next to the Center for Advanced Technical Studies.

The school's colors are red and khaki, and the mascot will be the Stallions.

As of March 6, 553 rising freshman and sophomores were enrolled at Spring Hill, Lofton said. 

While the 267,000-square-foot facility has a capacity of 1,700 students, Lofton said the student population during the first year will not exceed 600 students.

The school would eventually grow to include grades 11 and 12, he said.

What was unique about the enrollment process, Lofton said, is that students and their families chose to attend the school. The students were not zoned there. 

Lofton provided a breakdown on student attendance:

• 188 students are rising 10th graders
• 365 students are freshman (23 applicants are on the waiting list)
• 36 percent of the student population or 198 students are from Chapin
• 34 percent or 189 students are from Dutch Fork
• 27 percent or 148 students are from Irmo 
• 3 percent or 18 students are new to the district
• The percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch are: 4.5 percent (reduced) and 11 percent (free)

The school will operate on an A/B block schedule from 8:40 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and students will take a shuttle back and forth from their zoned home school to Spring Hill.

There will be five academies at Spring Hill High: Entrepreneurial, Engineering, Entertainment, Environmental Studies and Exercise Science.

Under each academy, students will be able to focus on areas or "schools" that officials say will address the workforce needs of the future. 

Some schools include finance, hospitality, leadership and management, computer engineering, communication and broadcast arts, therapeutic studies and more. 

Many of the school's programs will go along with courses taught at the technical center. 

All courses required by the state Department of Education will be offered, Lofton said. Core courses such as English, social studies, foreign language and science are included.

Students must take a minimum of four electives required under each school of study, Lofton said. Students can take up to eight electives.

Courses in band, strings, chorus and ROTC will not be offered at Spring Hill due to scheduling. Students will have to attend their zoned school if they want to participate in those courses. 

As for high school league sports, students will participate at their original zoned school and take classes at Spring Hill, Lofton said. 

A student's athletic eligibility will not be jeopardized and those participating in sports will be able to take part in strength training at Spring Hill.

To view a presentation on Spring Hill High, see the attached document or click here.