Aiken County Schools

The Consolidated School District of Aiken County operates 41 schools spread over 1,178 square miles. Schools in the county include seven high schools, 10 middle schools, 20 elementary schools, three charter schools and a career center.

With a total of 25,905 students, Aiken is South Carolina's fifth largest school district by population. The county's 198 school buses transport 15,300 students per day. They cover an area as large as the entire state of Rhode Island and travel 16,658 miles every day or 2.99 million miles per year. Aiken High is the largest school with 1,686 students and New Ellenton Middle is the smallest with 213. The school district has 3,271 employees, including 1,868 teachers, 54 percent of whom have degrees at the Masters level or higher.

Several schools in Aiken County are recognized statewide and nationally for implementing model programs in the arts, middle school education, physical education, science education, athletics, community service initiatives, etc. These honors are attributed to the hard work of accomplished school administrators, teachers, students, and parents. Recognitions include: The Verner Award, Palmetto's Finest, Blue Ribbon Candidate, National School of Excellence, Principal of the Year, Milken Family Foundation National Educators' Award, State Teacher of the Year, Service Learning, State Agriculture Awards, Vocational Education Awards, State Band Competitions, and others.

Aiken County teachers amass more than half a million dollars annually through writing educational grants, including grants provided by the Public Education Partners (PEP). Considering all competitive grants, the school district accumulates more than $1.2 million annually.

School facilities are among the best in the state and nation. The vast majority of the schools have been recently renovated or expanded. Many are relatively new (not more that 10-15 years old on an average).

Aiken County continued its path of excellence during the 2008-2009 school year with numerous awards and accolades. Significant gains were made this year in student achievement, community service, career initiatives, athletics, and student-teacher attendance.

Ten schools were named Palmetto Gold and Silver Award recipients for attaining high levels of absolute performance and high rates of improvement. Two high schools received the Bronze Award recognition by the "US News and World Report" magazine as two of the best high schools in America. Three schools were recognized as South Carolina Red Carpet Schools, bringing the county total to 20 honorees.

District FFA programs and Aiken County Career and Technology Center students received numerous first place state awards for career and vocational achievements. Volunteerism and community projects reached new heights with two Key Clubs being recognized as International Clubs of the Year. Several high school NJROTC units won state and national acclaim in drill, rifle, and academic team competitions. One middle school won first place in the engineering and mathematical elite South Carolina Future City competition.

Graduates set a district record by receiving approximately $33 million in scholarships for post-secondary education, and 12 graduates earned 12 years perfect attendance.

Aiken County's classrooms are technologically rich with an average of one computer for every five students. Schools have internet capability, as well.

The Aiken school system serves 93 percent of all school-age children in Aiken County. This compares impressively to other large school districts in the state with similar demographics. All Aiken County schools, except charter schools, are fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

For more information visit Aiken County Public Schools Website