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Posts Tagged ‘Schools’

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University: Art History for All Ages

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | No Comments

M&G, the Bob Jones Museum and Gallery, is a place to examine cultural and art history for all ages. Though M&G has been closed to the public since 2017, you can still view historic pieces of art from the gallery at various campus locations, off-campus locations, and events throughout the Upstate.

Plus, M&G still offers homeschool programs, specialized tours, and summer camps! As M&G continues to fund for a new location, we can support them through the various art history programs available.

Where to See Collections on View Throughout the BJU Campus

Though the brick-and-mortar Museum and Gallery location is no longer open at BJU, there are several places where you can view Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, American, and religious art throughout the campus at Bob Jones University. The M&G Collection on View has pieces displayed in three campus locations, including:

  • Gustafson Fine Arts Center Atrium: Open Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
    Tours are available, Open to the public
    European Old Masters painting collection of Luther’s Journey: Experience the History
  • War Memorial Chapel: Open by appointment only
    Tours available
    The Benjamin West Collection: The Father of American Painting
  • Mack Library: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm
    Open to the public
    Medieval and Renaissance artifacts and art pieces 

You will also find off-campus art displays from the M&G collection at First Presbyterian Church of Greenville from April 4, 2023- October 12, 2023, at the Jerry and Alice Lenz Gallery in Downtown Greenville, SC. These art pieces explore the Baroque era and include 14 paintings as part of the Ponder Anew: Baroque Masters of the Baroque exhibition. The satellite location is used to temporarily house one of the largest collections from M&G while BJU acquires a permanent location for the museum.

The gallery is open to the public on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. You can also make an appointment by emailing cfra[email protected] for out-of-public hour visits. 

Kids creating art at the Bob Jones Museum and Gallery

Activities for All Ages

Does history and art make your eyes glaze over? It doesn’t have to be like that! History is rich with incredible and interesting stories and art reflects that intrigue. M&G offers Scavenger Hunts that encompass everything from the signs and symbols in the art that mean something more than meets the eye to be able to identify techniques used by the greatest artists in all of history.

For 2023, Scavenger Hunts are currently held at the Ponder Anew: Baroque Masterworks of the Museum and Gallery exhibit at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenville. You can grab it at the reception desk at First Presbyterian from April until October 12, 2023. 

M&G also offers two print-off seasonal scavenger hunts for Easter and Christmas. These hunts are for all ages and use short audio clips and videos to help the hunter find out more information about the pieces they are hunting for.   

Art Discovery Tours for Kids

There are also specialized Cultural Discovery Tours for kids so they can learn more about art history. These tours are from K – 12th grade, and groups of 10 or more are needed. Tours are free but must be requested in advance.

Currently, M&G offers on-campus and off-campus tours for three different exhibits, including Luther’s Journey: Experience the History (grades 6th – 12th), Benjamin West: The Father of American Painting (grades 3rd -12th grade), and Ponder Anew: Baroque Masterworks from the Museum and Gallery (1st – 12th grade). Homeschool groups and teachers can submit a Specialized Focus Tours form to find out more information about the exhibits.

homeschool days at Bob Jones M & G

M&G Homeschool Days

M&G at Bob Jones University offers a special program for homeschoolers for their Homeschool Days, one that caters to students ages 5 – 14 years old. Lessons are 75 minutes long and are available once per month at the Mack Building on campus.

The Homeschool Days theme for 2023/2024 is American Masters. During their visit, students will learn about American artists, while exploring various art styles, media, and artists themselves. Elementary and Middle School lessons are available, so your kid will be learning on their level. Children will be inspired to dream and imagine what impact they can have on history too!

Homeschool days for 2023/2024 include:

  • September 7 or 8, 2023
  • October 5 or 6, 2023
  • November 2 or 3, 2023
  • February 8 or 9, 2024
  • March 7 or 8, 2024
  • April 4 or 5, 2024

Homeschool Days Class Schedule

Elementary classes for children ages K5- 5th grade are on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and 2 pm or and Fridays at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm.

The Middle School lessons are for children grades 6th – 8th grade, and follow the same order of subject matters on Fridays at 10 am, noon, or 2 pm.

Registration for Homeschool Days

Registration for Homeschool Days begins in August, and you can register for the Fall 2023 classes through the Homeschool Days Fall Registration form. Registration for the second semester for Spring 2024 will open at the end of the year.

Fees are $8.50 for children and $3 for adults. Adults are not required to stay for the lesson but are asked to walk their children into the museum and pick them up after 75 minutes.

For FAQs on the Homeschool Days, see here.

Digital Homeschool Days

If you prefer an at-home program, M&G also offers Digital Homeschool Days. These digital classes are for ages 5 – 14 years old and explore The Age of Antiquity. You must pre-register for the digital lessons and will have access to lessons on Sumer, Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Hebrew, Greece, and Rome. 

Museum on the Move

If you are looking for a unique way to bring the museum to your classroom or homeschool co-op, then M&G has you covered! They offer art-based STEAM units, whoo hoo! If you choose the in person option, an educator will come to your classroom or group for a 30 – 60 minute lesson. Lessons meet core SC standards, so you don’t have to stress about that. 

You can also choose for grades 1st through 6th, with several lesson options available. You can find more information about the Museum on the Move program and how to register for in person and digital lessons on the M&G Museum on the Move page. 

Kids Create! Summer Camp at M&G

Every summer, M&G at Bob Jones University offers a Kids Create! Summer camp that will have your child exploring the world through art. Summer camps are available for children aged K5 – age 12. Your child will explore the fine arts, create art projects, play interactive games, learn age-appropriate material, and make new friends! Camps are typically a week long in June and are half-day.

Registration for Kids Create! Will open at the beginning of 2024 for the 2024 summer session.

Museum & Gallery at Bob Jones University
864-770-1331
http://www.bjumg.org
https://www.facebook.com/bjumg

Have you ever taken your kids to M & G at Bob Jones University?

The Ultimate Homeschool Guide to the Upstate, South Carolina.

Homeschooling?

Check out our Ultimate Homeschool Guide to the Upstate!

Summer Camps are the Best!

We have a Guide to over 120 Summer Camps Near Greenville, SC. There is something for every interest.

Summer camps in Greenville, SC and Upstate, SC

Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks is Creating a Classroom That Values People and Culture

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Thank you to Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks for sponsoring this article.

Meggie Bradberry was one of the original Primrose school’s first graduates 30 years ago in Marietta, GA. After all, her parents, Marcy and Paul Erwin, started Primrose Schools and believed enough in its incredible benefits that they wanted Meggie to attend and learn there. Now, Meggie and her husband, Buck, have two young children of their own. Not only did Meggie and Buck send their children to Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks, they are the franchise owners of this unique and successful school.

Primrose School 2023 - Canva

Carrying on the tradition of Primrose Schools, Meggie and Buck are thrilled to be able to offer families in the Simpsonville area an opportunity for their own little ones to grow, learn and have fun in a healthy, safe environment.

Preschool at Primrose School

Your 3-year-old is beginning to connect letters, sounds and numbers. They’re expanding their world through books and math, building critical thinking skills, exploring early physical fitness and so much more.

Check out some of the fun programs and activities your child will look forward to every day in their classroom.

Mucho Mundo® Spanish Lessons

Along with learning a second language, songs and customs, your child learns about cultural diversity.

Primrose Early Art Masters®

Your child tries various art techniques as they explore the work of famous artists past and present.

Primrose School 2023 - Canva

Harmony & Heart®

Our music and literature program uses original songs and books to help children become dynamic thinkers, good listeners and kind people.

“We are so pleased with the addition of a new preschool classroom to our beautiful school as we are now able to serve the growing demand of our community!” said Meggie. “Both of my children have graduated from our school, and we can proudly say we are truly the best of the best — from the teachers to the leadership team and our amazing parents! We just love being a part of this incredible community!”

Schedule a tour today!

About Meggie & Buck

Meggie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia, but since she is so passionate about nutrition and wellness (this comes in handy as the owner of a Primrose school in Simpsonville — more on this later), she became a Certified Holistic Health Coach (CHHC) and Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach (CTC).

Primrose School 2023

Buck played baseball and got his degree in business administration as well from Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. Meggie and Buck are active in their communities, as they are members of both the Greenville and Simpsonville Chambers of Commerce and support the American Heart Association.

Primrose School Model

The Primrose experience consists of four main elements: their people and culture that strive toward creating a “caring and nurturing environment that builds trusted relationships”; their Balanced Learning® curriculum which “supports children’s social-emotional, cognitive, creative and physical development”; their Standards of Excellence which provides parents and students with specific accreditation; and their Partnership with Parents, which seeks to develop a strong connection between the parents and the school for the benefit of the children.

Primrose School 2023 - Canva

The Balanced Learning® curriculum was developed by and taught exclusively at Primrose Schools. It is a research-based curriculum that blends teacher-guided and child-initiated activities with a special emphasis on character development. Balanced Learning is designed for children ages 6 weeks old to 6 years old.

“When my parents started Primrose more than 30 years ago, they had no idea how much of a success it would become,” said Meggie. “All this time, the core values of Primrose have never changed. I’m thrilled to see it come full circle for my own family, and we’re so excited to offer Simpsonville parents the high-quality early education and care that all children deserve.”

Nutrition is Key

With a stellar background in nutrition, Meggie and Buck are the perfect people to teach Primrose students about healthy – and yummy – eating. In fact, prior to becoming franchise owners, they founded a health consulting company that focused on healthy eating alternatives for both individuals and businesses. They love health and nutrition and certainly plan on making that a focal point in the balanced meals and snacks offered at their school.

Primrose School 2023 - Canva

Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks offers breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack and a late afternoon snack. All of their meals and snacks, which are coordinated by certified dietitians, are balanced with lean protein, nutrient-dense foods, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables.

What Families Say

It’s hard to believe that Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks has been open for almost eight years now! Read what the Primrose families have to say:

Primrose Mom Maria said:

“We chose Primrose for private kindergarten for our 5-year-old. We picked Primrose over the other schools in the area because of the smaller classes, the educated teachers, the curriculum and everything they have to offer (gardening, life skills, Grandparent program, etc.) The teacher was wonderful. My daughter warmed up to her right away even though she is very shy. I am so glad we chose Primrose for our daughter! I think it is worth every penny. (BTW- We pass three schools to get to Primrose every day.)”

Primrose School 2023 - Canva

Primrose Mom Marissa said:

“Our daughter started attending the Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks when she was 12 weeks old and is currently in the Young Toddler room. We’ve been a Primrose family for close to a year now and our daughter has flourished and grown by leaps and bounds. The teachers have been incredible and what she is learning is invaluable.”

Primrose Mom Brooke said:

“As a first-time mom going back to work, there is nothing more powerful and priceless than dropping your child off knowing that they are in the hands of people who genuinely love and care for her as their own. From our first months in the older infant room to the early preschool program, we are constantly enjoying watching her grow, and that is ALL thanks to the commitment and hard work of such amazing teachers and leadership!”

Enrollment

Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks is open 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, which is perfect for parents who need a little flexibility. The school is enrolling for their new preschool classroom as well as other age groups.

Call or visit their website to learn more and schedule a personal tour. Don’t forget to like their Facebook page for information about events held at the school, which are often open to the public!

Primrose School 2023 - Primrose + Canva

Primrose School of Simpsonville at Five Forks
2255 Woodruff Rd
Simpsonville, SC 29681
(864) 757-1191
www.primroseschools.com/schools/simpsonville-five-forks

Where to Buy School Uniforms That Fit Your Kid

Posted on by Shannon Pruitt | No Comments

Searching for “school uniforms near me”? If you have a child attending a school that requires school uniforms, finding the best school uniforms can be frustrating and time-consuming. We’re always aiming to help you save time, so we’ve rounded up a list of places to find school uniforms, including a list of where to find school uniforms with specific features such as adjustable waists or uniforms for taller kids. 

We’re answering questions about school uniforms like:

  • Which school uniforms have adjustable waists?
  • Where can I buy sensory-friendly school uniforms?
  • What are the best school uniforms for tall kids?
  • What are the most comfortable school uniforms?
  • Where can I find school uniform deals?

Whether you need a black, blue, pink, or red shirt and navy or khaki bottoms, we’ve got you covered. Luckily, there are plenty of places in Greenville and Spartanburg where you can buy school uniforms. And, of course, you can always buy them online.

the best school uniforms
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Everything You Need to Know for Back to School in Upstate, SC

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | 72 Comments

Getting ready for “Back to School” in Upstate, South Carolina? We have all the information you need about school start dates, education options, plus places where you can find free school supplies in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and Pickens, and back-to-school celebrations for that last bit of summer fun.

Back to School Guide to Greenville, SC

This article includes information on:
Greenville County Schools
Spartanburg County School Districts
Anderson County School Districts
School District of Pickens County
Back-to-School Events

Back to school events near Greenville, SC

School supplies are expensive!

You can get free school supplies at these events in Greenville and the Upstate.

When does public school start?

Greenville County Schools begins classes Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Spartanburg Districts 1 – 7 begin classes Monday, August 14, 2023
Anderson Districts 1 – 5 begin classes Thursday, August 3, 2023
School District of Pickens County begins classes Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Educational Options in the Upstate: If you have questions about your schooling options, this is the place to start. Find summaries and resources for all the public school, private school, virtual school, and homeschool options the Upstate.

Greenville County School District

The Greenville County School District will begin classes on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. The 2023-2024 School Calendar is available on the greenville.k12.sc.us website.

Everything You Need to Know About Greenville County Schools

For more information about public schools in Greenville County, check out our Guide to Greenville County Public Schools!  We have school calendars, menus, registration information, a tutorial for GCS Backpack, and lots more! You’ll want to bookmark this guide.

You can find out more about private schools in our area in our Private School Guide to Greenville.

Find Free School Supplies in Greenville, SC

If you or someone you know needs help purchasing school supplies for this year, don’t miss this list of Events with Free School Supplies. And if you’re not sure what supplies your child needs, check with your child’s school website for a detailed list.

Spartanburg County School Districts 1 – 7

Spartanburg County Schools operate as seven separate districts. Each district starts the 2022-2023 academic year on Monday, August 14, 2023. You can find registration requirements, bus information, and more on each district’s website, which is listed below.

Spartanburg District Sites:

If you want to find more specific information about each district or you are new to Spartanburg and our area schools, please see our Guide to Spartanburg County School Districts.

You can find out more about private schools in our area in our Private School Guide to Spartanburg.

Free School Supplies in Spartanburg, SC

Need help with school supplies? Here’s a list of events where kids can get free school supplies in Spartanburg. If you need to find your child’s school supply list, visit their school’s website.

Anderson County School Districts 1 – 5

Anderson County Schools operate by 5 separate districts. Classes will start on Thursday, August 3, 2023, for all districts for the 2022-2023 academic year. Information about each district’s schedules, bus information, registration, and more can be found on their individual websites.

Free School Supplies in Anderson, SC

Need help finding school supplies in Anderson, SC? Check out our list of free school supply events in the Upstate. You can find a detailed list of school supplies need for your child on their school’s website.

School District of Pickens County

The School District of Pickens County begins classes Tuesday, August 1, 2023. The 2022-2023 academic calendar can be located at https://www.pickens.k12.sc.us along with additional information about registration, bus schedules, specific schools, and much more.

Planning to enroll in a charter school? Pickens County offers several charter schools that can be an alternative to your child’s education. 

Free School Supplies in the Upstate

In need of school supplies in Pickens County? We have a list of dozens of free school supply events throughout the upstate where you can get supplies for your child.

The best places to get school uniforms for your kids.

Looking for school uniforms shouldn’t be hard, right?!

Here’s Kidding Around reader advice on the best places to get school uniforms that will actually fit your kids!

Back to school hacks

Start the school year off well!

See these Back-to-School Hacks from our readers.

Back to School Events in the Upstate

Back to School Blessing Day

Waycross Baptist Church
104 Waycross Church Road, Pelzer
July 23, 2023, 3 to 5 pm
Back to School Blessing Day includes free backpacks, shoes, socks, and underwear for children. Free hot dog plates for everyone, free family food boxes. Children must be present to receive items.

United Way School Tools

Staunton Bridge Community Center, 165 Staunton Bridge Road, Greenville (Main event)
Greer Relief, 202 Victoria Street, Greer (Satellite location)
Simpsonville Activity & Senior Center, 310 Curtis Street, Simpsonville (Satellite location)
July 29, 2023, 10 am to 2 pm
Free school supplies, free food, and opportunities to register for the MillVillage Farms Food Share and other free and low-cost community resources.
United Way School Tools Day

Back to School Picnic and Backpack Giveaway

20 Bell Road, Greenville
Woodruff Road Christian Church
July 29th, 2023, 10 am – 1 pm
Back to School Picnic with free school supplies.

National Night Out Event

Town of Duncan
121 South Spencer Street, Duncan
August 1, 2023, 5 to 8 pm
Duncan National Night Out Event

Free school supplies, hotdogs, hamburgers, birthday cake, and drinks, plus fireworks at dusk!

Back to School Bash

Spartanburg Public Libraries- organized by Custom Graphic Design LLC
151 S Church Street
August 5th, 2023, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
Important! You must RSVP that you need supplies by July 14th, 2023!! To RSVP email [email protected].
Back to School Bash event will include food, music, and games, as well as free school supplies.

Countdown to Kindergarten

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg 29306
Friday, August 4th, 2023, 6 – 8 pm
This FREE event prepares children and families for an exciting kindergarten year. Geared toward families with children entering 3K, 4K, and Kindergarten, this event gives families an opportunity to connect with an array of community partners focused on student success and childhood development.
Countdown to Kindergarten

Do you know of a back-to-school event we have missed? Let us know so we can add it to our list!

The Ultimate Guide To All Seven School Districts in Spartanburg, SC

Posted on by Kidding Around | No Comments

Have questions about Spartanburg County schools? With seven different Spartanburg County school districts, it can be a little confusing for newcomers or parents with rising kindergartners. We are breaking down the different districts and providing the most used info, so parents can easily navigate the schools in Spartanburg, SC. 

spartanburg county schools

A Little About Spartanburg County School Districts

Spartanburg County is the fifth-most populated county in the state of South Carolina with a population of over 300,000. Spartanburg County schools serve over 45,000 students.

For those who have relocated to the area, the primary difference about the schools in Spartanburg is that there is not a central Spartanburg County School District. Instead, Spartanburg County schools are operated by seven different school districts; each school district operates as its own entity. There is not a singular Spartanburg County school district or one school board website, but each of the seven Spartanburg County School Districts has a website where you can find the information you need for each school.

We have also created the Guide to Spartanburg Private Schools, which not only lists all the contact information and website links for each public school district, but also lists all of the charter, virtual, and private school options in Spartanburg.

Applying For School Choice In Spartanburg County School Districts

Spartanburg County School Districts offer parents the option of applying for limited school choice. Students may attend another school in the same district if there is space available. Remaining in the program is dependant on discipline and attendance. However, once a student is accepted in most cases their place is secured for the duration of them attending that particular school. Any younger siblings would also be grandfathered in. Availability varies by district, as well as school, and other circumstances. School choice applicants are not able to ride the school bus home, as the buses that service that school, would not be zoned for your neighborhood. 

Should parents want their child to attend a school in a different Spartanburg County District, students would need to apply for out-of-district status and be accepted. Additionally, out-of-district residents are required to pay out-of-district tuition of several thousand dollars per school year for their children to attend. This includes the option to transfer to a Greenville County School District School. 

School buses lined up

Quick Guide To The Seven Spartanburg School Districts 

More information about each district in not only Spartanburg County, but the entire state, can be found on the South Carolina Deprtmant of Education’s Website.

The Great School’s Website can provide parents with additional info like school rating, and ratio information. Ratio is the average student-to-teacher ratio and is an important factor when selecting a school. 

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 1

Spartanburg School District 1 is primarily made up of students from Campobello, Landrum, and Inman.

  • Campobello Gramling School
  • Holly Springs-Motlow Elementary
  • Inman Elementary 
  • Inman Intermediate
  • New Prospect Elementary
  • O.P. Earle Elementary
  • Landrum Middle
  • Mabry Middle
  • Chapman High School
  • Landrum High
  • Swofford Career Center (Shared with District 2) 

Spartanburg School District 1 Quick Links

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 2

Spartanburg School District 2 is primarily made up of students from Boiling Springs, Chesnee, Mayo, most of Valley Falls, and a portion of Southern Shops.

  • Boiling Springs Elementary School
  • Carlisle-Foster’s Grove Elementary School
  • Chesnee Elementary School
  • Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary School
  • Hendrix Elementary School
  • Mayo Elementary School
  • Oakland Elementary School
  • Shoally Creek Elementary School
  • Sugar Ridge Elementary School
  • Boiling Springs Middle School
  • Chesnee Middle School
  • Rainbow Lake Middle School
  • Chesnee High School
  • Boiling Springs High School
  • Swofford Career Center (Shared with District 1) 

Spartanburg School District 2 Quick Links 

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 3

Spartanburg School District 3 is primarily made up of students from Cowpens, Pacolet, and other areas of Spartanburg.

  • Cannons Elementary School
  • Cowpens Elementary School
  • Pacolet Elementary School
  • Clifdale Middle School
  • Gettys D. Broome High School
  • Daniel Morgan Technology Center

Spartanburg School District 3 Quick Links 

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 4

Spartanburg School District 4 is primarily made up of students from Woodruff. 

  • Woodruff Primary
  • Woodruff Elementary
  • Woodruff Middle
  • Woodruff High

Spartanburg School District 4 Quick Links 

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 5

Spartanburg School District 5 is primarily made up of students from Greer, Duncan, Moore, Reidville, and Wellford.

  • Abner Creek Academy
  • Duncan Elementary School
  • Lyman Elementary School
  • Reidville Elementary School
  • River Ridge Elementary School]
  • Wellford Academy
  • Beech Springs Intermediate School
  • Berry Shoals Intermediate School
  • D.R. Hill Middle School
  • Florence Chapel Middle School
  • Byrnes Freshman Academy
  • James F. Byrnes High School

Spartanburg School District 5 Quick Links

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 6

Spartanburg School District 6 is primarily made up of students from Moore, Pauline, Roebuck, and Spartanburg.

  • Child Development Center
  • Anderson Mill Elementary
  • Arcadia Elementary
  • Fairforest Elementary
  • Jesse S. Bobo Elementary
  • Lone Oak Elementary
  • Pauline-Glenn Springs Elementary
  • Roebuck Elementary
  • West View Elementary
  • Woodland Heights Elementary
  • Fairforest Middle
  • Gable Middle
  • R. P. Dawkins Middle
  • Dorman Freshman Campus
  • Dorman High School
  • RD Anderson Applied Technology Center

Spartanburg School District 6 Quick Links

Quick Profile of Spartanburg County School District 7

Spartanburg School District 7 is primarily made up of students from Spartanburg (Eastside and Downtown).

  • Adult Education of Spartanburg County
  • Carver Middle School
  • Cleveland Academy of Leadership
  • Daniel Morgan Technology Center
  • Drayton Mills Elementary School
  • E.P. Todd School
  • Jesse Boyd Elementary School
  • Mary H. Wright Elementary School
  • McCarthy Teszler School
  • McCracken Middle School
  • Meeting Street Academy
  • Pine Street Elementary School
  • Spartanburg High School
  • The Franklin School
  • Valkyrie Middle College
  • Viking Early College
  • Virtual Program – Spartanburg County
  • Whitlock Flexible Learning Center

Spartanburg School District 7 Quick Links

Details about Swofford Career Center

Swofford Career Center is open to students in the 10th-12th grades in Spartanburg Districts 1 and 2. There are multiple programs; enrollment is limited for each one and priority is given based on grade level. They partner with multiple businesses in Spartanburg County to help support their programs.

To enroll, students should request a form during registration at their home high school in District 1 or 2 and turn the form in to their guidance office.

Swofford Career Center Programs

  • Auto Collision
  • Automotive Tech
  • Carpentry
  • Culinary Arts
  • Electricity
  • Engineering Drafting & Design
  • Graphic Communications
  • Health Science
  • Horticulture Sciences
  • Intro to Teaching
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Media Technology
  • Networking
  • Protective Services
  • Welding

Important Facts About Spartanburg School Districts

When shopping for a home, parents should find out which school district the home is zoned for. A general map of the school districts can be found on the Spartanburg County Website. However, you will need to contact the individual school district to find out which schools your child will attend. It is common for families to purchase homes in a specific school district with the intention of their children attending those schools. Take into consideration the growth of the area and possible overcrowding at schools when basing your home purchase on school selection. 

Staying Informed During Inclement Weather And Closures

Each School Spartanburg School District offers parents multiple ways of keeping in touch during the year. Your child’s Spartanburg School District will have a Facebook page, where things will be posted like weather closures, and other important info. You can also follow Kidding Around on Facebook and join our Kidding Around Spartanburg community group, where we often share updates posted by the different school districts. Usually once one Spartanburg County School district announces a weather-related closure, they almost always follow suit. 

Registering A New Student In Spartanburg County Schools 

For your child to attend kindergarten, they must be 5 years old on or before September 1st of that school year. You will need your child’s birth certificate, current proof of residence (such as a mortgage statement or utility bill), and a South Carolina proof of immunization certificate from your child’s pediatrician. Most online registration links for each district can be found in their “Quick Links” section. 

Continuing Education In Spartanburg County, SC

Spartanburg is also home to several higher education institutions including Converse College, Wofford College, USC Upstate, Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg Methodist College, and Sherman College of Chiropractic

15+ Foolproof Gifts for Teachers: Plus Dos and Don’ts Tips

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | 11 Comments

Looking for a teacher gift idea? It can be tricky trying to find gifts teachers love that are within your budget – especially when you are buying for multiple teachers!

What do you give your child’s favorite teacher this school year? How about that high school teacher who helped your kid get through that big math test? What about that tote bag, teacher mug, scented hand cream, or school supplies? Will one of those make a great gift?

We asked our readers for some advice. Local teachers chimed in with their favorite gifts. Whether you’re looking for a holiday gift, something for teacher appreciation week, or an end-of-the-school-year celebration gift, our readers came through with some thoughtful gifts and great ideas.

What gifts do teachers want?

In a Hurry? Just Want to Buy Your Child’s Teacher an Awesome Gift and Skip the Reading?
Choose one of these gifts, add to cart, purchase, and then cross one thing off your to-do list! YAY!

Coffee Gifts For Teachers
Homemade Gift Kits to Make for Teachers
Christmas Ornaments for Teachers
Chocolate and Sweets Gifts for Teachers
Pampering Gifts for Teachers

This post contains Amazon Associate links.

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Pop-up Classrooms at TCMU Spartanburg: Get Ready for Kindergarten FREE!

Posted on by Maria Bassett |

Is your child about to enter kindergarten? TCMU Spartanburg is helping kids get ready to start school with totally free pop-up classrooms! Kids will have an opportunity to experience a classroom setting, learn and practice classroom skills, visit the museum, and the class includes take-home activities. The weekly classes are totally free. Below you’ll all the details about registration, what to expect, class requirements, and more.

About the Pop-up Classrooms at TCMU Spartanburg

The pop-up classroom program runs from June 5th -July 31st, 2023. Students and their caregivers will attend one 1-hour class one day a week. Classes are offered Monday -Friday at 1 pm or 3 pm. Attendance once per week is required to stay in the program.

The program is open to any rising kindergartener, both K4 and K5. In addition to the weekly classes, students and caregivers get free admission to the museum plus take-home activities.

Why Get Ready for Kindergarten at TCMU?

“The transition to Kindergarten is both exciting and challenging! Research shows that only 27% of South Carolina public school Kindergarteners entered the school year with sufficient skills, knowledge, and abilities to engage with Kindergarten-level instruction (WestEd, 2021). Pop-Up Classrooms, which are based on the South Carolina Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, The Spartanburg Academic Movement’s Early Development Instrument (EDI), and South Carolina First Step’s Profile of a Ready Kindergartner, are designed to help children with this important life transition. Each classroom session focuses on a different skill necessary for young learners to be successful in a real classroom and is structured similar to a normal school day. TCMU-Spartanburg’s museum classroom will be set up like a real classroom, to help familiarize young learners with this new type of environment. Children will have the opportunity for structured and unstructured play and take-home activities each week to continue learning at home.

Pop-Up Classrooms at TCMU-Spartanburg are partially funded by South Carolina First Steps.

How to Apply

You’ll need to fill out this form to apply for the Pop-Up Classroom program.

Space is limited and not all students will be accepted into the program. Applicants will be told if they have been accepted into the program by May 25th, 2023.

For more information about the program, visit TCMU Spartanburg Pop-Up Classroom website.

TCMU Spartanburg

Find out more about The Children’s Museum of the Upstate’s Spartanburg location!

School bus

What Makes Sixth Grade Academy at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Greenville, SC Stand Out

Posted on by Shannon Pruitt |

If you’re looking for a unique and enriching educational experience for your sixth grader, consider St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Greenville, SC. Their Sixth Grade Academy, the beginning of the seven-year program of study in the school’s college prep program, offers opportunities to allow children to transition more easily to middle school while feeling fully supported by a team of dedicated teachers. With single-gendered classrooms, a separate sixth-grade wing, a team mindset, and a responsive schedule, St. Joseph’s allows room for students to thrive both academically and personally.

In addition, they’ve been voted the #1 Catholic High School in South Carolina, the #1 College Prep Private High School in South Carolina, and the #1 College Prep Private High School in Greenville by Niche. Learn more about this exceptional program here.

Thank you to St. Joseph’s Catholic School for sponsoring this article.

St. Joseph's Catholic School Sixth Grade Academy Greenville, SC

Single-Gendered Classrooms

One of the unique aspects of the Sixth Grade Academy at St. Joseph’s Catholic School is that all classes are single-gendered. The staff at St. Joseph’s want children to be confident in who they are, particularly in the school building and the community. During the middle school years, there’s rapid discovery, growth, and questioning. Single-gendered classrooms allow for a more tailored approach to teaching and learning, as teachers can address the specific needs and learning styles of boys and girls separately. This approach has been shown to increase confidence and academic growth in students, as they are able to focus on their own learning without distractions or pressures from the opposite gender. 

Separate Sixth-Grade Wing

The Sixth Grade Academy at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Greenville, SC is housed in a separate wing of the school, providing a unique and focused learning environment for students. This allows for a sense of independence and ownership over their learning experience, while still being a part of the larger school community. The wing includes classrooms, lockers, and a common area. This separation also helps to ease the transition from elementary to middle school for students, as they have their own space to navigate and grow in.

St. Joseph's Catholic School Sixth Grade Academy Greenville, SC

Small Class Sizes

One of the standout features of the Sixth Grade Academy at St. Joseph’s Catholic School is the small class sizes and individualized attention that students receive. With class sizes generally capping at 22 students, teachers are able to provide personalized instruction and support to each student. This allows for a more tailored learning experience and helps students to reach their full potential. Additionally, the close-knit community at St. Joseph’s fosters a supportive environment where students feel valued and encouraged to succeed.

Team Mentality for Both Students and Teachers

One of the standout features of the Sixth Grade Academy at St. Joseph’s Catholic School is the team mentality that is fostered among both teachers and students. It’s the secret sauce of the school. There’s a strong love of collaboration among the teachers. And there is a dedicated team of teachers within the Sixth Grade Academy. All of the sixth grade teachers know all of the students. This helps to ensure that no student runs under the radar. Teachers work collaboratively to plan lessons and activities that are engaging and challenging for students, while also providing individualized support when needed. Students are encouraged to work together and support each other in their learning, creating a sense of community and belonging within the Academy. This team mentality helps to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all involved.

St. Joseph's Catholic School Sixth Grade Academy Greenville, SC

Responsive and Flexible Schedule

The Sixth Grade Academy at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Greenville, SC offers a responsive and flexible schedule that allows for personalized learning experiences. This approach helps students to develop a deeper understanding of the curriculum and build confidence in their abilities. Additionally, the flexible schedule allows for more time to be spent on subjects that students may struggle with, ensuring that they have a strong foundation for future academic success. There’s even a well-loved class called Foundations that exists to help students with executive functioning, reading, and more. There’s lots of room for flexibility in this class alone to address any issues or situations that need more attention.

Virtue Education & Community Involvement

Each quarter, St. Joseph’s focuses on two Catholic virtues: Fortitude, Perseverance, Courage, Self-Disipline,  Compassion, Loyalty, Prudence, Responsibility, and Faith. The school tries to incorporate these virtues into many of the lessons throughout the year. Community members are invited to visit and share how these virtues have played a role in their lives. Members of the police department, nurses, priests, servicemen, and even Pearle Harris have spoken to students. Each quarter, students work on an altruism project where they choose a way to help others either in the immediate community or somewhere in the world. In 2021, for example, students works with Set Free Alliance and raised funds to sponsor a well for a village in Africa. 

Overall, the Sixth Grade Academy at St. Joseph’s Catholic School offers a unique and effective approach to education that sets students up for success in their academic and personal lives. Admission season opens in early October, but St. Joseph’s offers rolling admissions, as well. So if you’re interested in attending, be sure to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.

More: The Private School Guide to Greenville, SC

The Best Towns to Live Near Greenville, SC in 2023

Posted on by Elizabeth Faulkner | 3 Comments

Are you thinking of moving to the towns and suburbs that surround Greenville, SC? Greenville is a beautiful, family-friendly city nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city has topped lists all over the country as one of the best places to live and people are taking notice! Greenville was named the fourth-fastest growing city in 2017 at nearly six percent. Since then, the area has continued to grow rapidly as job opportunities increase and development expands. There is much more to Greenville than the downtown area, with several small towns surrounding the city that offer an abundance of charm, plenty of shopping, family-friendly activities, and wonderful neighborhoods to raise a family.

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Why Choose Christ Church Episcopal School in Greenville, SC?

Posted on by Kidding Around Team | No Comments

Thank you to Christ Church Episcopal School for supporting Kidding Around Greenville by sponsoring this article! To learn more about the how advertising helps make Kidding Around Greenville possible please click here. 

The Greenville area is home to many excellent schools and parents truly have an array of educational institutions they can choose from to meet their child’s needs. But it can be overwhelming to say the least and as a parent, how do you know if you’ve made the right decision in the end?

CCES

There is one school that stands out for its exceptional curriculum which aims to fulfill the needs of every student and seeks to gives them the necessary skills to excel in the classrooms, on their sports team and in their community. If you are looking around for a great school where your child is given every opportunity to fulfill their potential, from pre-K through 12th grade, take a good look at Christ Church Episcopal School (CCES).

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