There is no test requirement. PSA is a public charter school, not a magnet school, and as such cannot require admission testing. However, PSA’s curriculum and instructional methods are designed for high ability learners. Parents should thoughtfully consider if this is the right learning environment for their students.
No, but many students enrolling at PSA may already be state-identified Gifted and PSA’s curriculum will be appropriate for Gifted and Talented students.
PSA is open to students in all school districts and counties in the state of South Carolina.
PSA is a public charter school and is free to all students just like other public schools. The school does have a small mandatory activity fee to help cover the costs of enrichment classes.
While it is the expectation that Palmetto Scholars Academy will incorporate athletic programs into its student services in future years, the school at this time does not have an athletic director or department, athletic facilities, or an athletic budget. The school provides very limited support for teams of students who are organized for competitions under the supervision of volunteer coaches. The school exercises no control over team membership, practice schedules or locations, league membership and game schedules, or any other administrative oversight.
You can apply for the 2012-2013 school year beginning now, but your application must be postmarked, emailed or hand-delivered before 3:00 PM (EST) on February 8, 2012 in order to be included in this year’s lottery.
Current plans are to admit 72 students per grade in grade levels 6, 7, 8, 9, and adding grade 10 in 2012-13.
First preference for high school openings will be given to PSA’s promoted 8th grade students.
Note: There are still openings this year, and your child will be assured a space in the next year if transferred to PSA in the current school year.
No, PSA is a “brick and mortar” school just like most public schools.
Charter schools, like PSA, differ from magnet schools in governance, admission policies and instructional strategies. To get more information, please download our fact sheet here.
PSA was formed by a group of parents and educators seeking a unique educational experience for high ability students. They wanted a school setting that provided academic challenge in all subjects (not just math and English language arts) and met the social and emotional needs of Gifted students.