Fox Creek High School to be part of state charter district

Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, Fox Creek High School will be part of the S.C. Public Charter School District. The move will give the school the ability to draw students from a wide geographical area.

"Transferring to the state-wide district allows families who are interested in our school to ignore the traditional school district enrollment boundaries," said Dr. Tim Murph, principal of the school. "That's an important aspect of being a school of choice, where every parent chooses to send their child to our school."

Given the academic reputation of the school, parents across the Central Savannah River Area are likely to be interested in the school, suggested S.C. Public Charter School District Superintendent Dr. Wayne Brazell.

"This school is a remarkable example of the benefits that can come through active parent involvement in a true community school. The strong student performances on state standardized tests reflect the right priorities: high expectations, outstanding student behavior and a school staff that is empowered to be their best. In addition, their sports programs and other extracurricular activities make for a very well-rounded school."

The move from the Edgefield County School District to the state-wide district was prompted by the board of the school. On Monday, Feb. 6, the members of the school's board voted unanimously to request the transfer.

Likewise, the board of the statewide charter school district voted unanimously on Thursday, Feb. 9, to accept the request. "We're very excited about having this school in the charter school district," said S.C. Public Charter School District Board Chair Don McLaurin. "They have consistently demonstrated outstanding academic excellence."

Fox Creek High School opened in August 2004 and is located between Augusta and Aiken just within the southern boundary of Edgefield County. In addition to the academic success, the school of some 340 students has enjoyed statewide recognition in athletics with football, baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf, soccer, tennis and cheerleading.

The S.C. Public Charter School District currently has more than 10,000 students in 13 schools. The district has authorized the opening of new public charter schools in August 2012. These new schools will be in the Low Country, the Midlands and the Upstate. Like traditional public schools, charter schools do not charge tuition, and charter schools must follow the entire state curriculum for all grade levels offered. Students are required to meet all state graduation requirements, and the schools are required to administer all state standardized testing, which is conducted under monitored conditions. All public charter schools are subject to state laws regarding professional licensure for school staff.

However, public charter schools differ from traditional public schools in several ways. The schools are supervised by a governing board that includes parents and other members of the community who are ultimately responsible for the operations and performance of the school. The schools can be closed for failure to achieve academic goals, and all teachers are "at-will" employees. Unlike a magnet school, public charter schools are open to all students as long as space permits.

For more information about the South Carolina Public Charter School District, visit the district web site at www.sccharter.org or call the district office at (803) 734-8322. For more information about Fox Creek High School, visit www.foxcreekhighschool.org or call (803) 613-9453.