Richland School District Two stands as a beacon of educational excellence in South Carolina. As the fifth largest school district in the state and the fastest growing in the Midlands, Richland Two is committed to preparing students for a bright and successful future.
At the heart of our mission is the belief that Richland Two prepares students to be future ready. We strive to cultivate learners who are competitive, adaptable, innovative, and prepared to make a positive impact on the world. Our Core Values of Belonging, Learning, Continuous Improvement, and Joy guide everything we do, creating an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
Aligned with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, Richland Two focuses on developing essential World Class Skills in our students. These include creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and teamwork, communication, information, media and technology proficiency, and the ability to learn independently.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our impressive 86.2% graduation rate and the 1,288 students participating in dual enrollment programs. These achievements showcase our dedication to providing diverse educational opportunities that prepare students for higher education and future careers.
Richland Two takes pride in its strong connection to the military community. We are home to Fort Jackson, the largest Army training base in the country, and have a high concentration of military veterans among our families. During the 2023-24 school year, 3,627 students—12.7% of our student population—were military affiliated. This unique aspect of our community has earned us recognition as a Purple Star District, reflecting our commitment to supporting military families and their children's education.
Our students consistently demonstrate excellence across various fields. In 2024, two seniors were named National Merit Scholarship winners, and three received National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. The Class of 2024 was offered more than $171 million in college scholarships, an increase of nearly $3 million from the previous year. Fourteen Richland Two AVID Early College students earned a high school diploma and a college degree at the same time. They received associate degrees in the Arts from district partner the University of South Carolina-Sumter, saving at least $25,376 in tuition per student, $355,264 collectively.
Richland Two students excel in academics, arts, and athletics. We've had students recognized in prestigious competitions such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search and the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. Our schools have also produced state champions in various sports, including basketball, golf and track and field.
The impact our students have on people’s lives has been recognized nationally. A Forest Lake Elementary NASA Explorer School fifth grader was selected as a featured speaker for the AVID Summer Institute in Florida. One recent graduate earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress upon youth, recognizing the remarkable initiative, service, and achievement.
Our innovative programs, such as the Bengal Biodiesel program at Blythewood High School and the Next Energy Engineering class at the Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2i2) Student Innovation Center, provide students with unique, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for future careers in emerging fields. Richland Two became the first district to implement a districtwide intellectual property policy after R2i2’s InvenTeam was awarded a patent for its innovative solution to providing solar power to schools in Senegal. Ridge View High School earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP). Additionally, the district now has 35 nationally certified magnet programs. Twenty-six have earned the distinction of becoming Nationally Certified Demonstration Magnet schools by exceeding the criteria required to meet Magnet Schools of America’s National Standards of Excellence.
Richland Two is not only committed to student success but also to the professional growth of our educators. Teachers and administrators have been recognized at state and national levels for their excellence in education, leadership, and innovation. Richland Two is home to the 2024 South Carolina Elementary and Middle-Level Principals of the Year; the State Conservation Secondary Teacher of the Year, a South Carolina Music Educators Hall of Fame honoree, and an AP U.S. Government and Politics teacher who was reappointed to the National Assessment Governing Board. Our District Teacher of the Year was a finalist for SC Teacher of the Year, making him one of the top five teachers in South Carolina.
As we look to the future, Richland School District Two remains dedicated to providing a comprehensive, high-quality education that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a community of lifelong learners who are ready to shape the future.
Dr. Kim D. Moore, Superintendent
