Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy has established a tradition of helping all students develop the World-Class Knowledge and Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. By focusing on an educational program that is centered on students’ academic, social, and emotional growth, Busbee Creative Arts Academy gives support to the whole child while providing an exceptional middle school experience. Busbee teachers and staff work in collaborative teams on all aspects of content curriculum and social and emotional support. The school also embraces instructional technology and an arts-infused curriculum that creates an interactive learning environment for students.
In the spring of 2024, Busbee was re-designated as a National School to Watch. This was Busbee’s first re-designation after receiving an initial designation in 2021. Schools to Watch are recognized as having strong organizational structures and processes and being academically excellent, developmentally responsive and socially equitable.
With a continued focus on arts and STEAM, Busbee Creative Arts Academy continues to help students become skilled in the areas of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. It also allows for collaboration with peers to complete various projects and activities and participate in a schoolwide STEAM Day.
Students in our fine arts magnet program are immersed in opportunities to work together in both innovative and creative ways to learn to solve problems and communicate effectively. Those students who are members of the Visual Performing Arts Company have enhanced opportunities to further develop their world-class skills through productions, showcases, and competitions.
The 2023-2024 school year provided many highlights for the arts. The VPAC dancers competed in the Wildcat Dance Team Classic this spring, finishing second overall. At Concert Performance Assessment, the band scored an overall Excellent rating and followed this performance with a Superior rating at the Carowinds Music Festival later in the spring. VPAC Chorus scored an overall Superior rating at CPA and received an Excellent rating at Carowinds. In strings, several students performed at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival, receiving Superior and Excellent ratings. The VPAC theater students received a Superior rating in Group Performance and Solo Acting at the SCSTA theater competition. A number of students were selected to district honors programs in dance, theatre, band, strings, and chorus.
Busbee continued its advisory program focusing on small collaborative groups and social, mental, and behavioral strategies important to their development as adolescents. Guided by their advisory teachers or staff members, students developed meaningful relationships with trusted adults, improved social skills, developed positive character traits, and were exposed to leadership skills that will help them throughout life. In addition to the advisory program, Busbee implemented clubs once a month for students and staff.
This year Busbee implemented “Battle of the Classes” a schoolwide competition supporting growth and improvement in academics, attendance, and behavior. The competition engaged all students and provided them an opportunity to learn ways to build accountability skills. The 6th-grade class won this year’s competition and was awarded field day at the end of the school year.
Busbee continues to support students through the implementation of Restorative Practices as a framework for teaching and modeling student behavior. Teachers receive annual training in MTSS behavior procedures and strive to handle issues at the teacher-student level. Restorative Practices has provided an opportunity to continue building relationships in our building, effectively strengthening our school culture.
At Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy, learning is a shared responsibility enhanced through the arts, where students grow in confidence and a sense of belonging through diverse programs in academics, arts, STEAM, and athletics. These efforts ensure our students are college and career ready while building a foundation of service and commitment.
Sam Masone, Principal
Chris Maddox, SIC Chair
