Aiken Scholars Academy (ASA) has developed an academically focused instructional program to ensure that all students are prepared to graduate with world-class knowledge and skills, along with quality life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. ASA offers a rigorous course of study in a nurturing and supportive learning environment with strong beliefs and values focused on culture building, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and community service.

ASA has a thriving culture in which we cultivate positive and long-lasting relationships, embrace diversity, communicate effectively, and provide support for the developmental and academic needs of our student body. We firmly believe in developing the whole child and preparing scholars for success in school, work, and life. We focus on building the Scholar Profile attributes within all of our students, which include Service, Curiosity & Life-Long Learning, Honor, Ownership, Leadership, Advocacy, and Resilience.

Developing a positive school culture and climate maintains a priority within the school. We accomplish this by offering school sponsored extracurricular activities to engage students. The Academic Team had a great season finishing 3rd in the county during the regular season. The Beta Club inducted 45 new members and the National Honor Society chapter and inducted 27 new members. Both organizations completed service projects with Harvest Hope's Spooky to be Hungry, Christmas at Hopelands, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, United Way's Run United, and Keep Aiken Beautiful. Students engaged in STEM activities as well. The Cyber Patriots team were semi-final qualifiers in South Carolina for our division and were invited to participate in the Palmetto Cyber Defense competition. We maintained our partnership with Scientific Research Corporation, who supports Cyber Patriots. The Gardening Club maintained the school garden, producing kale, garlic, potatoes, carrots, and such; they also developed a relationship with the USCA Horticultural organization. They also completed a service project with a local senior center. Student Council continued to bring scholars together outside of the classroom and promote school spirit. They continued Heritage month celebrations, Earth Month, International Week.  A fashion committee was developed that held fashion show with Tri-Development Center clients. In addition to these, they sponsored spirit weeks, game nights, movie nights, dances, and much more. They also sponsored local veterans with their annual Most Wonder Drive of the Year. They were recognized by the SC Student Association of Student Councils Honor Recognition Program, earning the Gold Council of Honor. One student was inducted into the Terry McCoy Hall of Fame for being named Outstanding Student Council Member of the Year. They also won several awards for school pride and recreation. Mrs. Messick was also named the SCASC Administrator of the Year. "The Nest" published its 7th yearbook entirely developed and created by students. The school hosted its first blood drive with Shepphard Community Blood Center. In addition, the first Miss ASA was crowned! Dual enrollment students also shined outside of ASA earning recognitions for their involvement in UofSC Aiken's Summer Scholars Institute (SSI), Scholar Showcase, and engagement in active research on campus. 

The School Improvement Council maintained its focus on recruitment and retention, along with increasing community relationships. Members were present at our both fall and spring open houses to provide support to parents, along with hosting a parent panel each semester during one of the regular SIC meetings.

Student achievement is reliant upon providing access to meaningful and engaging learning experiences with a focus on academic excellence and preparation for future learning. Through the advanced course sequence and use of honors and Advanced Placement curriculum delivered by experienced faculty, Scholars are engaged in critical thinking, problem solving and collaborative efforts daily.

With such an accelerated program comes the highest of expectations. Scholars rose to the challenge, evidenced by their performance on state assessments. In 2024-2025 Scholars earned a 100% pass rate on the Biology and English 2, and 97% on U.S. History and Constitution End of Course tests (EOCT), with many students earning perfect scores. The school exceeded state performance expectations on EOCs. Of the students enrolled in a U.S. Government course, 100% passed the James Edwards Civics Assessment.

Students participated in 245 AP Exams. Overall, 99% percent of students earned a qualifying score on an AP exam and 96% of all scores were a 3,4 or 5. Additionally, 94% of students earned qualifying scores on all exams taken. The school's performance surpassed state and global performance in ALL subject areas assessed!  We want to highlight performance in AP Calculus AB 100%, AP ELA Language 95%, AP Human Geography 100%, AP Research 95% AP Seminar 98%, AP Statistics 92%, AP US History 92% qualifying score rates.

ASA facilitates the learning process and builds within Scholars the ability to make connections between their knowledge and its application to the world beyond the secondary classroom. We believe in working cohesively with our school family and local community, and our Scholars have a responsibility to support our local community through service-learning projects. As a whole school, there were 3789 documented hours of community service. 

The school celebrated its second graduating class with 44* students completing all the requirements to earn a high school diploma (*n= 9GR 22 Cohort). We celebrated our first military appointments, with one student attending the Merchant Marine Academy and another West Point. The graduating class data can be found highlighted in the chart below.

ASA continues to work diligently to provide scholars access to an accelerated course of study and challenging curriculum, highly qualified faculty and staff, up-to-date classroom technology, and a supportive environment. The future of ASA is bright! The School Leadership Team and School Improvement Council look forward to building new traditions and to ensuring that ASA students enjoy and reap the benefits of a high-quality educational experience.

Martha Messick, Principal

Mr. Tom Colleran, SIC Chair