Purpose Driven and Future Ready
Richland Northeast High School, a National Certified Demonstration Magnet School, has been a part of the Northeast Columbia community since 1978. This past fall marked 46 years of continued growth and innovation. During the 2023–2024 school year, we reopened our doors following the completion of a multi-year construction project that included an expanded and redesigned cafeteria, enclosed hallways connecting all first-floor buildings, a new collaboration space in the C building, and upgrades to HVAC systems, paint, and lighting. These facility enhancements reflect and support the innovation and excellence that define our classrooms.
Our commitment to providing a high-quality education continues to deepen, nurturing the development of global thinkers and problem solvers. Richland Northeast High School empowers all students to develop the world-class skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by offering meaningful opportunities for every child, every day—giving them every chance to succeed. We strive to be an exemplary school by creating a learning environment “Where Joy Resides” for all students while expecting excellence in Academics, Activities, the Arts, and Athletics by providing students with the opportunity to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed.
Innovative Academic Opportunities
Richland Northeast aims to bring out the best in each student by providing lessons and learning experiences that expand their minds and foster creativity and innovation. One example is our AVID program, through which we were recognized as an Emerging Schoolwide AVID School. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a system designed to help all students lead and excel academically while meeting the challenges of rigorous, high-level coursework. Students also have opportunities to explore their creativity and innovation through our Career and Technical Education programs, which include Culinary Arts, Business Management, Health Science, Cosmetology, Computer Programming, Entrepreneurship, and more.
We are home to multiple magnet programs. Horizon, an academic magnet for highly motivated, academically talented students; The Palmetto Center for the Arts, which offers dance, music, theater, and visual arts; and Convergence Media, a nationally award-winning, journalism program.
Last school year, our school transitioned from the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School program to the Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone program. This shift supports our ongoing commitment to rigorous academic preparation by offering our students a broader selection of AP courses, including AP Seminar and AP Research. The AP Capstone program is designed to enhance students’ college readiness by fostering advanced skills in research, writing, and critical thinking, essential tools for success in both higher education and a global society.
Richland Northeast is recognized nationally for its award-winning CavPlex Convergence Media program. CavPlex students produce four publications: RNE-TV Live (daily news broadcast), The Saber (online news platform), Tapestry (literary magazine), and The Archive (yearbook). Student journalists in the program regularly interview school administrators, district leaders, and local community figures—providing an essential public service.
Recently, students have achieved notable success, earning several first-place awards from the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association (SCSPA) and 20 regional awards from the Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA). In 2025, Lillian Mirosavich was named South Carolina Journalist of the Year for her exceptional multiplatform production skills. Since 2019, the CavPlex program has earned four Broadcast Pacemaker Awards from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).
Palmetto Center for the Arts is nationally recognized as a National School of Distinction in Arts Education by the John F. Kennedy Center and is the recipient of the John F. Kennedy Creative Ticket Award for outstanding achievement in arts education. PCA offers students an innovative, challenging and comprehensive conservatory-style curriculum in both the arts and academics, along with the competitive edge to enter top-level colleges, universities or conservatories.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Richland Northeast has also seen significant growth in the arts and athletics. Richland Northeast was proud to cheer many athletic programs, including girls' basketball, boys soccer, girls tennis, and football, into the regional playoffs and to be a site for three of the SCHSL Track and Field State Championships. Eleven of our student-athletes signed to commit to playing athletics at the collegiate level.
Enrolled, Enlisted, or Employed
Preparing students for success beyond our campus is a daily priority. To that end, our administration, teachers, and staff work diligently to ensure that our academic programs remain relevant, challenging, and enriching. This is made possible through the support of our students, families, educators, and a dedicated School Improvement Council. Together, we ensure that every student graduates from Richland Northeast High School prepared to pursue their individual pathway to success.
Dr. Marlon L. Thomas, Principal
LaTonya Derrick, SIC Chairperson
