Nursery Road Elementary School – Arts Magnet develops the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by delivering rigorous, engaging instruction aligned to state standards through intentional arts integration at all grade levels. As the district’s only Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) site, our mission is to motivate, empower, and support students in achieving individual goals within challenging, arts-integrated learning experiences while preparing them to be successful citizens in a diverse community. Competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Education Magnet Schools Assistance Program and the South Carolina Department of Education Distinguished Arts Program have expanded opportunities for students to develop skills such as creativity, innovation, collaboration, and teamwork. In addition, our school has been recognized nationally as a Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America in 2021, 2023, and 2025, and as a Magnet School of Distinction in 2022, 2024 and 2026. Ms. Fisher was also recognized as the Magnet Schools of America Region IV Principal of the Year 2026.
Creativity and innovation are embedded in daily instruction and celebrated school-wide. All students participate in an expanded Academic Arts rotation that includes Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual/Media Arts, Spanish, Physical Education, and Keyboarding. Students compose and record music in our Instrumental Music Studio using electric guitars, drums, and MIDI boards, and they create and perform dance sequences connected to culturally relevant content.
Students regularly use iPads and Chromebooks as tools for critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and skill development in mathematics, literacy, and computer science, including coding experiences that build foundational digital literacy.
Collaboration and teamwork are evident across all classrooms. Teachers meet students where they are through differentiated small-group instruction and work collaboratively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to analyze data and implement research-based instructional strategies. This ongoing collaboration supports continuous academic growth and achievement for all learners.
Collaboration is also visible beyond the classroom in school-wide performances such as our Winter Performance and the Fifth Grade Creating Original Opera, where students bring South Carolina standards to life through interdisciplinary arts experiences. Cooperative learning strategies are embedded across instruction, increasing engagement, accountability, equity, and positive student behavior.
At Nursery Road Elementary School – Arts Magnet, we remain committed to strengthening relationships with our students, families, and community to ensure every child is prepared for future success.
Karey R. Fisher, Principal
Tom Klutz, SIC Chairperson
