Academic Magnet High School met the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 closure with exceptional grace, effectiveness, and efficiency. The heroic efforts of staff and faculty, in partnership with families and students, allowed AMHS to reach 100% of its students with online learning from March 16 through June. The school’s reputation for academic excellence and learning integrity remained fully intact.
Academic Magnet High School fully supports the Profile of the SC Graduate and is pleased to report on the school's efforts to collaborate and creativity engage students.
It was only with the day to day collaboration of AMHS families and students that the school was able to reach 100% of its students with effective instruction throughout the entire year. This family/school partnership was enhanced by clear and timely communication from school leadership, counselors, and teachers.
Strong collaboration with the College Board and the Advanced Placement Program sets AMHS apart in academic rigor. Despite the changing testing logistics and content, 515 AMHS students took 1481 AP exams. This includes our first year of full implementation of the AP Capstone Program for all 11th and 12th grade students. In 2019, AMHS posted 99% exams scored earning a 3 or higher pass rate for AP exams; we anticipate results posted in July 2020 to be equally as outstanding.
An initial two-year $100,000 grant from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation was renewed for an additional two years (2020-22), and $150,000 will support the continued implementation of access strategies for low income middle school students and families in preparation for admission to AMHS. This collaboration has positively impacted diversity within our school admissions.
Parent support groups at AMHS include Parents in Education, the AMHS Foundation, and the School Improvement Council. The exceptional collaboration with these groups has allowed AMHS to offer students and staff opportunities for growth and support not possible through the standard operational budget: PIE supports faculty in accessing nationally recognized professional development; the Foundation makes a summer transition program possible for new students entering AMHS; the SIC sponsors a mentor training and student-to-student support program which help entering freshman from over 20 different middle schools assimilate to a new school environment.
A spirit of creativity and partnership with CCSD, PIE, and among the school administration allowed us to fully honor and recognize the Class of 2020 despite health and safety restrictions. This record-breaking class, boasting 29 National Merit finalists as well as 148 potential AP Capstone Diploma scholars, deserved every effort we could put forth to celebrate. A virtual graduation ceremony was followed by an in-person diploma awarding ceremony that was met with great acclaim by our school community.
It is notable that Academic Magnet High School was named the Number 2 public high school in the nation by US News and World Report, 2020.
Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Spencer, Principal
Amy Hill, SIC Chairperson
