Westwood High School remains committed to helping students develop the world class skills of the Profile of the SC Graduate through the implementation of a whole-school magnet, the Institute of Research, Engagement, and Design (iRED). Our school has been designated a certified magnet school with demonstration status by the Magnet Schools of America (MSA).
Our theme for the 2022-2023 school year, #Relentless, embodied the core tenets of our habits of success (Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship, and Engagement). These habits are reflected in our classrooms daily which allows our stakeholders to produce their best work and resulted in incremental levels of growth and achievement across a number of measured assessment categories.
As a one-to-one technology driven school, students use Chromebook devices and smart phones to collaborate and communicate, not only with other Westwood students, but also with people around the globe. Students engage with authors, doctors, and scientists to bring real-world content and exposure into the classroom. Students also use technology to produce award winning media and a live weekly news show, the Morning News Show.
We intentionally provide a rigorous education with an emphasis on the development of 21st century skills such as problem solving, collaboration, innovation, and effective communication. Students strive daily to demonstrate our habits of success while safely engaging in service learning activities such as contributing to the Harvest Hope food bank, a collaborative endeavor with the Ronald McDonald House and the Epworth Children's Home to name a few. Students also served as community activists and worked to bring attention to issues of social justice. These activities allowed students to relentlessly demonstrate creativity, teamwork, and a genuine desire to meet the needs of our surrounding community.
While this school year presented new challenges, the Westwood Redhawks continued to soar. This year’s accolades include Beta Club School of Distinction, National Honor Council for Student Government, AAAA State Champions in Girls Track and Field, and AAAA State Finalist in Girls Basketball. The class of 2023 included 9 Palmetto Fellows, 73 HOPE Scholarship Recipients, 96 Life Scholars, 156 students who earned industry certifications, 262 students recognized as College and Career Ready, and 13 athletes who signed Letters of Intent. These gains are indicative of the over $28 million dollars that were awarded in scholarship dollars. Additionally, we had 2 Palmetto Teaching Fellows, 1 student earned an Associates Degree, and we denominated evidence of meeting all three strategic goals established at the beginning of the school year. With a continued focus on student-centered instruction, productive partnerships with parents and community members, and a laser focus on learner outcomes, Westwood will continue to learn, lead, and design pathways and future opportunities for all students to be successful.
Christian Grant, SIC Chairperson
Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal
