Southwood Academy of the Arts serves the entire Anderson School District 5 community as a pure magnet school for the visual and performing arts for students in grades six through eight and higher-level arts courses for grades nine through twelve. Our school is helping all students develop world-class skills along with the life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate by providing a rigorous academic experience through real-life, project-based learning while using the arts as a vehicle for success.
During the 2022-2023 school year, Southwood Academy was selected as a Palmetto's Finest School sponsored by the SC Association of School Administrators. Ten middle school students and twelve high school students made All-Region Orchestra, and four middle school students and three high school students made All-State Orchestra. The middle school orchestra auditioned and was selected to perform at National Orchestra Festival in Orlando, FL in March and came in 3rd place in the nation. Twelve middle school band students made All-Region Band and three made All-State Band. Two visual art students were recognized at the Anderson County Youth Art Exhibit. The school also had 13 students identified as Junior Scholars. The faculty and students participated in the fall United Way drive and made a significant contribution to the district fundraising effort. The school also received the State Department of Education grant as an Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) site for the 11th year in a row; in addition, the school was also the recipient of the state DAP grant to further arts education in the school. Four high school choral students competed, were selected, and performed for the SC All-State Choir at Winthrop University in March. The middle school band, high school choir, and middle and high school orchestras all received a Superior ratings with distinction at the Concert Performance Assessment in the spring. The middle and high school orchestras and the middle school band applied for and received the Outstanding Performance Award offered by the state. Forty-five students were also accepted to participate in the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities Summer Odyssey program. Based on 2022 test scores in math and ELA, Southwood Academy students outpaced district and state scores by 30% or more for those meeting and exceeding state standards. Southwood Academy of the Arts ranked 13th out of 340 middle schools in the state of SC based on SC Ready ELA and math scores.
The arts and technology have engaged students in ways that allow all subjects to connect by encouraging creative risk-taking and exploration. Through academics and arts, students can see themselves as creators who value their own ideas and respect the ideas of others. At Southwood Academy of the Arts, individuals' talents are nurtured as their potential is realized.
James A. Smith, Principal
