Our school is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate by providing dynamic learning with quality arts experiences as an essential component of  the curriculum to optimize student achievement and develop creative lifelong learners. Howe Hall Arts Infused Magnet School (AIMS) is a nationally recognized elementary school serving Berkeley County.  Opened in 2002, AIMS consistently offers children unparalleled instruction that addresses multiple intelligences by creating lessons that merge South Carolina arts and academic standards.  The continued belief that success is obtainable by every student forces innovation and creativity in the introduction and re-enforcement of South Carolina elementary standards.  AIMS consistently scores higher than district and state averages on the SC READY, Palmetto Achievement of State Standards and South Carolina Arts Assessment Program tests.  Students at AIMS attend weekly classes for visual arts, music, theatre, and dance.  In addition, the fine arts and classroom teachers create and present arts-infused lessons with a team-teaching approach.  This unique feature is one of the many aspects that make AIMS such a dynamic institution of learning. Another distinctive feature of AIMS is the exploratory classes that students in grades 3-5 attend weekly.  These classes include steel drums, ballet, chorus, clay, tap, modern dance, puppetry, costume design, digital media, strings and more.  The campus curriculum is also supplemented by regular visits from artists-in-residence and performance groups that range from storytellers and folk singers to poets and puppeteers. Attending AIMS offers opportunities for students to experience the thrill of performing for live audiences throughout the year.  The school has three major performances each year with audience attendance ranging from 800 to 1100 and growing each year.  Participation in various community art shows, contests, and charitable organizations where not only students’ artwork, but also civic responsibilities are featured, is a tradition at AIMS.  In 2017 AIMS received Exemplary School Designation from the Arts Schools Network. In 2015, AIMS was awarded the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award, the highest award for the arts in the state of South Carolina. In 2010, AIMS received the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from the United States Department of Education.  In 2007, AIMS received the State and National Kennedy Center Creative Ticket School of Excellence Award.    

Christopher Swetckie, Principal

Tammy Sakalas, SIC Chair