Irmo High School International School for the Arts is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina graduate by providing choice in rigorous coursework and work based experiences through Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Dual Enrollment, and business internships and partnerships.
As an arts magnet school, creativity and innovation are experienced in all subject areas and particularly through our unique and challenging offerings in guitar, piano, world percussion, world dance, stained glass, and technical theater. As a recipient of a Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant, collaboration and teamwork have been demonstrated in our candidate year with the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme. In partnership with our Center for Advanced Technical Studies, teachers from both schools have been planning opportunities for students to experience academically rigorous career-technical instruction. Our established IB Diploma Programme promotes critical thinking and global learning at the highest level. A key component of the IB Programme is the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course studied over a period of two years. TOK fosters critical thinking, open-mindedness, and communication skills as they relate to world culture, philosophy, and ethics. The course connects to science, mathematics, history, and the arts. Data reveals a higher college and university acceptance rate for students completing the IB Programme. This year, we also have dedicated course options for dual enrollment credit opportunities at a regional university and technical school to include English, psychology, medical terminology, sociology, criminal justice, and theatre, as well as developed partnerships and internships with local hospitals, pharmacies, and a renowned manufacturing company.
Another 21st century skill that is paramount to the success and overall effectiveness of our school is communication. We seek every opportunity to promote two-way communication to our stakeholders and build relationships among our feeder schools. Our Parent Newsletter is shared with parents weekly via email and is posted to our school website. It gives a calendar of events specific to parents and includes students/staff achievements, testing schedules, and other pertinent information. Our parent groups include our Parent, Teacher, Student Organization (PTSO), our School Improvement Council (SIC), our Education Foundation, and our Parent Advisory. The parent advisory meets monthly with the principal to guide continuous improvement efforts, as well as updates on school based initiatives and celebrations. Our focus on social media has been increased, as data analytics reveal increased engagement with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google Classroom. These communication tools have proven to be effective in keeping our parents, students, and community informed about school events.
Irmo High School International School for the Arts is known for bringing our “A Game” to all we do in academics, the arts, athletics, attendance, and attitude by promoting the 3 Rs: being respectful, responsible, and reputable. IRMO means, “I Respect Myself and Others.”
Dr. Robin L. Hardy, Principal
D.C. Terry, SIC Chair
