Southwood Academy of the Arts serves the entire Anderson School District 5 community as a pure magnet school for the creative 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 the world-class skills and 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 2019-2020 school year, Southwood Academy of the Arts maintained a reputation for excellence in the Anderson area through high test scores and individual student gains. Southwood Academy scored an excellent rating on the state report card, which is the highest rating offered by the state. 95% of the students at Southwood exceeded, met, or were close to meeting standard in ELA and 93% in math. 92% exceeded, met, or were close to meeting standard in science and 94% in social studies. Southwood students consistently perform almost twice as well as the district and state averages. 80% of the students at Southwood made honor roll or principal’s honor roll consistently throughout the year.
Six middle school students and twenty-five high school students made All-Region Orchestra, and three middle school students and two high school students made All-State orchestra. 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 8th year in a row; in addition, the school was also the recipient of the state DAP grant to further arts education in the school. Six high school choral students competed, were selected, and performed for the SC All-State choir at Winthrop University in March.
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
