Dorchester School District Two is committed to providing opportunities for students to ensure they possess world-class skills and knowledge that prepare them to be college and career ready. These goals parallel the tenets of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate and shape the rigorous and relevant curriculum and innovative programming in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Curriculum and instruction in all schools focus on engaging students in meaningful, relevant, and real-world applications. The school district continues to increase opportunities for students to engage with the Digital Learning Environment in all classrooms. Using the districtwide learning management system, Schoology, students engage with teachers and peers in a blended learning environment to discover, create, and connect. Learners discover information and expand their understanding of the curriculum through various digital tools/content. Students use technology to discover information to expand their thinking in research-based, practical, analytical, and/or creative ways. Learners engage in creating by using digital tools/technology to design and develop products that support learning objectives. Students create written, visual (infographics, art, graphs), models, and/or digital products (videos, recordings, audio, and/or multimedia) to enhance learning and problem-solving. Learners engage in connecting by using digital tools/technology to enhance learning by communicating with others to problem solve and expand their thinking. All students are actively engaged in collaboration towards a common goal.
This district is part of the South Carolina Child Early Reading and Development Education Program (CERDEP). Our four-year-old students qualify for participation in CERDEP by meeting the state criteria based on income and academic support. We have 29 4K classes serving 580 students. Classroom instruction is driven by the Early Learning Standards using the curriculum PreK On My Way.
District high schools offer impactful Career and Technology Education (CTE) opportunities. Through expanded career clusters, schools strive to prepare students to be a driving force for economic development in the region and to be prepared for career opportunities in high-growth industries. Collaboration with regional businesses and industries has been instrumental in the design and construction of state-of-the-art CTE facilities at the three high schools that includes an advanced manufacturing center, a working farm, and a print shop. CTE courses offered this year at district high schools included Culinary Arts, Media Arts, Horticulture, Health Sciences, Industrial Technology, Sports Medicine, Photography, and Engineering career clusters. DDTwo’s eSports initiative at all three high schools is the first in the Lowcountry to prepare students for the lucrative eSports industry.
Recognized as a school system of excellence, Dorchester School District Two has been awarded district-wide National Accreditation from the AdvancED Accreditation Commission. District schools have a proven history of offering excellent programs in academics, athletics, and the arts. In addition, the school district implemented a comprehensive technology program that provides electronic devices for all students for use in the classroom and at home. Dorchester School District Two has been named a national Best Community for Music Education for four consecutive years.
The Dorchester School District Two Early College Program had 49 students graduate with an associate's degree from Trident Technical College and a high school diploma in 2024. As reported on the 2023 South Carolina report card, Dorchester School District Two achieved a graduation rate of 92.4%. In addition, the 2024 graduating classes were offered $43,517,575 in scholarships.
Safety in the school district is always the top priority. Over the past two years, implementation of the Raptor software has continued to include visitor management and emergency management. Through the support of the district Educational Foundation, a weapons detection K-9 has been trained for use at district schools and sites to support safety and security initiatives.
All district elementary schools utilize Capturing Kids’ Hearts to support student well-being and positive relationships. Two DDTwo elementary schools are National Capturing Kids' Hearts Showcase Schools, and three elementary schools are Capturing Kids’ Hearts Rising Star Schools. Four DDTwo schools were recognized as Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction for making a positive impact on school climate and culture through Respect, Recognize, Reward, Reinforce, Relationships, and Results. Of the four schools in SC receiving the prestigious Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation, three schools were from DDTwo. This esteemed recognition celebrates schools committed to implementing a data-informed school counseling program that aligns with The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs. The dedicated school counselors at RAMP schools have demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in positively impacting student achievement, attendance, and disciplinary matters. The students have gained invaluable learning strategies, self-management skills, and social competencies, which significantly contribute to their overall academic success. The schools receiving this recognition are Ashley Ridge High School, Beech Hill Elementary School, and Rollings Middle School of the Arts.
Parent and community involvement are critical components in the success of our schools. All schools have active PTA/PTSA groups, volunteer programs, School Improvement Councils, and active business partner programs that provide thousands of volunteers and numerous resources. In collaboration with community members and businesses, all schools in Dorchester School District Two participated in the MUSC Boeing Center for Children’s Wellness program to promote health and wellness for students and staff. Working together with parents, local businesses and industries, faith-based organizations, and elected officials, we provide the real-world knowledge our students need to be productive members of society and successful citizens.
The foundation of success for students and the school system is grounded in ten Core Values adopted by Dorchester School District Two. These core values of Students, Passion, Accountability, Integrity, Community, Excellence, Relationships, Diversity, Leadership, and Recognition affirm what we stand for, and provide a framework for a unified sense of purpose for all.