Ashley Ridge High School (ARHS) is helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by developing collaboration and communication between all stakeholders. Ashley Ridge High School challenges students through creativity and innovation as well as collaboration and teamwork. It is our mission to provide educational opportunities in a safe, supportive environment which fosters pride, inspires excellence, promotes respect, and builds strong relationships with all our graduates. Our commitment to creating college and career ready graduates is evidenced by our students’ success. The Class of 2026 earned over $24.7 million in scholarships, and over 87% of our graduates earned a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Work Ready Certificate. Additionally, 423 students were awarded Palmetto Fellows, Life, and Hope Scholarships.
Ashley Ridge High School provides graduates with world-class knowledge by providing rigorous standards in language arts and math for college and career readiness. Students are offered stringent coursework through Dual Credit, Advanced Placement, Honors, and Project Lead the Way classes. In addition, a partnership created between our school and Trident Technical College for the Early College Program as well as our partnership with ECPI University allows students to earn certifications and degrees upon successful completion of the programs. We had 22 seniors earn an associate degree from Trident Technical College. We had over 600 students take over 1,031 Advanced Placement exams. This year, we continued scheduling Independent Learning Time (ILT) and Structured Learning Time (SLT). ILT encourages students to utilize their time to meet their educational needs. Students can use ILT for one-on-one tutoring with teachers, retaking assessments, completing and making-up assignments, collaboration with peers for the completion of projects, club/extracurricular meetings, meeting with counselors, and relationship building with the adults within the school. Teachers, counselors, and administrators were available to assist students in their efforts on these days. ARHS also has a Prevention and Intervention (P&I) department that consists of one administrator, one school counselor, and an administrative assistant. As a group, they focus on assisting students who do not have the required number of credits to advance to the next grade and/or graduate within four years. These students are offered support in many ways – special events to inform parents and students about options; specialized schedules that will help them get back on track; and evening school where these students can earn additional credits through Edmentum and SC Virtual School.
The Ashley Ridge graduate encompasses the world-class skills of creativity and innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration. Creativity is fostered through the agriculture program’s development of a working garden space and an animal herd. Ashley Ridge High School maintains active Project Lead the Way and Career and Technical Education programs which encourage collaboration and critical thinking. Ashley Ridge High School maintains active Project Lead the Way and Career and Technical Education programs which encourage collaboration and critical thinking. This year, Ashley Ridge High School was one of eleven high schools recognized as a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School. This recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. The Ashley Ridge Future Health Professionals (HOSA) Program had thirty-nine students compete at the 2026 SC HOSA State Leadership Conference, all students qualified to advance to round 2, and sixteen of those students placed in the Top 3 in various events receiving medals and qualifying for the International Leadership Conference. Four students placed in the Top 5 of their event and served as alternates for the International Leadership Conference. Additionally, one student was recognized as an outstanding HOSA member. As a chapter, Ashley Ridge was recognized as a Gold Level chapter for the America’s Blood Centers & HOSA Blood Drive event for collecting 532 pints of blood and directly impacted almost 1600 patients in our local community. Ashley Ridge was also recognized with a banner for earning the most points through volunteer hours, fundraising, and adding people to the NMDP registry/pre-registry for the National Service Project, NMDP (National Marrow Donor Program).
The Ashley Ridge Marching Band participated in the South Carolina Band Director’s Association (SCBDA) 6A State Finals this year earning a Superior Rating and 12th place in SCBDA 6A State. The Ashley Ridge Concert Bands both attended SCBDA Concert Performance Assessment in Class VI and Class IV and both earned the rating of Superior with Distinction. The Ashley Ridge Jazz Band participated in SCBDA Jazz Performance Assessment and earned the rating of Superior with Distinction. Three Ashley Ridge Band students were selected to represent ARHS in the SCBDA All State Jazz Band. Five students earned chairs in the South Carolina All State Band, three were named alternates, and 30 students earned placement in the South Carolina Region Bands. The Ashley Ridge Varsity Winter Guard earned first place at CWEA Championships, class Scholastic A, earning the highest score of 25 competing groups and the highest score in school history in the Carolina Winter Ensemble Association circuit. The JV Winter Guard earned 2nd place at CWEA Championships in class Scholastic AAA.
The AFROTC earned the Distinguished Unit Award this year for the 16th year in a row. Ashley Ridge athletic teams earned four region championships this year. The AR boys’ basketball team won the 5A lower state championship. The AR boys’ swim team was state runner-up. Additionally, a female swimmer won the state championship in the 50-meter freestyle and the 100-meter breaststroke. She also broke the South Carolina state record in the 100-meter breaststroke.
Ashley Ridge High School remains committed to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Through rigorous acacdemics, innovative programs, strong relationships, and a culture of excellence, we continue to empower students to develop the world-class knowledge, skills, and career characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolain Graduate. As a result, our graduates leave Ashley Ridge High School prepared to lead, serve, and succeed in an ever-changing world.
