Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy (BCAA) has established a strong tradition of helping all students develop the World-Class Knowledge, World-Class Skills, and Life and Career Characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. During the 2025–2026 school year, BCAA continued to strengthen its culture of academic excellence, arts integration, leadership, innovation, and student achievement.
In June 2026, BCAA was recognized as the Lexington Chronicle's Best Middle School in Lexington County, highlighting the school's outstanding reputation and positive impact within the community. BCAA also received the South Carolina Palmetto Silver Award in recognition of the school's continued academic growth and student achievement. In addition, BCAA continues to be recognized as a Schools to Watch school, reflecting its sustained commitment to exemplary middle-level education, innovation, continuous improvement, and student success.
Through rigorous academics, arts integration, leadership opportunities, collaborative learning experiences, and extracurricular involvement, students are provided meaningful opportunities to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate creatively, and grow as productive, responsible citizens prepared for success in high school and beyond.
Academically, five students were named Junior Scholars, and four students earned recognition as Myrdis Walker Scholars. Additionally, 12 students were inducted into the National Jr. Beta Club. BCAA was also redesignated as a Model PLC School for the second consecutive time, reflecting the school's sustained commitment to collaborative learning, data-driven instruction, and continuous improvement in student achievement.
As an arts magnet middle school, BCAA continued to excel in arts integration and fine arts programming. The school maintained its status as an ABC Site through the South Carolina Arts Alliance and was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) Grant. Six staff members presented at the South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Annual Conference, showcasing the innovative instructional practices taking place at BCAA.
The music department experienced exceptional success during the South Carolina Concert Performance Assessment (CPA). The Band received a Superior with Distinction rating, Chorus earned a Superior rating, and Orchestra received an Excellent rating. The Band program continued its historic success by earning back-to-back Superior with Distinction ratings in Grade II Music for the first time in program history. Twenty-five band students were selected for the Lexington Two District Honor Band, including four first-chair selections, and two students were named alternates for the South Carolina Band Directors Association Region 2 Honor Band.
The Orchestra program continued to grow and excel with six students selected for the Lexington Two District Honors Orchestra, two students selected for All-Region Orchestra, and one student selected for All-State Orchestra—the first All-State Orchestra student in program history. In Chorus, 10 students were selected for the Lexington Two District Honors Choir. The Chorus also represented BCAA by performing at both the Cayce and West Columbia Tree Lighting Ceremonies, sharing their musical talents with the local community.
The Visual and Performing Arts programs also celebrated significant accomplishments. Theatre students staged three productions during the school year, including one original play that was written and directed by BCAA students. Theatre students also participated in an Artist-in-Residence experience, providing them with the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a professional teaching artist. Chorus, Dance, and Theatre students participated in the Candy Cabaret alongside the district's arts elementary school, performing for the community at the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center. Additionally, the Visual and Performing Arts Company (V-PAC) Dance Team placed second overall at the Wildcat Invitational and third overall at the Gator Dance Team Classic. The V-PAC Dance Team also hosted a Day of Dance for approximately 250 elementary students, providing an engaging opportunity to experience dance, creativity, and arts education.
In Visual Arts, two lesson plans created by a BCAA teacher were published by ABC, and one BCAA student earned first place in the middle school division of the Lexington Two District Art Show.
BCAA's Archery program also experienced tremendous success during the 2025–2026 school year. The Archery Team qualified for the South Carolina State Archery Tournament in both 3-D and Bullseye competitions, finishing 10th in the state in Bullseye and 13th in the state in 3-D. The team also earned invitations to compete at the U.S. Eastern National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky. One student finished ranked No. 3 in South Carolina for middle school boys' Bullseye competition, while another finished ranked No. 2 in the state for middle school boys' 3-D competition. Additionally, 83% of the archery team earned Academic Archer distinction.
BCAA also continued its commitment to student attendance and engagement. The school was recognized as a Be Present SC School for promoting positive attendance habits and fostering a culture of consistent school attendance. In addition, a BCAA student earned statewide recognition by winning the Be Present SC Essay Contest, becoming the only middle school student in South Carolina to receive this honor during the 2025–2026 school year.
Through strong academics, arts integration, leadership opportunities, extracurricular involvement, and a culture of continuous improvement, BCAA continues to provide students with meaningful experiences that foster creativity, achievement, and excellence both inside and outside the classroom while preparing students to become future-ready graduates, leaders, and lifelong learners.
Alicia Dickerson, Principal
Brooke Dull, School Improvement Council Chair
