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 2021-2022 school year, four middle school students and thirteen high school students made All-Region Orchestra, and three middle school students and four high school students made All-State Orchestra. Five middle school band students made All-Region Band for the first time in school history and two made All-State Band. Four visual art students were recognized at the Anderson County Youth Art Exhibit. The school also had 10 students identified as Junior Scholars. 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 10th year in a row; in addition, the school was also the recipient of the state DAP grant to further arts education in the school. Three high school choral students competed, were selected, and performed for the SC All-State choir at Winthrop University in March. The band, choir, and middle and high school orchestras all received a Superior rating at the Concert Performance Assessment in the spring where the band received a Superior with Distinction. Both the middle and high school orchestras applied for and received the Outstanding Performance Award offered by the state. Thirty-one students were also accepted to participate in the Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities Summer Odyssey program. Based on 2021 test scores in math and ELA, Southwood Academy students outpaced district and state scores by 25% or more for those meeting and exceeding state standards.
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
