Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
The Barnwell County School District (BCSD) is offering parents and students a school of choice option in the 2024-2025 school year. The deadline to apply to attend a school outside of your residential zoning district is Sunday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m.
“‘District School Choice’ allows our families who reside in Barnwell County to choose to attend any school within the county, regardless of the area in which the student lives. While we have always had the option for families to apply for non-resident enrollment, it will now be tuition-free for our Barnwell County families,” said Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton.
For example, a student who lives within the town limits of Williston is set to attend Williston-Elko schools. However, they can now apply to attend any school in their district, such as Barnwell or Blackville-Hilda schools.
Previously, the former Barnwell School District 45 and the Barnwell County Consolidated School District (BCCSD) had an out-of-district enrollment based on an application and tuition process. BCCSD also allowed intra-district transfers between Williston-Elko and Blackville-Hilda schools, but no formal school of choice guidelines were in place.
Now, with a consolidated district, it was time to establish a formal process.
In fall 2023, a committee made of members from across the county met to discuss district-wide school choice and created guideline recommendations, which were later approved by the school board.
“I am so grateful for the wonderful staff we have had working together and collaborating in so many areas as we transition to one county-wide school district, and the county-wide committee that assisted with the Barnwell County School District School Choice (BCSD School Choice) is no exception,” said Dr. Stapleton.
Enrollment numbers will be determined during the application process to ensure there is enough space available. It will also depend on grade level with special attention to class size.
To apply for a school choice opening, parents/guardians must be a legal resident of Barnwell County and must be able to furnish proof upon request. Families will have one option on the application, meaning there is no second choice option.
The district will be using an enrollment lottery to determine what applications will be accepted to attend a school outside of their residentially zoned district. A waiting list will then be created if space becomes available.
Siblings will be given preference if they have a sibling already accepted into a feeder school (primary/elementary/middle) for school of choice. Incoming kindergarten students whose siblings attend a feeder school through school of choice will be automatically enrolled in the same school as their sibling.
BCSD employees do not have to complete school choice applications for their students, unless their student goes to a different elementary or middle school than the school in which the employee works.
Families do not have to re-apply for each concurrent year if a student is already enrolled in a particular school.
Students currently enrolled in a school outside of their residential district will be grandfathered into the school choice program and do not need to apply.
Regarding athletics, S.C. High School League (SCHSL) rules must be followed when transferring within a school district.
Per SCHSL guidelines, a student may transfer within their district once every calendar year (365 days).
The district will be taking note to ensure students do not jump from one school to another for the sole purpose of playing sports for multiple schools.
Due to consolidation efforts, BCSD is currently working with state officials to seek to provide transportation for students attending a school outside of their residential district. BCSD providing transportation is contingent upon assistance from the state, and parents/guardians will be responsible for transportation until further notice.
The application first went live on www.bcsd.net on March 12 and will remain open until Sunday, April 7 at 11:59 p.m.
Applications will not be accepted after the deadline, except for extenuating circumstances. The district will also have a plan in place to allow transfers in extenuating circumstances.
The new Barnwell County School District will officially launch on July 1, marking the consolidation of District 45 and the BCCSD.
For more information on School of Choice at BCSD, visit https://www.bcsd.net/.
