District 5 plans magnet and school choice fairs

Lexington-Richland School District Five will host two magnet and school choice fairs to showcase the educational opportunities available throughout the district. For the first time, every school in the district, including all magnet schools, will be represented at both events.

The fairs will give current district families and those interested in enrolling in School District Five an opportunity to explore the academic and career technical education programs, dual enrollment and flexible learning opportunities and unique magnet school curriculum provided by the district. Attendees will be able to speak directly with school representatives to understand each school’s offerings, including arts, athletics, extracurricular activities, student organizations and more.

The first event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Irmo High School International School for the Arts. A second Magnet Fair will be held Jan. 14 at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies from 5-6:30 p.m.

"School District Five has consistently prioritized enhancing academic programs through magnet and choice offerings," said School District Five Magnet Director Sara Wheeler. "Providing our families with exceptional options is crucial for student success in both education and future careers. The magnet and school choice fairs are integral to informing district families about the opportunities we offer."

The district’s magnet programs include: Crossroads Middle School Academy of Innovative Learning, Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences,  Harbison West Elementary School Gifted and Talent Development Magnet, Escolares Academy at Harbison West Elementary School, H.E. Corley Elementary School Montessori Magnet and Leadership Magnet, Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet, Nursery Road Elementary School Arts Magnet, Seven Oaks Elementary School Global Magnet, Irmo Middle International Academic Magnet and I AM Escolares Magnet Program, Dutch Fork High School STEM Magnet Program, Irmo High School International School for the Arts, International Baccalaureate Diploma and Career-related Programmes and the This Is Escolares Academic Magnet Program at Irmo High School and Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet.

Schools open to choice, based on space and availability, include: Ballentine Elementary, Chapin Elementary, Chapin High, Chapin Middle, Dutch Fork High, Dutch Fork Middle, Flexible Innovative Virtual Education program, Irmo Elementary, Lake Murray Elementary, Oak Pointe Elementary, Piney Woods Elementary, River Springs Elementary and Spring Hill Middle.

All schools open to choice are based on space and availability.

The application window for the 2027-28 school year opens on Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. and closes at noon on Jan. 20.

Visit www.lexrich5.org/choice to find more information about the magnet schools or contact the magnet office at dhill@lexrich5.org with any questions.