Local School Information

Everything you ever wanted to know about York County and Mecklenburg County Schools can be found right here!

York School District 1

Clover School District 2

Rock Hill School District 3

Fort Mill School District 4

Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District

Excellent Resources for School Comparison

Greatschools.net - We're committed to providing parents with information
and tools to choose schools, support their children's education and improve schools in their communities.

Theschoolreport.com - Where the info on the 6 schools below came from

My South Carolina Schools - A great resource for extremely detailed info on SC Schools

More Useful Local School Information

Below is a selection of 3 area schools from York County, SC and 3 area schools from Mecklenburg County, NC (Charlotte) and various information about the schools. The schools selected are:

Fort Mill High School in York County, SC
Clover High School in York County,SC
Northwestern High School in York County, SC
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South Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC
Waddell High School in Charlotte, NC
Olympic High School in Charlotte, NC

For each school there is a brief list of Interesting Features/Achievements.

Fort Mill High School

• The Fort Mill High Schools Band won the State Class AAA Marching Championships.
• 74% of the Districts professional staff hold a Masters degree or higher.
• District Schools are accredited by the Southern Assn. of Colleges and Schools.
• The Drama Club puts on a Fall and Spring production.
• The HS offers an environmental club called SAVE.
• The FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is active at the HS.
• Fort Mill HS has a LIFE Program for drug and alcohol awareness.
• Fort Mill HS offers Junior ROTC to students as the Marines service unit of the military.
• Various Honors courses are available at the High School.
• The Fine Arts Dept. performs various times during the year.
• Fort Mill puts emphasis on communication with parents and community.
• A new program will teach Spanish to grades one and two.
• The ST-ARTS Program is available for students displaying talent in the arts.
• Kindergarten is offered as a full day program.
• Riverview Elementary, Gold Hill Elementary, Orchard Park Elementary, Springfield Elementary, Gold Hill Middle and Fort Mill High School were awarded the 2003-04 Palmetto Gold Award for improved academic performance.

Clover High School

• Jrs./Srs. may take British Authors & US History through the distance learning program.
• District Schools are accredited by the Southern Assn. of Colleges and Schools.
• 60% of the Districts professional staff hold a Masters degree or higher.
• The School offers the students an SAT Preparation Course.
• Clover Junior High School has two Technology Labs and an in-house TV Studio.
• Students may take electives in Astronomy and Environmental Science.
• The District has over 1,000 computers for use by students and staff.
• Intramural wrestling is offered to students at the High School.
• New courses added includes: Ceramics, Graphics, Cartooning & Jewelry Design.
• Clover HS offers Junior ROTC to students as the Air Force service unit of the military.
• The Drama Club performs several times a year.
• Bethel Elementary, Crowders Creek Elementary and Griggs Road Elementary were awarded the 2001-02 Palmetto Gold Award for improved academic performance.
• The Clover HS girls tennis team were 3AA state champions in 2003.
• For the 2002/03 school year, Clover HS received a rating of Excellent on the school report card.
• Clover HS is a participating member of the National Honor Society.

Northwestern High School

• Northwestern High School has Block Scheduling.
• Every school has a thirty station computer lab.
• Students may participate in Model United Nations, a group focusing on world issues.
• Four courses are offered in Marketing Education.
• The Rock Hill Applied Technology Center offers programs in twenty occupational areas.
• The school has various clubs, including: Political Science and Rocket Clubs.
• Industrial Technology & Provocation courses are available to ninth and tenth graders.
• Courses offered at the center include: Commercial Arts, Electricity & Graphic Communication.
• Students are consistent winners in competitions in Academics, Fine Arts and Athletics.
• Northwestern Senior High School is accredited by the Southern Assn. of Colleges and Schools.
• 68% of the Districts professional staff hold a Masters degree or higher.
• Mt. Gallant Elementary exemplary writing is a school wide effort.
• The Drama Club performs several times a year.
• Northwestern Sr. HS has an Air Force ROTC.
• A 3-wk program for gr. 6, 7, & 8 is provided in drama, dance, art & music.
• A program for academically gifted students is offered in grades 3-12.
• Honors and advanced placement courses are offered in the high schools.
• A 9th grader at Northwestern won the boys state tennis championship.
• All classes were provided Internet access.
• Distance learning labs were established at both high schools.
• Eight schools were recipients of state incentive rewards.
• The Honor Society at the HS received one of ten national awards for community service.
• Peer mediation programs were provided at all secondary schools.
• Kindergarten is offered as a full day program for 5 year olds and a half day program for 4 years olds.
• A Conflict Resolution Program will be implemented at all elementary schools.
• Ebenezer Avenue Elementary was awarded the 2001-02 Palmetto Silver Award for improved academic performance.
• The Northwestern Sr. HS received the Palmetto finest award for the 2000/01 school year.
• for the 2002 school year, Northwestern Sr. HS received the Flagship School of Promise award.
• The for the 2002/03 school year, Northwestern Sr. HS received the Red Carpet School Award and the SC Healthy School award.
• The Northwestern Sr. HS received the Palmetto Gold award for academic excellence in 2001/02 and 2002/03.
• Northwestern HS is a participating member of the National Honor Society.
• Sunset Park ES operates on a year round schedule.
• Central Child Development School is a preschool program for Rock Hill School District.
• The Children's School at Sylvia Circle provides a true Montessori experience.
• Parent Smart/Rock Hill Family Resource Center provides parent-student learning environment and home schooling.

District Size

District

York 4 w/Fort Mill HS

York 2 w/Clover HS

Rock Hill w/Northwestern

Lowest Grade Level *

K

Pre - K

K

Highest Grade Level *

12

12

12

Student Population

7807

5221

10472

Teacher Population

348

263

484

Professional Staff **

372

273

515

Student/Teacher Ratio

22:1

19:1

21:1

Median Years of Teaching Experience

16

13

10

# of Elementary Schools

6

6

9

Average Elementary School Population

658

465

462

# of Middle Schools / Junior High Schools

2

1

3

Average Middle School Population

852

931

991

Primary High School Population

2152

1500

2437

Average Class Size ***

Grade 1

21

20

22

Grade 8

25

25

28

High School English

21

25

27

High School Math

21

25

27

High School Science

21

25

27

* Districts with only elementary schools include information on the high school most students attend
** Includes guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, librarians, medical/dental staff, and teachers.
*** Does not include special classes or targeted small group classes.

Elementary and Middle School Programs
District	York 4 w/Fort Mill HS	York 2 w/Clover HS	Rock Hill w/Northwestern
Academic Programs
Formal Study of a Foreign Language	K	4	7
Use of an Equipped Science Lab	6	2	K
Formal Computer Training	K	K	1
Use of an Equipped Computer Lab	K	K	K
In-classroom Computers	K		K
Technology / Industrial Arts	6	7	6
Home Economics	6	7	6
English as a Second Language	K	K	K
Fine Arts Programs
Band Instrument Lessons	6	6	6
Orchestra Instrument Lessons			6
Organized Band	6	6	7
Organized Orchestra			7
Organized Chorus	4	K	7
Drama Productions	4		6
Radio / TV Production	4	8	3
Gifted and Talented Pull-Out Programs
Fine Arts	6
Mathematics	3	3
Science	3	3
General	6	3	3
Magnet Programs
In-classroom Enrichment	K
Academic Interschool Competitions
Odyssey of the Mind		5
Reading Incentive	K	K	K
Science Fair	6	5	K
General Academic	5	5	1
Other Programs
Before School Day Care
After School Day Care	Y	Y	Y
After School Busing
Overnight Field Trips	Y	Y	Y

Senior Performance
District	York 4 w/Fort Mill HS	York 2 w/Clover HS	Rock Hill w/Northwestern
High School Seniors	369	297	486
% of Seniors Receiving HS Diploma	95%	87%	99%
Graduates' Future Plans (% Attending)
4-Year College/University	60%	40%	53%
2-Year / Junior College	30%	20%
Business / Technical School			38%
Armed Forces	4%	2%	2%
Work Force	4%	38%	7%
Awards
National Merit Scholarship Finalists	3		4
National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalists	3
Letters of Commendation	9
Average SAT Scores
% of Seniors taking SATs	79%	54%	72%
Math	516	505	507
Verbal	509	489	505
Average ACT Scores
% of Seniors taking ACTs	14%	10%	30%
English	19.7	20.3	20.2
Math	21.2	20.7	20.2
Science	21	20.8	20.6
Reading	20.7	20.7	20.6
Composite	20.7	20.7	20.5

South Mecklenburg High

• School lists are based on district feeder pattern and area.
• For questions regarding which school your child will attend, call 704-379-7000.
• Over 40 District schools offer at least one of the many magnet programs available.
• For purposes of this report, total Magnet Schools are listed by area.
• For information on all Magnet offerings, call the Magnet Office at 704-343-5030.
• Some Magnet Schools have specific boundary and attendance requirements.
• Transportation to magnet schools may be limited-check with Magnet Office for details.
• South Mecklenberg HS offers courses in Chinese, Latin, French, Spanish and Japanese.
• District schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
• Full scholarships were awarded by U.S. Naval Academies at Annapolis & West Point.
• SAT Preparation Course is offered at South Mecklenberg High School.
• South Mecklenburg HS is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
• South Mecklenburg HS has a Navy ROTC on campus.
• Additional magnets include Visual, Performing and Communication Arts and Technology.
• Carmel Middle School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• South Mecklenburg High School offers Junior ROTC to students as the Naval service unit of the military.
• The district had 44 seniors chosen for National Merit Finalists this year.
• Pineville ES received Triple S School Award for being exemplary in providing a safe school 5/00.
• Elizabeth T/C, McAlpine and S. Charlotte ranked as a school of distinction by the state of NC.
• Several district schools ranked as making exemplary growth by the state of NC.
• Quail Hollow MS sports include football, basketball, track, & volleyball.
• Irwin ES, Piedmont MS and West Charlotte HS are Open Education magnet schools.
• Year-round education is provided at Bruns Avenue Elementary School.
• South Charlotte MS is a participating member of the National Honor Society.
• Quail Hollow MS is a participating member of the Junior National Honor Society.
• Carmel MS is a participating member of the Junior National Honor Society.
• Piedmont Open MS is recognized as a Blue Ribbon school by the US Department of Education.
• First Ward ES is recognized as a Blue Ribbon school by the US Department of Education.
• Carmel Junior HS is recognized as a Blue Ribbon school by the US Department of Education.
• Quail Hollow Middle School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• Hawthorne Middle School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• Math, Science, Foreign Language and Global Studies are among Magnet programs offered.
• HS Drama Club puts on a Spring production as well as several smaller productions.
• FBLA club (Future Business Leaders of America) is offered at the HS.
• HS offers an FTA Chapter (Future Teachers of America).
• FHA (Future Homemakers of America) is active at the HS.
• CMSD was recently named one of the 10 Best Districts in the Nation by Money Magazine.
• The District has also been recognized as a leader in School/Community partnerships.

Waddell High School

• School lists are based on district feeder pattern and area.
• For questions regarding which school your child will attend, call 704-379-7000.
• Over 40 District schools offer at least one of the many magnet programs available.
• For purposes of this report, total Magnet Schools are listed by area.
• For information on all Magnet offerings, call the Magnet Office at 704-343-5030.
• Some Magnet Schools have specific boundary and attendance requirements.
• Transportation to magnet schools may be limited-check with Magnet Office for details.
• The District has also been recognized as a leader in School/Community partnerships.
• District schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
• Several district schools ranked as making exemplary growth by the state of NC.
• Math, Science, Foreign Language and Global Studies are among Magnet programs offered.
• Additional magnets include Visual, Performing and Communication Arts and Technology.
• The Class of 2003 will be the first to graduate from Waddell HS.
• More Advanced Placement courses will be available in the Fall 2002.
• Drivers Education is coordinated by a private company on school grounds.
• The HS offers a Photography class.
• The District is in the process of redistricting; some magnet schools will not be magnet s next year.
• Hawthorne Middle School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• Kennedy Middle School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• Quail Hollow Middle School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• HS has outstanding sports programs, runner-up for state football championship second year school was open (2002-2003), Center for Instructional Improvement and large English as a Second Language program.
• E.E. Waddell HS is a participating (or demonstration) school in A.V.I.D., Advancement Via Individual Determination, whereby students receive academic and motivational support to succeed.
• Kennedy MS is a participating (or demonstration) school in A.V.I.D., Advancement Via Individual Determination, whereby students receive academic and motivational support to succeed.
• Marie G. Davis MS is a participating (or demonstration) school in A.V.I.D., Advancement Via Individual Determination, whereby students receive academic and motivational support to succeed.
• Quail Hollow MS is a participating (or demonstration) school in A.V.I.D., Advancement Via Individual Determination, whereby students receive academic and motivational support to succeed.
• Smith MS is a participating (or demonstration) school in A.V.I.D., Advancement Via Individual Determination, whereby students receive academic and motivational support to succeed.
• Spaugh MS is a participating (or demonstration) school in A.V.I.D., Advancement Via Individual Determination, whereby students receive academic and motivational support to succeed.
• First Ward ES is recognized as a Blue Ribbon school by the US Department of Education.
• Piedmont Open MS is recognized as a Blue Ribbon school by the US Department of Education.
• E.E. Waddell High School offers Junior ROTC program to students with the US Army service unit of the military.
• Carmel MS is a participating member of the Junior National Honor Society.
• E.E. Waddell HS is a participating member of the National Honor Society.
• Quail Hollow MS is a participating member of the Junior National Honor Society.
• Sedgefield MS is a participating member of the Junior National Honor Society.

Olympic High School

• School lists are based on district feeder pattern and area.
• For questions regarding which school your child will attend, call 704-379-7000.
• Over 40 District schools offer at least one of the many magnet programs available.
• For purposes of this report, total Magnet Schools are listed by area.
• For information on all Magnet offerings, call the Magnet Office at 704-343-5030.
• Some Magnet Schools have specific boundary and attendance requirements.
• Transportation to magnet schools may be limited-check with Magnet Office for details.
• Olympic High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
• District schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.
• Olympic HS serves variety of neighborhoods-inner city, suburbia, rural & lake resort.
• HS Drama Club puts on a at least 2 productions annually.
• Olympic HS has an Army ROTC.
• Math, Science, Foreign Language and Global Studies are among Magnet programs offered.
• Year-round education is provided at Bruns Avenue Elementary School.
• First Ward ES is recognized as a Blue Ribbon school by the US Department of Education.
• Kennedy Middle School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• Hawthorne Middle School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• Olympic High School participates in the AVID program, Advancement Via Individual Determination.
• Olympic High School offers Junior ROTC to students as the Army service unit of the military.
• The district had 44 seniors chosen for National Merit Finalists this year.
• Several district schools ranked as making exemplary growth by the state of NC.
• Davidson IB has been ranked as a school of excellence by the State of NC.
• Irwin ES, Piedmont MS and West Charlotte HS are Open Education magnet schools.
• Sedgfield MS is a participating member of the Junior National Honor Society.
• Marie G. Davis MS is a participating member of the Junior National Honor Society.
• Piedmont Open MS is recognized as a Blue Ribbon school by the US Department of Education.
• Additional magnets include Visual, Performing and Communication Arts and Technology.
• HS has a very active Red Cross Club.
• FBLA club (Future Business Leaders of America) is offered at the HS.
• FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) is available at the HS.
• HS International Club combines both French and Spanish Clubs.
• CMSD was recently named one of the 10 Best Districts in the Nation by Money Magazine.
• The District has also been recognized as a leader in School/Community partnerships

District Size
District	Charlotte w/S. Mecklenburg	Charlotte w/Waddell	Charlotte w/Olympic
Lowest Grade Level *	K	Pre - K	K
Highest Grade Level *	12	12	12

Student Population	15573	11763	10685
Teacher Population	1269	913	884
Professional Staff **	1369	963	974
Student/Teacher Ratio	12:1	12:1	12:1
Median Years of Teaching Experience	15	15	15
# of Elementary Schools	11	11	7
Average Elementary School Population	659	488	641
# of Middle Schools / Junior High Schools	6	6	6
Average Middle School Population	987	863	773
Primary High School Population	2202	1022	1367
Average Class Size ***
Grade 1	24	24	24
Grade 8	24	24	24
High School English	28	25	25
High School Math	28	25	25
High School Science	28	25	25
* Districts with only elementary schools include information on the high school most students attend Includes guidance counselors, psychologists, social workers, librarians, medical/dental staff, and teachers. * Does not include special classes or targeted small group classes.

Elementary and Middle School Programs
District	Charlotte w/S. Mecklenburg	Charlotte w/Waddell	Charlotte w/Olympic
Academic Programs
Formal Study of a Foreign Language	K	K	K
Use of an Equipped Science Lab	K	K	K
Formal Computer Training	1	1	1
Use of an Equipped Computer Lab	K	K	K
In-classroom Computers	K	K	K
Technology / Industrial Arts	6	6	6
Home Economics	8	8	8
English as a Second Language	K	K	K
Fine Arts Programs
Band Instrument Lessons	6	6	6
Orchestra Instrument Lessons	6	6	6
Organized Band	6	6	6
Organized Orchestra	6	6	6
Organized Chorus	6	6	6
Drama Productions	6	6	6
Radio / TV Production
Gifted and Talented Pull-Out Programs
Fine Arts
Mathematics
Science
General
Magnet Programs	3	3	3
In-classroom Enrichment	K	K	K
Academic Interschool Competitions
Odyssey of the Mind	1	1	1
Reading Incentive	1	1	1
Science Fair	3	3	3
General Academic	1	1	1
Other Programs
Before School Day Care	Y	Y	Y
After School Day Care	Y	Y	Y
After School Busing	Y	Y	Y
Overnight Field Trips	Y	Y	Y

Senior Performance
District	Charlotte w/S. Mecklenburg	Charlotte w/Waddell	Charlotte w/Olympic
High School Seniors	432	185	207
% of Seniors Receiving HS Diploma	95%	72%	92%
Graduates' Future Plans (% Attending)
4-Year College/University	69%	36%	35%
2-Year / Junior College	24%	32%	40%
Business / Technical School	2%	4%