Lexington-Richland Schools Honored with National Merit Awards

News Summary

Lexington-Richland School District Five celebrates the recognition of three schools, including Nursery Road Elementary, Leaphart Elementary, and Spring Hill High School, with National Merit Awards from Magnet Schools of America. The district is also expanding Gray Collegiate Academy into Irmo, which will serve approximately 600 students in grades six through ten. This development highlights the ongoing commitment to educational excellence and community engagement in the area.

Exciting News for Lexington-Richland Schools and Growing Gray Collegiate Academy

In a bustling community full of bright minds and innovative ideas, Lexington-Richland School District Five has hit a new high note! Excitement is in the air as three schools from the district receive National Merit Awards from Magnet Schools of America (MSA). This recognition showcases the hard work, creativity, and dedication of students and staff alike.

First up, we have the Nursery Road Elementary School-Arts Magnet, which has been awarded the prestigious title of National Magnet School of Excellence. The accolade is a testament to its incredible arts-integrated curriculum that engages young learners in wonderful and creative ways. This award certainly adds a feather to the cap of the thriving arts community in Lexington-Richland!

Moreover, both Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet and Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet were also recognized, each snagging the National Magnet School of Distinction award. The evaluation process that led to this achievement wasn’t simple; it included an assessment of academic achievement, diversity, integrated instruction, and community engagement. These schools clearly stood out in the crowd, demonstrating that education in the district is thriving.

These wins will be celebrated in a grand ceremony at MSA’s National Conference in April 2025, a moment of pride that will surely send waves of joy throughout the community.

Expansion in Irmo: Gray Collegiate Academy Grows!

Gray Collegiate Academy is ready to spread its wings and expand into the Irmo area! The academy will open a new branch campus next fall, following the rapid growth that outstripped its original campus located in West Columbia. The new site is conveniently located at the intersection of Koon Road and Broad River Road.

600 students in grades six through ten, with the vision to eventually attract a total of 1,000 students.

multi-purpose outdoor cafeteria and physical education space, thanks to the support of Performance Charter School Development. With 14 state championships under its belt since opening in 2017, Gray Collegiate Academy is definitely not new to success!

Lexington 2 School District but is now heading to Irmo to satisfy the evident demand for charter services in the community. Interestingly, surveys show that nearly 400 of Gray’s 496 students in grades 9-11 live outside their assigned attendance zones, making the expansion a timely response to community needs.

26 educators will be at the new campus, with 13 transferring from the original site. Education leaders recognize the value of choices in education, and the growing number of options will only aid in meeting diverse student needs.

Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson expressed his enthusiasm about adding the school to the local landscape, and the new satellite campus could also enhance Gray’s already impressive athletic program. Currently, the athletics department is aiming to increase its classification to 5A due to growing enrollment numbers.

girls golf and wrestling are being introduced this academic year, making Gray a dynamic and versatile option for students interested in extracurricular activities.

5A schools, the prospects look bright for both the schools and the newly expanded Gray Collegiate Academy. With community support and a commitment to excellence, it’s clear that the future is shining brightly for education in Lexington-Richland!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Winter Weather Alert in the Midlands
Winter Weather Precautions in the Midlands
Lexington County Schools Prepare for Upcoming Elections
Lexington-Richland School District Five Hiring Event

Additional Resources

• Lexington Chronicle: Magnet and Choice Application Open
• Google Search: Lexington-Richland School District Five
• The State: Education News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Magnet School
• WACH: New Principal for Irmo Middle School
• Google Scholar: Magnet Schools
• Post and Courier: Funding for New Magnet Programs
• Google News: Gray Collegiate Academy

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CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.