BCSD School Choice
Guidelines
BCSD School Choice - Guidelines
“District School Choice” gives students the opportunity to attend a public school, other than their zoned school but within their school district, in accordance with district policy and availability. This option allows students who reside in Barnwell County to attend any school within the county, regardless of the area in which the student lives, tuition-free. This is not a new concept for our schools, because our districts have been allowing out-of-district transfers for years and intra-district transfers where applicable.
A countywide committee met together in the Fall of 2023 to discuss Barnwell County School District School Choice (BCSD School Choice) and create recommendations to the Board of Trustees. These were presented in November 2023 at our board meeting and updates were presented again in January and February of 2024, as well as discussion during our work sessions. The following guidelines have been approved by the Board of Trustees.
Enrollment Numbers will be determined during the application process, so we can ensure there is room for students/families requesting intra-district transfers. The application window will open February 9th and applicants may apply by 11:59 p.m. on March 9th. The online application is available on the homepage until the application closes on March 9th. To register a child for a school choice opening, the parent/guardian must be a legal resident of Barnwell County and must be able to furnish proof of residency upon request.
Exceptions
Who does not apply for BCSD School Choice?
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Employees of Barnwell County School District do not complete school choice applications, unless going to a different feeder school than the school in which the employee works.
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Families do not have to re-apply for the upcoming school year if their child is already enrolled at the school or will be transitioning to the designated feeder school.
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Current out-of-district students will be “grandfathered in” for BCSD School Choice and do not need to apply.
Notes
BCSD School Choice - Notes
Please know that parents assume the responsibility of providing transportation for school choice students.
Other Notes regarding BCSD School Choice:
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In regard to athletics, please know our athletic directors were involved in the discussions, and SCHSL rules must be followed when transferring intra-district.
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School Choice applications will close at a specified date and will not be accepted after the deadline, except for extenuating circumstances. If your child is attempting to transfer due to extenuating circumstances after the deadline, please email Tina Smith at tsmith@bcsd.net or call her at 803.541.1300.
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Siblings would be given preference if he/she has a sibling accepted to a feeder school for BCSD School Choice.
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Incoming Kindergarten students whose siblings attend a feeder school through BCSD School Choice will be automatically enrolled in the same feeder school.