Magnet School and Special Program Applications Are Open for the 2024-25 School Year!
As we plan ahead for the 2024-2025 school year, applications are now open for new students interested in the School District of Pickens County's Magnet and Special Programs: Central Academy of the Arts, McKissick Academy of Science & Technology (MAST), and Montessori programs at MAST and Liberty Primary School!
Enrolling your child in a Magnet school or program requires participation in the Online Magnet Application Process, also known as the Magnet Lottery. Applying is easy from any computer or mobile device with Internet access. This online process offers families a fair and convenient application experience.
All parents or guardians living within SDPC can apply for their elementary-age children to attend Magnet schools or programs. Families can visit each school's website to see what's special about each school.
No matter the SDPC school, families can be assured their children will receive a solid educational foundation that prepares them for successful futures.
The application window opens today and remains open until February 16, 2024.
Magnet Schools
The School District of Pickens County has two magnet schools: Central Academy of the Arts and McKissick Academy of Science & Technology. SDPC's theme-based magnet schools are open to students anywhere in our district, and they offer unique curriculums that integrate their school themes in all aspects of learning. Each school will host "Magnet Monday" open house events for prospective families to learn more at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 22 or Monday, February 5. For more information about these events, please visit the appropriate link: CAAmagnetmonday MASTmagnetmonday LPSMontessoriMondays
Montessori Schools
The Montessori Method of education is a child-centered educational approach that values the human spirit and the development of the whole child—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. McKissick offers a Montessori program in a “school-within-a-school” setting with two Montessori classrooms. Liberty Primary serves students ages 3-5 in Primary Montessori and 1st-3rd Grade in Lower Elementary Montessori.
Click below to view the application for each SDPC Special Program.
Central Academy of the Arts | McKissick Academy of Science and Technology | Liberty Primary Montessori Program ONLY |
To learn more about our magnet schools and special programs, visit our Magnet Schools webpage or the school websites listed below.
Magnet Schools
Central Academy of the Arts: caa.pickens.k12.sc.us
McKissick Academy of Science & Technology (MAST): mast.pickens.k12.sc.us
Montessori Programs
Liberty Primary School: lps.pickens.k12.sc.us
McKissick Academy of Science & Technology (MAST): mast.pickens.k12.sc.us
If you have specific questions about either of the two Magnet programs, please don't hesitate to send emails to CAAquestions@pickens.k12.sc.us for inquiries about Central Academy, or to MASTquestions@pickens.k12.sc.us for questions about McKissick Academy. If you have any questions for about Liberty Primary Montessori, contact the school at (864)397-4800.
We look forward to continuing to offer families choices for success across our district in the coming school year.