Special Program Applications Open for 2022-23

Dear Parent,

 As we plan ahead for the 2022-2023 school year, applications are now open for the School District of Pickens County's Special Choice Programs: Central Academy of the Arts, McKissick Academy of Science & Technology (MAST), Montessori programs at MAST and Liberty Primary School, and Pickens County Virtual Academy!

The application window opens today and remains open until February 17, 2022.


Click here to view the application for the SDPC Special Choice Programs.


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 January 24 and January 31. These events may be hosted virtually depending on COVID-19 conditions as the dates approach.

 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, 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.

 Pickens County Virtual Academy (PCVA)

We will continue to offer PCVA as an option for students in K5 through 12th grade. Our district has been pleased to learn that PCVA has not only served an important safety purpose during the pandemic, but that many families have asked to continue in PCVA for academic reasons as well. Some of our families have found that their children thrive academically in the virtual program. We’ve also found that some of our families and older students have unique circumstances that make virtual learning a good fit.


Click here to view the application for the SDPC Special Choice Programs.


To learn more about our magnet schools and special programs, visit our Magnet Schools - Breakthrough in School Choice page, or the school websites listed below.

 We look forward to continuing to offer families choices for success across our district in the coming school year.