Some partial magnet programs succeed in helping integrate schools

Haut Gap Middle enrolled 211 students last year, but only 23 of them were white.

This year, the predominantly black student, high poverty school on Johns Island has nearly twice as many white students as last year, and the growth in diversity can be attributed to its new Advanced Studies Magnet program.

Students can earn at least five high school credits in courses such as algebra, geometry and global studies, and they can take academic electives – such as Charleston history – that aren’t available in most other schools.

Five Charleston County schools opened partial magnet programs this year in an effort to boost student achievement and increase racial diversity. Poverty and low student achievement plague most of the five schools involved.

It’s too early to tell whether the programs will result in higher test scores, but at least two of the programs – the Advanced Studies Magnet at Haut Gap and the Montessori program at Mitchell Elementary – have succeeded in attracting more white students to previously predominantly black schools.

School Superintendent Nancy McGinley created and spearheaded the partial magnet initiative, and her long-term vision is to create more of these programs in every area of the district. Partial magnet schools have a theme – such as Montessori, arts-infused, or math and science – and, students from outside their attendance zones can apply for acceptance. Neighborhood students have a guaranteed spot at the school.

Read more about the program in Tuesday’s editions of The Post and Courier.