Definitions: An Overview of CCSD's Types of Choice Options

Types of CCSD Schools & Programs

• neighborhood school: a school that serves an assigned geographic attendance zone. Some of these schools have themes which are integrated into instruction and school activities.
• county-wide magnet school: a school, which, unlike a neighborhood school, does not have an assigned attendance zone. In addition to teaching according to the district's core curriculum and the state's standards, a county-wide magnet has a theme or focus area which is integrated into instruction and school activities. Any student residing in Charleston County and who is interested in the school's focus may apply, but acceptance may depend on how well the student meets admission criteria and the availability of seats. Some county-wide magnet schools hold lotteries to determine enrollment for the following year.
• partial magnet school: a neighborhood school, which- in addition to serving students in its assigned attendance zone- also accepts students who live outside the attendance zone but reside in the school's constituent district. In addition to teaching according to the district's core curriculum and the state's standards, each partial magnet school has a theme or focus area which is integrated into instruction and school activities. Students living outside the assigned attendance zone must apply to the school in order to be considered for admission, and acceptance may depend on the availability of seats. Some partial magnet schools hold lotteries to determine enrollment for the following year.
• charter school: a public school that operates with freedom from many of the local regulations that apply to traditional public schools. A charter school does not have an assigned neighborhood or attendance zone. In addition to teaching according the state's standards, a charter school generally has a theme or focus area which is integrated into instruction and school activities. Charter schools do not have applications but a parent or guardian must register the student. Any student residing in Charleston County and who is interested in the school's focus may contact a charter school about registering but enrollment may depend on the availability of seats.
• specialized program: a program that serves students with particular needs or through a specific theme or focus. Similar to the district's schools, each specialized program has its own facility, faculty, and instructional leadership. Because each specialized program is unique, each program has its own referral or application process.

Other Choice-Related Terms

• constituent district: an area comprised of all the neighborhood schools, magnet schools, and special programs in a larger geographic area. Every residence in Charleston County is assigned to an elementary, middle, and high school. To learn about your neighborhood school assignment, please contact the Constituent District representing the area in which you live. This information can be found on the Registering Your Child for a CSD School webpage.
• neighborhood planning team: a group of community members comprised of school, community, and business representatives which meet to discuss a potential magnet school focus area for a neighborhood school. This group may present their idea to the district for consideration to become a partial magnet school.