Education

The School Liaison

The School Liaison Program Manager acts as a link between military families and the public school system. The School Liaison will assist in finding information on local schools, navigating the local school system, as well as advocating for needs specific to the military family. They are in place to assist with transitioning to or from a new area. For information contact the School Liaison at office number 803-895-3398, cell number 803-840-0938, or via email at 20FSS.SLPM.SchoolLiaison@us.af.mil.

There are no schools on Shaw Air Force Base. Children who live on base attend Sumter School District schools. School-aged children in the Shaw/Sumter area in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are serviced by Sumter School District. In addition, a Charter school for K-3rd grade and several private and parochial schools are also located in the local area. Please contact Shaw Air Force Base School Liaison Program Manager, Dennisse Jones at 803-895-3398 or via email at dennisse.jones.2@us.af.mil.

Home School

South Carolina statutes provide parents or guardians three different options for home schooling their children. Refer to Home Schooling at the South Carolina State Department of Education webpage, or contact the School Liaison, for more information.

Educational opportunities available at Shaw Air Force Base include:

• The University of South Carolina Sumter
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Campus

Tuition Assistance

Air Force tuition assistance, at 100% of course cost, is available to all active-duty members. Many sources of financial aid, including the Pell Grant, are available from colleges for military and family members. Military members and their dependents pay in-state tuition costs rather than the higher out-of-state costs when they attend state-supported colleges in South Carolina. (Not all schools do this. Some charge dependents out-of-state tuition rates.)

Air Force Aid Society Educational Scholarship information is available at afas.org.

Adult Education

For adults, many educational opportunities are offered at Shaw Air Force Base and the focal point for all education programs is the Base Education Center. Professional education specialists are available for both active-duty service members and dependents on an appointment and walk-in basis. They can direct you to courses of study at the local community college as well as programs through a couple of colleges and universities who hold classes on base or through distance learning,

Air Force Aid Society Educational Scholarship information is available at afas.org under education.

English as a Second Language

Free classes are offered by the Sumter County Literacy Center and county adult education programs, such as one-on-one adult tutoring, computer-assisted instruction, and citizenship. For information, call 803-778-6432.

High School Completion

Nongraduates may enroll in classes at the District Adult Education Office. Adults ages 17-19 must test for the state high school diploma. Adults 20 and over may take the GED exam. For information, call 803-778-6432.

Enrollment

South Carolina’s department of education

Note: According to South Carolina Law, school-aged children must be transferred / enrolled in school within 10 days.

If the last school attended was out of state, please provide the school’s name, telephone number and address.

Bring the following documents to the school at the time of registration:

• Student’s birth certificate
• Immunization records - Completed South Carolina Immunization Form (Department of Health and Environment Control Form 1125) Parents can obtain DHEC 1125 from the Health Department, Shaw Air Force Base Immunization Clinic or from their family doctor.
• Child’s Social Security card
• Proof of physical examination

In addition, most schools require proof of residence and other information prior to registration. The district recommends that parents of children transferring from another school district also bring the child's latest report card. For specific information, contact the local district office.

All children are required to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, chicken pox, whooping cough, polio, mumps, red and German measles and hepatitis.

Children transferring from an out-of-state school must have their health certificate information on a South Carolina form, according to state law. Parents must take out-of-state certificates to a doctor or clinic in South Carolina to inquire what previous information is transferable to the South Carolina form.

Children who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 must register for kindergarten. Children who will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 may be eligible for half-day preschool. Contact the school in your attendance zone for available slots and requirements for eligibility to attend.

Private Secular Schools

Private schools in the Shaw/Sumter area are too numerous to list and the choice is a personal matter. Most private schools have a religious affiliation or relationship. It is suggested that the private schools be contacted to learn of the tuition required. Additional fees such as music, art, uniforms, books, registration, deposits and transportation should be considered.

Religious Private Schools

Religious Private Schools will generally espouse a specific religious belief based on the denomination or faith established by the governing board. Often, religious schools have open enrollment and do not require their student body to be members of the faith or denomination, although they do require that all students abide by the rules established by the school leadership. In addition to academic coursework, religious schools usually require coursework in religious studies. Students must apply to attend the school, and entrance exams may be required. Private religious schools can refuse admission to any student or dismiss a student after enrollment for any infraction of the rules. Teachers are not required to be certified by the state, though they may be required to be a member of the religious denomination. Teachers may hold a variety of degrees and certifications. Requirements and tuition costs vary according to the school. Transportation may be included in the cost of tuition or may be a separate charge. For more information, visit the department of education website and the Parochial Schools website.

Magnet Schools

Magnet schools are highly competitive, highly selective public schools renowned for their special programs, superior facilities and high academic standards. They may specialize in a particular area, such as science or the arts. Students who apply to these schools go through a rigorous testing and application process. Some magnet schools have boarding facilities to allow students from out of state to attend. Magnet schools were first launched in the late 1970s to help desegregate public school systems by encouraging children to attend schools outside their neighborhoods. Student diversity is still an explicit goal of most magnet schools.

Charter Schools

Charter schools began appearing in the early 90s.  They are “alternative" public schools created by parents, teachers, community organizations and for-profit companies. These schools receive tax dollars but the sponsoring group must also provide private funding. Charter schools must adhere to the basic curricular requirements of the state but are exempt from many of the regulations that apply to conventional schools and the day-to-day scrutiny of school boards and government authorities. Charter schools allow parents, community leaders, educational entrepreneurs and others the flexibility to innovate, create and provide students with increased educational experiences. To find out more about charter schools and where to find them in your area, visit a United States Charter Schools website.

Special Education

If you have any questions about South Carolina’s Special Education or Exceptional Student Services, please visit South Carolina’s department of education.