For Immediate Release
January 31, 2025
Twelve South Carolina Schools Selected as Finalists for Palmetto’s Finest Awards
Columbia, SC — Twelve schools from around the state have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Palmetto’s Finest Awards. This selection comes after extensive evaluations by a committee of fellow educators and previous Palmetto’s Finest winners. The application process includes elements on student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities, and school culture.
Last fall, 29 South Carolina schools submitted a 20-page application followed by an onsite examination visit from a review committee. The finalists are currently undergoing a second onsite evaluation before the winners are selected this spring.
Each school will have the opportunity to celebrate with their local community, as the winners will be announced through a live stream, via South Carolina ETV, to each finalist school on April 30, 2025.
The finalists are as follows:
- Alice Drive Elementary School—Sumter School District
- Fairforest Elementary School—Spartanburg School District 6
- Gold Hill Elementary School—York School District 4 (Fort Mill)
- Socastee Elementary School—Horry County Schools
- West Pelzer Elementary School—Anderson School District 1
- McCants Middle School—Anderson School District 5
- Thomas C. Cario Middle School—Charleston County School District
- Fort Dorchester High School—Dorchester School District 2
- South Florence High School—Florence School District 1
- St. James High School—Horry County Schools
- Academy for the Arts, Science & Technology—Horry County Schools
- Center for Knowledge/Center for Knowledge North—Richland School District 2
The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) presents the awards each year to schools which offer the best in innovative, effective educational programs. The Palmetto’s Finest Award is celebrating its 45th year and is one of the most coveted and respected awards among educators.
“We are once again excited to recognize outstanding and innovative schools in South Carolina. These schools represent the many excellent school communities serving our state’s families,” said Dr. Quincie Moore, SCASA Executive Director.
SCASA, the professional organization for school leaders in South Carolina, has more than 5,600 members. From professional development opportunities and research to publications and legislative advocacy, SCASA’s focus is to support school leaders in providing the best possible education for South Carolina’s young people. As a state affiliate of three national associations for school leaders, SCASA also works on the national level.