District Programs

Adult Education Programs

Palmetto Unified School District manages twenty-one Adult Education programs dedicated to providing rigorous academic instruction, vocational training, and essential life skills for learners aged twenty-two and older. We recognize that education is a fundamental component of rehabilitative services within the South Carolina Department of Corrections, serving as a catalyst for personal transformation.

Curriculum & Certification

Our programs focus on building mastery in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing. We provide targeted preparation for the GED and the Career Readiness Certificate (WIN), ensuring our students are prepared for the challenges of the modern workforce. Research consistently shows that increased educational opportunities during incarceration significantly reduce recidivism and improve post-release outcomes.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

We offer over 30 CTE programs across 19 locations, including Carpentry, Horticulture, Masonry, Welding, HVAC, and Information Technology. Our curriculum includes 12 areas of certification with instructors certified in their fields.

Industry Recognized Credentials

Students can earn national credentials, including:

• NCCER: Standardized construction and maintenance assessments tracked via the National Registry.
• EPA: Specialized training for the HVAC industry.
• ASE Student: Recognition of basic automotive training.

Verification and NCCER access: nccer.org/training-and-certifications

In addition to classroom curricula, we offer SCDC-conjunction certificates in over 80 areas based on On-the-Job Training (OJT) competencies.

Education Finance Act (EFA)

Palmetto Unified School District operates twelve high schools dedicated to serving students between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one. These campuses are located at Allendale, Broad River, Camille Graham, Kirkland, Lee, MacDougall, Ridgeland, Manning, Tyger River, Trenton, Turbeville, and Wateree.

Students enrolled at these facilities are provided with clear pathways to academic achievement. They may work toward completing the twenty-four Carnegie Units required for a high school diploma, or they may participate in specialized courses designed to build the competencies needed to pass the GED test.

“The goal of education is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for students to become productive members of society.” Through these rigorous academic opportunities, our schools empower students to transform their futures and gain the credentials necessary for lifelong success.

Special Education Services (SES)

We provide services to students up to age 22 with prior special education placement. Students are placed in the least restrictive environment appropriate for their security level, supported by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Initial assignment occurs at Kirkland High School (R&E Center). Designated high schools serving this population include: Manning, Lee, Camille Graham, Trenton, Turbeville, and Wateree.

Title I: Federal Assistance and Educational Equity

Title I is the cornerstone of federal educational support, representing the largest assistance program for K-12 schools in the United States. Its mission is to ensure that all children—regardless of their economic background—have a fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on challenging state academic standards. By providing additional resources, our district is able to bridge achievement gaps and provide targeted support to students who need it most.

Part D: Neglected and Delinquent Education Programs

Under the provisions of Title I, Part D, the Palmetto Unified School District (PUSD) provides specialized, supplemental educational services designed to meet the unique needs of students in neglected or delinquent settings. Our focus remains steadfast on two primary pillars:

• Academic Mastery: We provide intensive, targeted instruction in Reading, English Language Arts, and Mathematics to ensure students stay on track with their academic goals.
• Successful Re-entry: Recognizing that education is the foundation of a successful future, we offer comprehensive transition services. These programs are designed to empower students as they prepare for their return to their home communities, focusing on the essential skills required for post-secondary education, vocational training, or immediate employment.

“The mission of education is to bridge the gap between where a student is and where they have the potential to be.”

Title I Participating Schools: Allendale, Broad River, Camille Graham, Kirkland, Lee, MacDougall, Ridgeland, Manning, Tyger River, Trenton, Turbeville, and Wateree.