Who can apply to TLC? Any current 5th, 6th, or 7th grade student in the zoned areas for Richland School District Two can apply for magnet school openings. Students in TLC typically have scored in the 75% percentile or higher on the English MAP test, Met/Exceeded on English SC Ready Testing, or have similar scores on other norm-referenced assessments.
What makes TLC unique? TLC is specially designed to meet the needs of our high achieving, highly motivated students through a rigorous curriculum. While all classes cover the required state standards, we do so in a way that improves student collaboration and focuses on interdisciplinary skills and student self-direction. Most importantly, we want students to be accountable for their learning. Our goal is to assist students in developing skills to acquire and use information, to ask thoughtful and engaging questions, and grow. We use the concepts of core mastery and mentoring to achieve these goals.
What elective classes are incorporated into the program? TLC has a Latin teacher on staff, and Latin is the required language of our 6th grade scholars. This partnership is an interdisciplinary one, as TLC students also use Greek and Latin stems as part of their English Language Arts curriculum. 6th graders have an additional required elective course, taught by the TLC Lead Teacher. This “Life Skills” course covers units focusing on the “3 C’s” of TLC’s mission statement. Students focus on working through the concept of core mastery, learn about collaborative techniques, and provide community service in and around Dent Middle School.TLC has the benefit of having the Dent Middle FAME arts-integrated courses to attend. Many of our students take advantage of the wonderful elective course offerings from these talented teachers. Course such as band and orchestra are year-long commitments; other popular classes include graphic design, world drumming, theater, and dance. In 7th and 8th grade, TLC students can apply for advanced classes in several of these areas to hone their skills.
What should I do to apply? Once your student and family have made a decision about where to apply, your first step is to complete an online application at https://webapps.richland2.org/choice/ . The application portal will close on May 29, 2023. You may select up to three programs for which to apply; be sure that they are placed in the order you would like your student to be considered.Once this is complete, you will be contacted about an interview time during our District-wide interview session on June 5, 2023. During the interview portion, students will be asked to bring and explain an artifact that represents them. That day also consists of an observed group activity and a timed writing sample. Families will be notified through the Choice Portal of any magnet acceptance during June 12-16, 2023.
What qualifications are considered when students apply to magnet programs? Students are scored on their personal interview, writing sample, and collaborative activity during their interview day. Additional considerations include test scores, class grade averages, and teacher recommendations.