Preschool Programs
We are a federal and state funded, needs-based program that offers free full day 4K to a limited number of qualifying students who turn 4 on or before September 1st of the upcoming school year and reside within the Richland School District Two attendance zone. To qualify, students must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Lower developmental readiness
- Free/reduced lunch eligible
- Other risk factors
The program has a limited capacity. To be considered for a spot, you must apply during the application window. Applications demonstrating the highest need will be offered available spots first. This means that not everyone who applies will be accepted into the program.
Montessori is a magnet program that serves three year olds through 5th grade students. There are 5 Primary classrooms (3, 4, and 5 year olds), 5 Lower Elementary classrooms (1st, 2nd and 3rd graders) and 3 Upper Elementary classrooms (4th and 5th graders). Our program serves approximately 260 students in 13 classrooms.
To apply to our program, parents will enter the Richland Two Choice/Magnet Lottery. This lottery runs in December and again in May. Parents may access the lottery during these times from the Richland Two website’s homepage (www.richland2.org).
Core tenets of Montessori:
- Students are in multi-aged classroom
- Teachers follow state standards through the Montessori Method of learning
- Students are self directed in their learning
- Students work for a 3 hour uninterrupted work period on lessons specially designed for their individual learning needs
- Students use core Montessori materials to develop conceptual understanding of skills. Traditional work books and methods are not used in Montessori.
The school district provides preschool special services to children ages three to five whose developmental progress is delayed to the extent that a program of special education is required to ensure adequate preparation for school age experiences. Children must meet eligibility requirements established by the State Department of Education in accordance with state and federal law. Children enter the screening and evaluation process by referral from an agency, parent, or guardian. If you are aware of a preschooler from 3 to 5 years of age who may need special services, please call 803-865-5353 to schedule an appointment and a possible screening.