Sumter School District Two serves approximately 9,000 students in grades PK-12. Two high schools, four middle schools and nine elementary schools provide a learning environment in which excellence is expected. The seniors from last year’s graduating classes earned over $11.8 million in scholarship offers, and our students and teachers have consistently received state and national recognition. Approximately one-third of the student population is made up of military dependents, and District Two employs many military spouses and retirees. Two of the schools are within the confines of Shaw Air Force Base. For more information on the district and for links to all of the District Two schools, visit the website at www.Sumter2.org.

Nationally known for excellence, District 17 schools have received numerous prestigious recognitions, including three National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and the What Parents Want Award from School-Match, an Ohio-based consulting firm. The district enrolls more than 9,000 students in grades preschool through 12 and employs over 1,500 staff members. Sumter School District 17 includes seven elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school, an alternative learning center, and the Early Head Start program. The only high school in the district, Sumter High School’s academic, choral, band and athletic programs are second to none in the state. These outstanding programs have enabled the school to win numerous awards including being selected as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, a model high school for South Carolina, a Grammy Signature School, and an International Baccalaureate site. Eighty-two percent of District 17’s graduates go on to pursue higher education at junior and senior colleges. In addition, the district offers choice opportunities, which include the Magnet School for the Fine Arts and Technology, the Science Connections Magnet School, the IB Middle Years Program, and the Sixth Grade Academy. All of the district’s schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the State Department of Education. Sumter School District 17 remains committed to its mission of providing an education of high quality to every student by providing challenging, innovative learning experiences in a safe, supportive and culturally diverse environment. http://district.sumter17.k12.sc.us/home.aspx

In addition to its fine public schools, Sumter also offers acclaimed private schools including Wilson Hall, Thomas Sumter Academy and several others. These schools have a reputation for producing top students who go on to even greater achievements at the college level. Church-affiliated schools include St. Anne’s School, which serves elementary students, St. Francis Xavier, for high school students, Sumter Christian School and Westside Christian Academy. In addition, there is a vibrant and active home school association, as well as Sumter Academy, which works with students who learn differently.

Access to higher education is both convenient and affordable thanks to the University of South Carolina Sumter. USC Sumter, one of eight campuses in the University of South Carolina System, was opened in 1966 and today has an enrollment of about 1,400 per academic year. USC Sumter confers two-year associate's degrees and offers several baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. USC Sumter also offers students the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate athletics for both male and female sports programs.

Central Carolina Technical College provides quality, affordable post-secondary education and lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to its degree programs, CCTC offers continuing education programs that include an interesting selection, among them are arts and crafts, auto repair for women, golf, business courses and over a dozens more.

Morris College; a four-year accredited college, and Troy State University, which offers degrees on the master’s level, round out Sumter’s educational institutions.

Located on Shaw Air Force Base; higher education opportunities include Troy University Graduate School, St. Leo University, Webster University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.