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Enrollment FAQ

The Midlands Arts Conservatory (MAC) is a visual and performing arts charter school that's free for any child in grades 6-11 residing in South Carolina to attend. We provide standard educational instruction plus 2-3 hours of art instruction per day to integrate core academics with your child's love for the arts. Our classes have a 8:1 student to teacher ratio, so your child can receive personalized instruction to prepare them for arts-related careers, a lifelong appreciation of the arts, and high-quality post-secondary studies. Give them the education they crave in a supportive environment where creativity, diversity, and expression are valued. 
 
Fill out our interest form to learn more.

 

What is a charter school?

In South Carolina, charter schools are authorized by the South Carolina Public Charter School District, a university, or by the local school board. Charter schools are autonomous, offer innovative academic programs and are governed by a Board of Directors. This autonomy comes with accountability by the authorizer for fiscal management and meeting student growth and achievement goals. Midlands Arts Conservatory was authorized by the South Carolina Public Charter School District in 2016.

Which grades are offered at MAC?

MAC currently offers 6-11th grades for the 2022-2023 school with the addition of 12th grade for the 2023-2024 school year. The school will have its first senior class graduating in the spring of 2024.

How do I apply to MAC?

You can fill out an application found here and turn it in to the school office (3806 North Main Street) or email it to  [email protected]. If you would like more information before enrolling your student, please complete the interest form. An administrator will be in contact with you following the receipt of your form and will walk you through the next steps of enrollment.

 

Is there a cost to attend MAC?

As a state charter school, Midlands Arts Conservatory is a public school and free to residents of South Carolina. No tuition is charged. As with any school, there will be costs such as school supplies, etc., but we anticipate working closely with community partners to ensure that all children have access to the necessary tools and supplies to succeed.

How is MAC governed?

Midlands Arts Conservatory is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is made up of interested and involved parents, business people, and community members from across the Midlands of South Carolina. The Board is responsible for hiring a school leader, for oversight of financial matters, to ensure Midlands Arts Conservatory meets local, state and federal requirements, and for working with the South Carolina Public Charter School District.

When can I enroll my child at MAC?

Applications for the 2022-2023 school year are currently being accepted. Interested families may apply now by completing the Application Form and either bringing it to the school (3806 North Main Street) or emailing it to [email protected]. The easiest way to stay connected is to follow the school on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter or to join our email list. We expect to enroll 240 student in grades 6-11 for the 2022-2023 school year. If more students than 240 students apply, the school will follow state guidelines and conduct a lottery. The details of the lottery process will be shared as we approach the end of the application period.

Do you provide transportation?

At this time Midlands Arts Conservatory does not have plans to provide transportation because the state does not provide transportation funding to charter schools.

My child has an IEP, or receives other special services; can you accommodate his/her needs?

Yes, Midlands Arts Conservatory accommodates all children and their individual learning needs. Our coordinator will require a copy of your child’s IEP or 504 plan in order to schedule them accordingly. You can request your child’s current school to send us a copy if you do not have a current copy at home.

Does MAC offer tutoring?

Midlands Arts Conservatory teachers also offer after/before school tutoring to students on a regular basis.

Is there a school uniform?

Yes, Midlands Arts Conservatory has a basic uniform. Students may wear khaki or navy pants, shorts, skits, skorts, or capris and a navy or red polo shirt. Hair, shoes, socks, and other accessories are open for the students to express their individuality.

Besides an application, what other documents do I need?

Besides a completed application, the following documents are required after acceptance to the school:

  • A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
  • The most recent report card to verify grade applying for
  • Proof of residency in the State of South Carolina
  • Copy of IEP or 504 plan (if applicable)
  • Copy of immunization record
  • Home language survey