Academics
To ensure our graduates will be creative, critical thinkers, collaborators, effective communicators and ethical citizens, Spartanburg High School strives to offer an academic program that challenges and enables students to learn in-demand skills and explore their talents. These skills and talents will be carried with each Viking as they continue on their paths after high school into a community that is constantly changing and growing.
Students can choose from a variety of curriculum levels and programs to meet their specific needs and help them to become career ready and college ready.
Honors courses are advanced-level academic classes designed for high-achieving students who are looking for a more challenging and in-depth learning experience. These courses typically go beyond the standard curriculum in terms of content, pace, and expectations, offering students opportunities for intellectual growth and preparation for advanced studies. Honors courses are available in a variety of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, and foreign languages.
AP (Advanced Placement) classes are college-level courses offered in high schools through the AP program, which is administered by the College Board. AP classes are designed to provide students with a rigorous academic experience, allowing them to explore subjects in greater depth than regular high school courses. By taking AP courses, students can earn college credit, advanced placement, or both, depending on their performance on the corresponding AP exam. These classes are often used by colleges and universities as a measure of a student’s readiness for higher education.
Career and Technical Education(CATE) programs are designed to prepare students for both the workforce and post-secondary education by offering specialized training and certifications in various industries. CATE offers students the opportunity to explore various careers early in their education, helping them make informed decisions about their future career paths. Many CATE programs lead to industry-recognized certifications or credentials, providing students with qualifications that can improve their employability upon graduation.
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers a series of hands-on, project-based courses designed to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. These courses aim to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, while providing real-world applications of STEM concepts.
Dual Enrollment is a program that allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.
This gives students the opportunity to experience college academics early, accelerate their educational journey, and potentially save time and money on their postsecondary education.
Spartanburg High School’s World Language Department fosters language proficiency, cultural awareness, and understanding to prepare students for a diverse and interconnected world. The World Language Department currently offers 4 foreign languages – Chinese, French, German, and Spanish.
Spartanburg High School Fine Arts Department provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop their creative abilities, enhance their critical thinking, and gain an understanding of cultural expression through various artistic disciplines. This department offers a variety of expressive classes that challenge and showcase the talent of students. Some classes include Art, Photography, Pottery, Film, Dance, Drama, Chorus, Orchestra, and Band.
JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) is a comprehensive program that equips students with valuable life skills, including leadership, discipline, teamwork, and civic responsibility. Through a structured, supportive environment, JROTC helps students develop physically, mentally, and socially, preparing them for future success in a variety of fields—whether in the military or civilian life. The program encourages personal growth and community involvement while fostering a sense of pride and responsibility, making it a valuable educational opportunity for students who are interested in becoming responsible, engaged citizens.
Spartanburg High School SPED (Special Education) offers a range of educational services and programs designed to support students with disabilities or special needs. The goal of SPED is to provide an inclusive and supportive learning environment that meets the unique needs of these students, helping them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Special Education services are tailored to each student’s individual needs, often through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, depending on the nature of the student’s disability. While there are challenges, the ultimate goal of SPED is to provide equitable opportunities for all students, enabling them to thrive in both school and life beyond graduation.
We believe by offering a diverse range of rigorous and competitive programs, Spartanburg High School graduates will be creative, critical thinkers, collaborators, effective communicators and ethical citizens.