The following questions and answers are provided to learn more about Clark. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information.
FAQ
Is Clark a public school?
Yes, Clark is part of the Charleston County School District(CCSD). But Clark is technically a program, and not a school. Students attending Clark remain students at their home schools, and if successful, receive diplomas from their home school.
What grade levels are in Clark?
Clark accepts students in grades 9-12. However, we strongly encourage students to attend their home schools for at least one year before applying to Clark.
Who attends Clark?
Any student who is currently in good standing at a school in the CCSD can apply to attend Clark. As Clark is designed to accelerate students who have fallen behind their appropriate grade-level, priority is given to students who are overage.
Is Clark a school for students with behavior problems?
No, only students in good standing at their home schools are eligible to attend Clark. Clark does not accept students with a history of bad behavior in school or students currently serving an expulsion.
Where is Clark?
Clark is located on Grimball Road on James Island. You can use the following link to get directions from Mapquest.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, five buses run daily to and from Clark. Download the 2008-2009 bus schedule.
Can students drive to Clark?
Yes, students who have a driver's license, proof of insurance and registration can drive to school.
Does Clark offer extra-curricular activities?
No, Clark itself does not offer sports or extra-curricular activities. However, Clark students are eligible to participate in sports and activities at their home schools
How do I apply to Clark?
Any student who wants to attend Clark must complete an application. Once all application and supporting materials are submitted, an interview will be set up with the student, the student's family, and an interview team from Clark.
What happens during an interview?
In addition to explaining the academic expectations and attendance and behavioral policies, the interview team will ask questions to assess the student's interest in attending Clark. Students and family members are also encouraged to ask questions during the interview.
What happens if a student is not successful at Clark?
Students who are not successful at Clark will be returned to their home school. Because students attending Clark remain enrolled in their home schools, this is a simple process that can be done at any time.
What is the history of Clark?
In cooperation with Communities In Schools (CIS), the CCSD opened Septima P. Clark Corporate Academy in 1990 as a program affiliated with Burke High School. Originally located in Downtown Charleston, Clark relocated to its current location on James Island in 1994. In the ensuing years, Clark has been affiliated with James Island High School as well as functioning as a stand-alone high school, before reverting to its current status as a program for students across the CCSD. Despite many changes, Clark remains true to its original mission of helping at-risk students earn their high school diplomas.