The following questions and answers are provided to learn more about Clark. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more information.
Is Clark a public school?
Clark is an academic alternative program for high school students in the Charleston County School District (CCSD), Technically, Clark is not a school, but with its own campus and faculty, Clark looks and feels like a school. Students attending Clark remain connected to their home schools. When successful, students receive diplomas from their home schools.
What grade levels are in Clark?
Clark accepts students in grades 9-12. However, we tend not to accept students who have not attended their home schools for at least one year. Students attending Clark are not organized by grade levels. Instead, students are placed in the classes they need in order to earn a diploma.
Who attends Clark?
Any student who is in good standing at a CCSD high school can apply to Clark. As Clark is designed to accelerate students who have fallen behind their appropriate grade-level, priority is given to students who are overage or otherwise behind in their credits. As Clark is an academic alternative program, not s disciplinary program, student with significant discipline problems, students who are expelled from school, and students currently under review by the Office of Student Placement are not eligible to attend Clark.
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, students currently serving an expulsion, or students returning from 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. Four buses run daily to and from Clark. Please note that buses meet in areas around the district, and do not stop in many neighborhoods. Students who choose to attend Clark are responsible to get to the bus collection points. Download the 2012-2013 bus schedule or contact Durham Bus Services at (843) 725-3160
Can students drive to Clark?
Yes, students who have a driver's license, proof of insurance and registration can drive to school. Students who are approved will receive a driver's pass that they must hang on their rearview mirror when parking at school. There is a $10 fee if the pass is not returned at the end of the year.
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 submit an application and supporting materials. Once all application and supporting materials are reviewed, an interview will be scheduled if it is determined that the student meets the admission criteria.
Note: Clark is not an open enrollment program and acceptance is based on criteria established by the administration, faculty and staff.
What happens during an interview?
In addition to explaining the academic expectations, 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 because of academics or attendance will be returned to their home school at the end of the school year. Students who are behavior problems are referred to the CCSD Office of Student Placement (OSP) for alternate placement or expulsion.