About Florence County School District 3
Florence County School District 3, located in lower Florence County, is the second largest of the four school districts in the county. Situated at the midpoint between Columbia and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina—approximately 65 miles from each—the district is proud to serve a vibrant community.
FSD3 is home to many distinguished graduates, including Challenger astronaut and physicist Dr. Ronald E. McNair, alongside numerous doctors, lawyers, educators, judges, and business leaders such as philanthropist Mrs. Darla Moore. The district is governed by a 9-member Board of Trustees, elected from seven single-member districts, ensuring community representation in decision-making.
As part of FSD3’s school choice initiative, which began with the 2018-2019 school year, our schools have undergone the branding process and developed specific areas of focus to better serve our students.
The schools with their branding focus and grade offerings include:
- Olanta Creative Arts & Science Magnet School – Grades K-6
- Lake City Early Childhood School of Arts – Grades 4K-2
- Main Street Elementary School of Arts – Grades 3-6
- J.C. Lynch Elementary School of STEM – Grades 4K-6
- Scranton STEAM Academy – Grades 4K-6
- J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts & Science Magnet School – Grades 6-12
- Dr. Ronald E. McNair School of Digital Communication and Leadership – Grades 7-8
- Lake City Early College High School – Grades 9-12
Enrollment is open to both FSD3 students and those from other school districts. The Olanta Creative Arts & Science Magnet School welcomes students in grades K-6, while the J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts & Science Magnet School serves grades 6-11. Additionally, the 2019-2020 school year marks the beginning of J.C. Lynch Elementary School's Montessori journey, featuring five primary classrooms for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds. In the 2020-2021 school year, JCL’s 5-year-olds will transition to first-grade Montessori classrooms. (Link to diagram of schools)
Parents interested in enrolling their children in either of the magnet schools must complete an application, with selection made through a lottery system.
We are dedicated to providing an innovative and nurturing educational environment that prepares all of our students for future success!
Non-Discrimination Policy
Florence School District 3 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. All district programs operate in compliance with the provisions of Title VI, Title VII, Title IX and other applicable civil rights laws. The Chief Operations Officer has been designated to coordinate compliance in the provision of educational programs/services accessibility and the nondiscrimination requirements contained in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Director of Human Resources has been designated to coordinate compliance in employment and related services.