Southwood Academy of the Arts is a public middle school in Anderson, SC that uses the arts as a vehicle to teach the academic standards and provides students the opportunity to apply what they have learned through performance. Our school is a 100% magnet school that auditions and accepts middle school students within the Anderson 5 school district. The school is also composed of a select group of magnet high school students who travel from their respective high schools to take higher level arts courses. 

Southwood Academy of the Arts, Anderson School District 5 (Anderson, SC: James Smith, Principal) serves 386 students as a pure magnet school for the performing arts in grades 6 through 8 and higher-level arts courses for grades 9 through 12. Based on 2022 SC Ready test scores, Southwood Academy ranked 1st among 25 similar schools and 14th among all middle schools in South Carolina. Southwood Academy has also received the Palmetto Gold Award each year it has been awarded for high academic achievement and significant improvement in student test scores. As an Arts in Basic Curriculum exemplary site, Southwood students also receive recognition in each of the school’s art areas including region band and orchestra, All-State band, orchestra, and choir, state art shows, dance competitions, and large theatrical productions.

Palmetto's Finest Award Ceremony 2023

Palmetto's Finest News Release 2023