What makes Rooted School Columbia different from other schools?

Rooted School Columbia is designed for students who want real choices after high school, college, career, or both. We connect rigorous academics with paid, real-world experiences in Healthcare, STEM, and Manufacturing that are growing right here in the Midlands.
By graduation, every student will have both a college acceptance letter and a job offer in hand with skills that open doors to living-wage, high-demand careers. 

What grades will the school serve?

We will open with grades 6 and 9, then expand each year to serve grades 6-12

What is a typical school day like?

Students spend time in:

• Core academics (Math, English, Science, Social Studies) taught through real-world projects.

• Career and technical learning in high-growth industries such as Healthcare, STEM and Manufacturing

• Advisory periods for goal setting, mentoring, and self-directed learning.

• Work-based learning, where students connect classroom learning to real careers through local internships and projects

What kind of technology or skills will I learn?

You’ll learn technical and professional skills for careers in healthcare, STEM and manufacturing.
You’ll also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) and early college credits before graduation.

Will I get real work experience?

Absolutely. Every student participates in career-connected projects and paid internships. You’ll learn how to solve real business problems and get paid while doing it.

Is Rooted School just for students planning to go to college?

No, it's for students who want options. Whether your goal is to go to college, start a career, or both, we’ll help you map out your personal plan for success. Every student graduates with both academic readiness and job-ready experience

Are there uniforms?

Yes. Our uniforms help promote unity, professionalism, and readiness for both college and work settings.

How do I apply?

You can find our intent to enroll applications on our website and linked here. 

What is Rooted School Columbia’s mission?

Our mission is to close the wealth gap by connecting students to the future of work. We prepare students to graduate with a college acceptance, a job offer, and a plan for lifelong success, focusing in on healthcare, STEM, and manufacturing industries that drive the Midlands’ economy

What is a charter school?

Rooted is a tuition-free public charter school, open to all students. We combine the flexibility of innovative teaching with the accountability of strong academic results.

Where will the school be located?

Rooted School Columbia will be located in North Columbia (29203), serving families across the region.

What are the class sizes?

Classes average 25 students, allowing for personal attention and mentorship. Teachers use project-based learning and industry partnerships to connect academics to real-world skills.

How do internships work for high schoolers?

Students begin with career exploration and project-based learning, progressing to paid internships in later years. These experiences are structured through partnerships with local employers supported by Rooted School Foundation’s proven internship model

What supports are available for students?

We provide tutoring, academic counseling, social-emotional support, and individualized learning plans. Advanced students can pursue enrichment, industry certifications, and dual-enrollment college courses

Does Rooted School Columbia provide meals?

Yes. Free breakfast, and lunch will be provided for all students.

How can parents get involved?

Parents are vital partners. You can join our Parent Advisory Council, volunteer, attend Family Nights, and contribute to shaping our school community.

What is the school calendar and schedule?

We follow a modified year-round calendar, with early release Fridays for staff development and student enrichment. The school day runs from 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM (Mon–Thu) and ends at 12:30 PM on Fridays

How is student success measured?

Success goes beyond test scores. We track:

• Academic growth and mastery

• Career readiness and credential attainment

• Work-based learning completion

• College acceptance or job offer at graduation
  
  

Every student’s progress is mapped through a personalized postsecondary education and career plan that’s updated throughout high school

Does Rooted School Columbia offer Special Education?

Yes! We will provide all Special Education services identified in a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and are committed to providing these services in the most inclusive environment. 

Are charter schools public schools?

YES! Charter schools are a type of public school. Like all public schools, they are open to all students, tuition-free, publicly funded, staffed by certified teachers, and held accountable to state and national standards. In exchange for greater accountability, teachers and principals are given more flexibility to be innovative in their teaching methods and curriculum that improves student learning. Charter schools offer more flexibility with staffing, a typical school day and length of the school year.