Columbia-area school named one of the three best in SC

Dutch Fork High School has been named one of the top three high schools in the state, according to a statewide educators association.

South Carolina Association of School Administrators announced Tuesday that the school, in Irmo, was named one of Palmetto’s Finest. It was also the only high school to receive the designation, according to a news release.

In giving the award, the association noted Dutch Fork’s 58 clubs, 56 sports teams, its fine arts program and its nationally ranked Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics program.

“The Palmetto’s Finest award winners are models of innovation throughout our state,” Beth Phibbs, the association’s executive director, said in the release. “They set the standard of excellence by creating an outstanding school culture which includes setting high expectations and providing numerous opportunities for leadership.”

In order to win a Palmetto’s Finest award, schools “underwent an intensive application process requiring self-evaluation, peer review, and two on-site examinations,” according to the release.

The other two schools were Walker Gamble Elementary School, which is in Clarendon County, and Woodland Elementary School, which is in Greenville County.