Lexington-Richland School District Five will host the first of two Magnet Fairs on Thursday, November 20, 2025, giving families an opportunity to explore a variety of specialized academic programs offered throughout the district.
For the second year, the fairs will be divided by grade level to better serve families.
The first in-person event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Irmo High School International School for the Arts and will highlight magnet schools and programs for students in grades 6–12. Offerings include programs in STEM, career pathways, the arts, gifted education, and innovation. Families will be able to speak directly with school administrators, teachers, and students before completing the magnet application. Representatives from the district’s Flexible Innovative Virtual Education (FIVE) program will also be available.
A key feature of the evening will be information about the new Crossroads Middle School Academy for Innovative Learning, set to open in the 2026–2027 school year for grades 6–8. The program embraces innovation and design thinking, emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking through hands-on learning experiences. As an AVID school, Crossroads will equip students with the skills and strategies needed for academic success and future college or career readiness.
The second Magnet Fair will be held January 15, 2026, at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and will feature all elementary magnet schools and programs.
“School District Five has consistently prioritized enhancing academic programs through magnet and choice offerings,” said Sara Wheeler, the district’s Magnet Director. “Providing our families with exceptional options is crucial for student success in both education and future careers. The magnet fairs are integral to informing district families about the opportunities we offer.”
District Five’s magnet programs include:
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Crossroads Middle School Academy of Innovative Learning
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Dutch Fork Elementary Academy of Environmental Sciences
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Harbison West Elementary Gifted and Talent Development Magnet
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Escolares Academy at Harbison West Elementary
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H.E. Corley Elementary Montessori and Leadership Magnets
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Leaphart Elementary STEAM Magnet
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Nursery Road Elementary Arts Magnet
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Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet
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Irmo Middle International Academic Magnet and I AM Escolares Program
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Dutch Fork High STEM Magnet
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Irmo High International School for the Arts and International Baccalaureate Programs
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This Is Escolares Academic Magnet at Irmo High
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Spring Hill High School Career Pathways Magnet
The application window for the 2026–2027 school year opens November 20, 2025, at 9 a.m. and closes January 28, 2026, at noon.
SIDEBAR: Magnet Fair Dates & Details
📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Irmo High School International School for the Arts
Focus: Grades 6–12 programs (STEM, Arts, Career Pathways, Innovation, Gifted)
📅 Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Center for Advanced Technical Studies
Focus: Elementary Magnet Schools & Programs
🗓 Application Window:
Opens Nov. 20, 2025, at 9 a.m.
Closes Jan. 28, 2026, at noon
💻 Learn More:
Visit the District Five Magnet Programs page for details and applications.
