Fort Mill School District Expands College-Level Opportunities for High School Students

The Fort Mill School District (FMSD) is giving high school students unprecedented access to college-level coursework, with nearly 70 percent of the Class of 2025 graduating with credits earned through Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Credit, or Project Lead the Way (PLTW) courses.

College-Level Learning in High School

Out of 1,373 students in the Class of 2025, 956 have taken at least one college credit course, while 417 students—just 30 percent—have not. This exposure provides students with a head start on higher education, teaching essential skills such as time management, critical thinking, and scholarly writing. Many students begin official college transcripts while still in high school, saving families time and money on future tuition.

The district’s goal extends beyond readiness—it is working toward pathways that could allow students to graduate with an associate degree or higher by the time they leave high school.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Fort Mill currently offers 25 AP courses across disciplines including social studies, science, arts, and languages. Students complete rigorous coursework and take national exams each May, earning scores from 1 to 5. Colleges may award credit for scores of 3, 4, or 5, depending on institutional policies.

AP participation has skyrocketed in the district. In 2005–2006, just 203 exams were taken. By 2024–2025, that number reached 2,648. Despite growth in Dual Credit options, AP numbers and performance remain strong. FMSD’s AP passage rate far exceeds the global average—86.5% compared to the worldwide rate of 66.8% in 2024.

Dual Credit Courses

Through partnerships with the University of South Carolina Lancaster (USCL), Winthrop University, and York Technical College, students can take courses that count for both high school and college credit. Unlike AP, these credits are awarded for successfully completing the course rather than based on a single high-stakes exam.

• USCL offers 19 courses, with strong representation in world languages and social studies.
• York Technical College provides 55 course options in fields ranging from welding and mechatronics to math and health sciences, with many classes held on York Tech’s campus.
• Winthrop University partners with FMSD on courses including Teacher Cadet, Educational Psychology, and Introductory Financial Accounting, the latter supported by a private donor who funds tuition.

Passage rates for Dual Credit courses remain exceptionally high. In 2022–2023, 1,320 students enrolled with a 99.9% pass rate, and numbers have continued to grow, with over 3,400 students enrolled in 2024–2025.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

PLTW courses allow students to explore engineering and biomedical sciences through a unique credit structure. Students first earn high school credit, which can then be converted to dual credit if they score well on end-of-course assessments and maintain an 85 or higher in the class. These credits are recognized through the Rochester Institute of Technology.

In addition to strengthening GPAs, PLTW helps students determine if they want to pursue STEM fields in college. Enrollment continues to rise, with nearly 1,000 students projected to complete PLTW courses in 2025, all maintaining a 99.9% passage rate.

Benefits Beyond Credits

The advantages of these programs go far beyond saving on tuition. Students who earn college credits in high school can explore majors early, avoid falling behind if they switch fields, study abroad, or even pursue double degrees. For some, early credits allow them to enter the workforce sooner or secure internships that give them a competitive edge.

Looking Ahead

District leaders are aiming higher. Plans are underway to expand offerings at USC Lancaster’s Indian Land campus, hire more adjunct-qualified teachers to serve as professors of record, and explore the creation of an early college model with a dedicated building and faculty. Such a program could ultimately allow students to graduate high school with an associate degree or more.

Currently, Fort Mill high schools collectively offer over 115 distinct college credit courses. The district is also evaluating ways to close participation gaps by recruiting underrepresented student groups to these programs.

A Record of Success

FMSD’s success is clear: seven out of ten high school students are already experiencing college before graduation. With strong university partnerships, growing enrollment, and passage rates consistently above 99%, the district is solidifying its reputation as one of the strongest in South Carolina for preparing students for higher education and beyond.