Epworth Children’s Home prioritizes providing a comprehensive and quality education for all its residents. The Academic Office at Epworth is dedicated to coordinating a wide array of services and programs specifically designed to address the diverse educational and academic needs of the children residing on campus.
Recognizing that many students arriving at Epworth face significant academic hurdles – including learning differences, involvement in special education, negative classroom behaviors, truancy history, and often lagging two or more grade levels behind their expected placement – Epworth’s educational approach transcends traditional schooling. To effectively break cycles of abuse, neglect, and shame, and foster an environment where each child can cultivate self-respect, responsibility, and productivity, Epworth offers extensive educational support beyond the standard public education framework.
Residents of Epworth benefit from attending the highly-regarded public schools within Richland School District One. Expanding upon this foundation, Epworth ensures access to valuable career and technology education opportunities through Richland One’s Heyward Career Center. This access is crucial in providing residents with pathways to future success. Furthermore, for those seeking alternative routes to graduation, GED preparation and classes are available through Richland One Adult Education programs, effectively functioning as an adult program component for eligible residents. Dual-enrollment coursework via Richland One Middle College also provides advanced academic challenges for those ready. To cater to the unique requirements of each resident, several alternative and charter school options are also considered. The Epworth director of academics plays a key role in collaboration with school administration to determine the most suitable educational placement for every resident. Alongside pursuing a South Carolina high school diploma or GED, residents are encouraged to broaden their horizons through participation in extracurricular activities such as athletics, band, theatre, dance, orchestra, and ROTC, enriching their overall educational experience.
The Barnes Learning Center at Epworth serves as a vital after-school resource, offering tutoring services to all residents. Annually, over 100 residents benefit from this program through personalized one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions, as well as structured study hall environments. Academic services are meticulously tailored to meet the specific needs of each resident, guided by thorough academic assessments and individual academic histories. Beyond direct academic support, residents can access staff assistance with crucial transitional services. These include job skills training, comprehensive test preparation, and guidance through the college application process, encompassing essays and scholarship opportunities. The Learning Center further enhances its resource provision with a well-equipped library and computer lab, offering residents additional tools for academic and personal growth.
For further inquiries regarding Epworth’s educational programs, please reach out to Christy Mooneyhan at [email protected] or by phone at 803-312-8878.
