Birchwood School

Education does not stop when a youth is under the supervision of DJJ. The agency operates its own school district with accredited academic and career and technical education programs. Birchwood School serves youth in grades 4-12. All youth in the care of DJJ attend school, whether they are detained and awaiting a court date or incarcerated at a long-term facility.

The school is accredited by Cognia and has completed the High Schools That Work reform model review. It was the first school in the nation to have an Army JROTC program inside a correctional institution. The school offers a multitude of college credit programs through partnerships with Allen University, South Carolina State University, Voorhees University and Spartanburg Community College.

Each year, students under the care of DJJ receive their high school diplomas or GEDs. 

Evaluation Centers and the Juvenile Detention Center

Juveniles, by law, are required to continue their education while under the care of DJJ. The DJJ curriculum is aligned with the South Carolina Curriculum Standards and is designed to maintain the youth’s eligibility for required attendance and credits toward grade promotion and graduation.

The DJJ Birchwood School District provides educational services in classrooms at the three regional evaluation centers (Coastal Evaluation Center, Midlands Evaluation Center, and Upstate Evaluation Center) and at the Juvenile Detention Center, where students are awaiting trial.