Program to help meet the needs of Fort Mill’s middle school students on A/B school schedule

July 30, 2020 – Fort Mill, SC: In response to the unique schedule of the 2020-2021 school year, the Anne Springs Close Greenway has created the Greenway Discovery School to help meet the needs of families in the Fort Mill School District and beyond. Located at the Greenway’s Adventure Center, this alternate day program will offer middle school students (Grades 6 – 8) utilizing the in-school A/B schedule the opportunity to spend their non-school day in a structured, fun environment.

Staffed by Greenway camp and childcare employees, the Greenway Discovery School will provide children with several different academic and recreational opportunities each day.  Through both technology and the staff direction, students will be kept on track academically and participate in numerous elective programs in what is sure to be a full and productive day. With a COVID plan in place that follows necessary CDC guidelines including additional sanitation measures, health screenings and a priority to be outside, the Greenway will provide a space where parents can feel comfortable that their children are being kept as safe as possible.

“Our staff is eager to offer this new way of learning in response to the challenges this year’s school schedule has presented to so many families,” explained Lindsey Arnautovic, Operations Director for the Anne Springs Close Greenway. “We believe the development of the Greenway’s Discovery School will help to ease concerns for parents choosing to send their children back for face-to-face instruction coupled with independent learning days. We are looking forward to offering children the assistance they need to stay on track academically, while being out on the Greenway for some much needed fresh air and physical activity.”

Highlights of the program include:

  • 2,100 acres of outdoor space, including trails, ponds and more
  • Technology center
  • Elective programs focusing on the arts, recreation, environmental education and cultural/global studies
  • Structured environment with academic support
  • Safe, small group interaction with peers
  • Priority on consistently being outdoors

The Greenway Discovery School will operate on a trimester schedule, with the first trimester beginning August 31 and ending November 24. Students will attend on non-school days from 7:30am – 6:00pm. The cost to attend is $120 per week regardless of A/B attendance days. Anne Springs Close Greenway members receive a 5% weekly discount. For more information about this program and how to register, visit ASCGreenway.org. Financial assistance is available for this program through the Leroy Springs & Co. Bridge Program.

About the Anne Springs Close Greenway

The Anne Springs Close Greenway provides a place for the community to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities from fishing, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding to picnics, kayaking and more. The 2,100 acre nature preserve located in Fort Mill, SC is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and nature lovers to use its 36 miles of trails. The Anne Springs Close Greenway is owned and operated by Leroy Springs & Company Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that receives no government funding for its ongoing operations and programs. The Greenway relies on revenues from its endowment, membership and program fees, and private contributions from individuals, community and corporate partners, and other donors to fund operations and capital needs.