H.E. Bonner Elementary’s Partial-Magnet Program was established in 2018 to offer an innovative instructional program to Berkeley County families in the northern area of our district. Our mission was, and continues to be, to include the arts as an essential component of the curriculum to optimize student achievement through a variety of learning experiences that facilitate the development of our students as lifelong learners and productive citizens.

In addition to the core academic subjects, the HBE philosophy includes standards-based instruction in dance, drama, music, visual art, and physical education. Students will have the opportunity to experience the arts through arts integration in their core subjects, exploratory classes, and other arts opportunities not typically found in a traditional elementary school.

HBE began its journey of arts integration in 2010 when the school received an Arts in Basic Curriculum grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission. Since that time, teachers have had continued professional development on arts integration.

Due to the success of our approach, the BCSD School Board of Education voted unanimously to make our program available to families in the northern area of Berkeley County. HBE is a considered a “partial-magnet” as we continue to have a traditional attendance zone like all other BCSD schools. Due to the physical limitations of our building, partial-magnet enrollment at HBE is determined by a lottery system in order to provide equal opportunities for all of the children in Berkeley County. The partial-magnet program is not intended to replace any of the district’s other magnet options, but to provide additional opportunities not available at all schools.