The SC Association of School Administrators named Lexington School District One’s River Bluff High School and Lexington-Richland District Five’s Spring Hill High School were the two Midlands schools to be named Palmetto’s Finest by the South Carolina Association of School Administrators.

The announcement was made Tuesday as staff members waited to hear if their school would take top honors. According to the published information, each school underwent an intensive application process requiring self-evaluation, peer review, and two on-site examinations. The application and visits verified evidence of exceptional student achievement, instructional programs, professional learning communities and school culture.

State Superintendent of Education Molly Spear-man presents River Bluff representatives with the school’s award.

River Bluff High School, located in Lexington, serves 2,054 students in grades ninth through 12th. The school opened in 2008 as a new learning system centered on students, who are able to make decisions and manage their day within a Flexible Modular Schedule. Students are expected to be leaders of their own learning. A partnership with EL Education solidified the school’s path toward student-engaged learning experiences and assessment, where achievement is viewed as mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality work. More than 96 percent of River Bluff students participate in some form of work-based learning. The school has a 90 percent graduation rate.

Spring Hill High School, located in Chapin, serves 1,069 high school students. A Career Pathways Magnet, Spring Hill High offers five academics to students: Engineering, Entertainment, Entrepreneurial, Environmental Studies, and Exercise Science. Students engage in highly technological, real-world application in core subjects, enhancing college and career readiness. Spring Hill offers open enrollment, non-criteria based admissions, and has a 96 percent graduation rate. The school is ranked in the top 100 schools in the nation by TheBestSchools.org.