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South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice operates its own school district with fully accredited academic and career and technology education programs, serving approximately 500 students in grades 4-12. All youth in DJJ’s care attend school while detained or incarcerated.

SCDJJ’s school district and schools function like any other district in South Carolina — with a district superintendent, principals, teachers, directors, and program coordinators.  However, DJJ’s schools differ from other South Carolina Schools in several ways: Schools are in session year-round (enabling students to make up absences and close learning gaps). DJJ’s school district has no local tax base, relying exclusively on state and federal funding. Classes are geared to meet the individual needs of each student.

The DJJ school district is responsible for all educational programs operated by the agency, including those in private vendor programs and alternative school sites in community residential placement facilities. Youth committed to DJJ can earn either a high school diploma or a GED. DJJ’s school district also offers students a variety of CATE courses, extensive special education services, the nation’s first Army JROTC program in a juvenile correctional facility setting, media centers, career development centers, and guidance counselors. SCDJJ School District graduates receive a quality education and are equipped to pursue their post-secondary education and career goals.

District Quick Facts

  • The district has more than a decade-long partnership with USC to help USC graduate students prepare to become teachers, and to promote literacy and a love for reading among our youth through the USC-DJJ Literacy Project.
  • Since 2017, DJJ & DMV have partnered to assist youth in obtaining their SC DMV-issued credentials.
  • Project-based learning was implemented in 2018-2019.  The focus was on environmental science. Youth created products including hand soap, jewelry, pet beds, candles, and handmade mats for the homeless.
  • Since January 2016, 26 students have earned college credits through the Allen University program at Birchwood School.
  • During the 2018-2019 school year, 12 DJJ-involved youth were hired with Michelin in Lexington County. These students have cumulatively worked almost 3,000 hours and earned over $40,000 in wages.
Jun 12, 2023
High School
Certified Teacher
South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice Columbia, SC, USA
JOB DUTIES Under limited supervision , provides effective and productive career an technology education program for student according to their individual needs and designs curriculum in accordance with SC State Standards and vocational curriculum competencies.  Establish appropriate long-range plans by identifying the appropriate instructional, assessment, and management strategies.  Implements instructional activities that contribute to a positive environment where students are actively engaged.  Establishes, clearly communicates, and maintains appropriate expectations for student learning, participation, and responsibility. Promotes student learning through effective use of appropriate instructional strategies. Provides appropriate and extends content for learners and maintains a constant awareness of student performances in order to guide instruction and provide appropriate feedback to students. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussion on time....