New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School’s (NEMS) mission is to be a school of academic excellence that fosters academic achievement through innovative teaching practices, which will include the infusion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) curricula, build strong community relations through the collaboration of all stakeholders, and the ongoing development of well-rounded, productive citizens. The school has 15 teachers who teach 200 students, 78% of whom receive free or reduced lunch. NEMS is also a Title One School in a rural part of South Carolina. NEMS recently received its national AdvancED accreditation to proceed as a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) school. With this new program, we have received additional funding for the hiring of our Music Teacher and the addition of Steel Drum Classes taught by both our Music and Band Teachers. The Arts areas offered include Band, Steel Drum Band, Music, and Visual Arts. NEMS is the recipient of the Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) grant from the South Carolina Department of Education. NEMS became an ABC site in 2017 after being awarded the Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) Advancement Grant from the SC Arts Commission. NEMS has experienced growth in enrollment ever since. In addition to NEMS arts program, Aiken County Public School District offers a summer program for artistically gifted and talented students called acGATEWAY. Students are required to audition for the program and, if accepted, attend summer courses taught by talented and highly qualified arts teachers.