Free to Focus SC is an initiative by the South Carolina Department of Education aimed at creating a phone-free school environment that promotes a positive, distraction-free learning experience. The program was launched following the passage of Proviso 1.103 in the 2024 General Appropriations Bill (H.5100) by state lawmakers.

Student Expectations
Per State Board of Education policy, students are prohibited from accessing their personal electronic devices during the school day, unless authorized for classroom use. Students may not wear or access device accessories during the school day.

If a parent has an emergency and needs to contact their child during the school day, they should call the school's main phone number. If a student has an emergency and needs to call their parents, they will be directed to the school's main office.

Personal electronic devices
Personal electronic devices (PEDs) are any devices used to access the internet, Wi-Fi, cellular signals, or capture images or video. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and gaming devices. Personal electronic device accessories refer to any wired or wireless accessory, wearable technology, or other item commonly used with a PED. A common example of a PED accessory is wired or wireless earphones.

Consequences
Violations of this policy will be addressed using the Lexington Four Student Code of Conduct -  Level 1A: Cell Phone Violation (330).

For more information please visit the Free to Focus page on the SC Department of Education’s website.