How do great schools get even better? At Discovery School of Myrtle Beach, the adults put #KidsFirst by letting the data lead. 📊 When the numbers showed math had the most room to grow, school leaders took action. They brought network partners to the table, studied student data and parent feedback, and aligned their curriculum with hands-on, personalized learning. The goal is for every student to make at least a year’s growth. See how a new principal and her team are taking Discovery to the next level. 🎥 youtu.be/w2QBsKe_AaA

We had a fantastic visit with Coastal High School and this one had a little bit of everything. 🎉 Students at Coastal run their own snack counter — real entrepreneurship, real responsibility, real life skills in action. That is #KidsFirst in practice. One student standing out behind that counter was Daylin Valentina Salazar, who earned herself a PCSD challenge coin for the impression she made on us. Well deserved! We also got to pop into dance class where the energy was electric. Teacher Osagie Ehigie is doing something special in that classroom and we made sure to recognize him with a challenge coin of his own. Keep shining, Coastal!

What does it look like when the adults in a school put #KidsFirst? 🧭 At Compass Collegiate Academy in North Charleston, it means building strong relationships with families, adding more time for math with one-on-one tutoring, and rewarding great teachers. Founding school leader Elizabeth Simpson shares how her team makes it happen. 🎥 Watch now: youtu.be/1xxSFGB4QQU #CharterSchools #MathMatters #CharlestonSC

A thriving charter school takes more than one person. It takes leaders, community partners, and legislators all working toward the same goal. The #KidsFirst Podcast sits down with the people driving that change across South Carolina classrooms. 🎧 Catch new episodes weekly on 100.7 The Point or stream anytime: 🎙️Acast: shows.acast.com/pcsd 🎙️Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6ADMv3… 🎙️Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas… #CharterSchools #SchoolLeadership

What does it look like when an entire school community puts #KidsFirst? 🤝 At Bettis Preparatory Leadership Academy in Trenton, school leaders, teachers, and board members are working as one team. New school leader Dr. Perry Smith shares how they’re building leaders through STEM and collaboration, and planning a multipurpose building that would serve students and the whole community. 🎥 Watch now: youtu.be/BCpsXM4WPDs

During our board meeting today, we proudly celebrated students who earned perfect scores on SC READY. Congratulations to these outstanding students and their families on this remarkable achievement. #KidsFirst

How do you know a school puts #KidsFirst? At Horse Creek Academy, you can feel it the moment you walk through the door. 🏫 The adults here lead with relationships, and they go the extra mile. A local business owner teaches esthetics, so students graduate with real business and trade skills. A Marine Corps veteran brings his commitment to service into the math classroom. A life skills program helps students who learn differently build independence and contribute to the school community. Horse Creek joined PCSD this year, and it’s already a great fit! 🎥 Watch now: youtu.be/_Yn2XTKlXpg

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, Horse Creek Academy teacher Karen Nelson shares a refreshing take on the pressure students feel about life after graduation. College, the military, Corporate America- none of them are right for everyone, she says, but every young person needs a skill. Her simple, freeing philosophy and the way Horse Creek helps students put it into practice is a reminder that there is more than one path to a successful future. Tune in to the full episode here: shows.acast.com/pcsd/episode…

We were thrilled to be featured in the Post and Courier this week! 🗞️ Orangeburg High School for Health Professions was recently named a PCSD Workforce Center of Excellence and Superintendent Neeley said it best: “Children need more than a diploma. They need skills. They need opportunity. They need people who believe in them. And most of all, they need purpose.” HSHP is delivering all of that and more — partnering with Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Denmark Technical College, the Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA, and MUSC to make sure students graduate ready for what comes next. Read the full feature: postandcourier.com/education… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #WorkforceDevelopment #WCOE

This is what #KidsFirst looks like in action. We had an absolute blast visiting Discovery School at Myrtle Beach, and yes, we got in on the learning too! Getting into the classrooms and seeing students light up is one of our favorite parts of these visits. Discovery is doing something special in Conway. Every student has a personalized learning plan, and their stage vs. age learning environment means no child is left waiting or left behind. They meet kids exactly where they are and push them to go further. We raised the PCSD flag on campus and left inspired. That is the kind of school that makes this work so rewarding. Keep doing what you do, Discovery MB! #CharterSchools #DiscoverySchool #MyrtleBeach

Today on Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, we’re talking with Dr. Kelly Linkenhoker from Oceanside Collegiate Academy about reimagining high school through a small, family-centered, student-driven approach that puts college and opportunity within reach. OCA empowers students to take ownership of their learning while building a strong foundation for what comes next. Tune in or stream live at 5:30 PM: makethepointradio.com/radio-… #KidsFirst

What happens when you build a school around the student instead of the other way around? You get Riverstone High School. Riverstone is South Carolina's first Second Mile Education model school, serving students who face real barriers to graduation. Flexible scheduling, coursework available in 25 languages, and a team that meets every student exactly where they are. What started with zero students has already grown to over 86 in just the first 45 days. We also had the pleasure of meeting Katharina Yinger, a Riverstone student with big dreams — dermatology school and Boston University on her radar. Katharina was awarded a PCSD challenge coin and every bit of it was earned. We cannot wait to see where she goes! This is what #KidsFirst looks like. Read more about Riverstone's grand opening: live5news.com/2026/09/29/riv… #CharterSchools #RiverstoneHighSchool #NorthCharleston

What would it take to bring proven math gains to rural charter schools across South Carolina? 📈📐 Representative Courtney Waters of Teach For America South Carolina shares what’s working in Colleton County and how that partnership could grow in our rural charters. It all starts with putting #KidsFirst! 🎥 Watch now: youtu.be/4eR-0JdYHXM

We had a wonderful visit with Compass Collegiate Academy in North Charleston and left with full hearts. 🧭💙 This school is serving a real need in its community and the waiting list speaks for itself. Families want what Compass is offering and it's easy to see why. From the culture to the classrooms, everything about this school reflects a commitment to excellence. We were proud to raise the PCSD flag on campus during our visit. One moment from our visit that we will not soon forget: meeting Elijah Mims, a first grader with a serious talent for math. Elijah earned himself a PCSD challenge coin and every bit of it was deserved. Keep shining, Elijah! #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #CompassCollegiateAcademy #NorthCharleston

What does it look like when students sit in the seats where state laws are made? 🏛️ This week, Representative Shannon Erickson, Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee, welcomed York Preparatory Academy students to the House chamber for a hands-on civics lesson. On this week’s PCSD Thing Three, she shares why every student should see government as something that belongs to them, and what #KidsFirst means to her. 🎥 Watch the full video: youtu.be/f6ja_PH3RV8

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, Brad Henry of the South Carolina Public Charter School District shares a story that shows what innovative education really looks like. At one school without a gym of its own, a simple community partnership turned into something bigger: students earning swim lessons, lifeguard certifications, and real-paying jobs before they even graduate. It is a glimpse into how charter schools across the state are turning everyday challenges into genuine opportunities for kids. Tune in to the full episode here: shows.acast.com/pcsd/episode…

A special opportunity today for students at York Preparatory Academy. House Education Committee Chair Shannon Erickson invited them onto the House floor for a firsthand look at South Carolina’s legislative process—and a chance to envision themselves one day serving in the halls of power. Many thanks to Chairlady Erickson for investing in our students and helping them see what’s possible. Superintendent Neeley and all of us at the PCSD are grateful. #KidsFirst

Orangeburg High School for Health Professions is now officially a PCSD Workforce Center of Excellence! 🎉⚙️ We were proud to present this designation to a school that is already doing incredible things for its students and community. WCOE designation means HSHP is going beyond the traditional classroom, connecting students to real-world careers through industry-aligned curriculum, hands-on learning, dual enrollment, and workforce certifications. For a school already producing 90% of the lifeguards for Orangeburg County Parks and Recreation and sending students into health professions careers, this recognition is a natural fit. Every student who walks across that stage should be ready for what comes next and HSHP is making sure of it. Learn more about the WCOE designation: sccharter.org/wcoe #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #WorkforceDevelopment #WCOE

This is what seeing every child looks like. 🩵🌟 Friday night, Oceanside Collegiate Academy welcomed Marsh, Superintendent Neeley's son and a student at Palmetto Achievement Center for Excellence (PACE) Academy, and gave him an experience that was nothing short of special. They didn't see his limitations. They saw his spark. And they made sure it had room to shine! That's the kind of community charter schools build. That's the kind of district we're committed to being; one that recognizes what makes every child unique and creates opportunities for them to thrive. Thank you, Oceanside. You showed us exactly what #KidsFirst looks like in action. Oh, and we can't let this post go by without saying: happy birthday, Marsh! 🎂 Drop a birthday wish in the comments for this special young man.

Today on Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Horse Creek Academy teacher Karen Nelson joins Superintendent Chris Neeley to talk about what makes charter schools like HCA so unique. From classroom autonomy to career pathways that help students discover their skills, we’ll explore why great teachers and innovative schools can make all the difference. Tune in or stream live at 5:30 PM: makethepointradio.com/radio-… #KidsFirst