What happens when adults give teachers the tools to grow? At High Point Academy, that’s how they put #KidsFirst. 🚀 High Point is one of six South Carolina schools selected for the $16 million SC RISE grant. School leader Brian Sherman shares how master teachers, the TAP System, and new AI tools will help teachers grow, and how High Point is already leading the way on AI literacy. Watch the full video to see what’s next for High Point. 🎥 youtu.be/jq8f4_sfFW8 📰 Learn more about the NIET partnership: sccharter.org/district-news/… #CharterSchools #TeacherLeadership

🌟 54 students. 54 perfect scores. 🌟 We recently had the honor of celebrating the students who scored a perfect score on their spring 2026 SCReady assessment! These incredible young people and their families joined us for a special recognition and lunch, because that kind of achievement deserves more than a certificate in the mail. We're so proud of each and every one of them. And behind every perfect score is a village of people who made it possible. Thank you to the school leaders, teachers, and parents who show up every single day putting #KidsFirst. This recognition belongs to you too! Congratulations to our perfect scorers! 📸 See photos from the day here: facebook.com/media/set/?vani… #CharterSchools #SCReady #StudentSuccess

What does it look like when adults invest in great teaching to put #KidsFirst? At Riverwalk Academy, school leader Robert Compton and his team built strong systems for teacher coaching and leadership, and their high school earned an Excellent rating again on the state report card. Now Riverwalk is one of six South Carolina schools in SC RISE, a $16 million grant that will help it develop teacher leaders and reward effective teaching. Watch the full video to see how Riverwalk helps every student grow. 🎥 youtu.be/i0QQYpf4nwI 📰 Learn more about the NIET partnership: sccharter.org/district-news/… #CharterSchools #TeacherLeadership #SCEducation

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, Dr. Kelly Linkenhoker of Oceanside Collegiate Academy shares the heart behind the school's small, family-centered approach: the goal is not just to educate students, but to launch them into capable, confident young adults. She speaks candidly about the gap so many students hit when they reach the rigor of college unprepared, and how Oceanside gives them a real head start while still surrounding them with support. It is a thoughtful look at what it means to prepare a young person for what comes next. Tune in to the full episode here: shows.acast.com/pcsd/episode…

Five schools. Five flags. One mission: #KidsFirst We have had the privilege of raising the PCSD flag at Summerville Preparatory Academy, Legacy Early College, GREEN Charter School Simpsonville, Riverwalk Academy, and High Point Academy. When you see this flag flying, know what it stands for. A commitment to every student, in every community, regardless of where they live or where they come from. That is what #KidsFirst means to us and these schools are living it out every single day. Thank you for welcoming us! #CharterSchools #FlagRaising #SCEducation

What does it look like when an entire school community puts #KidsFirst? At Coastal High School, it starts at the top. 🌊 School leader Sherri Oskin and her team hire for relationships and create real opportunities for every student. Students learn to care for the land and animals on their campus, a space that feels like a sanctuary. Students with diverse abilities run the cafeteria school store, building job skills and taking real pride in their work. Families are committed too, with some driving an hour each day for their kids to attend. Watch the full video to see what makes Coastal such a special place. 🎥 youtu.be/MwRH_aaQI7k #CharterSchools #MyrtleBeach

Tune in to Kids First Radio today at 5:00 PM on 100.7 The Point FM or stream live at makethepointradio.com/radio-… as we talk about the basics of public charter schools in South Carolina. Charter schools are free public schools, open to all students, and never charge tuition to attend. At the South Carolina Public Charter School District, our boundaries stretch across the entire state, giving families more opportunities to find the right educational fit for their children. #KidsFirst

Youth Leadership Academy students got their front row seat to history! 🏛️ We were proud to take YLA students on their Rev250 field trip, where they explored the State House and the South Carolina Military Museum as America celebrates 250 years. Watching students walk through those halls and connect with the history of our nation in person was something special. This is exactly the kind of experience every child deserves. #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #Rev250 #America250

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