July 9, 2025

Charleston School District Launches Elevation Schools Initiative

News Summary

The Charleston County School District has announced the Elevation Schools initiative aimed at boosting support for 14 elementary schools. Set to start in the 2025-2026 school year, the initiative focuses on improving student achievement and streamlining operations. With increased funding and resources, the program seeks to close opportunity gaps and provide essential support for educators and families. Chief Academic Officer Michelle Simmons will oversee the initiative, collaborating with the University of Virginia to foster growth and development in these schools.

Charleston – The Charleston County School District (CCSD) has announced the launch of the Elevation Schools initiative, a program dedicated to improving support and resources for 14 elementary schools. Set to commence in the 2025-2026 school year, Elevation Schools aims to enhance student achievement and growth within the district.

The initiative is designed to effectively streamline operations while strengthening instructional practices and providing more substantial support to both students and educators. Schools participating in the Elevation Schools network will see a significant boost in their investments focused on academic interventions, leadership development, coaching cycles, and family engagement. These enhancements are in place to accelerate student outcomes and close existing opportunity gaps.

Elevation Schools will integrate the previously separate Acceleration and Transformation Schools into a cohesive network, allowing for a more strategically aligned approach to educational excellence. To oversee the Elevation Schools initiative, CCSD has appointed Chief Academic Officer Michelle Simmons, who will lead the program towards achieving its objectives.

Financial resources for the Elevation Schools will be augmented through CCSD’s Weighted Student Funding Formula. This funding mechanism allocates resources based on the specific needs of students, ensuring schools with higher concentrations of students facing challenges—such as poverty or language barriers—receive additional funds for targeted academic and wraparound services.

The establishment of Elevation Schools continues the district’s collaboration with the University of Virginia’s Partnership for Leaders in Education. This multi-year partnership focuses on fostering accelerated growth and utilizes strategic planning to create 90-day action plans tailored to each school’s needs. These plans will be informed by in-depth data analysis and ongoing professional learning for educators.

Michelle Simmons highlighted that the schools included in the Elevation initiative serve some of the district’s most resilient students. By aligning resources more effectively, the program aims to provide better support for school leaders and teachers, thereby directly influencing the student experience and outcomes.

Goal of the Initiative

The primary goal of Elevation Schools is to promote improved student growth and achievement by extending vital resources and support systems. Through a concentrated effort on intervention strategies and professional development, the initiative aspires to mitigate the educational disparities that exist within the schools targeted for enhancement.

Future Prospects

As Elevation Schools prepares for its rollout, the CCSD anticipates a positive impact on academic performance and overall student engagement at the 14 designated elementary schools. The increased funding, combined with the strategic support mechanisms put in place, is expected to foster a more conducive learning environment for all students, regardless of their background or starting point.

The success of the Elevation Schools initiative will rely on the collaborative efforts of educators, administrators, families, and community stakeholders. By investing thoughtfully in resources and support systems, CCSD aims to transform the educational landscape for elementary students in Charleston County.

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