Charleston, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The Charleston County School District has initiated the Elevation Schools initiative to support 14 elementary schools starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Aiming to assist schools with high populations of students in poverty and special needs, the initiative focuses on accelerating academic growth. Strategies include targeted interventions and professional development for educators, with a budget increase ensuring necessary resources. The program builds on previous efforts to enhance educational outcomes in low-performing schools, demonstrating a commitment to improving the learning experience for all students.
Charleston – The Charleston County School District has announced the launch of its Elevation Schools initiative, which will provide specialized support to 14 elementary schools starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to assist schools serving a high population of students in poverty, English learners, and those with special education needs.
Details of the Initiative
The schools that will benefit from this initiative include:
- A.C. Corcoran Elementary
- Chicora Elementary
- Hunley Park Elementary
- Julian Mitchell Elementary
- Ladson Elementary School
- Ladson Primary School
- Matilda F. Dunston Elementary
- North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary
- North Charleston Elementary
- Pepperhill Elementary
- Pinehurst Elementary
- Sanders-Clyde Elementary
- Stono Park Elementary
- W.B. Goodwin Elementary
This initiative is spearheaded by Michelle Simmons, the district’s chief academic officer, with support from district leaders including Jacqueline Haynes and Quenetta White. Its primary goal is to accelerate academic growth and close learning gaps among various student groups.
Strategies and Expectations
To achieve these goals, the Elevation Schools initiative will employ a variety of strategies, including targeted academic interventions and professional development opportunities for educators. By the end of its first year, improvements are anticipated in SC READY English and Math scores at participating schools.
The program merges previous efforts under the Acceleration and Transformation school programs, which were already focused on improving performance at the district’s lowest-performing schools. These efforts have been underway since 2020, targeting schools that fall within the bottom 10th and 5th percentiles in academic performance.
Previous Progress and Performance Metrics
Recent data indicates significant progress in the affected schools. For instance, report card ratings for some acceleration schools have improved, such as:
- Chicora Elementary: from Unsatisfactory in 2022 to Average in 2024
- Hunley Park Elementary: from Average to Good
- Julian Mitchell Elementary: from Unsatisfactory to Below Average
Overall, the district has reported a decline in the percentage of students not meeting expectations in Math from 64% to 51% between 2021 and 2024. Additionally, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations in Math rose from 14% to 29%, while the number of students not meeting expectations in English fell from 59% to 44%.
Funding and Resources
Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, increased funding will be allocated to these 14 schools through a weighted student funding model that considers student needs. The Charleston School Board recently approved a budget increase from $32.8 million to $36 million for fiscal year 2026, ensuring adequate resources for this initiative.
The district will collaborate with the University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders in Education to further enhance student outcomes. This partnership aims to help schools create 90-day plans with measurable benchmarks for ongoing improvement and accountability.
Focus areas for educational strategies include data-driven instruction and professional development programs designed to improve teaching effectiveness and address challenges like absenteeism among students.
Conclusion
The Elevation Schools initiative marks a significant step forward for the Charleston County School District, demonstrating a commitment to improving educational outcomes for students in need. With structured support systems and increased funding, educators and administrators are poised to make impactful changes that could positively affect the lives of many young learners.
FAQ
What is the Elevation Schools initiative?
The Elevation Schools initiative is a program launched by the Charleston County School District aimed at providing intensive support to 14 elementary schools to improve academic performance among students in poverty, English learners, and those with special education needs.
Which schools are part of the Elevation Schools initiative?
The initiative involves 14 elementary schools, including A.C. Corcoran Elementary, Chicora Elementary, and W.B. Goodwin Elementary, among others.
What are the goals of the initiative?
The primary goals are to accelerate academic growth, close learning gaps among different student groups, and improve SC READY English and Math scores in participating schools.
How will the initiative be funded?
Funding will increase from $32.8 million to $36 million for fiscal year 2026 through a weighted student funding model that allocates resources based on student needs.
What partnerships are involved in the initiative?
The initiative will collaborate with the University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders in Education to help schools develop specific improvement plans and hold them accountable for progress.
| School Name | 2018 Report Card Rating | 2022 Report Card Rating | 2024 Report Card Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicora Elementary | Unsatisfactory | Unsatisfactory | Average |
| Hunley Park Elementary | Average | Average | Good |
| Julian Mitchell Elementary | Unsatisfactory | Unsatisfactory | Below Average |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston County School District Elevation Schools
- Wikipedia: Charleston County School District
- Count On 2 News: Spike in Hispanic Student Absences
- Google Search: Charleston County School District
- WOWK TV: Diocese of Wheeling Charleston Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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