The Charleston area is comprised of four public school districts: Berkeley County School District, Charleston County School District, and Dorchester County School District Two and District Four. More than 90,000 students are educated in 130 schools. Another 11,000 students attend the 65 private and parochial schools in the region.

The Charleston County School District is divided into eight Constituent Districts. The districts educate approximately 42,500 Pre-K through 12th grade students in 47 elementary, 15 middle, 13 high, and six multi-level schools. With more than 3,300 teachers, Charleston is the second largest school system in South Carolina and fourth largest employer in the region. 54.1 percent of the region’s teachers have advanced degrees, up from 52.8 percent. All four districts strive for educational excellence and each has distinguished itself with a variety of achievements and awards. In Berkeley County, SAT scores continue to improve. The composite score of college bound seniors rose 58 points over the past five years. More than 12,000 classroom computers have access to the Internet, making this one of the state’s most up-todate districts in current technology. The district’s instructional program combines proven best practices and the necessary teacher training to ensure curriculum effectiveness.

The district has set the standard in other areas as well: teacher evaluation, career planning, and computer technology. In 2007, eighteen graduates-level courses were offered to Berkeley County teachers while many other workshops and staff development activities were also available. Its Teacher Forum is one of the most active in the state and has served as a state model for leadership development. The $192 million bond referendum that passed in 1999 paid for the renovation of 17 schools and the building of three new schools. New building and renovation needs are currently being addressed.

The Charleston County School District has embarked on a five-year, $365 million building program, which is seeing dramatic facility improvements. When complete, the plan will include four new high schools, two new elementary schools, and numerous school renovations and additions. The first of these new schools, West Ashley High School, opened in August 2001 and is considered the flagship facility in the district’s building program.

Following the example of the State Department of Education, the Charleston County School District has embraced accountability as the key to effective public education. The district’s commitment began in 1998 when it became the first public school system in South Carolina to publish report cards about its schools. In addition to providing quality education to Charleston County students, the school district strives to remain an important part of the overall community through programs such as continuing education, the Gold Pass Club, parent resources, and emergency shelter locations.

High expectations for all students, a quality teaching and support staff, and strong parental and community involvement make Dorchester School District Two one of the leading and fastest growing school districts in the state. The district serves more than 20,400 students in 11 elementary schools, six middle schools, and two high schools. District Two also operates the Givhans School, an adult education center that received the U.S. Secretary of Education’s Award for the Top Ten Adult Education Programs in the nation. The South Carolina Association of Public Charter Schools presented Dorchester School District Two
with the Public Charter School District of the Year Award and, in 2005, named its assistant superintendent as School District Administrator of the Year. Money magazine also selected the district as one of the top 100 school districts in the nation. More than 400 business partnerships and 2,500 volunteers in the district helped it earn this coveted designation. Five schools in Dorchester District Two have been named “Palmetto’s Finest” schools and three have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

All schools in Dorchester Four are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Serving approximately 2,600 students in Pre-K through Adult Education, the district has the highest percentage of teachers with advanced degrees and the most per pupil expenditure. District Four offers gifted and talented education, special needs services, vocational training, and a wide array of core curricula and extra-curricula programs, artistic and athletic programs. District Four’s mission is to develop successful citizens in an environment conducive to learning by providing challenging experiences and promoting character development. Challenging educational programs and utilization of available resources make this mission a reality for its students.

Helping students prepare for life after high school is imperative to their success. Whether a high school senior is bound for a two-year college, a four-year college, or the work force, he or she must possess the skills and abilities necessary for future success. The School-to-Work Transition Act was passed in 1994 in recognition of changing work force demands. It allows school districts to implement a system that prepares students for the work force. A major component of the program is the fostering of partnerships between schools and businesses. Throughout the region, businesses are working with students, teachers and administrators to prepare students for the careers of the future. School-to-Work initiatives give businesses the opportunity to work with local schools and prepare students for successful careers. Employers benefit from an increased member of qualified applicants.

Community involvements with area schools are important to residents. This commitment is evident in bond referendums, classroom volunteers, Junior Achievement programs with area businesses, strong parent-teacher association involvement, and the encouragement of student and resident participation in community service projects. The Metro area also promotes continuing education, as many of the region’s school districts sponsor classes for adults. The course list has everything from the art of calligraphy to basic auto mechanics.