South Carolina Public Charter School District

What is a Charter School?

A Charter School is mission-driven, de-regulated, independent public school of choice, the most accountable form of public education. Charter Schools are tuition-free public schools that operate in South Carolina on a ten-year contract called a "charter." Charter Schools provide educators with flexibility to operate different types of public schools that focus on specific missions (such as performing arts, technology, Montessori, construction trades, college prep, international baccalaureate (IB), alternative education, project-based learning, cyber learning, and dual language instruction). Further, charter school operators and teachers have the opportunity to be much more flexible in their approach to teaching in a Charter Public School.

Charter Schools in South Carolina are authorized by either a public school district or the South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD). The authorizer and charter agree on the accountability standards that will be used in the oversight of the school. Within the context of the agreed upon accountability standards, teachers and school leaders have freedom in choosing curriculum and staff, as well as flexibility in determining the hours of operation, the school calendar, and the goals and standards of student behavior.

Motivation is the basis of learning. And, achieving the correct match of student to school mission is key to this choice. So, the potential for greater student achievement is met as a greater variety of school missions are offered. At the same time, students are still responsible for taking all state tests and the schools are accountable to comply with laws regarding health, safety, civil rights and special education.

The South Carolina Public Charter School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, disability, age, religion, immigrant status, or national origin in its educational programs and employment practices. For questions pertaining to Section 504 contact The Director of Special Education Services and questions pertaining to Title IX contact The Director of Federal Programs at 3710 Landmark Drive, Suite 201, Columbia, SC 29204, 803/734-8322.