Every decision we make for students starts with accurate data, and we need a PowerSchool pro who takes that seriously. 📊 This role is all about making sure our schools have the tools, training, and support they need to keep their data accurate and their systems running smoothly. If you have experience with PowerSchool and a service-oriented mindset, we want to hear from you. Send your resume and cover letter to jsnell@sccharter.org. Full position details: sccharter.org/wp-content/upl… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #NowHiring #EdTech

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver takes on a story South Carolina has told about itself for far too long: that a poor state simply cannot compete. She makes the case that the state's children are every bit as capable as any in the country, and points to real schools already proving it, even in the toughest circumstances. Her take on what she calls the South Carolina Surge is a hopeful reminder of how much can change when high expectations meet real support. Tune in to the full episode here: shows.acast.com/pcsd/episode…

Bettis Preparatory Leadership Academy lives up to its name in every way. 🦅 We had a wonderful visit with the Eagles in Trenton and were proud to raise the PCSD flag on campus while we were there. From the moment you walk through the door, you can feel the intentionality behind everything this school does. Leadership is embedded in the culture, the classrooms, and the students themselves. We left inspired and grateful to have schools like this in our network. Keep soaring, Eagles! Learn more about Bettis Prep: bettisprep.net #KidsFirst #CharterSchools

PCSD is hiring a Special Events and Projects Manager and we are looking for someone who knows how to make things happen. 🌟 If you are creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about bringing big ideas to life, this one is for you. Submit your letter of intent and resume to jsnell@sccharter.org. View full position details: sccharter.org/wp-content/upl… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #NowHiring

Join us for Kids First Radio today at 5:30 PM on 100.7 The Point for a conversation with the leader of Liberty STEAM Charter School, Dr. Brenda Hafner. We’ll talk about how Liberty is rethinking public education through hands-on, innovative learning and plans to expand opportunities for more students and families in the Sumter community. Tune in or stream live at 5:30: makethepointradio.com/radio-… #KidsFirst

A new season is here and classrooms across South Carolina are already in full swing. 🍂 There is something about fall that just feels like possibility: new routines, fresh energy, and students settling into the best school year yet. #KidsFirst #CharterSchools

What does student success really look like? The #KidsFirst Podcast shares firsthand stories from charter school students across South Carolina, and the opportunities helping them thrive. Tune in 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…

We had a great time visiting Atlantic Collegiate Academy in Conway and got a firsthand look at just how sharp these students are, including over a friendly game of chess. ♟️ Beyond the chess board, what really stood out was the culture at ACA. This school is building something special — from a robust athletics program to dual enrollment opportunities and a community that clearly takes pride in everything they do. We were proud to hang our district flag on campus as a reminder that ACA is part of a bigger mission, one that puts #kidsfirst and opens doors for every young person who walks through their doors. Keep doing what you are doing, Armada. We are excited to see what comes next! Learn more about ACA: atlanticcollegiate.academy #CharterSchools #AtlanticCollegiateAcademy

Do you love bringing big ideas to life? PCSD is looking for a Special Events and Projects Manager to join our External Affairs team. 🌟 This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has an eye for details, and knows how to turn a vision into an unforgettable experience. From district-wide conferences and ribbon cuttings to high-profile engagements, you'll play a key role in elevating the visibility of public charter schools across South Carolina. If you are creative, organized, and passionate about making an impact, we want to hear from you. Submit your letter of intent and resume to jsnell@sccharter.org. View the full position details here: sccharter.org/wp-content/upl… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #NowHiring

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, Teshia McIver of the Palmetto Promise Institute clears up one of the biggest questions families have about South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund: who is it actually for? She explains which families the program is designed to reach and paints a powerful picture of a parent finally able to send their child to that school they have only ever driven past. For any family wondering whether a different path is within reach, her answer opens a door worth knowing about. Tune in to the full episode here: shows.acast.com/pcsd/episode…

They say it takes a village and at Horse Creek Academy, that is not just a tagline, it's something you feel the moment you walk through the door. 😊🐎 We had a fantastic visit with HCA in Aiken and left with full hearts. Smiling faces everywhere, a culture that is warm and welcoming, and students who are clearly right where they belong. The energy at this school is something special and it shows in everything they do. Thank you for having us, Horse Creek Academy. Your village is something to be proud of. Learn more about HCA: hcacs.net #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #HorseCreekAcademy

Greer Middle College Charter High School is now officially a PCSD Workforce Center of Excellence! 🎉⚙️ We were proud to present the certification and even prouder of the work this school is doing for its students. WCOE certification means Greer Middle College is going beyond the traditional classroom, connecting students to real-world careers through industry-aligned curriculum, hands-on learning, dual enrollment, and workforce certifications. Every student who walks across that stage should be ready for what comes next, whether that is college, a career, or military service. This is what redefining education looks like, and we could not be more proud to recognize Greer Middle College as part of this growing network of schools shaping South Carolina's workforce. Learn more about the WCOE certification: sccharter.org/wcoe #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #WorkforceDevelopment #WCOE

Know someone who's passionate about supporting students with disabilities AND great schools? This one is for them. 👀 PCSD is hiring a Special Education Coordinator to join our Columbia team! We're looking for someone who's ready to support schools, coach educators, and make sure every student with a disability gets what they need to thrive. If that sounds like you or someone you know, we would love to connect. Submit your letter of intent and resume to jsnell@sccharter.org. Full position details: sccharter.org/wp-content/upl… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #NowHiring #SpecialEducation

Tune in to Kids First Radio today at 5:30 PM for a special conversation with State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver about her priorities for 2026–27, South Carolina’s gains in reading and math, developing rural and charter school infrastructure and getting the new school year off to a strong start. Tune in or stream live at 5:30 PM: makethepointradio.com/radio-… #KidsFirst

There are moments that remind you why this work matters. Our September board meeting was one of them. PCSD gathered on September 10th to honor the anniversary of September 11th. Horse Creek Academy senior Gage Cagle set the tone with a moving performance of our national anthem, and Jovanny Williams of Orangeburg High School for Health Professions led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Students from Horse Creek Academy, Felton Laboratory Charter School, Orangeburg High School for Health Professions, Carolus Online Academy, and Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy were part of the tribute and recognized for their role in making the day meaningful. None of these students were alive on September 11, 2001. For them, it's a chapter in a history book — a date on a timeline. But watching them stand in that room, heads bowed and hands over hearts, it was clear that history had become something real and personal. That is what happens when we take the time to teach it. That is exactly why we do this work. We honored the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of those who answered our nation's call — and those we have lost. Our deepest gratitude goes to the Richland County Sheriff's Department, Columbia Fire Department, South Carolina National Guard, 81st Readiness Division United States Army Reserves, South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, and the South Carolina State Guard. Our team was also able to visit Columbia's 9/11 Memorial to lay a wreath in remembrance. Twenty-five years later, we will never forget. 🕊️ Watch the full tribute and meeting here: piped.video/watch?v=gbnutzd7… Download photos from the day (found on our Facebook page): facebook.com/media/set/?vani… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #PatriotDay #NeverForget

There is something special about walking into a school where you can feel the energy the moment you step through the door. 🚌 ✏️ 🌟 We had an incredible visit with Felton Laboratory Charter School in Orangeburg, getting into classrooms, connecting with students, and capping it off by raising the PCSD flag on campus. Felton is a Palmetto Silver School offering an "All Things STEAM" approach that keeps students engaged and learning in ways that go beyond the traditional classroom. When you see this flag flying, know it stands for one shared mission — making sure every student has access to a great public education, no matter where they live. That is what #KidsFirst looks like in action. Thank you for welcoming us, Felton!

Every student deserves the chance to create. National Arts in Education Week is a reminder that the arts are not extra, they are essential. From music to theater to visual arts, our charter schools are places where students find their voice and discover what they are capable of. 🎨 #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #ArtsEdWeek #ArtsEducation

Do you believe every student deserves the support they need to succeed? We're looking for a passionate Special Education Coordinator to join the PCSD team in Columbia. 🌟 This role is all about making a real difference: supporting schools, coaching educators, and helping students with disabilities get the services and opportunities they deserve. If you have a background in special education and a drive to improve outcomes for kids across South Carolina, we want to hear from you. Submit your letter of intent and resume to jsnell@sccharter.org. Full position details: sccharter.org/wp-content/upl… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #NowHiring #SpecialEducation

Twenty-five years ago, our nation changed forever. Today we pause to remember the lives lost, the heroes who ran toward danger, and the resilience of a country that refused to be broken. For the students in our schools today, September 11th is a part of history they did not witness firsthand. But it is our duty as Americans to share this chapter of our nation's story so we can honor those who gave their lives and ensure this generation understands the weight of that day and what it means to stand together as Americans. At yesterday's PCSD Board Meeting, Superintendent Neeley led a meaningful tribute to honor the significance of this day. We are grateful for the opportunity to memorialize September 11 together as a community. We invite you to join us this morning at 8:46 a.m. for a moment of silence in remembrance of all those we lost. Watch the tribute here: piped.video/3MkkIKu91Us #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #PatriotDay #NeverForget

A room full of school district leaders and students stopped everything today to do one thing — remember. 🕊️ These photos from our September board meeting capture a moment of reflection and gratitude on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We will never stop honoring those we lost or the responsibility we carry to make sure this generation knows their story. Never forget. 🇺🇸 #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #PatriotDay #NeverForget