Charleston County School of the Arts helps students develop the World-Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through focused arts instruction and rigorous coursework in mathematics, English language arts, science, social studies, and world languages. Through daily opportunities to create, collaborate, perform, problem-solve, and communicate, students develop the skills, work habits, and resilience necessary for success in college, careers, and life.
Students spend 90 minutes each day refining their talents in Band, Creative Writing, Dance, Fashion, Piano, Orchestra, Theatre, Vocal Music, or Visual Arts. Their artistic achievements earn regional and national recognition, and SOA’s programs are consistently regarded among the finest in the nation. Through their arts training and academic studies, students learn to think critically, accept and apply feedback, manage long-term projects, persevere through challenges, and present their work to authentic audiences—skills that prepare them for both higher education and future careers. Literacy remains a cornerstone of instruction as students strengthen their annotation skills and deepen their understanding of both fiction and nonfiction texts.
During the 2025–2026 school year, SOA focused on strengthening two essential World-Class Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving and Knowing How to Learn. Through targeted classroom interventions, teachers helped students identify concepts and standards requiring additional review and mastery. Interventionists worked closely with students to develop personalized learning plans, schedules, and study strategies that promoted greater independence and academic success.
The collective efforts of teachers, counselors, interventionists, and administrators produced outstanding results. This year, 100% of SOA seniors were College and/or Career Ready, and the Class of 2026 achieved a 100% graduation rate. These accomplishments reflect our commitment to ensuring that every student graduates prepared to pursue postsecondary education, enter the workforce, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Additionally we were named a Blue Ribbon School for academic excellence and celebrated with our community throughout the year.
At Charleston County School of the Arts, we challenge and support students as they develop their artistic gifts, expand their capacity to learn, create, and express themselves, and prepare to make meaningful contributions to an ever-changing world.
Dr. Shannon Cook
Shannon Whittemore, SIC Chair
