Academic Profile 2010-2011: Introduction
Located on the outskirts of historic Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston Collegiate School offers a strong sense of tradition as it serves the needs of its students. Originally called Sea Island Academy, the school was founded in 1970 to provide local families with quality education for their children. As the school grew, its athletic program and more rigorous, college-oriented curriculum brought more change. In 2002, it was renamed the Charleston Collegiate School and now attracts students from all over the metropolitan area. The school has become an integral part of the immediate and long-term development of Johns Island because it provides a stable resource for social, cultural, and economic growth.
The Charleston Collegiate environment values creativity, compassion for others, a passion for learning, and vibrant diversity. Of the five distinguished schools in the Charleston metropolitan area that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools, it is the only co-educational, non-sectarian, pre-school through twelfth-grade, independent school. This distinct place in the market allows the school to be far more diverse than its competitors, with minority enrollment of 24% and minority faculty representation of 19%.
Teaching and learning are the core elements of a Charleston Collegiate education. The school provides a rigorous, college prep curriculum with individualized advanced courses while at the same time its Learning Center offers services and/or accommodations to meet the unique needs of individual students. Students are expected to take increasing responsibility for their learning so that by the time they enter the upper school, they are ready to become independent, critical thinkers. The school's mission is rooted in a commitment to help students learn to use their minds and to articulate their thoughts in a demanding, supportive environment.
There is a strong sense of tradition in the school's dedication to serving the needs of the whole student. The academic curriculum addresses the college preparatory mission of the school while athletic and enrichments courses allow students to express other aspects of their talents. Students enjoy an average class size of 10-15. An advisor system enables students to receive individual guidance and support, and there is a strong tradition of community service that promotes the personal qualities that are necessary to the development of responsible citizens and effective future leaders.
Faculty and Students
The school serves 107 students in grades 9 - 12, with an average class size ranging from 10 to 15 students. Approximately 80% of the faculty members hold advanced degrees. The student/faculty ratio is 6:1.
Dr. Robert Shirley, Headmaster
Ms. Elizabeth Boyd, Head of Upper School and College Counselor
The School
Charleston Collegiate School is a nonsectarian, independent school organized as a Lower School (K-4), Intermediate School (5-6), Middle School (7-8), and Upper School (9-12). It offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum and seeks to develop students academically, athletically, and artistically. CCS is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and the South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA). The School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Palmetto Association of Independent Schools (PAIS), the National Center for Independent School Renewal (NCISR), and the Education Records Bureau.
Requirements for Graduation
The curriculum for the Upper School offers a challenging series of core subjects well-suited for the college-bound student body. Students are expected to complete 24 credits for graduation. Transfer students may qualify for waivers in public speaking, computing, or world languages.
- English - 4 Credits
- Mathematics - 4 Credits
- Science - 3 Credits
- Social Studies/History - 4 Credits
- World Languages - 3 Credits
- Computing - ½ Credit
- Public Speaking - ½ Credit
- Fine Arts - 1 Credit
- Physical Education - 1 Credit
- Electives - 2 Credits
- Senior Exhibition of Mastery - 1 Credit
Exhibition of
Mastery Program
The Senior Exhibition is a defining experience for Charleston Collegiate School's
12th grade students; it
is a personal affirmation and a public celebration of what they have gained
from their time at this school.
Supported by a team of faculty and students, each senior pursues a year-long,
self-defined discovery
project resulting in an original product, an interactive blog, and a paper
which meet demanding
evaluation criteria. The project reflects the student's passions and talents,
and ideally, helps the
student to clarify what interests and career they would like to pursue. The
Senior Symposium, held in
May, gives students an opportunity to present their projects to the Charleston
Collegiate community and
to exhibit habits of mind and heart characteristic of inquisitive, responsible,
and caring young adults
ready for the demands of college. Successful completion of the Senior
Exhibition is a requirement for graduation.
Grading system
Grade point averages are calculated on a 4.0 scale. Credit given for Algebra I and Spanish I taken in the eighth grade is calculated into the grade point average. All grade point averages, including honors and Advanced Placement courses, are calculated on an unweighted 4.0 scale. For in-state institutions and scholarship purposes, grade point averages are computed using the uniform grading scale for South Carolina.
Standardized testing and class rank
Because of the small size of classes and its educational philosophy about learning, Charleston Collegiate does not rank students except for in-state scholarship purposes.
Honors and Advanced Placement
Charleston Collegiate School's students participating in Honors courses are expected to demonstrate the intellectual initiative to accomplish more independent work, to progress through their course work at a challenging pace, and to grasp a deep understanding of the course material. Students enrolling in Advanced Placement courses are nominated by their current teachers and approved by the teachers of the Advanced Placement courses based on a student's work ethic and desire for success. We offer the following AP courses: Calculus, Biology, Environmental Science, English Literature and Composition, and English Language and Composition. Students have the opportunity to take AP courses online.
Grades are not weighted for Honors and AP courses.
Charleston Collegiate School - Testing Information
All sophomores and juniors take the PSAT. Juniors and seniors are offered SAT Subject Tests, the ACT, and the SAT. All students taking Advanced Placement courses are required to take the examinations. CEEB Code: 411152
Academic Profile - Four Year Average
Mean SAT Scores
Verbal: 554
Math: 542
Writing 599
Total: 1695
