LLCS is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by developing leaders through project-based experiences. Through the LEAD Curriculum Framework and initiatives outlined in the Charter, Lowcountry Leadership Charter School works to develop students from Kindergarten through 12th Grade to develop the ability to be accountable leaders, community stewards, and diverse thinkers. Furthermore, LLCS demonstrates characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by developing an intrinsic desire and purpose within our students, that will nurture confidence for authentic leadership opportunities to investigate, collaborate, and resolve issues of inquiry involving all academic disciplines and extra-curricular and athletic activities, within an atmosphere of encouragement steeped in high expectations and natural rewards, thereby yielding healthy, well-rounded, moral, accountable, compassionate advocates of human rights, national resources, independent means, and civic responsibility.
The Profile of the South Carolina Graduate includes developing World Class Knowledge, World Class Skills, and Life and Career Characteristics. Our commitment to these components is evidenced by our continued increase in school population since our open in Fall 2013, as well as student participation in a plethora of initiatives that support all of these areas. Our first graduating class, the Class of 2017, recently graduated with 96% of students entering either college or the US Armed Forces. With this achievement, the first product of LLCS have reached beyond the classroom and entered the 21st Century with College and Career Readiness and skills for the future. As we prepare our current NaviGators for this life-changing event, NaviGator Pride sits equally with our students that select paths of higher education, the workforce, or the military.
LLCS works tirelessly to ensure preparation for the 21st century and to further grow the SC Graduate, as evidenced by the use of PBIS, cutting edge technology, and service learning. In the area of World Class Knowledge, LLCS provides diverse courses based on personal interest and goals such as CATE courses, through our Agricultural, Culinary, and Information Technology programs, and partners with Trident Technical College, through early identification of students qualifying for Dual Credit courses. This marked our first official year of the Career and Technology Education program for the Agricultural field, with our first graduating senior receiving CATE Completer Status, certifying coursework and 2 years of work experience in the field. LLCS Teachers are leaders of their own learning. On-going Professional Development opportunities promoting Best Practices include NIET/ADEPT, the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina, and many other multi-disciplinary supports. LLCS implements a high quality Fine Arts Program with Visual Arts, Music, Band, Chorus, and Drama. As the first Public Charter School in our District to facilitate an Artistically Gifted and Talented Program, our school possesses pride in our STAGE Players, as they develop as unique artists through this opportunity. Further enhancements include Regional Science Fair winners, published authors at the US National Library of Medicine, and Mock Trial and Odyssey of the Mind participants. For World Class Skills, LLCS implements the LEAD Curriculum Framework (Lowcountry Regional Awareness, Environmental Stewardship, the Arts, and Debate-Collaborate-Negotiate). This framework supports project based learning and the inquiry model coupled with PBIS to also provide authentic experiences for leadership development. Other enhancements include the High School EXCEL Club, award-winning writers and artists in local competitions, technology through digital curricula, computer sciences, a 1:1 computer ratio for grades 6 and above and 1:2 for grades 3-5, as well as literacy/technology support in the Digital Literacy Center. Students demonstrate personal reflection and ownership for their learning through Individual Portfolio Interviews, multiple performance outlets, athletic teams and clubs, theatrical and musical performances, and academic competitions and exhibitions. In the area of Life and Career Characteristics, LLCS promotes service learning. Further enhancements include Reading Buddies, Anti-Bullying Clubs, Classroom Guidance, Career Week, extra-curricular activities, and frequent participation in community events.
Each year, LLCS is continuing to add programs and initiatives to further promote and progress our programs to uphold our Charter Goals and continue to develop Leaders of the Lowcountry. Expecting More. Requiring More. Delivering More. Lowcountry Leadership Charter School.