R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on the four Cs- critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Our school’s vision is to develop the necessary habits, skills and knowledge to be college and career ready. This year’s theme, “Better Together” emphasized a collective and collaborative effort to maximize the learning opportunities for every student. Our school’s mission is to allow students to become responsible, successful, and productive citizens and leaders in a global society. We are accomplishing our mission by implementing Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) principles to create a school environment focused on instruction, leadership, culture and systems.
During the 2023-2024 school year, R.E. Davis emphasized educating the whole child through Social Emotional Learning (SEL), character development, foreign language, STEM, athletics and most importantly, research-based best teaching practices to meet the individual needs of our students. Our team of “highly qualified” instructional staff participated in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) which engaged in faculty-led sessions catered to addressing areas of need according to our school’s data. In addition, we started our professional learning journey towards full implementation of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) for all students. Our teachers also completed the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) course which is founded upon the Science of Reading.
Through the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), staff members have begun to receive additional training on maximizing and consolidating existing student support services with a defined framework of comprehensive tools and resources that will better respond to the specific needs of our students.
For another year, we offered our parents the options of two afterschool programs for students in preschool through eighth grade. The HYPE program is designed to meet the needs of students after school five days a week by providing a safe, secure, and loving environment for study, character development, and team building. In addition, HYPE offers academic enrichment, homework assistance, and healthy meals. The Viking Academy was offered to students before and after school and was based on academic need in the areas of reading and mathematics.
Students were afforded the opportunity to participate in field trips that enriched the curriculum, promoted socio-emotional development, and offered sensory activities. These experiences served to increase students’ knowledge in a particular subject. and expand children's awareness of themselves and their own community, in addition to promoting the continued collaboration between local and nonlocal stakeholders.
All students in grades Kindergarten - 8th used Chromebooks in the classroom and at home. Our one-to-one technology and wireless networking enabled students to implement 21st Century skills that provide academic and social-emotional experiences that ignited their interest and motivation as lifelong learners. We continue to enjoy the Ben Carson Reading Room; this non-traditional learning environment allows students to enjoy independent reading in a comfortable, educational space that is both inviting and brightly decorated.
Communication with all stakeholders is a cornerstone to our success. Parents are kept informed of events through mailed letters, social media platforms, flyers, and weekly telephone notifications through the Blackboard system. R.E. Davis has been supported by the Eastern High School Alumni and local faith-based organizations for many years. Political leaders, faith-based community members, parents, and other stakeholders participate in the school renewal, accreditation process, the Title I planning and evaluation meeting, and School Improvement Council.
R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy’s motto is “Armed with our S.W.O.R.D.” Students are reminded daily to use their S.W.O.R.D. (Seek Excellence, Work Hard, Observe Rules and Procedures, Respect Self and Others and Do the Right Thing). With our combination of administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, stakeholders, and our community we ensure a perpetual focus on developing the whole child for career and college readiness and present a real world model of our school’s formula for success.
Dr. Deidra Williams, Chair of the School Improvement Council
Maria Dantzler, Principal
