Palmetto Scholars Academy was founded in 2010 by a group of parents and professionals seeking a unique educational environment that would meet the needs of gifted students on Charleston's old Naval Shipyard. This initiative led to a sixth through eighth-grade charter school with a mission to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students by utilizing the best practices of gifted education. By empowering students through authentic engagement, PSA equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become high achieving global citizens.

In 2015, Palmetto Scholars Academy relocated to its current campus on Joint Base Charleston. PSA proudly partners with Joint Base Charleston and their mililtary families. In May of 2025, Palmetto Scholars Academy was recognized as a "Purple Star School" for their efforts in supporting military children and their families.

Over the past fifteen years, PSA has grown to become a full middle and high school serving 6th – 12th grades. It has established itself as one of the top schools in the state.  A few of the highlights of our success include:

·      Ranked #1 SC Public Charter School District High School and #4 SC Public High School by the US News and World Report in 2024. 

·     Received a 2023-2024 Silver Award from Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards 

·     Gold Award Recipient, 2011-2012, as recognized by The State Board of Education and the SC Dept. of Education 

·     Being named a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School

·     Being named a School of Distinction by the South Carolina Public Charter School District three years in a row

·     Establishing ourselves as state and national leaders in areas such as VEX and VEX IQ Robotics, Cyber-security, National History Day, and Mission Design.

·     Obtaining state and national recognition in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program for having three teams chosen to send their experiments to the International Space Station.

·     Winning the 2017 State Class A Championship in Soccer

Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by integrating differentiated strategies to promote depth and complexity in our curriculum and provide opportunities for acceleration and enrichment across all disciplines.  At the high school level, PSA utilizes dual-enrollment courses with Trident Technical College and the College of Charleston, AP courses, and honors courses so that our students can create college preparatory pathways in STEM and Arts & Humanities as they prepare for careers in those areas.  By integrating best practices for educating high ability students throughout our curriculum, our students are more efficiently equipped with critical, creative, and collaborative skills necessary for success in today’s society.

One of the most critical components of our enriched curriculum is the research program which culminates in a Senior Capstone Experience.  Starting with sixth grade, our students explore research methods which move from investigation of multiple careers to actual production of a research project in at least one discipline consisting of a research paper and a tangible product to include an oral presentation, a visual or multimedia display, or a type of service.

PSA intentionally focuses on meeting the Social and Emotional Needs of our students.  We seek to create a safe place for all students as they navigate the multiple challenges of adolescence.  Our staff strives to create and foster positive relationships with every student in the classroom, in extracurricular opportunities, and through our house system.  Students from 6th to 12th grade meet regularly to develop a tight-knit community through a variety of activities focused on service, positive life habits, strong academic skills, and personal responsibility. Utilizing fun competitions, service projects, and discussion time, the houses provide a warm and engaging opportunity for students.

Another important component of our school culture is LEAP Day (Learning Enhancement and Achievement Program).  Once per month, students and staff step away from the regular class schedule and participate in a broad spectrum of enrichment activities.  Teachers, staff, parents, and community leaders offer alternative courses in areas they have a passion for or expertise in.  LEAP programming is student driven and has included a plethora of subjects over the years including Entrepreneurship, Financial Literacy, Robotics, Screenwriting, Marvel Club, Woodworking, Art of Film, Model UN, NY Times Puzzle, Photography, Screenwriting, and other areas of interest and enrichment for students.

For the past fifteen years, our focus on student driven research, problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, and effective communication have enabled PSA learners to achieve at high levels. With the foundation of excellence that has been established, PSA will continue to grow as we seek out new partnerships and opportunities for our students.