The goal at RLOA is to develop World-Class Skills defined by the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We strive to provide a rigorous learning environment where all children can maximize personal and academic growth. We continue to provide our students innovative learning opportunities to address their unique needs.
We provided After-School EOC Prep, Credit Recovery Summer School, Read to Succeed Summer Reading, and our ABC Boot Camp for rising kindergarteners to prepare students to be successful next year. Our Project Lead the Way program provides a rigorous and challenging curriculum that is rich and robust in problem solving. Students have learning opportunities in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, Finance, and Biomedical Science within a nurturing environment.
Our student body consists of a diverse population to include 76% children of poverty and 57% English Language Learners. Our faculty and staff have participated in ongoing professional development to build a supportive portfolio of instructional practices, including LETRS for K-3 teachers, paraprofessionals and our interventionists, and a refresher course for all teachers in Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). Many teachers completed coursework to add R2S Literacy Teacher, GT and ESOL endorsements to their teaching certificate.
Multiple forms of outreach to parents and students to increase active participation included weekly Parent Academies, providing parents in need of assistance with tools for effective parenting, attendance concerns, and academic deficiencies. Our referral system addresses academic and social-emotional support with our School Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselors, leadership team members, and teachers. Our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Director (MTSS) worked closely with our authorizer’s MTSS Specialist to implement early intervention strategies to help support identified at-risk general education students. We provided academic/social/emotional counseling to faculty, identified students and families in individual or small group settings. The MTSS Director supported Elementary, Middle, and High School's Response to Intervention (RtI) processes and operations with the RtI Coordinator.
Our scholars are encouraged to make a difference in the community, and we challenge our high school students to enroll in dual-enrollment courses to enhance their world knowledge and prepare them for the future while earning college credits before graduation. Thirty-three high school students completed dual enrollment classes through TCL and passed over 50 courses. One completed her associates degree before graduating high school. Thirteen of 56 graduating seniors earned the South Carolina Seal of Biliteracy, which recognizes students who have attained a certain level of proficiency in both English and at least one additional world language by graduation. Teacher Cadets learned principles of good teaching and tutored elementary students who needed academic assistance.
Our programs promote well-rounded learners in the sciences and the arts inclusively, as the arts and sciences meld together in a realistic workplace and in problem-solving situations. Students in the PLTW Engineering, Hospitality & Tourism, Business Management, and Biomedical Sciences programs take end of course examinations at the conclusion of each class to gauge their level of understanding. This year 36 students earned scores of Accomplished, and 7 earned scores of Distinguished in one or more areas. This designation also earned them dual enrollment weighting for the course. Industry certifications were added in almost all of the CTE courses for this year, including Microburst Employability Soft Skills, OSHA-10, AutoDesk Fusion 360, Microsoft Office Specialist -Word, IC3 Digital LIteracy, First Aid/CPR/Stop the Bleed, American Heart Association Basic Life Support, SouthWest Airlines Professional Communications, Entrepreneurship & Small Business, and Guest Service Gold: Making Connections. These certifications aid in identifying students as career ready with soft skills that will help them in future careers. This year, 150 certifications were earned by RLOA students. Additionally, 6 students passed the CTECS exams for completer programs in one or more areas.
RLOA challenges its students to think strategically and creatively to diagnose, brainstorm, and solve real-world scenarios using skills learned in math, science, engineering, biomedicine, English, history, and related arts classes. These opportunities extend beyond the classroom into our community as we encourage our scholars to complete at least 10 hours of meaningful community service each year. Our exceptional children established a school-based enterprise “Knight Beans” coffee service for our faculty and staff. Thirty-one students were inducted into the BETA Club. The students participated in a food drive, community park and Adopt a Highway clean-up, among others. The high school student government sponsored a series of blood drives on campus collecting 113 full units, enough to save 339 lives. Our fourth Spring Multicultural Parade involved students and local community leaders in a celebration of the many cultures represented on our campus, both faculty and students. We continue to expand opportunities each year.
RLOA has a number of community partners. Real Champions mentors continue to serve 10 of our K-2 students, who will be mentored through their senior year. Thirteen RLOA teachers received Palmetto Electric’s Bright Ideas Grants totaling over $10,000. Sun City, Margaritaville, and the City of Hardeeville provided RLOA with numerous school supplies in the fall and gifts for students at Christmas. Additionally, the Native Islander Group funds Knight of the Month and supports our uniform drive and community-based learning experiences.
RLOA prides itself on developing and producing world-class academic competitors. Our grades 3-12 Robotics program is in the elite category of competitions, and our teams routinely place in the top tier at local, regional, and state level championships. A total of 5 teams competed in VEX IQ and VEX VRC competitions. The VEX IQ teams brought home 2 design awards this year. The VEX VRC high school team competed in multiple competitions, often traveling to the upstate to compete against the top teams in the state. At each competition, they made it to the semi-finals.
Student Government (Middle & High School) engaged in a wide range of activities, events, and programs. Student Government representatives assisted with policies, programs, and initiatives around the school. They benefited from an opportunity to improve their reading and writing skills, gain experience in public speaking, and learn how to make a positive impact on the school and the community environment. They have assisted in shaping policies in the school with a student focus.
Our athletes learned the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and competition as part of the state’s middle and high school athletic programs this year. The Royal Knights soccer team continued to build a tradition of excellence and participated in the state championship playoffs again this year. Our boys and girls track teams continue to improve. We had one male and one female athlete compete at the state championship level this year. We offered boys and girls volleyball and basketball.
We challenge our students to understand that effective learning is constant, reflective, and productive. We teach critical thinking skills required to problem solve, manage daily routines, and find real-word solutions, thus preparing RLOA scholars to use their world class knowledge, skills, and life/career characteristics to make world-impacting change in their communities on their road to experiencing success.
