Over the last three years, Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary School (WHAIES) has received two Excellent ratings and one Good rating on the South Carolina School Report Card. Our student growth rates in every subcategory have consistently exceeded the state average.
We are a Title I school located in North Charleston that serves approximately 635 students in grades 4K-5. While most of our students qualify for a free or reduced lunch, that is not what defines the school. Our school is well known for its array of fine arts opportunities and remains proudly designated as an Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC) School. Our dedicated arts teachers collaborate closely with core academic staff to make learning meaningful, engaging, and fun through arts integration.
All children in kindergarten through third grade experience Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, 2-Dimensional Visual Arts, 3-Dimensional Visual Arts, Theater Arts, Dance, and Physical Education classes. Students in fourth and fifth grade choose two semester-long arts classes and participate in Physical Education. We are continually expanding our efforts to integrate the arts into core subjects such as Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Additionally, students participate in Engaging Creative Minds programs, which further enrich their educational experience through creative, hands-on learning.
Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary is helping our students develop the world-class skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by differentiating learning to meet the needs of all students and by providing a nurturing environment where our kids are encouraged to do their very best. This commitment—combined with a master schedule designed to maximize instructional time and a tiered system of academic support—has created a strong foundation for sustained, above-average student growth. Data confirms that we are making significant progress in closing the achievement gap for many of our students.
Universal Screeners are administered to assess students’ current levels in Literacy and Math. Interventions are developed based on that information to help all students reach their maximum potential in Math and Reading. We have two intervention faculty members to support students in Reading, as well as one full-time and one part-time interventionist to provide personalized support in Math. Our district Math and Literacy models devote time to differentiated instruction through small group and individualized lessons. Analysis of SC Ready data shows our students demonstrate very high rates of growth.
Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary School continues to improve technology. Our school district is currently refreshing all student devices to ensure up-to-date access to digital learning tools. We have also implemented platforms such as Schoology, Lumio, ParentSquare, and numerous other new programs to improve instruction, safety, communication, and student productivity.
WHAIES is proud to be a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Banner School. Our students learn to SOAR on the Hill by meeting expectations in the areas of Safety, Organization, Achievement, and Respect. Through scripted lessons, classroom guidance, and character education, we support students in striving to do their very best every day. Thanks to our positive and nurturing school climate, Windsor Hill has been honored as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School for the fourth consecutive year.
Through work with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) board, the School Improvement Council, Windsor Hill Arts Steering Committee, community members, parents, and our school faculty, Windsor Hill focuses on student achievement and success. Parents are involved in key decisions regarding the Title I plan. Parents and community members also volunteer to share information about their careers during student-led interviews that are broadcast through our school network monthly.
We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment that will inspire students to become life-long learners. Windsor Hill Arts Infused Elementary School has a strong vision, and we continue to work toward success for all students.
