Dear Parents and Community Partners:
Our school is helping all students develop world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by educating and offering a multitude of academic opportunities and extracurricular activities. We provide a challenging program of study to encourage lifelong academic and applied learning and to graduate students prepared to meet the challenge of a rapidly changing and diverse global society.
Although no entrance test is required, Wando consistently proves that a large, public, non-magnet high school serving a diverse population can produce outstanding results. Wando offers over 200 course selections, including advanced courses in core academics, four world languages, JROTC, and Career and Technology Education. The expansive opportunities in the arts enable our students to excel in photography, art, orchestra, drama, band, chorus, and dance, earning state and national honors. We consider high school graduation an important step for our students, but not the final goal. Through individualized planning, each graduate is expected to leave Wando with World Class Knowledge and World Class Skills with a viable plan for his/her future educational and career goals. We are committed to continuous school improvement and use research-based best practices as our guide. Raising the academic bar for all students and providing academic support for those who struggle is crucial to our success as a school. Our faculty and staff share instructional best practices and work in professional learning communities. Career-related Schools of Study, our Ninth Grade Academy, and the Advisor-Advisee Program provide opportunities for personal connections and help our students see the purpose and relevance of their work here.
Wando High School’s Class of 2025 left a legacy of high achievement in academics, athletics, and student activities. Ninety-three percent of the graduates plan to continue their education at the post-secondary level. The Class of 2025 earned over $21.2 million in scholarships. The average GPA of the Class of 2025 was 3.906, and Wando seniors earned on average 29.84 credits. Our students continue to excel in college-level work with both Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses. 716 Dual Credit courses were taken by students, with a passage rate of 88 percent. Wando’s Advanced Placement Academy continues to flourish with more than 503 members.
The Wando Athletic Program continued its rich history of excellence by winning four State Championships and eleven Region Championships. The South Carolina High School League recognized fifty-three athletes as Scholar Athletes. Fifty-five athletes were South Carolina High School League Multi-Sport athletes. Ninety-four athletes were named to All-Region Teams and eight athletes were named Region Player of the Year in their sport. Sixteen athletes were named to All-Star Games. Twenty-seven Wando athletes committed to play at the college level.
All three of Wando’s orchestras earned Superior with Distinction honors at the SCMEA Concert Performance Assessment. Thirty students were named to the All-Region Orchestra. Visual Arts students had four ribbon winners in the Youth Art Show at the Coastal Carolina Fair. Additionally, there was one gold Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Wando’s Theatre Department performed two productions this year, Beetlejuice Jr. and Hadestown. Thirty-one Chorus students were selected for the 2025 South Carolina All-State Chorus. Legend, Wando’s yearbook, and Tribal Tribune, the student news magazine, each received the Scroggins Award, designating them as two of the best publications in the South. The South Carolina Scholastic Press Association named Legend the Best Yearbook in South Carolina for the fourth year in a row. Wando’s ProStart Culinary Team, the first-place Management Team winners in South Carolina, placed fifth in the nation at the ProStart Invitational. The Wando team won the first-place SC FCCLA Hospitality and Tourism Gold Medal and was First Place National FCCLA Instructional Video Design Champions.
Throughout the year, our students raised funds, collected resources, and served alongside community members at various charities and events in support of those in need. Our students are encouraged to be involved in Wando life and “Walk the Warrior Way” with integrity, compassion, and personal responsibility.
Our dedicated faculty and staff work to ensure that all students feel connected and continue to develop Life and Career Characteristics throughout their high school careers. Wando will continue to create a safe and welcoming environment where students are relationally connected and eager to learn. We will continue to demonstrate a high level of performance and a positive culture and climate for learning. We are blessed with a high level of parental and community involvement. The outstanding support provided by the Town of Mount Pleasant, the St. James-Santee District 1 and Moultrie District 2 Constituent Boards, and our PTSO is a critical factor in our success.
Charles R. Coker, Principal
Amy Westmoreland, SIC Chair
