W.A. Perry Middle School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills and the Life and Career Characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. Through a challenging STEAM-focused curriculum, we provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop essential 21st-century skills that are crucial for success in both college and future careers. Our dedicated staff works each day to uphold high academic expectations, foster a culture of support and achievement, and build a strong foundation for lifelong success.
A well-crafted curriculum empowers students to develop essential skills such as collaboration, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—key competencies for success in today's competitive job market. At the heart of this foundation is literacy, a critical skill that supports learning across all content areas. We believe that engaging students with diverse and meaningful literary texts fosters strong reading habits and prepares them for both College and career readiness. Our teachers work collaboratively to provide students with texts that reflect a range of interests and reading levels, ensuring materials are both challenging and enjoyable. Committed to lifelong learning, our staff actively seeks opportunities for professional growth. Teachers participate in Read to Succeed endorsement courses, Problem-Based Learning, AVID strategies, Visible Learning practices, technology integration training, and Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings at both the school and district levels. They also attend local, state, and national conferences relevant to their subject areas. For the seventh consecutive year, we celebrated Love of Literacy Month, featuring events such as Book-in-a-Day activities, the African-American Read-In Day, and guest author visits sponsored by the Office of Federal and State Programs. Additionally, W.A. Perry proudly hosts Columbia's first Children's Defense Fund Freedom School program—a five-week summer literacy and cultural enrichment initiative serving students in grades K–12. Since 2012, this program has provided a transformative educational experience for our youth and community.
W.A. Perry Middle School does not limit collaboration and communication to just teachers. We aim to help students become creators, communicators, critical thinkers, and collaborators to succeed in school and compete globally. Programs are in place to support our students' academic, social-emotional, and safety. The Early Bird program provides early morning assistance with homework and tutoring five days a week. Students have five forty-minute blocks each day for academic enrichment in ELA and Math intervention, as well as to receive additional help from teachers. The five-day after-school program offers students the opportunity to receive academic assistance and participate in clubs and mentoring programs. Our students enjoy a range of opportunities in academics, technology, and career preparation. These opportunities include several high school credit courses, including Algebra I, English I, Geometry, Spanish I, and Computer Science. Students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of fine arts programs and extracurricular activities. Our students enroll in Art, Band, Theatre, Orchestra, Spanish, Computer Science, Financial Literacy, Aerospace, Medical Detectives, and P.E. Students also participate in sports, community service projects, and clubs such as Sound Mixing, STEM, Mock Trial, Computer, Bully Busters, Yoga, and Quiz Bowl.
At W.A. Perry Middle School, we also aim to provide students with many experiences and opportunities to develop skills for life and possible career paths. Our school counseling department and AVID site team feature a college or university of the month to raise awareness of opportunities available to students, both in and out of state. Additionally, students wear their favorite college colors or college shirts on the first Friday of the month for College Friday. Our 6th and 7th-grade leaders made it official by participating in AVID Signing Day. These students are committing to academic success, organization, and a college-ready mindset. Students had the opportunity to take virtual and face-to-face college tours and participate in events where parents, local businesses, and community leaders showcased their professions. Furthermore, we continued to recognize our students and teachers for their outstanding work and dedication to learning through our Eagle of the Month program, PBIS, academic celebrations, and staff recognition programs.
W.A. Perry is home to two magnet programs. Through the BLAST (Building Lasting Aerospace and STEM Trajectories) Aerospace Magnet Program, 6th- to 8th-grade students are engaged in hands-on, Project Lead the Way curriculum through a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) approach, with a focus on aviation and aeronautics. Our aerospace magnet students are supported by experiential learning, which consists of multiple projects throughout the school year that require planning, experimentation, data collection, presentation of results, and reflection. This rigorous, fast-paced curriculum challenges students to achieve high levels of engagement and success through Project Lead the Way units, which are built upon South Carolina state standards. The Medical Magnet Academy introduces students to healthcare careers through a hands-on, science-based curriculum. It emphasizes anatomy, emergency care, and medical ethics, fostering critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. Designed to spark early interest in health sciences, the program prepares students for advanced studies and future medical professions. The three-year program for middle school students emphasizes science, technology, engineering, and math skills that will help students understand the fundamental principles of careers in health care and prepare them to be 21st-century critical thinkers.
Our staff's commitment to professional growth and dedication to providing a rigorous academic program are evident in the numerous accomplishments our students and staff have achieved together. The following list is additional notable achievements from the 2024-45 school year: 3 Richland One Middle School Honor Dance Members; 6 Richland One Secondary Visual Arts Show; 1 Junior Scholar; 1 Middle School Scholar; 6 Emerging Scholars; 31 New NJHS Scholars; 25 New Beta Club Members; SC Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Recipient; Mock Trial Team Advanced to State Competition; 2024 America's Healthiest Schools Awards Recipient; WISE 3.0 Grant-Alliance for a Healthier Generation; Aerospace and Aviation Education Grant; 2024-2025 National Beta School of Merit; and redesignated as Common Sense Media School 2024-2025.
As we celebrate our accomplishments from the 2024–25 school year, we remain focused on building an even stronger future. Looking ahead, the staff and community of W.A. Perry Middle School are united in our commitment to the success of every student. With the continued support of our parents, community partners, business leaders, and our dedicated School Improvement Council (SIC) and Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), we will continue to move forward, advancing our mission and striving for excellence in all that we do.
Dr. Robin Coletrain, Principal
Shameakia Dunwoody-Mender, SIC Chair
