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 with advanced courses in core academics, four world languages, JROTC, and Career and Technology courses. The expansive opportunities in the arts allow our students to excel in photography, art, orchestra, drama, band, chorus, and dance where they earn 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 2023 left a legacy of high achievement in academics, athletics, and student activities. Eighty-eight percent of the graduates plan to continue their education at the post-secondary level. The Class of 2023 earned over $18.8 million in scholarships. The average GPA of the Class of 2023 was 3.82, and Wando seniors earned on average 29 credits. Our students continue to excel in college-level work with both Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses. Wando’s Advanced Placement Academy continues to flourish with more than 440 members. Two senior students received appointments to military academies, the U. S. Military Academy West Point and the U. S. Coast Guard Academy. Two students were named South Carolina Teaching Fellows.
The Wando Athletic Program continued its rich history of excellence by winning four State Championships and sixteen Region Championships. Forty-one athletes were recognized as Scholar Athletes by the South Carolina High School League. Two student-athletes were named Academic All-Americans. Twenty-three athletes committed to playing at the college level.
The Wando High School Marching Band is still the reigning 5A State Champion for the fourteenth time. Fifty-seven band students earned All-State Band awards. The Wando Orchestra received Distinction and Excellence ratings at the SCMEA Concert Performance Assessment. Thirty-seven Chorus students were selected for All-State Chorus. For the first time in history, Wando’s 2022 yearbook, Legend, was recognized as the top yearbook in the nation by Quill and Scroll. Visual Arts students received one Gold Key, 3 Silver Keys, and four Honorable Mentions through the Scholastic Regional Awards. Twenty-six Wando senior foreign language students received the South Carolina Seal of Biliteracy. Wando’s Culinary Team competed at the FCCLA State Culinary Competition and came away with four Gold Awards and will be headed to Colorado this summer to compete in the nationals.
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, trained in Capturing Kids’ Hearts, work to ensure that all students feel connected and continue to develop Life and Career Characteristics throughout their high school careers. Wando High School was named a 2023 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School. This recognition as 1 of 468 schools in the United States for building strong, positive relationships with all stakeholders is an honor. 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 is a critical factor in our success.
Charles R. Coker, Principal
Jacki Bennis, SIC Chair
