Langston Charter Middle School is helping all students develop the world-class skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe and academically challenging educational environment. In 2022-23, 99% of eighth graders earned high school credit in at least one of the following courses: Spanish I, English I Honors, Algebra I Honors, and/or Geometry Honors. Twenty-six percent of seventh graders were enrolled in Algebra I Honors.
All students enroll in an advanced mathematics curriculum, including Algebra I Honors and Geometry Honors for those who qualify. Math instruction can be supplemented with online, adaptive programming designed to support areas of weakness and extend learning for those ready to move ahead.
English teachers address high-level standards as they focus on critical thinking, logical reasoning, use of multiple resources, and writing for various purposes. Qualifying eighth graders take English I Honors.
Students take three years of Spanish, finishing 8th grade with one unit of foreign language credit.
Science teachers have collaborated with Berkeley’s Science Curriculum Project, implementing an innovative curriculum that addresses the Next Generation Science Standards and the ELA standards related to Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects.
Social studies teachers incorporate critical analysis, discussion, presentation, individual and group projects, field studies, and creative teacher-led instruction to help students develop an understanding of historical events and trends; physical and human geography; major figures in world, US, and state history; and the development of social, economic, and political structures across time. The revised sixth and seventh-grade standards were successfully incorporated.
In Leadership classes, students collaboratively research, write, and debate mock legislation for Youth in Government; research foreign nations for the Model UN conference; study current events and topics including personal finance and college preparation. Students engage in required community service activities throughout the year, contributing thousands of hours of service to local agencies annually. Book studies each year help students expand their local focus to a broader understanding of their community and world. While service projects and conference attendance were not possible due to the pandemic, leadership topics and preparation continued.
Students have access to 300 electronic devices spread among two PC labs and 8 iPad carts. The entire campus is served by a high-speed WiFi network. Students and teachers collaborate using Microsoft Teams. Every student was able to access Teams from home.
Every student is encouraged to take responsibility for his or her behavior and learning, attend academic assistance sessions as needed, and use all resources available to achieve success. Instruction is designed to ensure that all students are ready for high school and beyond.
David Wooten, Principal Brian McKay, Board Chair