Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC), a full-time, tuition-free public school program, is ready to begin another new school year and provide students throughout South Carolina with a consistent online learning option designed to help them reach their full potential. For most families, the new school year comes with cautious optimism. Many families realized during the pandemic that attending school online is a safe alternative that allows them to focus on their child’s future. According to a recent survey by Stride, Inc., 91 percent of parents agree that it’s important for their children to have multiple school options, including full-time online or a hybrid model that blends online and in-person learning, and almost two-thirds of parents would consider full-time online public school after their 2020 pandemic-driven virtual education experience.
Authorized by The Charter Institute at Erskine, and staffed by state-certified teachers, CASC offers a personalized approach to learning, delivering a rich, engaging curriculum designed to assist students who seek alternative pathways to education. Despite widespread evidence of a "COVID slide" of learning loss for students in the U.S. during the pandemic, Stride K12-powered schools like CASC reported lower learning loss rates than those reported in national studies, and in many cases, students enrolled in Stride K12-powered schools experienced strong learning gains. Students who attend CASC also have the opportunity to look to the future. High school students can participate in the Career Prep Program and enroll in classes that will help them discover and explore potential careers in Health & Human Services, Business, and Information Technology (IT). Students can also earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a
head start in their state and potentially saving them thousands of dollars in college tuition costs. Students choose online learning for a variety of reasons, including advanced learning, a bullying-free environment, and the flexibility to support extracurricular pursuits or medical needs while maintaining a focus on academics. CASC’s online platform gives students the opportunity to pursue their academic goals in a supportive environment and at an appropriate pace for their learning style.
CASC has recently celebrated the successful completion of its 10th year of operation. Demonstrating remarkable achievements and dedication to providing high-quality education, the school was not only granted a renewal for another 10-year contract but also received approval to establish a second campus. This new campus, named Heron Virtual Academy, will specifically cater to at-risk students and is a result of a collaborative effort with their district partner, The Charter Institute at Erskine. This milestone underscores the Cyber Academy of South Carolina's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and addressing the unique needs of students, ensuring their continued success in a virtual learning environment. "The last ten years may have been challenging, but I’m incredibly proud of how our students, teachers, and staff were able to persevere," said David Crook, CEO for CASCs Governing Board of Directors. "We ended our year with the our highest graduation rate ever, and I am honored to take on the task of expanding quality education options in South Carolina for at least another ten years."
In a recent organizational update, the founding school leader, David Crook, has transitioned into the role of CEO within the educational institution. This move marks a significant milestone for the organization, as it furthers the growth and vision of the Institution. Furthermore, as part of this restructuring, the organization has made key promotions to strengthen its leadership team. Nicki Batson has been promoted to the position of Chief Academic Officer, where she will assume responsibility for overseeing all academic programs. With her extensive experience in curriculum development and educational administration, Batson is well-equipped to ensure the organization maintains a high standard of academic excellence. In addition, Michael White has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer, entrusted with the crucial task of overseeing operations and finance. With a strong background in organizational management and financial strategy, White's expertise will contribute to the organization's operational efficiency and financial stability. Jennifer Matthews has also been promoted to the role of Chief of Student Services. In her new position, Matthews will be responsible for overseeing a range of essential student services, including Special Education, 504 accommodations, and other support programs. Her dedication to promoting inclusivity and providing individualized support to students will undoubtedly enhance the overall educational experience for all learners. These leadership changes reflect the organization's commitment to fostering a well-rounded and comprehensive educational environment. By aligning capable individuals with their respective areas of expertise, the institution is poised to continue its mission of delivering exceptional education and support services to its students.
About Cyber Academy of South Carolina
Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC) is an online public-school program of The Charter Institute at Erskine, serving students across the state of South Carolina. CASC is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the engaging curriculum and tools provided by Stride, Inc., the nation’s leading provider of proprietary K-12 curriculum and online education programs. For more information about CASC, visit casc.k12.com.
