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 2024 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 2024 earned over $19.5 million in scholarships. The average GPA of the Class of 2024 was 3.84, 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. Seniors enrolled in 629 Dual Credit courses with a passage rate of 96 percent. Wando’s Advanced Placement Academy continues to flourish with more than 530 members. Two senior students received appointments to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
The Wando Athletic Program continued its rich history of excellence by winning one State Championship and seventeen Region Championships. The South Carolina High School League recognized fifty-three athletes as Scholar Athletes. Ninety-nine athletes were named to All-Region Teams and nine were named Region Player of the Year. Sixteen athletes were named to All-Star Games. Forty-six athletes committed to playing at the college level.
The Wando High School Marching Band remains the 5A State Champion for the fifteenth time. Forty-six band students earned All-State Band awards. The Wando Orchestra received Superior with Distinction ratings at the SCMEA Concert Performance Assessment. The Wando Chorus completed a nine-day Performance Tour of Italy, performing at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican and other major churches in Florence and Rome. Thirty-three Chorus students were selected for All-State Chorus. Wando’s yearbook, Legend, was named the best yearbook in South Carolina for the third year in a row. Eighty-eight Wando foreign language students received the South Carolina Seal of Biliteracy. Wando’s ProStart Culinary Team, first place Management Team winners in South Carolina, placed fourth in the nation at the ProStart Invitational. A team of four students won first place in the state at the South Carolina Finance Challenge.
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
Jacki Bennis, SIC Chair
