Beck International Academy is committed to helping all students develop the world-class skills outlined in the profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous learning environment. Through our shared vision, Beck administrators, faculty, and staff work alongside parents and students to offer a comprehensive curriculum with an emphasis on International Studies. Our students engage in a holistic program of study that fosters global leadership, self-awareness, and a commitment to serving both local and global communities.
At Beck Academy, we prioritize developing active learners and internationally-minded young individuals who empathize with others and lead purposeful, meaningful lives. Our students are encouraged to become creative, critical, and reflective thinkers by examining significant local, national, and global issues. Our dedicated teachers continually seek professional development, focusing on international studies, individualized learner profiles, enhanced instruction, best practices, technology integration, and career awareness. We offer a wide range of classes, including high school credit courses, fine and performing arts, and computer technology. Our international focus allows us to provide advanced Spanish and Introduction to World Cultures courses. We also support students with IEP or 504 plans through inclusion classes, transliterators, peer buddies, adaptive PE and Art, and tutorial classes. With a 99% passing rate on the English EOC and 98% on Algebra I, we are immensely proud of our academic achievements.
Understanding the importance of the middle school years, Beck Academy is dedicated to educating the whole child. As a Capturing Kids Hearts School, we emphasize building positive relationships and fostering ownership over the learning environment. Our student-centered approach ensures unparalleled support, with guidance counselors working closely with teachers and grade-level administrators to provide proactive conflict resolution and character development. Community partnerships, such as Mentor Upstate, allow us to pair students with mentors, and initiatives like Bob’s Backpack ensure that students have meals on weekends and during school breaks.
Beck Academy offers numerous leadership opportunities through various clubs and athletics. We encourage students to engage in community service, with our students contributing over 5,000 hours to local organizations such as A Place of Hope, the Julie Valentine Center, Let There Be Moms, and The Antonakos Foundation. Our band and strings program has received high honors, with students selected for All County, Solo and Ensemble, and achieving Superior Ratings at the SCMEA Concert Performance Assessment. Our students have also been recognized on state and national levels in the PTSA Reflections Contest, and our athletics program consistently wins district and conference championships in soccer, basketball, and volleyball. We offer a diverse array of clubs to cater to every student's interest, including Lego Robotics, Art Club, Bucket Brigade, Creative Writing, Math Counts, Library Cadets, Jr. Beta, Model UN, Youth In Government, Best Buddies, Chorus, and Drama.
Our award-winning PTSA is continuously recognized at the state level for Excellence in Communication and 100% membership. Our school principal, Jennifer Meisten, was named SCPTSA Outstanding Middle Level Principal for South Carolina for the 2015-2016 school year, and our Assistant Principal and Plant Engineer were also recognized as staff members of the year for 2021-2022. We pride ourselves on our strong partnerships with parents and local businesses, which enable us to offer exciting events such as a full-day orientation for 6th-grade students and parents, Parent Tea, Student Appreciation Day, Beck’s Big Event, and many other community-based activities. We have developed robust business partnerships with companies like UPS, GE, Michelin, The Children's Museum, Palmetto Family Orthodontics, and many other neighboring establishments. Additionally, our SIC meets monthly and plays an active role in developing strategies to achieve our academic goals, ensuring that our students are “Tomorrow’s Leaders, Learning and Serving Today.”
At Beck International Academy, we are also deeply committed to building an inclusive school environment where every learner is celebrated and valued. We believe that diversity enriches our community and strive to create an atmosphere where all students feel respected and empowered. This commitment is reflected in our inclusive practices, diverse curriculum, and community engagement initiatives that honor and embrace the unique backgrounds and experiences of all our students.
Jennifer Meisten, Principal
