White Knoll High School stands as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to empowering all students to become productive global citizens. Through a steadfast commitment to fostering accountability, lifelong learning, and respect, the institution consistently helps its students develop the World-Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. This student-centric approach, rooted in asset-based thinking and a growth mindset, emphasizes personalized learning and progress tracking, cultivating a profound sense of belonging within the WKHS family. Such dedication has not gone unnoticed, as U.S. News & World Report has proudly named White Knoll High School "One of America’s Best Schools" for two consecutive years.
The past school year illuminated the profound impact of this philosophy through numerous student and faculty achievements. Academically, the school’s forward-thinking initiatives were recognized when White Knoll High School earned the College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding access for young women to AP Computer Science Principles—a distinction achieved by only 832 schools nationwide. Beyond this, students demonstrated a strong pursuit of advanced learning, with 144 individuals enrolling in 15 dual enrollment courses, earning both high school and college credits. Furthermore, 25 students achieved the Seal of Biliteracy, highlighting the strength of the World Language Department. The intellectual caliber of the faculty was also celebrated, with Dr. Susan Scott receiving the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), a national honor for her outstanding contributions.
White Knoll High School’s commitment to holistic development extends vibrantly into the arts and athletics. The White Knoll High School Bands achieved the highest honor a band program can receive in South Carolina, the “Outstanding Performance Award for Musical Excellence,” marking their 23rd such award and fifth consecutive. This was complemented by impressive placings in marching competitions, numerous students selected for honor bands, and a perfect score from the Wind Ensemble at the SCBDA State CPA. Not to be outdone, the Choir earned an overall "Superior" rating, and its students distinguished themselves in district and state performances. The Visual Arts department saw 26 students’ works juried into the S.C. State Fair, and the Theatre department received widespread acclaim for acting and technical achievements at the Palmetto Dramatic Association High School Festival. In athletics, Senior Sports Medicine students prepared for advanced medical fields, and many student-athletes committed to play at the collegiate level, showcasing the diverse talents nurtured at WKHS.
Innovative programs and strategic initiatives are cornerstones of White Knoll High School’s educational framework. The Center for Public Health and Advanced Medical Studies offers a unique three-year program that prepares students for careers in public health and medicine, exposing them to less common yet critical fields through the Project-Lead-the-Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science curriculum. Moreover, the school has embarked on a journey to qualify for National Blue Ribbon status, meticulously gathering data to refine its strengths and identify areas for growth. The AVID program, a cornerstone for closing opportunity gaps, has significantly expanded its cohort of "AVID Scholars" and its dedicated site team, bolstering the school's mission to prepare all students for college and career readiness in a global society.
The Class of 2025 exemplified the culmination of White Knoll High School's efforts, achieving remarkable milestones that underscore their preparation for the future. Of the 452 graduates, 14 seniors proudly pledged to serve in the United States Armed Forces, demonstrating a commitment to their nation. Academically, the class collectively secured an astounding $46,948,886 in scholarships, an increase of over $6 million from the previous year. This impressive sum includes significant contributions from the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, Palmetto Fellows, and LIFE Scholarships, enabling numerous graduates to pursue higher education. One graduate notably received provisional admission to the University of South Carolina’s College of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program, highlighting the diverse pathways students are equipped to pursue.
As White Knoll High School celebrated its 25th year, it reflected on a quarter-century of successfully preparing students for their futures. The introspective journey of building robust support systems for students, faculty, and families continues to be guided by the school’s enduring motto: "Believe, Achieve, Succeed." Through unwavering dedication to academic rigor, artistic expression, athletic prowess, and innovative programs, White Knoll High School continues to shape well-rounded, accountable, and globally-minded individuals ready to face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
