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 rigorous 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 2022 left a legacy of high achievement in academics, athletics, and student activities. Ninety-one percent of the graduates plan to continue their education at the post-secondary level. The Class of 2022 earned over $28.9 million in scholarships. The average GPA of the Class of 2022 was 3.80, 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. Wando’s Advanced Placement Academy continues to flourish with more than 450 members. Three senior students received appointments to military academies, the U. S. Air Force Academy, West Point, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Four students were named South Carolina Teaching Fellows.
The Wando Athletic Program continued its rich history of excellence by winning the South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association Carlisle Cup along with three State Championships and seventeen Region Championships. Seventy-five athletes were recognized as Scholar Athletes by the South Carolina High School League. One student-athlete was named an Academic All-American. Thirty-three athletes committed to play at the college level.
The Wando High School Marching Band is still the reigning 5A State Champion for the thirteenth time. Fifty band students earned All-State band awards. The Wando Orchestra earned the SCMEA Gold Orchestra Performance Award! The Wando Chorus won Gold at the Festival Disney AAAA National Choral Competition. Tribal Tribune, the school newspaper, was awarded the All-State Award for the overall Newsprint Program by the S.C. Scholastic Press Association. Forty-five visual arts students received awards from the National Scholastic Art and Writing Contest, ten Gold Keys, fourteen Silver Keys, and twenty-one Honorable Mentions. Legend, our yearbook, received Best Yearbook in the South by the Southern Interscholastic Press Association, a first in Wando History. Wando High School swept first and second place in the Economics Challenge hosted by USC and the Council on Economic Education. Fifty Wando senior foreign language students received the South Carolina Seal of Biliteracy. Wando’s Culinary Team competed at the FCCLA State Culinary Competition and came away with students winning Gold and Silver Awards. Five culinary students will be headed to California this summer to compete in the nationals.
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, trained in Capturing Kids’ Hearts, work to ensure that all students feel connected and continue to develop Life and Career Characteristics throughout their high school careers. We are blessed with a high level of parental and community involvement. The outstanding support provided by the Town of Mount Pleasant is a critical factor in our success.
Sherry M. Eppelsheimer, Principal
Rebecca Imholz, SIC Chair
