Charleston Development Academy Public Charter School (CDA) helps all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through an educational approach that encourages the four Cs - critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. We understand the importance of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics for successful 21st-century learners. CDA continually incorporates new research, resources, and methods for engaging students and fostering interest in these areas. Interdisciplinary lessons and classes expose students to real-world applications for science, art, and math. Building sculptures, designing garments, dissecting animals, and building computers give students a peek into active fields of study and work. To reduce the impact on student learning due to COVID-19, Charleston Development Academy establishes a “Default Position” of offering face-to-face classroom instruction for as many students as possible using health and safety protocols. CDA maximizes in-person learning opportunities to the fullest extent possible and takes prudent steps to keep our students, staff, and community safe, and adheres to public health orders. Families are offered a virtual/eLearning environment as an option – those families take advantage of our asynchronous and synchronous instruction model. Using an online classroom platform, classes employ project-based learning, asking students to work individually and collaboratively to problem-solve real-world scenarios. Lessons encourage students to think flexibly and creatively to answer questions and craft experiments. Students exercise the engineering and scientific process, from developing prototypes to presenting findings. CDA works to create authentic learning experiences for students while developing the teamwork, creativity, communication, and critical-thinking skills vital to their success as 21st-century learners. We remain “An Intellect Construction Enterprise; Developing Minds, Building Character, Engineering Futures’ where excellence is a standard expectation and where standards are expected to be excellent.

Shawn Johnson, School Director

Ezetta McCray, SIC President