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Experience
The Joy of Learning

Charleston Collegiate School’s mission is to inspire students
to become passionate, lifelong learners by empowering them

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mindfully embrace the opportunities of tomorrow.

ABOUT US

30 acres of moss-laden oaks, vast playing fields and wooded trails make CCS’s
campus truly unique. Located only 20 minutes from Charleston’s historic district
on one side and Kiawah Island on the other, the school stands in the middle of
the rural beauty of Johns Island. Charleston Collegiate is the only co-educational,
nonsectarian independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade
in the metropolitan area. Charleston Collegiate is fully accredited by the Southern
Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools (SACS). It is a member of the National Association of Independent
Schools (NAIS), the South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA), and
the Palmetto Association of Independent Schools (PAIS).

“Charleston Collegiate is a family,
and I feel like I’m sending my kids
from our family at home to their
family at school.”

Ali Anderson, Middle School Parent

FOUR PILLARS

OF THE CCS LEARNING EXPERIENCE

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

Students explore problems and challenges through creative thinking, hands-on
activities, and teamwork. Knowing that they can take the content from their
classroom directly to their everyday lives piques our students’ interests in every
area of study.

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

From brainstorming and collaboration to business planning and budgeting, our
students are introduced to financial concepts in their early years that develop
and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit as they grow. These concepts allow our
students to think beyond the classroom and prepare them for the challenges of
the future.

CREATIVITY AND THE ARTS

Using the cross-curricular learning approach to deepen comprehension, our Fine
Arts department gives our students a creative outlet, as well as a competitive
edge in today’s world. From drama and graphic design to painting and sculpting,
our students’ appreciation for the arts extends beyond a textbook.

LEADERSHIP THROUGH OUTDOOR EDUCATION

This program provides students with hands-on opportunities to learn risk
management concepts, effective communication skills, and group dynamics in an
outdoor setting. Charleston Collegiate’s beautiful 30-acre campus includes an
Outdoor Leadership and Education Center with nature trails, kayak program, tidal
swamp and dock, plus a low ropes course with team-building elements that are
unique to our campus and curriculum.

“It’s just amazing, the
support that everybody
provides, the students,

the faculty, the other
parents. It’s a fun place

to learn and our son

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person at CCS.”

Simons Family,
Middle School Parents

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Charleston collegiate school strongly believes in the student-centered classroom
where the teacher is the coach and the student is the worker. Likewise, allowing
students to investigate real-world problems and challenges as a means of
acquiring skills and knowledge is at the core of the learning process. Publicly
presenting their findings through exhibitions and engaging in meaningful
reflection of the process of learning are at the core of the Charleston Collegiate
experience. While the curriculum remains as the foundational content, the
approach to acquiring that knowledge is focused on the process of learning and
the critical application of that knowledge to the real world.

• Student-Centered Classrooms

• Teacher as Coach

• Real-World Application

• Exhibition of Mastery

• Meaningful Reflection

TEACHERS AND TRADITIONS

TEACHER AS COACH

A primary goal of CCS teachers
is to inspire and instill in students
the desire to take responsibility
for their education and success,
to think critically, and to problem

solve. CCS provides an avenue
for students to be challenged at
high levels so that they become

lifelong learners and leaders
invested in discovering, creating,

and sharing knowledge.

SCHOOL TRADITIONS

Coffee with the Head
Welcome Back Picnic
Gingerbread House

Trunk or Treat
Service Learning
Spring and Fall Plays
Fine Arts Week

Homecoming
Spirit Week
Blue and Gold Competitions

Field Day
Annual Auction

LOWER SCHOOL

ACADEMICS

GRADES

The Lower School curriculum provides
a strong foundation on which to build.
Students are taught skills and concepts,
but are also encouraged to use critical
thinking and problem-solving skills
to become inquisitive, independent
learners. Students are respected for
their learning style and appreciated
for their individual strengths and
talents. Cooperative learning and
leadership skills are promoted through
our outdoor education classes and
through our classroom jobs program. In
a challenging, stimulating environment,
alternative assessment, hands-on
activities, and off-campus outings
enrich the students’ active learning.
All students study the core curriculum
of language arts, math, science, and
global studies. In addition, students
are involved with art, Spanish,
music, physical education, character
education, outdoor education, and
drama. The Lower School program
strives to instill a love of learning.

LOWER SCHOOL TRADITIONS

Mother’s Day Tea
Donuts with Dad
Oyster Shell Bagging
The Happening
4th Grade Campout
AR (Accelerated Reader) Celebrations
Community Helper Visits
4th Grade Exhibition
Grandparents’ Day
Oaks and Acorns

“CCS is a nurturing, loving,
encouraging place that values

every type of child.”

Beth Williams, Lower School Parent

MIDDLE SCHOOL

ACADEMICS

GRADES

5-8

Charleston Collegiate recognizes that students make the transition from childhood
to young adulthood during their years in the Middle School. During this time, students
are discovering themselves, as well as figuring out the balance between the desire
for independence and need for supportive and nurturing adult guidance, and the
students are under the advisement of a core group of teachers dedicated to the social,
emotional, physical, and intellectual development of middle school students. This is
a task that the Charleston Collegiate Middle School team of faculty embraces with
enthusiasm and great care. Students in the Middle School enjoy an average class
size of 14 and are each involved in an advisory system that enables them to receive
individual guidance and support. In the Middle School at Charleston Collegiate, we
strive to promote the personal qualities that make each individual student unique,
as well as to develop responsible global citizens and effective future leaders. The
academic expectations in the Middle School are challenging and there is an emphasis
on exposure to broad artistic, cultural, and social experiences. Students in the Middle
School take core academic classes in humanities, S.T.E.M., wellness, and Spanish. In
addition to the core classes, students are exposed to various forms of fine arts and
computer technology.

The Intermediate Program (grades 5-6) is the initial phase in Charleston Collegiate’s
Middle School and is designed to meet the physical, cognitive, and social needs of early
adolescence. This program places great importance on aiding the growth of students’
individual strengths while engaging them in collaborative activities that help build the
necessary alliances needed during early adolescence.

The Junior High Program (grades 7-8) is the final phase of CCS Middle School.
This program places great importance on self-advocacy and independence.
Classes become more rigorous, and students look forward to academic field trips
to Washington DC and a Career Speaker Series. This program creates a seamless
transition from our Middle School to our Upper School

MIDDLE SCHOOL
CLASSES AND TRADITIONS

CLASSES

Humanities • Spanish

• Language Arts • Music

• Literature • Yoga

• World Geography • Dance

• Ancient History • Outdoor Education

• US History • Character Education

STEM • Health
• Intro Physics • Krav Maga
• Personal Finance
• Computer • Fitness
Programming

• Engineering • Animation

• Mathematics • Theater

• Earth Science • 2D Design

• Astronomy • Film

• Robotics • Fine Arts

• Life Science • Digital Imagery

• Pre Algebra • Theater

• Ecology • 3D Design

• Marine Biology • Craftsmanship

• Algebra I • Graphic Design

TRADITIONS

CCS Chant
Camp Greenville Trip
Washington DC Trip
Scarecrow Contest
Holiday Door Decorating Contest
Valentine’s Day Party

Green Week
8th Grade Move up Ceremony

8th Grade Exhibition
Trebuchet Contest
Student-run Assemblies
Career Speaker Series

UPPER SCHOOL

ACADEMICS

GRADES

In the Upper School (grades 9-12) at Charleston Collegiate, we
believe in creating a supportive environment which serves the needs
of the whole student while providing a rigorous educational program.
Through a project-based, student-centered learning environment,
students are given the opportunity to develop their interpersonal
skills and connect content knowledge with real-world applications.
The academic curriculum prepares students for the challenges that
they will face after high school and readies students for college and
beyond. As students grow and learn, an advisor system facilitates
communication between home and school and provides students
with individual guidance and support. The advisory program also
supports students through their community-service learning
projects which promote the personal qualities that are necessary to
develop responsible citizens and effective future leaders. Athletic
opportunities, on-stage performances, and academic competitions
allow students to express aspects of their talents and passions.
The Jobs Program allows for students to practice their leadership
and cooperation skills, and the Oaks to Acorns mentorship program
provides the upper school students the chance to model cooperation
skills to the younger students on campus.

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS AND EXHIBITIONS
Students engage in deeper learning through a project-based, cross-
curricular project that allows students to gain knowledge and skills
by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond
to engaging and complex questions, problems, and challenges.
Students collaborate, problem-solve, make decisions along their
journey, create something new, present their work, and reflect on their
learning experiences. By publicly presenting and displaying their work,
students are allowed to demonstrate their depth of knowledge to the
community.

COLLEGE COUNSELING
AND TRADITIONS

College counseling at CCS is woven into
the school’s curriculum beginning in the
9th grade. Assistance with researching
schools, navigating the standardized testing
process, completing applications, and
understanding financial aid options are all
areas covered with our College Counselor.
Students and their families receive
individualized counseling to guide them
through the complex process of college
admission. Many on-campus visits from
colleges and universities are organized, as
well as college visits, so that students can
learn more about schools firsthand.

TRADITIONS

Upper School Assembly
Field Day

LEAP Week (First Week of School)
Senior Privileges
Majors Exhibition
Halloween Dance

STEM and Humanities
Exhibition and Symposium

Oaks to Acorns
Blue/Gold Rivalry

Green Week
Faculty/Senior Volleyball Game

Prom
Yearbook Dedication

Winterim
Birthday Snaps
Sundevils Around Town

UPPER SCHOOL PROGRAMS ARTS
Acting
COLLEGE PREPARATORY AND HONORS DISTINCTIONS Ceramics
Creative Writing
The Upper School curriculum is designed so that each student can Dance
reach a level of academic challenge that allows for growth and Digital Art
development as a whole student. College Preparatory benchmark Drawing
outcomes are required for all students; however, students who extend Fashion Design
beyond those expectations earn Honors Distinction. Upper School Film Studies
students who wish to take Advanced Placement exams may choose Industrial Art
to do so in any subject. Jewelry
Painting
MAJORS PROGRAM Sculpture

Charleston Collegiate School believes in letting students unleash EDUCATION
their passions into their academic world. To this end, we allow a Art
Declaration of Majors for 11th and 12th grade. Allowing students to Elementary
be the keystone of their education enables them to become excited Hispanic Studies
about the possibilities beyond graduation. Throughout their twelve- Humanities
plus years at Charleston Collegiate, our students are provided with a Outdoor
great deal of academic enrichment, challenging coursework, intense Secondary
project-based learning, and a phenomenal arts program. Our students STEM
internalize these experiences and have aspirations for college and
beyond. S.T.E.M.
Chemistry
Our Upper School is not just designed to prepare students for Ecology
college, but also for life. Our Majors Program moves students out of Engineering
the traditional classroom and towards an environment that has a Information
deeper focus on their passions, soft skills, and professionalism. With Technology
this program, we give our students a jumpstart on their college and Mathematics
professional careers by providing intense and focused instruction that Marine Biology
is unparalleled in other high school programs. The Majors Program will Mechanics
allow students to embark on an independent study, and students will
be mentored by a CCS teacher or community member. In addition to COMMUNITY
fulfilling all of the responsibilities assigned by their mentors, students MANAGEMENT
must complete the following: Behavioral Health
Communications
Junior Major Senior Major and Mass Media
• 75 hours per semester • 126 hours per semester Entrepreneurship
• Digital portfolio and weekly blog • Digital portfolio and weekly blog Exercise Science
• Public exhibition • Public exhibition Finance
• Quarterly student evaluations • Quarterly student evaluations Hospitality
• Position paper (10 page minimum)

UPPER SCHOOL COURSES

HUMANITIES FINE ARTS
Language Arts OUTDOOR
Literature EDUCATION
AP Language Leadership
AP Composition
History (ancient, Ecology
world, american)
BUSINESS AND
Government TECHNOLOGY

STEM JUNIOR
Biology EXHIBITION
Technology
Engineering SAT/ACT PREP
Algebra II
Chemistry COMPUTER
Geometry SCIENCE
Physics
PreCalculus HEALTH AND
AP Biology WELLNESS
Forensics
SPANISH
Calculus
MAJORS

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Humanities - English: 4 credits

Humanities - Social Sciences: 3 credits

STEM - Mathematics: 4 credits

STEM - Sciences: 4 credits

STEM - Technology: ½ credit

Languages: 3 credits

Public Speaking: ½ credit

Government: ½ credit

Economics: ½ credit

Pillar Electives: 2.5 credits

Physical Education - 1 credit
Wellness and Athletics:

Junior Entrepreneurship ½ credit
Exhibition:

Junior Major Exhibition: 1 credit

Senior Major Exhibition: 2 credits

RECENT COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES





OUTDOOR
EDUCATION

Charleston Collegiate School’s Outdoor Education Program aims to increase
awareness of how we impact one another’s lives and the effect we have on our
environment. The immediate goals of this program are reconnecting people
with their natural surroundings and with their fellow man. These goals are
accomplished through an experiential and hands-on approach to learning.
This includes everything from a low/high ropes course to nature walks and
our observation bee hive. Students acquire knowledge through participation,
discussion, questioning, and immersion in the topic being covered.

Subject material includes:

• Sustainability education- How we can make a difference in an ever-changing world

• Teamwork- How to work with others being both a leader and supporter

• Group dynamics- How we affect those around us

• Effective communication skills- How to give and receive feedback and be an
active listener

• Risk management- Using calculated judgement to decide what
to do–or not do

• Wilderness skills- How to thrive in any outdoor setting

• Exploration- Cultivating curiosity through discovery

Charleston Collegiate’s Outdoor Education program offers credited outdoor
education classes, field trips for all grade levels, Project Learning Tree curriculum
classes, week-long winterim trips, internships for high school students, programs
for corporate and non-profit groups, certification through American Red Cross
and American Canoe Association, and summer camps.

Springs is a slice of mountainous land in upstate South Carolina which CCS uses
as their own mountain campus! Students build tent platforms, a kitchen, and
fully equip it with plumbing and electricity! Middle and Upper School students
take field trips to this campus every year where they experience all elements of
the Outdoor Education Experience.

THE
ARTS

Charleston Collegiate is proud to
have a comprehensive Fine Arts
program. Each year, CCS students
create over a dozen plays, more
than a hundred films, and well over
a thousand painting, sculpture,
photography, ceramic, wood and
metal works of art.

Our Music program presents
two major concerts a year and
hosts guest performances
from symphonies, bands, and
universities.

Our Industrial Arts Program
teaches students the value of and
skills to work with metal, building
both art and necessary items for
the school.

Fine Arts Week is a yearly Arts
capstone which features daily
performances from students and
guest artists, a school-wide art
exhibition, a film festival, and our
spring concert and theatrical
production



OAKS &
ACORNS

Oaks and Acorns provides a chance
for our students to connect across
divisions. Students at various grade
levels are paired up for activities that
range from playing kickball to doing
an art project to going on a scavenger
hunt, to reading a book. The level of
mentorship and community it provides
is a priceless experience within our
student body.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In today’s world, our children need to be able to think on their feet and pave their own
path. We instill an entrepreneurial mindset in our students and encourage them to be
able to “think outside the box” while creating a vision and a plan to execute their ideas.
Be it a student-run business or raising funds for a non-profit, our students are not afraid
of taking calculated risks to produce something that could be great! We encourage
students to find their passions, look for opportunities, and take risks while seeing
potential failure as an opportunity to grow.

JOBS PROGRAM

Students are presented with
opportunities to lead their peers
by getting directly involved with
the daily operations of the school.
Our Student Jobs Program starts
in Preschool where students take
responsibility and leadership
with jobs such as “Line Leader”
and “Classroom Greeter.” As
our students grow, so do their
responsibilities. By the time the
students are in Upper School, every
student participates on a job crew
with an elected leader. Students
not only learn teamwork and
leadership, but also become active
participants within the operations
of the school.

“The true beauty of the program is in its
ability to create a culture of active citizenship.
Our job crews help with technology, campus

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trail maintenance in the outdoor classroom, to
name a few. Seniors are leading underclassmen,

creating and managing schedules, setting
agendas, and leading meetings. Within it all,
the students are learning some of the most
important real-world skills that we could ever
teach – namely, the value of hard work and

importance of leading from the front.”

Hacker Burr, Head of School

ADVISORY
PROGRAM

Each student in Middle and
Upper School is assigned
a faculty advisor. The
advisory groups meet daily
to ensure each students’
individual success and
social well-being. This
program provides students
with the opportunity to
explore the following areas:

• Current Events

• Life Skills

• Organizational Skills

• Conflict Resolution

• Study Skills

• Goal Setting

• Academic Reinforcement

THE
GARDEN

Our 3000 square foot polyculture garden
is used as an extension of our classroom.
Students can study science, history, art,
entrepreneurship, and even Spanish while
learning about horticulture, herbs, and
vegetables. These vegetables are used in
our lunch program as well as distributed to
local clinics and food banks.

Our 9th grade students repurposed an
old soccer goal set and did meticulous
research to create a fully functioning
greenhouse. This greenhouse hosts many
different plants and is a great way for
students to experience other elements of
gardening and cross-curricular learning

EXHIBITION AND
SYMPOSIUM

Exhibition of Mastery is a Unique
Public Demonstration of knowledge
occurring at the 4th, 8th, and Upper
School levels. Through individually-
created projects that demand problem-
solving, researching, and writing skills
and ultimately a public presentation -
Charleston Collegiate students become
experts on their topics and demonstrate
their knowledge to the community
through public exhibitions.

4th Grade Exhibition - focuses on
learning the history of the United States
of America, with information on individual
states.

8th Grade Exhibition - students plan
a career path with meticulous research
on schools, budgets, internships, and
ultimate goals.

Humanities and STEM Symposium
- Students develop cross-curricular
projects and present their work in a
public symposium style event followed by
a Q&A session

Majors Exhibition - Juniors and Seniors
present their majors work throughout the
year

COMMUNITY
SERVICE

Students participate in
service projects at every
grade level. You will find
preschoolers doing art
projects with retirement
homes, middle schoolers
participating with Meals on
Wheels and Kiawah Cares,
and upper schoolers working
with homeless shelters and
Habitat for Humanity. All
grade levels may participate
in the PKD walk, recycling
initiatives, and many other
opportunities!



TECHNOLOGY

Our Media Center is equipped with 21 Mac computers, age-appropriate ebooks,
and unlimited digital resources. Our Media Arts classroom is equipped with 18 Mac
computers for in-depth media and digital arts lessons and projects.

CCS Connect is Charleston Collegiate’s online classroom that syncs all school-
related information and creates a seamless way for parents, students, and teachers to
communicate.

CCS believes that learning can be personalized for every student, and the iPad
Program gives students just that - the freedom and ability to explore how they learn
best through the use of a multitude of apps. Both the Middle and Upper schools use
a 1:1 ipad model, so online learning and “flipped classroom” techniques are more
accessible.

WHY IPADS?
• To increase student engagement by approaching the students in their (digital) world

• To increase efficiency and depth of learning experience in the classroom

• To create a more collaborative classroom learning environment

• To give students a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world

• To provide an organizational tool to track assignments, homework, and class
projects

• To access the internet for research purposes

• To create digital presentations, class papers, and projects

• To run a variety of applications to enhance their learning experience in class

• To read electronic books, newspapers, and magazines

STUDENT
LIFE

AFTER SCHOOL
ACTIVITIES

Soccer Shots
Piano
Karate

Basketball
Guitar
Violin
Dance

Macaroni and Please
Bricks 4 Kidz

SPORTS
Football
Volleyball
Cross-Country
Soccer
Basketball
Archery
Cheerleading

Golf
Tennis
Baseball

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Our extended day programs,
C-Club and CAMS, provide
a time for children to do
homework, play outside, play
games, and have a snack.
This after school care is
available until 6 PM to all
students who remain on
campus after school hours.

LUNCH
PROGRAM

Charleston Collegiate’s lunch
program is provided by the
nationally-renowned Flik Independent
School Dining and features
restaurant-quality entrees such as
baked salmon, Asian orange chicken,
three cheese lasagna, and even Bok
Choi! Each day, students choose from
a hot entree, vegetarian entree, soup,
sandwiches, fresh fruit, and a salad
bar. This program is comprehensive
with a teaching component that
educates about nutrition, waste, and
composting. All food and paper waste
is composted, and the rich, fertile soil
is returned to the CCS garden and
flower beds.

ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID

Charleston Collegiate School admits students of any race, color, sex, disability, nationality, or
ethnic origin to all programs and activities made available to students in the school.

Admission decisions are based on the academic and personal strengths of each candidate.
Transcripts and standardized test scores give us an indication of the applicant’s academic abilities.
Recommendations from teachers tell us more about the kind of person and student the applicant is,
about his or her motivation, interests, and abilities to interact with others. The essay is a chance for the
applicant to tell the admission committee the things s/he wishes them to know. It not only gives us an
indication of writing ability, but also a sense of the applicant’s interests, goals, and dreams.

We are dedicated to offering a financial aid program that makes it possible for deserving students,
who otherwise would be unable to attend, to be members of our school community. Candidates
should not be discouraged from applying because of the cost of attending Charleston Collegiate.

PROCEDURE

1. Tour: Open Houses for prospective students are held periodically; however, prospective
families are welcome to schedule a visit at any time.

2. Applications are available on Charleston Collegiate’s website under the Admission tab
www.charlestoncollegiate.org.

3. Transcripts and school records: Upon receipt of the application, student transcripts and
school records will be requested from the present school.

4. Recommendations: For grades 5-12, current math and English recommendations, as well
as an extracurricular recommendation, are needed. For grades Preschool-4, a general
recommendation is needed. All recommendation forms are available online. These can
either be printed out and submitted to the Admission Office by mail or scanned and
e-mailed to [email protected].

5. Admission Testing: After an application is received, a date for testing will be arranged, at
which time we will schedule placement testing and interviews.

6. Student Visit: Prospective students spend a day at Charleston Collegiate School during
which they are assigned a ‘student ambassador’ and participate in the day’s activities.

The best way to discover if Charleston Collegiate is the right school environment for your
student is to visit our campus. We invite you to schedule a tour or plan a visit during one of our
events. We look forward to meeting you and your family!

CCHOALRLLEEGSITAOTEN

Charleston Collegiate • 2024 Academy Drive • Johns Island, SC 29455

843.559.5506 • www.charlestoncollegiate.org

facebook.com/charlestoncollegiate twitter.com/chascollegiate Instagram.com/charlestoncollegiate