Palmetto Scholars Academy - N Charleston, SC

Palmetto Scholars Academy (PSA) was founded in 2010 by a group of parents and community members who recognized a need to offer an alternative for the area's diverse population of gifted students. PSA's advanced curriculum, which serves students in grades six through twelve, was founded on principles that highlight the distinctive academic, social, and emotional needs of its close-knit student body. PSA overcame several years in a tattered building before moving into a new facility in 2016. Four years ago, a distinguished principal with many years of field experience took charge, and continued PSA on the path to becoming an award-winning school and an integral part of nurturing and educating the area's gifted youth. In addition to the rigorous academic challenges, PSA students are also active, involved members of the community who receive local and national recognition for their achievements in extra-curricular activities as well as community service.

PSA's ever-evolving mission statement remains a focal point for Board members, administration, faculty, and staff. While PSA strives to meet the academic needs of its gifted students by offering a challenging and accelerated curriculum, nurturing the social and emotional needs of students, cultivating interpersonal relationships, and establishing common values are key. Faculty and staff model positive relationships with each other, and the objective for PSA graduates is that they have developed into holistic learners. Through the House system, LEAP day activities, clubs, athletics, and special programs, there are many opportunities for relationships to be cultivated and for students to be active participants in their own learning and in the school community.