Charleston Collegiate

We are new to the school this year and both of our kids are doing great in middle and high school. Having transitioned from a very competitive school in the northeast, we have been very pleased with the variety of academic opportunities, including an entrepreneurship class. The student body is amazing. I have never seen a group of kids so polite and friendly. It is truly a family environment with great school spirit. The school is truly diverse which provides a real life environment. The new head of the school will make great things happen. Can't say enough; good things. It has made our family's transition to the area very smooth.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome school with dedicated staff and beautiful surroundings. There is such a feeling of family at this school, which is why it is so loved. A nice mix of hands-on and traditional curriculum, as well.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a parent at CCS going on 9 years and we are very pleased with the education our children are receiving. We are fortunate to have found such a wonderful school where our children can flourish and grow into young adults. It is a nice feeling to know that when you drop off your child in the morning you know they are happy, safe, and well taken care of. A great place to have your children thrive preschool through 12th grade.
—Submitted by a parent

My children have attended for two years. We love the small environment but would have to agree with another parent reviewer that the school standards seem to be slipping for the sake of admitting anyone. There seems to be no push for the students to do well and the curriculum this past year seems even more easy and not challenging. Location can't be beat for the area but not sure if this school fills the needs of the students that can be challenged academically which is why they tend to lose the good students each year to other private and charter schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my sons fourth year at CCS. I have been increasingly impressed with the school each year. Dr. Shirlely has opened the school to a more diverse population which has met with some controversy with some parents. I have found that the acceptance of all types of students adds to the realness of life learning skills. The teachers are outstanding, in my opinion, and the attention given to my child has been wonderful. I know that he feels like an important part of the school and that he really enjoys his relationships with the faculty. There is a definite feeling of family here, and a sense of caring about the future of the students. His grades have been great and the opportunity for extra-curricular activities is abundant. I feel that the school has a very safe and secure environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Good school. The headmaster is a great man and leader. With good teachers (for the most part) and good athletics, it is hard to pass up. And they just added a state championship in football.
—Submitted by a parent

Under Dr. Robison's leadership, this school soared. My children excelled, were qualified for college, and both were accepted at the colleges of their choice. Since Dr.Shirley's arrival, much of the good that Dr. Robison had done seems to be disappearing. The school is growing, but at the expense of academics. Admission standards were lowered, so that more students 'could' be accepted. Academics appear to be on the decline, and student publications have drastically declined in both quality, maturity, and the use of correct English.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is much better than the best local public schools. The biggest asset is the head master. He is open to new ideas and has a strong sense of what this school can be. The athletic dept. is improving continuously. The teaching staff overall is good but still needs some adjustments. There is a growing parent involvement.
—Submitted by a parent

Charleston Collegiate's strongest attribute is it's excellent faculty. My child has been in four different schools and I have not seen a more dedicated faculty. They are willing to work with him in academics, athletics, and in the arts. I could not be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

I think that this school is extraordinarily good. My child has been going here for roughley 8 years. She has never had many problems with this at this school. She has attended through the Shurlds headmastery and now through the Robinson headamstery (for he is leaving the school after this year) and I expect her to be there through some of the Shirly headmastery. I have to admit that the school wasn't at it's fittest while Shurlds was running it but ever since Robinson took over, I think that he restored it to fine working order and Shirly will do the same.
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children attended Chas.Collegiate when it was Sea Island Academy. While they were there, they were both honor-roll students. When we decided to move them to another school (for many reasons: concerns over the lack of discipline, nagging fears about the academics, etc.), we were stunned to discover that they were extremely far behind their peers in many areas, most noted and most importantly, in math and English. Both children were tutored extensively for several years, and only the younger child was really able to make up the lost information. Since that time, Sea Island has changed its name to Chas. Collegiate and the faculty/administration has made great efforts to improve the school. And while many parents are pleased, I have met many who still voice the same concerns that I had when my children were there. Clearly, there is still work to be done.
—Submitted by a parent