Charleston School of the Arts

Top notch school in my opinion. My oldest is graduating this Spring and has already been accepted to USC Darla Moore School of Business which is her first choice school.

Most of the faculty is fantastic, academics are challenging but taught well, and the effort put into teaching students' majors is wonderful. My daughter missed several weeks during and at the end of the school year due to a medical issue, but was able to work with teachers and do well in all classes.Teachers are very communicative and there are online resources for both students and parents. The administration listens to students and parents - my daughter had a teacher who was not performing well and was not invited back the next year.As a parent, I am fortunate to be entertained often by concerts and exhibits. Some of their productions have been really great! Performance is BIG here, and some of the venues in which they perform - for credit - are pretty cool [thanks Mr. Clarke!].Location is not stellar, and I have to drive from near Summerville on I 26 but the "compound" seems pretty secure and they are quick to respond in a crisis. I'd rather be safe and know what's happening than the alternative. It IS North Charleston. [I remember only 3 or so school-wide security issues last year, not sure about "near weekly.."]

Hi, I am a student here at the School of the Arts and my letter is regarding to the review that is under mine. I first off want to say that our school is not going "down hill". Actually I have to say, I think our school is moving in an amazing direction. We have had a lot of change in our administration, but it's the best its ever been. the teachers and staff here work tirelessly with all the students making sure they achieve their best. These teachers want the best out of all their students and nothing less. Yes, the scandal here was very sad, but when the administration found out about the situation they took the necessary steps to bring that teacher to justice. Our school isn't in the greatest location, but where else are you going to build a million dollar facility. there's just no other place. unless you want to be 45 minutes outside of Charleston. I feel very safe at this school and know that these lock-downs are necessary to ensure our safety. I am sorry that you have these feelings for this one of a kind school. I can personally say this school has changed my life completely in more ways than one and I thank it for that.

As a student who actually attends School of the Arts, I think it is a wonderful school with wonderful staff, and one of the best places to get an education in South Carolina! I dont think it is fair for a "parent" to talk negatively about such a great school that they have never spent an eight hour school day in. Yes, the school might be in a "bad area" (not even that serious) but any child should be lucky to go to school in the nice facility that was recently built. Has a child ever been hurt due to something that happened in the "bad area"? No. Lockdowns do not happen weekly and I would know because I am actually there 180 days each school year. Every school has its slip ups, but that should not override all the good things that have happened at SOA through out the years . Just because a parent found SOA unsuitable for their child shouldn't make it okay for negative comments to be left about School of the Arts that may turn away other intrested parents/students from such a great opportunity. SOA has made me into a better musician, student, and overall person and I am thankful for that! The school has NEVER failed to amaze ever since I began my journey there.