Education

Introduction

Joint Base Charleston is surrounded by the Tri-County school districts.  These districts include the Charleston, Dorchester II, and Berkeley County School Districts. The districts provide a full range of educational programs, from traditional academic options to a wide array of magnet, charter, private and school of arts options.

School starts in mid-August and ends early June for most schools.

• Berkeley County School District: 843-899-8600
• Charleston County School District: 843-937-6300
• Dorchester School District Two: 843-873-2901

Note: According to state law, students must attend assigned schools within their district of residence contact school district directly for questions of exception or special circumstances.

School Liaison Program Manager

The School Liaison Program Manager acts as a link between military families and the public school system. The SLPM will assist in finding information on local schools, navigating the local school system as well as advocating for needs specific to the military family. They are in place to assist with transitioning to or from a new area.  For more information, contact the SLPM at 843-963-4410. Download the JB CHS School Information Packet here. 

South Carolina Public Schools

Public schools are operated at the county level under the South Carolina Department of Education. Statewide test results, and overall school quality, can vary significantly from school to school within each district. It is recommended you look at the individual school report cards online, and visit each campus, as you make your housing decision.

South Carolina is a member of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission. All military families with school age children should be familiar with the rules of the compact before transferring to a new area. Information is available online.

Those Living in Air Base (AB) Housing

AB Housing is serviced by Charleston County Schools. Families may elect to attend Lambs Elementary or Hunley Park Elementary (K-5). Middle school students (6-8) are assigned to Zucker Middle School, a science magnet school. Stall High School (9-12) is a state of the art facility with a new Aeronautical Engineering Curriculum.

**Charleston County's Resolution to Accommodate Military Families significantly expanded access to "Choice" schools for military families, including nationally recognized Charleston County School of the Arts, and Academic Magnet High School.

It provides:

• Extended magnet school application periods for military families
• The Choice Application for Military Families provides inbound families a choice of up to three schools.  Transportation availability varies. 
• Applications are submitted directly to the CCSD office as noted on the application.  A copy of your orders will be required as well.

* DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO ANY OF THE CHOICE SCHOOLS. Please communicate with the district directly as noted on the application, or with the School Liaison Officer, if you have questions. 

* CCSD Charter Schools operate their own lottery and wait lists.  You can contact them directly for additional information.  Contact the School Liaison Officer for more information on this program, or visit the CCSD Resources for Military Families Webpage. 

Those Living in Weapons Station Base Housing

WS housing is serviced by Berkeley County Schools. Marrington Elementary School serves grades K-5, and Marrington Middle School of the Arts, a National Blue Ribbon Award Winner for grades 6-8. Any active duty military family attached to Joint Base Charleston, and living in Berkeley County, may arrange to have their children attend these schools. Contact the School Liaison Officer for more information on this program, or visit the Berkeley County Military Families Web link. Located on the same campus, Goose Creek High School and the Berkeley Center for the Arts provide comprehensive 9-12 curriculum. Berkeley County has several Innovative Programs that may also be beneficial to some families.

South Carolina Public Charter School District 

The South Carolina Public Charter School District provides a wide array of charter and virtual school options in the local area, programs for gifted and talented students. Below are programs located near Joint Base Charleston:

Meevers School of Excellence

Meevers opened in 2017, and is a member of the South Carolina Public Charter School District.   It is open to all residents of South Carolina, and currently provides education for grades K-6.  Future plans include expansion to grades 7-8.  Their campus is located near Joint Base Charleston Weapons Station, Goose Creek, SC.

Palmetto Scholars Academy 

PSA is a state charter school for gifted and talented children grades 6-12 located on the Air Base. Its unique/advanced curriculum is geared towards gifted/talented and high performing students. Military families are encouraged to visit their Website and carefully review the curriculum. State charter school regulations provide preferential placement in lotteries for active duty military children assigned to Joint Base Charleston. Contact the School Liaison Officer, or PSA for more information.

PSA is a state charter school for gifted and talented children grades 6-12 located on the Air Base. Its unique/advanced curriculum is geared towards gifted/talented and high performing students. Military families are encouraged to visit their Website and carefully review the curriculum. State charter school regulations provide preferential placement for active duty military children assigned to Joint Base Charleston. Contact the School Liaison Officer, or PSA for more information.

New Student Registration: Tips for Changing to a New School

Get an unofficial copy of your transcript/grades to hand carry. This is authorized under the Military Interstate Children’s Compact in all 50 states. This will enable your child to be comparably placed at the new school, in case your official records are delayed. Contact the guidance counselor at your new school. The school's email and phone numbers are available on the websites listed above. Find out all you can about the courses you are going to sign up for at the new school. Algebra II may cover different material at your new school, don't wait for an unpleasant surprise. 

Enrollment

Children who will be five years old on or before 1 September must register for Kindergarten. Children who will be four years old on or before 1 September may be eligible for pre-school, but qualification guidelines may apply. Contact the school in your attendance zone for available slots and eligibility requirements.

Note: According to South Carolina Law, school-aged children must be transferred / enrolled in school within 10 days.

Bring the following documents to the school at the time of registration:

• Student’s Birth Certificate
• Completed S.C. Immunization Form (DHEC 1125: Can be provided by Medical)
• Proof of residence (normally two sources)
• School records from previous school if available
• Special Education records, if applicable
• Proof of guardianship, if applicable
• Latest report card if possible

For specific information contact the school you will plan to attend, or the local district office.

Immunizations

Requirements can vary from state to state. The Medical Clinic will assist you with proper immunizations for South Carolina. Call: 843-963-6714 for the AB, or 843-794-6000 at the WS. They will complete DHEC Form 1125, required for enrollment in the SC school system.

South Carolina High School Diploma

Visit the South Carolina Department of Education for South Carolina Diploma Requirements.

Special Education

South Carolina's Office of Special Education Services website provides a wealth of information on the state's programming. Local school resources can be found on district webpages. Contact the SLO or EFMP Coordinator if you need assistance. 

Home School

South Carolina statutes provide parents or guardians three different options for home schooling their children. Refer to Home Schooling at the South Carolina State Department of Education webpage, or contact the SLO, for more information.

Private Schools

Private schools in the greater Charleston area are too numerous to list and the choice is a personal matter.  It is suggested that the private schools be contacted directly to determine tuition/enrollment requirements.

There may be additional fees for some programs. 

• Charleston’s Independent School Directory
• South Carolina Independent School Association – https://scisa.org/schools/member-listing-by-county.html
• South Carolina K12 Private Schools
• Diocese of Charleston

Adult Education

The Base Education Center can provide information on Adult Education programs. It offers a wide range of educational services and programs to help people fulfill their educational goals. The local school districts also have Adult Education Programs for adults living within their attendance zones. Department of Education Resources are available through Adult Education Services.