South Carolina Public Charter School District

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, founder and education leader Todd Helms shares his powerful leadership philosophy that has driven seven charter schools to excellence across South Carolina. Todd explains his approach: hire great people, give them support, then back away and let them do their job without micromanagement. Drawing from 30 years of military service, Todd emphasizes the importance of setting high standards and trusting that most people will rise to meet them. The result? All of his schools are academically excellent while maintaining 72 state championships across various sports in the last decade. But it's not just about athletics, Todd reveals that 50 to 60% of students are student athletes, while many others choose these schools simply for the small, safe family environment. Tune in to hear how putting kids first and empowering great educators creates transformational results for students and families: shows.acast.com/pcsd/episodes/…

What an incredible day celebrating the educators who go above and beyond for students every day! 🍎✏️ Our Teacher of the Year celebration brought together outstanding educators from across the district; teachers who are leading with passion, creating meaningful learning experiences, and making a lasting impact on the lives of their students. We’re proud to recognize Anna Hart from Greer Preparatory Academy as the 2027 PCSD Teacher of the Year! Her dedication to students, commitment to excellence, and ability to inspire those around her truly represent the heart of our district and what it means to put #KidsFirst. Congratulations to Anna and to every educator recognized throughout this special celebration. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and we are grateful for all you do each day! 📸 View photos from the celebration: facebook.com/media/set?vani… Learn more about this distinguished award: sccharter.org/district-news/… #CharterSchools #SCeducation #TeacherOfTheYear

Today at 5:30 pm on Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, we’re excited to welcome Josh Trahan from Fox Creek High School. Join us as we discuss why school choice matters and how schools like Fox Creek are helping students discover pathways that fit their individual goals and talents. Don’t miss this conversation about student success, innovation and putting #KidsFirst. Tune in or stream live: makethepointradio.com/radio-abacast/

The people who show up, lift others up, and keep everything moving forward matter more than words can say. 💐 On Mother’s Day, we recognize the mothers and mother figures who shape confidence, build resilience, and encourage a love of learning every single day. That impact shows up in classrooms, in communities, and in the lives of students across South Carolina. Thank you for all the ways you help put #KidsFirst! #CharterSchools #MothersDay

“At a time when student proficiency in U.S. history and civics remains a pressing concern, Professor Daniels’ work directly addresses these challenges.” – PCSD Superintendent Chris Neeley We’re proud to see Superintendent Neeley featured in this important conversation surrounding civics education, student engagement, and innovative learning opportunities across South Carolina. 🎓 Thank you to Anderson University for highlighting work that equips students with the knowledge, perspective, and character needed to become thoughtful citizens and future leaders. 💙❤️🇺🇸 Read more: andersonuniversity.edu/news/dr-daniel… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #SCeducation

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, we sit down with Dr. Oran Smith and Ryan Dellinger from the Palmetto Promise Institute to ask a hard question about fairness and opportunity. We customize everything in our modern world, from our phones to our daily routines, yet we often accept a rigid system for the most important thing of all: the education of our children. Dr. Smith shares a beautiful reflection on why a child's future should never be determined by the price tag of their neighborhood or the zip code they happen to live in. Every parent knows that even children growing up under the exact same roof have completely different needs and gifts. This conversation explores the deep, principled belief that education dollars should follow the student, ensuring every family has the freedom to choose the environment where their child will truly thrive. Discover the full conversation and explore the future of school choice here: shows.acast.com/pcsd/episodes/…

Big congratulations to Anna Hart of Greer Preparatory Academy, the South Carolina Public Charter School District’s 2027 Teacher of the Year! 🍎✨ Anna’s dedication to her students, passion for education, and commitment to making a difference each day are what charter education is all about. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, helping students grow with confidence, curiosity, and support. We are proud to celebrate this incredible achievement and thankful for the difference she is making in the lives of students and families across our district. 💙 Join us in congratulating Anna Hart on this well-deserved honor! #KidsFirst #CharterSchools

What makes a school the right fit for a student? During National Charter Schools Week, we recognize the schools across South Carolina creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed in ways that work for them. From innovative programs to strong school communities, charter schools are helping students find their path and reach their potential. It’s all part of the work to keep #KidsFirst at the center! #CharterSchools #SchoolChoice

Today at 5:30 pm on Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, we are excited to welcome Todd Helms. A veteran, educator, and leader in South Carolina’s public charter school movement, Todd has helped launch and lead several high-performing schools across the state. His work reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunity, building strong school culture and putting students first. Tune in or stream live: makethepointradio.com/radio-abacast/ #KidsFirst

The impact of a great teacher lasts far beyond the classroom! During Teacher Appreciation Week, we recognize the educators who challenge, support, and inspire students every day. From building strong relationships to creating meaningful learning experiences, their work shapes what’s possible for every student they serve. Thank you for the role you play in putting #KidsFirst! Send this to an educator who makes a difference! #CharterSchools #TeacherAppreciationWe

Classrooms are stronger when every story is part of the conversation. 🌏 During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we recognize the cultures, histories, and contributions that enrich our schools and communities. When students see themselves reflected and learn from others, it creates meaningful connections that last far beyond the classroom. That’s the impact of putting #KidsFirst! #APAHM #StudentSuccess

Some of the most important conversations about education aren’t happening in headlines. They’re happening here. The #KidsFirst Podcast gives you a closer look at the ideas, challenges, and decisions shaping schools across South Carolina and what that means for all of us. Listen in: 🎙️ Acast: shows.acast.com/pcsd 🎙️ Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6ADMv3eFE… 🎙️ Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sc-…

We’re proud to celebrate Pee Dee Math, Science and Technology Academy as the first officially certified school within the Workforce Center of Excellence (WCOE)! This milestone highlights a strong commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers and connecting education to real opportunities right here in South Carolina. From classroom learning to career pathways, this is what it looks like to build a future-ready workforce. 💼🎓 Want to learn more about WCOE and how it’s supporting our schools and workforce across the state? Visit sccharter.org/wcoe Read the full announcement here: sccharter.org/district-news/… #KidsFirst #CharterSchools

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, we sit down to ask a deeply honest question about the legacy we are leaving our children. Are we truly preparing them for the real world? We realized that not every student wants to go to a four-year college. Some are ready to build a business, learn a trade, or serve our country right now. When we searched the entire nation for a high school program that offered education, credentials, and apprenticeships all under one roof, we found absolutely nothing. So we decided to build it ourselves. Today, we are celebrating a historic moment as Pee Dee Math, Science, and Technology Academy becomes the very first Workforce Center of Excellence in the nation. This conversation explores how we are connecting the classroom directly to real-world opportunities and building a community where every child can find their unique path to success. shows.acast.com/pcsd/episodes/…

These students are already making moves! At our recent board meeting, we recognized four outstanding seniors from Greer Middle College Charter High School, Anna Pascazio, Sydney Long, Jacey Staggs, and Lauren Deaton, for the work they’re doing through their capstone internships. These students are already gaining real-world experience, showing initiative, and stepping confidently into what comes next. It’s exciting to see their hard work and drive recognized at this stage in their journey. A great example of students rising to the moment with #KidsFirst leading the way

📰 Want the inside scoop on what’s happening in our schools, at the district, and in the legislature? Sign up for our #KidsFirst newsletter and get updates, resources, and important news straight to your inbox! ✨ mailchi.mp/sccharter.org/…

Today on Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Superintendent Chris Neeley is joined by our friends Dr. Oran Smith and Ryan Dellinger from Palmetto Promise Institute for a timely conversation on the future of education in South Carolina. At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: families shouldn’t be limited by their zip code, and education funding should follow the child so every student has access to the opportunities that best meet their needs. Tune in or stream live today at 5:30: makethepointradio.com/radio-abacast/ #KidsFirst

What happens when students take the lead and the community leans in? 🚁 At Greenville Technical Charter High School’s Drone Pilot Event, students led hands-on drone training for members of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office as part of their CAPSTONE experience. An impressive display of skill, confidence, and leadership from students who continue to raise the bar and show what’s possible when learning is put into action and #KidsFirst leads the way.

Military-connected students move an average of six to nine times between kindergarten and 12th grade, often starting over in a new school every few years. As April comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the strength and resilience these students show every single day. From the MOMC Proclamation at the State House to the celebrations across our schools and district, this month has been a powerful reminder of the sacrifices military children make, and the courage they carry with them through every transition. At PCSD, we are proud to support these students and their families, not just in April, but all year long, because when they are supported, they thrive. Thank you to everyone who helped recognize and uplift our military-connected students this month. Let’s continue to carry that commitment forward. 💜 #SCPurpleUP #KidsFirst #CharterSchools #MonthOfTheMilitaryChild #SCeducation

🎙️On this episode of #KidsFirst, special guest Sara Jane Arnett from the Military Child Education Coalition joins Superintendent Chris Neeley to celebrate the Month of the Military Child. Military families make up less than one percent of the country, making it incredibly important to keep that community connected during times of deployment and uncertainty. Sara Jane breaks down exactly what it means to be a Purple Star School, from having dedicated military liaisons and student peer groups to specialized teacher training that ensures these brave children are truly supported. Tune in to the full episode here: shows.acast.com/pcsd/episodes/…