Royal Live Oaks Academy Achieves ‘School to Watch’ Status

News Summary

Royal Live Oaks Academy of Arts and Sciences Charter School in Beaufort has been named South Carolina’s first ‘School to Watch,’ highlighting its commitment to quality education. This prestigious recognition from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform reflects RLOA’s dedication to fostering a positive learning environment for its 675 students. It sets a standard for continuous improvement as the school celebrates this honor alongside several others statewide. RLOA will be showcased at upcoming educational conferences, emphasizing its role in promoting exemplary middle school education.

Beaufort Shines Bright: Royal Live Oaks Academy Achieves Prestigious Recognition

Exciting news has come out of Beaufort as the Royal Live Oaks Academy of Arts and Sciences Charter School (RLOA) proudly claims its spot as South Carolina’s very first charter school to be named a School to Watch! This delightful achievement comes courtesy of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, a recognition that speaks volumes about the quality of education being offered to students.

Recognition for Excellence

RLOA isn’t alone in this fantastic accolade. Summit Parkway Middle School, located in Richland School District Two, also received the same honor. This recognition highlights the commitment and hard work put into fostering a productive learning environment, particularly in middle grades education. RLOA, serving approximately 675 students from Beaufort and Jasper Counties, is making headlines, and rightfully so!

A Moment of Pride

At the heart of this achievement is the remarkable dedication shown by RLOA’s middle school team. The co-founder and executive director of RLOA has expressed immense pride in the school’s culture, noting that staff and students alike are focused on promoting a positive and inclusive atmosphere. It’s all about teaching essential character traits that contribute not just to academic success but also to personal growth and school pride.

What Does It Take to Become a School to Watch?

So how does a school earn such a notable title? It’s no small feat! The designation requires schools to meet a rigorous set of 37 criteria designed for high-performing middle schools. The achievement isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan; it represents a strong emphasis on academics, a recognition of young adolescents’ unique needs, and a commitment to ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all students.

Three Years of Honor

Once a school is named a School to Watch, that honor lasts for three years! During that time, schools must show continuous improvement and outstanding results. At the end of the three-year period, they have to reapply for the designation, ensuring that they remain committed to excellence. This makes each recognition an ongoing journey rather than a destination.

Celebrating Fellow Schools

RLOA isn’t the only school being celebrated in this round. Other recently re-designated Schools to Watch from South Carolina include:

• Lugoff Elgin Middle School from Kershaw County (sixth-time re-designation)
• Dutchman Creek Middle School from Rock Hill Schools (fourth-time re-designation)
• Springfield Middle School from Fort Mill Schools (third-time re-designation)
• Camden Middle School from Kershaw County (second-time re-designation)
• Leslie Stover Middle School from Kershaw County (first-time re-designation)
• Dr. Phinizze J. Fisher Middle School from Greenville County (first-time re-designation)
• Northwood Middle School from Greenville County (first-time re-designation)

In total, South Carolina now boasts 36 Schools to Watch, while nearly 575 schools nationwide hold this designation. These schools serve as shining examples, promoting effective educational practices that inspire hope and drive improvement in the education sector.

Mark Your Calendars!

School leaders, students, and community members will get their moment in the spotlight! RLOA, along with other recognized schools, will be showcased at the annual South Carolina Association for Middle Level Conference happening from February 28 to March 2. Later, all eyes will turn to the National Schools to Watch Conference in Washington, DC. It’s a chance to celebrate dedication, hard work, and most importantly, the incredible advancements made in middle school education.

With this recognition, RLOA not only enhances its own prestige but also serves as a model for educational excellence across the state and the nation. Here’s to more bright futures, innovative practices, and a commitment to nurturing young minds!

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Additional Resources

• Bluffton Today: Hardeeville Charter School Named School to Watch
• Wikipedia: School to Watch
• MaxPreps: Basketball Recap – Royal Live Oaks Academy
• Google Search: Royal Live Oaks Academy
• WLTX: High School Hoops
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
• MaxPreps: Basketball Recap – Bamberg Ehrhardt
• Google News: South Carolina Education