Our schools are keeping Charleston kids from reaching their potential. Together, we will change that reality.

Challenges of Charleston County Schools

The School District’s lack of urgency and relentless focus on driving results for kids is the reason why the Charleston Coalition for Kids was founded. We’re an organization supported by parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders who have joined together to demand positive improvement and success for all schools and students. We’re focused on rallying the community around the need for School Board Members that are urgently focused on ensuring excellent public schools for every family, regardless of their zip code. 

Educational Challenges of Charleston County School District

ACADEMIC OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS AT CCSD ARE UNACCEPTABLE.  

• The majority of CCSD students countywide are not reading on grade level.  
• 46% of all students fell short of meeting expectations in Reading on SC Ready last year.  

THE GAP IS MUCH WIDER FOR STUDENTS OF COLOR AND THOSE LIVING IN POVERTY.  

• Over 80% of black students, 78% of multilanguage learners, and 75% of students living in poverty district-wide are behind in reading.  
• On SC Ready, 73% of black students, 69% of students in poverty, and 72% multilanguage learners fell short of meeting expectations in reading in 2021-2022.  

TOO MANY STUDENTS ARE NOT ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS.  

• Because less than 30% of CCSD students countywide are enrolled in Algebra 1 by 8th grade, over 60% of students are behind and require remedial math when they make it to high school.  
• On SC Ready, 73% of black students, 65% of students in poverty, and 66% of multilanguage learners fell short of meeting expectations in Math this past year. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO REACH ADVANCED COURSES NEEDED FOR COLLEGE OR HIGH-PAYING CAREERS ARE TOO LIMITED.  

• 42% of all students fell short of meeting expectations in math on SC Math last year. 
• Across CCSD, only 11% of Black Students, 13.8% multilingual learners, and 13.8% of students living in poverty are on track in math by 8th grade.