East Point Academy of South Carolina

East Point Academy is a tuition-free public charter school in South Carolina, part of the South Carolina Public Charter School District. It was established in 2011 and is known for its rigorous academics, language immersion, and arts integration programs.

Mission and Values

• Merging Cultures: The school emphasizes a globally-focused education, promoting diversity and cultural understanding.
• Inspiring Minds: It aims to inspire students through innovative educational methods, including language immersion.
• Expanding Horizons: The school encourages students to explore and learn beyond traditional educational boundaries.
• PANDA Values: These core values include emphasizing service to others, honesty, anti-bullying policies, striving for excellence in academics, and respect for oneself, others, and the school community.

Programs

• Language Immersion: East Point Academy offers a Mandarin Chinese immersion program. In the elementary campus, students learn in a 50/50 immersion model, where half of their day is conducted in English and the other half in Mandarin.
• Middle Campus: Middle school students build upon their Mandarin language foundation with a language-rich model.
• 4K Program: The school provides a pre-kindergarten program for four-year-olds.
• After School Program: Additional educational and enrichment activities are available outside regular school hours.

Demographics

• East Point Academy serves students from preschool through 8th grade.
• It has a diverse student body with a mix of racial and socio-economic backgrounds.
• As of recent data, the student body is composed of approximately 44% White, 27.6% African American, 12.1% Multiracial, 9.4% Hispanic, 6.2% Asian, and 0.4% Native American students.

Educational Approach

The school focuses on a rigorous academic curriculum combined with arts integration. This approach aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for future academic and professional challenges.

Reception

Reviews of East Point Academy are mixed. Some praise the school's positive environment and supportive teachers, while others express concerns about its handling of special needs and adherence to certain educational standards.

Fundraising Events

East Point Academy hosts significant fundraising events, such as the Chinese New Year Gala, which supports its educational endeavors throughout the year. These events often include cultural activities, silent auctions, and performances.