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Magnet School0
Charleston County School District

Charleston School of the Arts

#2 in Best Public High Schools in Charleston Area
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • Public, Magnet
  • 6-12
  • North Charleston, SC
  • 223 reviews
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A
    2. Diversity
      B+
    3. Teachers
      B+
    4. College Prep
      A-
    5. Clubs & Activities
      B
    6. Health & Safety
      A+
    7. Administration
      C+
    8. Sports
      NG
    9. Food
      A-
    10. Resources & Facilities
      B+
    View Full Report Card
    Charleston School of the Arts is a highly rated, public, magnet school located in North Charleston, SC. It has 1,112 students in grades 6-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. According to state test scores, 82% of students are at least proficient in math and 85% in reading.
    Address
    5109-B West Enterprise Street
    North Charleston, SC 29405
    Telephone
    (843) 529-4990
    Website
    ccsdschools.com
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    Charleston School of the Arts Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    85%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    82%
    Average Graduation Rate
    95%
    Average SAT
    1200
    219 responses
    Average ACT
    27
    108 responses
    AP Enrollment
    39%
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    Living in the Area
    B
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      B-
    2. Good for Families
      B-
    3. Housing
      C+
    Area Feel
    Dense Suburban
    Median Household Income
    $39,944
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $952
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $155,900
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    A+
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    95%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.20 responses
    Poll
    90%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.20 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 73 responses
    Report
    • Jump Jive and Wail
      19%
    • Jazz band
      14%
    • Convocation
      14%
    • Grub on the Green
      12%
    • Theatre Performances
      11%
    • Concerts
      8%
    • Musicals
      8%

    Students

    Diversity
    B+
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    1,112
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    11%
    87%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.23 responses
    100%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.23 responses
    17%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.23 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    16:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $50,492
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    5.9%
    80%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.35 responses
    80%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.35 responses
    91%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.35 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    B
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Very Low
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Very Low
    Expenses Per Student
    $16,604/ year
    National
    $12,239
    65%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.34 responses
    44%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.34 responses
    68%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.34 responses
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    Charleston School of the Arts Reviews

    223 reviews
    All Categories
    My experience at SOA was amazing. I came into the school as a band major and throughout the four years I been there, I became more of a beast when it came to playing the bass trombone. Due to my band director motivating me back then, it made me push and practice even harder. Now I'm in college majoring in music. The support system at the school was and still is 100%! Not only support from the students, but from the teachers as well. The school shows a lot of creativity and freedom for students. SOA is different from other schools down in South Carolina, SOA is colorful and unique. That's why I'm grateful that I attended and graduated from there, because it shaped and molded me into the musician that I am today.
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    I survived! Every SOA student will complain about their terrible teachers and its true there are more than a handful. However, the Math department is getting better with the help of Ms. Mahoney (Calculus teacher), and the new Algebra teacher. The History department is VERY solid. ajority of the 2017 graduate class are declared science and arts majors in college. Our students are well rounded as the teachers actually try to form bonds with the students. The arts is such a huge part of the student lives and shapes them into beautiful people. Though the methods of this school may be arbitrary, less than 10 students from the 2017 decided not to attend college/take a gap year, a large handful committed to Clemson University, University of South Carolina, and College of Charleston. Others committed to colleges up north and a few pursued global.
    While the school charter describes the arts as an enrichment activity the band and vocal teachers act like the students are training to be professional musicians. This causes friction with the academics and leaves the students stuck in the middle. The administration's ineptitude with logistics is frequently apparent. I feel that the students could achieve a high level of artistic ability as a result of 1.5 hours of practice per day that they are scheduled. The instructors seem too stuck on their state and regional rankings to allow for the students to fully explore the creative potential that this school could have. On the other hand the school is highly ranked in the state, although that state is South Carolina. Also find outside help with college counseling unless your student is souly interested in state schools.