On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen welcomes Dr. Kelly Linkenhoker, principal of Oceanside Collegiate Academy in Mount Pleasant, joined by Superintendent Chris Neeley. Fresh off her move from Virginia, Linkenhoker shares her contagious enthusiasm for a school that is truly reimagining what high school can look like. At the heart of it is a flexible half-day, split-session model that frees students in the afternoons to chase what matters to them, whether that is an internship, a job, athletics, or specialized training, and still be home in time for family dinner. Even more striking is Oceanside's collegiate approach, where students can earn up to sixty college credits tuition-free while completing their high school diploma, giving them a powerful head start and sparing families a significant financial burden.
Linkenhoker explains how this small, family-centered, student-driven culture helps young people build the independence, time management, and confidence they will need long after graduation, all while being supported every step of the way. She and Chris explore the real-world pathways that set the school apart, from a nursing track to an aviation program where students can earn a pilot's license before they ever graduate, and celebrate Oceanside's recent "Excellent" rating on the state report card. The conversation also turns to the school's deep commitment to service and character, including a heartwarming moment this fall when Oceanside welcomed Superintendent Neeley's son as an honorary member of its football team, an experience of belonging that helped inspire the school's brand-new designation as a Unified Champion School. It is an energizing, heartfelt look at a school proving that putting kids first means seeing the whole child.
🔗 Learn more: https://www.oceansidecollegiateacademy.org/
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