SC Public Charter School District Kids First Podcast

When we think about the future of South Carolina, we must consider the children who are quietly sacrificing for it right now. On this episode of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, Keven Cohen and Brad Henry sit down with Superintendent Chris Neeley to reflect on the Month of the Military Child and the incredible resilience of families with deployed loved ones. It serves as a powerful reminder that education is not just about academics. It is about creating a safe, consistent community for students when their world feels uncertain. We discuss how charter schools across the state are stepping up to support these brave families and honor their service.How do we ensure every child has the opportunity to build a meaningful life in our rapidly growing state? Chris shares the inspiring success stories of schools like Liberty Steam and Heartwood, proving what happens when local communities are given the freedom to innovate. From preparing students for immediate careers through our new Workforce Centers of Excellence to expanding school choice right here in the Midlands, this conversation is all about building a legacy of excellence. Tune in to hear how we are expanding opportunities and putting kids first.🔗 Learn more: https://sccharter.org/

When we think about the legacy we are leaving for the next generation, it is not just about what they learn in a textbook. It is about how they learn to navigate the world. On this episode of the Kids First podcast, Keven Cohen and Brad Henry sit down with Robbie Compton, Head of School at Riverwalk Academy in Rock Hill, to explore a truly innovative approach to education. Robbie shares how their project-based learning model asks students to solve real-world problems rather than memorize standards. By intentionally teaching essential soft skills, such as communication, collaboration, and self-directed learning, Riverwalk Academy is preparing students to be resilient citizens who can effectively handle conflict and work together.You will hear firsthand how this dedication to student success is transforming lives and earning national recognition, including a prestigious Milken Educator Award for one of their own. Beyond the classroom, Riverwalk Academy students are graduating with associate degrees and career credentials in fields like welding and HVAC, giving them a massive head start in life. This conversation is a powerful reminder of what happens when we give children the tools to build their own futures. The live radio broadcast was incredible, and now you can stream the full podcast episode anytime to hear how Riverwalk Academy is redefining what is possible in public education.🔗 Learn more: https://www.riverwalkacademy.com/

Today on Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, tune in for a special conversation with Superintendent Chris Neeley and Elizabeth Simpson of Compass Collegiate Academy in North Charleston. We dive into the intentional, slow-growth model that has allowed Compass to thrive and outperform neighboring districts. Elizabeth shares how building trust within the community and focusing on both academic rigor and essential soft skills are preparing their scholars to be lifelong learners and future leaders.One of the most exciting highlights? Student entrepreneurship programs at Compass, where students are developing business ideas, building financial literacy, and presenting their work. We also discuss their hands-on learning experiences, like the Green Heart project and the exciting possibility of Compass Collegiate expanding to the Columbia area. Join us for a great conversation about innovation, growth, and what it truly means to put #KidsFirst.🔗 Learn more: https://cca-chs.org/

When you have stood shoulder to shoulder in Afghanistan, building schools in the middle of a war zone, you learn exactly what it means to serve a community. In this deeply personal episode of Kids First Radio, Superintendent Chris Neeley welcomes his longtime friend and fellow veteran, Colonel Beau Spafford, to the South Carolina Public Charter School District team to continue that same mission right here at home. Together, they reflect on the quiet sacrifices military families make every single day and how the district's Purple Star schools are stepping up to provide a safe, consistent haven for children whose parents are deployed. This is not just a conversation about education policy. It is a story about legacy, the true meaning of citizenship, and building Workforce Centers of Excellence that prepare our students for real life. Tune in to hear why giving every family the power of choice is the most profound way we can honor our communities and put kids first.

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen welcomes Jimmy Armstrong, Executive Director of Greer Middle College Charter High School, joined by Superintendent Chris Neeley. Jimmy shares how Greer Middle College's 535 students in grades 9 through 12 are thriving through a unique combination of project-based learning, dual enrollment courses at Greenville Tech's Benson campus, and hands-on workforce internships. Students explore real-world careers in veterinary clinics, dental offices, law firms, and more, while many graduate with associate's degrees and college credits that set them up for success, whether they choose a four-year university, technical training, or direct entry into the workforce.The conversation highlights an exciting milestone as Jimmy discusses the launch of Greer Preparatory Academy, a new feeder school for grades 3 through 8 that has already reached capacity with a waiting list before even opening its doors. With 150 middle school students currently at GMC and plans to expand to 750 students across both campuses, the schools are building a seamless culture from elementary through high school with vertical curriculum alignment, service learning opportunities, and teacher cadet programs that connect older students with younger learners. Jimmy's vision of hands-on, Montessori-inspired education that proves students don't need a four-year degree to be successful in life is transforming how families in the Greer area view education and career preparation.🔗 Learn more: https://greermiddlecollege.org/ and https://greerprepacademy.org/

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen sits down with Ricky Reyes, Principal of Palmetto Scholars Academy, alongside Superintendent Chris Neeley. Ricky shares the unique story of the school, which serves grades 6–12 on Joint Base Charleston and focuses on gifted and talented students and military families. The conversation highlights both the challenges and rewards of serving a highly mobile student population, the strong partnerships with base leadership, and how the school creates stability and connection for students who may move often. You’ll also hear about Palmetto Scholars’ signature LEAP Day program, where students dive into hands-on, nontraditional learning experiences and build school spirit across grade levels, plus what’s next for the school as leaders look ahead to expanding opportunities and real-world learning for students.🔗 Learn more: https://www.psaschool.org/

In this extended special edition of Kids First Radio, host Keven Cohen welcomes South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver for a full-hour conversation alongside Chris Neeley, Superintendent of the South Carolina Public Charter School District. Superintendent Weaver shares insights from completing her tour of all 46 counties and 82 school districts across the state, highlighting the importance of leadership mindset and high expectations in creating successful schools. The discussion covers significant education policy wins, including the bell-to-bell cell phone-free school day that has transformed classroom dynamics and student social interaction, and the remarkable 50% increase in starting teacher pay over recent years that has made South Carolina competitive with neighboring states.The conversation explores critical topics, including school choice, equitable education funding, and the challenges facing charter schools without facility funding. Weaver and Neeley discuss the importance of providing transportation access to ensure school choice is truly available to all families, particularly in rural communities. The episode also highlights South Carolina's SC250 initiative and the Palmetto Civics Project set of free resources designed to reinvigorate civics education statewide. Weaver shares exciting news about the "South Carolina surge" in education, including a six-point growth in literacy scores year over year, demonstrating that focused investment in early literacy and foundational skills is paying dividends for students across the state.Learn more: 🔗SC Public Charter School District at sccharter.org 🔗Palmetto Civics Project at palmettocivicsproject.com🔗SC Department of Education at ed.sc.gov

On this episode of Kids First, Keven Cohen welcomes Superintendent Chris Neeley of the South Carolina Public Charter School District to discuss the state of charter schools ahead of his testimony before the House Ways and Means K12 subcommittee. Chris shares the district's impressive achievements, including an 88% graduation rate and strong performance among students with disabilities and those in poverty, despite receiving approximately $8,000 less per pupil than traditional public schools. The conversation covers ongoing challenges such as transportation and facility funding, and the over 6,000 students currently on waiting lists across the state.The discussion highlights the district's commitment to accountability and transparency, with Chris explaining how charter schools demand more autonomy in exchange for higher standards and performance metrics. Since 2020, the district has closed five underperforming schools and has doubled in size to nearly 30,000 students across nearly 60 schools, positioning it to become South Carolina's fourth-largest district. Chris emphasizes the district's focus on workforce development, dual enrollment opportunities, and preparing students for careers in South Carolina's rapidly growing economy. The episode concludes with a preview of next week's guest, State Superintendent Ellen Weaver, who has been a strong advocate for charter school expansion, particularly in rural areas.🔗 Learn more: https://sccharter.org/

Keven Cohen sits down with Brad Henry from the South Carolina Public Charter School District to discuss National School Choice Week and what makes charter schools distinct. Brad shares how public charter schools across South Carolina give families more options, empower teachers with autonomy, and prepare students for college, careers, and the military through hands-on learning and strong community partnerships.