Langston is one of four SC schools to earn the award
GREENVILLE, SC– The U.S. Department of Education has named Langston Charter Middle School (Langston) a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. Langston was named an Exemplary High Performing School, meaning that it has South Carolina’s achieving students (the top 15%) in English and mathematics, measured by state assessments.
“A lot of our success here at Langston is a testament to our school’s dedication, drive, and willingness to avoid the status quo,” said Principal David Wooten. “We have a method that works, and I look forward to having the opportunity to share our strategies and contribute to the betterment of education in our state and in our country.”
Langston is the only charter school out of the four South Carolina Schools that have been named. The program, since its formation in 1982, has recognized more than 9,000 Great American Schools. Brashier Middle College Charter High School, another Institute school, earned the award in 2022.
“We are honored and thrilled to hear that Langston will be joining Brashier Middle College as the second Institute school that has been named a National Blue Ribbon School,” said Superintendent Cameron Runyan. “Congratulations to the students, teachers, staff, and leadership at Langston who we know have worked so hard to earn this prestigious recognition. Langston has demonstrated what it means to truly be committed to innovation and excellence.”
Langston was founded in 2005 and joined the Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute) for the 2024-2025 school year. Langston prepares 6th-8th grade students for success in high school and beyond by using a single-gender education model where teachers are trained to use targeted strategies that take into consideration the strengths of boy and girl brains. They also have eight core values – Core Academics, Single Gender Classes, Small Classes, Leadership Training & Community Service, Parent Involvement, Uniforms, Ethical Conduct, and Patriotism. Principal Mr. David Wooten is a member of the Institute’s Leadership Cohort, which is an innovative program designed to develop and support the leaders across the Institute’s profile, through mentoring, national and international travel, and more.
“After having many opportunities to work directly with Mr. Wooten and his team since they joined the Institute, I can confidently say that this honor is well-deserved,” said Institute Superintendent of Schools Mike Sinclair. “The leadership at Langston is motivated by the mission to transform education in our state and they have consistently demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to student success. I look forward to seeing their continued positive impact on education in South Carolina.”
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The Charter Institute at Erskine is the fastest-growing school district in South Carolina. Serving 28 schools and 26,000 students across the state, the Charter Institute at Erskine is committed to innovative, creative, high-quality methods of education. For more information about the Institute, please visit www.erskinecharters.org.
