Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute) schools across the Lowcountry are welcoming students back for the 2025-2026 school year. This year, these schools will serve more than 3,000 students in the region, offering new opportunities for learning and growth.
Institute Schools in the Lowcountry include:
- Berkeley Preparatory Academy (5K-8, Berkeley County)
- Libertas Academy – Colleton (4K-8, Walterboro County)
- Lowcountry Leadership Charter School (5K-12, Charleston County)
- Mevers School of Excellence (5K-8, Berkeley County)
- Royal Live Oaks Academy (5K-12, Jasper County)
“The first day of school is always special,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Missy Brakefield. “As the Lowcountry continues to experience rapid population growth, more families are seeking out high-quality public education options through Institute schools. Our teachers and leaders are ready to welcome students with open arms, and we look forward to the growth, learning, and success that will come from this region and across the entire state.”
An Institute school made history this year as the first tuition-free public charter school in Colleton County. Libertas Academy – Colleton serves grades 4K-4 and will add a grade level each year until it reaches 4K-8. It is part of the Tutelage School Solutions network, which also includes Cherokee Charter Academy, Cogito Academy, Greenwood Charter Academy, and Libertas Academy – Boiling Springs.
Statewide, the Institute now authorizes 28 schools serving approximately 30,000 students. This includes six statewide virtual schools – Cyber Academy of South Carolina, Heron Virtual Academy of South Carolina, Lowcountry Connections Academy, Odyssey Online Learning, South Carolina Connections Academy, South Carolina Virtual Charter School – which collectively enroll students from every zip code 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 30,000 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.
