SUMMERVILLE, SC – On Wednesday, November 12, two teachers at Berkeley Preparatory Academy received Math Performance Bonuses from their authorizer, the Charter Institute at Erskine, for achieving significant student academic growth on SC READY math scores.
The following teachers were recognized for their excellence in math classroom instruction:
- Ms. Lillian Fredrick (7th grade teacher) – $5,000
- Ms. Susan Blond (8th grade teacher) – $1,000
Their hard work, passion for teaching math, and commitment to their students were celebrated in front of the school’s administration, faculty, and student body in a surprise presentation of the award.
Ms. Fredrick was the only teacher from the Institute to earn the $5,000 award, meaning that the math growth that her students demonstrated was the highest in all Institute schools. She and Ms. Blond were presented with checks during a school assembly.
“It reminds me why I got into teaching — the passion, the relationships, and never losing sight of why this work matters,” said Ms. Fredrick.
The Math Performance Bonus initiative recognizes Institute charter school teachers from across the state who met or exceeded added value growth targets of 3.5 or higher in math on SC READY during the 2024-2025 school year. Berkeley Preparatory Academy is one of eight Institute charter schools across the state to receive math performance bonus checks for their teachers.
Berkeley Principal Ms. Alexandria Spry, believes that this level of success in math is no accident.
“Perseverance matters in the math classroom,” said Ms. Spry. “When you show up and give 100%, you’re rewarded not just with recognition, but with the confidence that you’ve truly arrived.”
Facilitating success in math instruction is one of the three pillars of the Institute’s $1.75 million Success Agenda. The Math pillar of the agenda includes the performance bonuses as well as global research on math instruction with the goal of raising statewide math assessment scores.
“It is an honor to recognize Ms. Fredrick and Ms. Blond for their outstanding work in math,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Missy Brakefield. “We are so grateful for our teachers who continuously raise the bar so our students can learn and grow in the area of mathematics.”
Berkeley Preparatory Academy is ranked eighth in the top ten high performing middle schools in South Carolina. Additionally, it is within the top 2% of all middle schools in South Carolina.
Berkeley Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades K-8. BPA’s mission is to provide a student-centered, high-quality education that sparks curiosity, develops critical thinking, and encourages personal responsibility. The school combines a rigorous academic program with a strong focus on character development, social-emotional learning, and active community engagement. With a small, family-like atmosphere and adaptive learning spaces, students benefit from an environment tailored to their individual needs.
Berkeley Preparatory Academy operates under the guidance and governance of the Berkeley Charter Education Association and is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine.
Berkeley Preparatory Academy (BPA) is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year. To learn more, visit www.berkeleypreparatory.org.
