Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts and Sciences Charter School (RLOACS), a tuition-free K–12 public charter school in Jasper County, has earned an overall rating of Excellent for its elementary, middle and high school programs on the 2026 South Carolina School Report Card, released by the South Carolina Department of Education.
RLOACS is the only Charter Institute at Erskine school rated Excellent at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and one of just three Institute schools that serves multiple grande bands to earn an Excellent rating across every grade level served.
RLOACS’ middle school jumped two levels from Average to Excellent, while elementary and high school both rose from Good to Excellent. All three levels earned Excellent ratings for school climate, and both elementary and middle earned Excellent for student growth, making it the only Charter Institute elementary school to do so.
“This Excellent rating reflects our commitment to providing a personalized, global education that empowers every child to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Karen Wicks, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of RLOACS. “This achievement is a direct result of our staff’s hard work and strong school culture, proving that our values-driven model closes gaps, drives academic growth, and strengthens our entire community.”
“Royal Live Oaks Academy shows what is possible when a school culture is built around the whole child,” said Cameron Runyan, CEO and Superintendent of the Charter Institute at Erskine. “Excellent ratings at all three levels, with every grade band earning top marks for school climate, are proof that personalized, student-centered, and value-rich learning can happen anywhere. Dr. Wicks and her team have created a place where children are known, challenged and empowered to flourish, and that is changing the trajectory of families across the Lowcountry.”
These outstanding report card ratings build on a strong history of recognition, including the middle school being named a National School to Watch in 2025 and the elementary program receiving the Math Trailblazer Award at the Institute’s 2025 Academic Showcase. Together, these state and national accolades affirm RLOACS as a proven model of educational excellence for Jasper County families.
Seats at RLOACS are still available for the 2026-2027 school year. Open enrollment begins on November 1 for the 2027-2028 school year. For more information and how to apply, visit www.rloacs.org.
