Belton Preparatory Academy (BPA), a tuition-free public charter school serving grades K-8, has earned an overall rating of Excellent for both its elementary and middle school programs on the 2026 South Carolina School Report Card, released by the South Carolina Department of Education.
BPA is one of only three Charter Institute at Erskine schools that serves multiple grade bands to earn an Excellent rating across every grade level served.
The elementary program rose from Good to Excellent this year, and the middle school program was rated Excellent overall and earned Excellent ratings for both school climate and student growth, one of seven Charter Institute middle schools to do so.
“Our students, families and staff earned this rating together,” said Deirdre McCullough, Principal at Belton Preparatory Academy. “I’m grateful to our teachers, who bring the classical curriculum to life each day, and to our students and the Belton community, whose commitment to a caring, high-expectations culture made this possible.”
“Belton Preparatory Academy is a powerful example of what human flourishing looks like in a school,” said Cameron Runyan, CEO and Superintendent of the Charter Institute at Erskine. “Excellent ratings at every grade level, with top marks for school climate and student growth, show that every child at BPA is seen, valued and empowered to reach their full potential. Deirdre and her team have built a culture where children flourish and will carry what they have learned into their families and communities for decades to come.”
BPA consistently ranks in the top tier of South Carolina elementary schools for reading and math proficiency on the South Carolina Department of Education’s Annual School and District Report Card. The Charter Institute at Erskine recognized Belton Preparatory Academy as a Diamond School of Excellence for three consecutive years, followed by Platinum School of Excellence honors for both its elementary and middle school programs in 2024–2025.
Seats at BPA are still available in most grade levels 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.beltonprep.us/enrollment.
