CAMDEN, SC – State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver and Sen. Mike Reichenbach recently visited Bridlewood Academy in Camden to see firsthand how the young public charter school is delivering results for its students. The visit brought together state leaders from education and the legislature to celebrate a school whose first elementary cohorts have posted some of the strongest numbers in the charter school sector.
During their time on campus, the guests read to children in their classrooms and connected with Bridlewood’s board members, principal, teachers, parents, and students. They learned about the practices and culture behind the school’s early success and saw how a charter school still in its infancy is putting its mission into action every day.
Bridlewood earned an Excellent rating in its first year of testing, with inaugural elementary cohorts outperforming the surrounding local school district in every subject tested. In mathematics, the school ranked in the top 25 percent statewide and exceeded the district’s “Meets and Exceeds Expectations” rate by 12.1 percentage points. In science, students outpaced the district by 25.6 points, and in English language arts the margin reached 33 points. The school’s state report card reflects the same strength. Bridlewood earned an overall rating of Excellent and ranks as the highest rated elementary school in the Institute’s portfolio. It also received Excellent ratings in academic achievement, student progress and school climate, which together show that students are performing well, growing from year to year and learning in a supportive environment.
“Bridlewood is open to every student, and we believe every family deserves a school where their child is known by name and challenged to grow,” said Bridlewood Academy Principal Michael Manning. “We are grateful to our state leaders for taking the time to see public charter education in action, and we are proud of our students for showing them what is possible.”
Bridlewood Academy is a tuition-free public charter school open to every student, with no entrance exams or special requirements to enroll. The charter model gives the school the freedom to shape its curriculum, pace and priorities around the children in its classrooms, adjust quickly when something is not working, and give teachers room to try new ideas. That freedom comes with accountability, as the school is held to clear academic and financial standards by its authorizer, the Institute.
The Bridlewood difference is found in both the little things and the big things, including teachers who know every child by name, classrooms filled with curiosity and joy, and families who feel welcomed and valued. The school is committed to preparing students not only for the next grade level but for a lifetime of learning, character, and service in the community.
The visit showed state leaders how students can thrive academically and feel supported in a public charter school. Their time in classrooms reinforced that expanding options for families can strengthen education across South Carolina. Bridlewood’s momentum will continue next school year, when the school moves into its new permanent facility and gains a lasting home for its growing community.
Bridlewood Academy is open to all students, and families do not pay tuition. Enrollment for the 2027-28 school year will serve students in grades K-7 at its Camden campus, and families from any community are encouraged to apply. To learn more or to apply, families may visit www.bridlewoodacademy.net/enrollment.
