Cooper Private School and other schools in Charleston/MP (North Charleston: theatre, magnet school)

[itchintochange]

We are considering moving to MT. P this year. WE have one child who is in the No VA schools in the GT program and is frankly biting at the bit to do more. She is also really frustrated that there are not resources for drama, musical arts (other than rote band/choir) and studio art....so we are consideirng private schools here too. We have another child who is in the general education/regular program at the same school. There are only 3 options: Gifted, not gifted (which can translate as some teachers teaching to the lowest skills in the group and losing kids who have much more potential - a problem for us), and special needs. Thus we are considering private and parochial schools.

We think we would like to live in Mt. P and commute into Charleston for private schools. We really liked Porter Gaud. ARe there other schools you all would recommend where we could have both kids with their different styles? One is going into 8th and one is going into 5th....we would like to keep them together or at least in schools near each other since we are new to the area. One child is incredibly artistic as mentioned and we want a school with a phenomenal encouraging art program. The other one is very shy and reserved and is of the belief that because she is not gifted like her sibling and friends that she must have problems...that message is coming from peers - NOT from us. We want a school that will encourage both kids at or above their levels and meet their needs

WE have recently heard mixed reviews about Cooper school. Can anyone comment about it and the community there? I have heard that it is very liberal in terms of structure, expectations and administration so it feels disorganized and I have heard that they teach to the whole child and are incredibly nurturing and a fabulous education?

We would consider public schools but it seems that with the stats showing SC is one of the worst ranked public school systems in the country, and we are coming from one of the best, that we would find the same issues mentioned above if not more?!?! Has anyone moved from public to private or vice versa and feel it was a good move/wrong move?

Thank you.

[USCJoe]

If you would consider public schools, I think you would be happy with those in Mt. Pleasant. When I moved from Fairfax County Virginia to Mt. Pleasant in 1988, my two daughters were in elementary school. Both went through the public school system in Mt. Pleasant, did well and graduated from college without any problems and with high grade point ratios. My youngest daughter was in the gifted program, while my oldest was probably much like your shy and reserved child. The schools they attended were right for both of them. You may want to look at the Wando High School web site (http://www.wandohigh.com/index.php - broken link) regarding the programs they offer. I am not familiar with "The Cooper" school.

Originally Posted by itchintochange

We are considering moving to MT. P this year. WE have one child who is in the No VA schools in the GT program and is frankly biting at the bit to do more. She is also really frustrated that there are not resources for drama, musical arts (other than rote band/choir) and studio art....so we are consideirng private schools here too. We have another child who is in the general education/regular program at the same school. There are only 3 options: Gifted, not gifted (which can translate as some teachers teaching to the lowest skills in the group and losing kids who have much more potential - a problem for us), and special needs. Thus we are considering private and parochial schools.

We think we would like to live in Mt. P and commute into Charleston for private schools. We really liked Porter Gaud. ARe there other schools you all would recommend where we could have both kids with their different styles? One is going into 8th and one is going into 5th....we would like to keep them together or at least in schools near each other since we are new to the area. One child is incredibly artistic as mentioned and we want a school with a phenomenal encouraging art program. The other one is very shy and reserved and is of the belief that because she is not gifted like her sibling and friends that she must have problems...that message is coming from peers - NOT from us. We want a school that will encourage both kids at or above their levels and meet their needs

WE have recently heard mixed reviews about Cooper school. Can anyone comment about it and the community there? I have heard that it is very liberal in terms of structure, expectations and administration so it feels disorganized and I have heard that they teach to the whole child and are incredibly nurturing and a fabulous education?

We would consider public schools but it seems that with the stats showing SC is one of the worst ranked public school systems in the country, and we are coming from one of the best, that we would find the same issues mentioned above if not more?!?! Has anyone moved from public to private or vice versa and feel it was a good move/wrong move?

Thank you.

[Unknown2You]

I don't think there is any such thing as Cooper Private School, or Cooper School. Maybe we're wrong about that?

[calgirlinnc]

For your artistic/talented/gifted child, there is a magnet school (jr. high and high school) for the artistically talented called The School of the Arts; applications require an audition.

>>>The School of the Arts is a county-wide magnet school that blends intensive artistic instruction with a strong academic program for nearly 1,000 students in grades 6-12. Students receive daily instruction in their major art area and participate in a challenging academic curriculum that includes college preparatory, honors, and advanced placement courses. School of the Arts students have distinguished themselves creatively and academically since the school began in 1995. Applications are based upon auditions in art majors in creative writing, dance, instrumental band, string orchestra, vocal music, piano, theatre, and visual art. Students may apply in two areas but are only accepted in one. Auditions are extremely competitive. <<<

However, the school is in North Charleston.

There is also an academic magnet high school that is one of the best high schools in the country. Applicants have to have a minimum test score to be accepted.

I realize these are both public schools and not private, but they are geared towards gifted and/or gifted and talented children.

Also, it's really not my business, but my .02 is to find something for your younger child to excel at or they might always feel in the older child's shadow. Gifted children naturally absorb a lot of the spotlight and you have to counteract that somehow. It might be easier for you to have your children at the same school, but it might be better for the kids to be in separate schools.

Hope this helps.

[joyeaux]

"Cooper School" is mentioned as a contributor to the Festival of Lights...I believe I read it in the Post & courier. I never heard of it before your post & then the subsequent mention.

[greenvillebuckeye]

they're website looks a little ahead of its time. founded in 2007 and part of their curriculum discusses how they don't use number or letter grades. its grades k - 5.

[sdsemk]

My daughter goes to this school..It is the ONLY gifted and talented school in South Carolina.. if I had more time to type about it, I would, but here's a link!
Palmetto Scholars Academy | A South Carolina Public Charter School for Gifted & Talented Students