Palmetto Scholars Academy

This school is not what it says. It claims to be a gifted school tailored to the gifted learner, but has evolved into something else entirely. Most of the students aren't gifted, and most of the classes are your typical middle school classes. Nothing above and beyond like the school says. As a student who has been identified as gifted, it frustrates me how slow, repetitive, and poor maintained each class is. The work is not challenging to me and most of the school is made up of kids from homeschools and Montessori schools. If you are thinking about sending a gifted child here, try somewhere else, like an actual magnet school.

Most teachers in the school are okay, but there are some that like to cause drama and leave school for long periods of time. One incident involved an English teacher deciding to leave for two weeks just because they were upset by a conference with the Principal. Another teacher would just leave her class for weeks at a time, due to an extra-curricular activity that they supervised.

The school's organization is very messy. Often things like Progress Reports and Report Cards will not be given to some students, schedules will be messed up, and the Office will add a couple "unexcused absences" to your record. Though the Principal is very nice and tries to keep the school running smoothly, the Vice-Principal tries to take control over everything, even the duties of the Principal.

The atmosphere is good; there are few bullying problems, but it is not what you would expect of a gifted school. Most students have no zest for learning, and have no desire to do anything but stare at their phones.

My biggest disappointment with this school is the amount of parents trying to climb the school's ranks (by carving out a career for themselves in the school, when they haven't anything better to do) and the amount of favoritism given to children of these parents. Most of these parents start out as substitute teachers and then try to get into the front office, before trying to become an actual teacher.

And finally, the school cannot use its resources. Instead of teaching kids and inspiring them, and having kids excelling in academics, athletics, and the arts, they seem to think that having connections to colleges and organizations will get the school somewhere. The reason this school isn't well known, is that it doesn't have anything to be known for. The academics are sub-par, the athletics department is small and the main sports team (basketball), isn't even that good. As far as the arts go, the only major things are band and chorus, which again aren't ever heard of. If this school wants to prosper, then they should start with the students.

In today's society it is difficult to find a school that meets the needs of gifted students. A previous parent posted that this was a school for students needing "adderall." Well, that parent obviously does not understand gifted children (and that parent should not be within such a school community with gifted kids)! Gifted kids who are bored are often misdiagnosed as having ADHD--and that's exactly why they need a school like Palmetto Scholars! My child attends Palmetto Scholars Academy, and for the first time he is challenged academically! He comes home discussing the cool, hands-on, inquiry-based stuff he's worked on. He loves school, he loves his teachers, and he loves his peers. Palmetto Scholars Academy has a phenomenal faculty that is dedicated to its students. I am constantly amazed by the above and beyond efforts made by teachers who make unique activities and opportunities available to their students! Potential parents should look into all of the award winning academic activities they offer. Better yet, visit the school and see all the amazing things these teachers do with their students in their classrooms. My son has found his niche among a group of academically likeminded peers at PSA. We're so glad we found this gem of a school!

The house system is a waste of time and the design of the worthless Vice Principle. Hopefully the new principal will get the school to the level it should be. The previous temporary principal ran the school into the ground. Overall it is a very good school with high teacher turnover of inexperienced lazy teachers. They advertise to direct toward the gifted student although I have not seen that at all. They seem to only give consideration to kids taking adderall. The parent Facebook page is monitored so only positive comments can be posted. If you have a problem in school and want to know if other parents are experiencing the same problem, they delete your post. It is not a public site. The design was for parent interaction. Mr. Gott has his work cut out for himself. He needs to clean house for that to happen.

This is a school where teachers and students alike care about what they are doing. As an educator for over twenty years, I have never seen such an amazing group of teachers than I have seen at Palmetto Scholars Academy. They challenge all the students to be the best they can be, and the students accept those challenges. My son is entering his junior year of high school here, and has attended the school since his freshman year. We have seen the school grow and expand to one of the best schools in South Carolina. This is truly a one of a kind school, and I absolutely recommend your consideration for your child to attend PSA.

Advancing toward its 4th year (and my third year), Palmetto Scholars Academy has grown immensely to one of the best schools around. 100% of the faculty and staff are excellent, and the school will continue to grow and expand. Communication between the faculty and staff with the students and parents is incredible. If you're looking for a challenging and awesome school, this is the place to go.