SC Public Charter School District Kids First Podcast

In this episode of Kids First, host Keven Cohen sits down alongside John S. Payne from the South Carolina Public Charter School District with Natonia Tillman, Principal of Bettis Preparatory Leadership Academy, for an engaging discussion about this unique rural charter school in Trenton, South Carolina. Mrs. Tillman shares how Bettis Prep, a STEM leadership charter school serving 120-150 students...

In this episode of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, host Keven Cohen and South Carolina Public Charter School District Superintendent Chris Neeley sit down with Dr. Jerome Reyes, president of Butler Academy in Hartsville. Dr. Reyes shares the inspiring story of how Butler Academy opened its doors in 2020 during the pandemic, driven by a mission to deliver whole-child development, academic exce...

On this episode of Kids First Radio , Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley wrap up the school year for the South Carolina Public Charter School District by celebrating its success, strong enrollment growth, and diverse student body. They highlight how the district emphasizes school and classroom autonomy while delivering impressive results, often with less funding than traditional public sc...

On this episode of Kids First Radio, host Kevin Cohen is joined by Deborah Cooper-Davis, Chairperson of Felton Laboratory Charter School, to explore the powerful partnership between Felton Lab and South Carolina State University. Situated on a university campus, Felton leverages its unique location to provide students with STEAM education, mentorship from college students, and early exposure to hi...

On this episode of Kids First Radio , host Keven Cohen is joined by guests Brad Henry, Dr. Perry Mills, and David Wyatt to spotlight the upcoming Bridge Builder Excellence Awards, hosted by the South Carolina Public Charter School District in partnership with the South Carolina Football Hall of Fame. The awards, taking place on May 9th, honor 58 high school football players from across South Carol...

In this uplifting episode, we sit down with a group of bright, thoughtful middle school students from Compass Collegiate Academy in North Charleston, South Carolina. These young leaders open up about their dreams, role models, and what leadership means to them at this stage in their lives. With wisdom beyond their years and a strong sense of purpose, they reflect on how their school community supp...

In this episode of Kids First , host Keven Cohen, along with Superintendent Chris Neeley and special guests Dr. Perry Mills and Brad Henry, welcome Kelly Buster, Principal of High Point Academy in Spartanburg. Kelly shares exciting details about the school's unique approach, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education. High Point Academy integrates hands-on learn...

In this special Month of the Military Child edition of Kids First Radio on 100.7 The Point, host Keven Cohen and South Carolina Public Charter School District Superintendent Chris Neeley welcome Dr. Sara Jane Arnett of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). With April officially recognized by Governor Henry McMaster as the Month of the Military Child, the episode spotlights the unique chal...

In this episode of Kids First Radio, Keven Cohen and Dr. Perry Mills welcome Lori Mastromonico, principal of Tall Pines STEM Academy in Aiken County. Lori shares how the school's unique outdoor-focused approach, set on nearly 400 acres of shared land with Camp Long, creates an engaging and movement-rich learning environment for students in grades 5–8. Listeners look into the academy's founding in...

On this episode of Kids First Radio , host Keven Cohen is joined by Bryan Lively, Principal of Summit Academy, and Cassie Hyder, Director of Special Projects, for an inspiring conversation about a fresh approach to middle school education in South Carolina. Summit Academy is a unique hybrid school model that blends daily live virtual instruction with dynamic monthly in-person experiences. Now in i...

On this episode of Kids First Radio, host Keven Cohen and Superintendent Chris Neeley welcome Nanette Davis, founding principal of Greer Preparatory Academy. Greer Prep recently broke ground and will open in August 2025, serving as a direct feeder to Greer Middle College Charter High School. The academy will emphasize project-based learning, core knowledge curriculum, and STEM programs like roboti...

In this episode of Kids First , host Keven Cohen and Dr. Perry Mills are joined by Meta Hendricks, the Executive Director of the Meyer Center for Special Children in Greenville, South Carolina. Meta shares insights into the school's 71-year history, its mission to support children with disabilities, and its unique approach to education and therapy. Founded in 1954, the Meyer Center is dedicated to...

On this episode of Kids First Radio with Keven Cohen and Dr. Perry Mills, Dr. E. Keith Bailey of Pee Dee Math, Science & Technology Academy (PDMSTA) joined the show to discuss the school's impact on students and families in Lee County. Dr. Bailey highlighted how PDMSTA, a tuition-free public charter school, provides a much-needed educational alternative in the region formerly known as the "Cor...

In this episode of Kids First , host Keven Cohen sits down with Chris Neeley, Superintendent of the South Carolina Public Charter School District, for an in-depth discussion on the state of charter schools across South Carolina. They cover the district's rapid growth, the increasing demand for school choice, and how charter schools are providing innovative educational opportunities to over 21,000...

In this episode of Kids First , host Keven Cohen and Dr. Perry Mills welcome Allie Purvis, Environmental Education Instructor at Cape Romain Environmental Education Charter School (CREECS). Allie shares how this unique charter school immerses students in hands-on learning experiences, connecting them with the natural world through outdoor exploration, environmental science, and real-world conserva...

In this episode of Kids First , host Keven Cohen and Dr. Perry Mills welcome Jennifer Brown, Principal of Heartwood Community School in Ridgeland. Jennifer shares Heartwood’s mission of fostering resilient problem solvers, compassionate community builders, and globally minded citizens. In its second year, Heartwood serves kindergarten through second grade and expands by one grade level each year u...

In this episode of Kids First , host Keven Cohen and Deputy Superintendent John R. Payne welcome Elizabeth Simpson, Executive Director of Compass Collegiate Academy (CCA) in North Charleston. Elizabeth shares the school's mission of providing a strong academic foundation while fostering lifelong learners. In its fourth year, CCA serves kindergarten through fourth grade, growing by one grade level...

In this episode of Kids First, we take a deep dive into High Point Academy’s unique approach to education with Principal Tammy Goodlett. Located in Spartanburg, High Point Academy serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, offering a dynamic mix of academic excellence, fine arts, athletics, and career-focused programs. Tammy shares how the school’s commitment to preparing students “from...

In this episode of Kids First , we sit down with Dwight Ho-Sang from Legacy Early College to discuss the school’s holistic approach to student success. Legacy prioritizes health and wellness by incorporating daily physical education, nutritious meals, and a strong academic foundation that includes dual enrollment opportunities. By fostering healthy habits alongside rigorous academics, the school e...

In this episode of Kids First , John S. Payne, Chief of External Board Relations, and Dr. Perry Mills, Chief Opportunity Zone Officer, discuss the essential role of governance in charter schools. They break down what it takes to start and sustain a successful charter school, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership, accountability, and community engagement. With a focus on putting students...

In this episode of Kids First , Ricky Reyes, Assistant Principal at Palmetto Scholars Academy, highlights the school's dedication to gifted education and its strong support for military families. Located in North Charleston, Palmetto Scholars Academy provides a challenging academic environment, fostering leadership and community engagement while accommodating the unique needs of military-connected...

This episode of Kids First features Dr. Jacinta Bryant, a visionary leader at the Acceleration Academies, as she shares how her team is redefining education. Through flexible, personalized learning pathways, they create opportunities for students who thrive outside of traditional classroom settings. Dr. Bryant discusses the importance of meeting students where they are and providing the tools, gui...

In this episode of Kids First , Dr. Deirdra Brasch, leader of Myrtle Beach's Carolina Shores Acceleration Academy, discusses how their innovative and flexible education model is transforming the lives of students in South Carolina's bustling coastal region. Dr. Brasch shares inspiring stories of first-generation graduates, young entrepreneurs, and students overcoming life challenges, all while pur...

This episode of Kids First dives into the success story of Liberty STEAM Charter School in Sumter, SC, with guest Dr. Trevor Ivey. Liberty STEAM, Sumter’s first public charter school, is leading the way in workforce development by exposing students as young as kindergarten to career pathways in health sciences, industrial technology, and more. Dr. Ivey highlights the school’s commitment to meeting...

In this episode of Kids First, Curtis Baker, principal of LEAD Academy in Greenville, shares the innovative strategies behind the school's success in fostering leadership, character, and academic growth. LEAD Academy is built on its four core values— Be Nice, Work Hard, Serve Well, Have Fun —and takes a holistic approach to education, focusing on developing the "whole child." Curtis highlights how...