CCA now outperforms all Cherokee County schools after opening in 2020

GAFFNEY, SC – After only three years, Cherokee Charter Academy (CCA) continues to increase educational opportunities for students in Cherokee County. According to the most recent state assessment data, CCA outperformed all other public schools in Cherokee County in overall proficiency ratings, which includes both English/Language Arts (ELA) and math scores.

SC READY, South Carolina’s College-and Career-Readiness Assessment, is administered to students in grades 3-8. Students are tested in the areas of ELA and mathematics. In order to be considered proficient, a student must earn a score of Meets or Exceeds on the SC Ready Assessment. CCA’s elementary and middle school students achieved the highest overall proficiency rates in Cherokee County in both ELA and math.

School Leader Jason Byrd says that these gains demonstrate the continued growth of CCA. “It’s a collaborative effort. We couldn't accomplish this without the hard work of our staff and teachers,” Byrd says. “It’s an honor to lead this school and watch the students, faculty, and staff strive for excellence every day. We’re going to continue to grow and succeed as a school family.”

Byrd accepted the position of School Director in April 2022, and has since emerged as an incredibly impactful school leader. Back in May of this year, Byrd was recognized by CCA’s statewide authorizer, the Charter Institute at Erskine, as the Rookie of the Year in 2023.

Also, back in January of this year, CCA was recognized as a School of Distinction for the elementary school grades, outpacing the local traditional public schools in key standardized test scores. This most recent achievement now places CCA as the top overall academic performing public school in all of Cherokee County for both elementary and middle school grades.

"We are incredibly proud of the innovation and excellence that Cherokee Charter Academy is bringing to the Upstate," said CCA Board Chair, AK Parker. This achievement is a credit to the excellent work by the teachers and students in the classroom, along with the strong school leadership at CCA. We are proud that CCA is now the number one performing school in all of Cherokee County. Student achievement is what it is all about and the best has yet to come!"

The 2023 state standardized test scores may be found here.

###

Cherokee Charter Academy is a 4K-8 tuition-free public charter school that strives to develop the next generation of American citizens by educating the whole child with a classical education.

A classical education means a focus on a quality curriculum and instruction, character development, and also a focus on both mental and physical health. Cherokee Charter Academy is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine and is managed by Tutelage School Solutions.