A progressive education model in the lowcountry

Elevate Community School is a private, independent school located on Daniel Island, South Carolina—just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. Founded in 2020, Elevate brings a progressive educational model to the Lowcountry, grounded in Montessori principles, outdoor learning, and individualized instruction.

We believe that learning should be joyful, meaningful, and rooted in real life. Our mixed-age classrooms, low student-to-teacher ratios, and holistic approach ensure that each child is known, supported, and challenged in ways that help them thrive both academically and personally. Elevate Community School is accredited through the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA).

Our Philosophy

At Elevate, we’re guided by the belief that children are naturally curious, capable, and driven to understand the world around them. Our approach to teaching supports the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, by meeting each learner where they are and helping them move forward with confidence and care.

We draw inspiration from Montessori education, progressive pedagogy, and nature-based learning. Students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, practice independence, and collaborate with peers of different ages in thoughtfully prepared environments. By cultivating kindness, creativity, and resilience, we prepare children not only for high school, but for a meaningful life.

Our Learning Environments

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Our school is divided into three program levels, with four classrooms total. Each space is intentionally designed to meet the needs of its unique age group:

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• Early Primary
  Sapling and Cypress Rooms (Typically Ages 5–7)
  These two rooms serve our youngest learners and share a close connection, with frequent collaboration across groups. Students build foundational academic skills, develop classroom routines, and learn how to be part of a community. This stage emphasizes hands-on materials, emotional regulation, and cultivating independence.

• Elementary
  Magnolia Room (Typically Ages 7–9)
  In the elementary years, students begin to explore more abstract thinking, develop deeper friendships, and engage in increasingly complex academic work. The Magnolia Room supports students in building strong literacy and math foundations while encouraging curiosity across science, social studies, and the arts.

• Upper Elementary & Middle School
  Oak Room (Typically Ages 10–14)
  Our oldest students experience a dynamic, interdisciplinary curriculum that builds critical thinking, leadership, and personal agency. The Oak Room blends academic challenge with real-world learning, helping students develop executive function skills and explore their evolving identities. Leadership, collaborative projects, and goal-setting are central at this stage.

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A Rich and Integrated Curriculum

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Our curriculum is intentionally broad and deep, incorporating the following areas of study in a way that is responsive to student interests and developmental needs:

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• Language Arts
  Students engage in reading, writing, grammar, handwriting, and literature studies. We use a workshop model that includes phonics and structured literacy for early readers and Orton-Gillingham-informed intervention for students who need additional support.

• Mathematics
  We take a hands-on, conceptual approach to math that helps students truly understand number sense, operations, and problem solving. Materials and strategies are drawn from Montessori and real-world applications.

• Science & Social Studies
  These subjects are explored through integrated thematic units. Students engage in hands-on investigations, research projects, and meaningful discussions that foster global awareness and scientific thinking.

• Kindness & Community
  Social-emotional learning is woven into everything we do. Students regularly engage in community meetings, mindfulness activities, and peer conflict resolution. We teach emotional regulation, collaboration, and self-advocacy skills as essential parts of the curriculum.

• Creative Roots Programming
  Creative expression is highly valued at Elevate. Students have dedicated time each week to explore different visual art mediums and musical concepts. Projects often connect to classroom themes and allow students to reflect their unique perspectives.

• Outdoor Education
  With 2–2.5 hours outdoors each day, our students build strength, confidence, and wonder. Whether hiking, playing, gardening, or observing wildlife, time in nature supports both physical and cognitive growth. We believe in the power of dirt, movement, and fresh air.

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Wellness & Counseling

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At Elevate, we believe that wellness is foundational to learning. Our Wellness Program is led by a dedicated Director of Wellness and Counseling who supports the emotional, social, and mental well-being of all the school community. We normalize personal development and self-reflection by integrating wellness into the school day. 

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Support may include:

• Weekly yoga 

• Mindfulness, Neuroscience & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Support

• One-on-One Student Support

• Family & Parent Support

• Teacher & Staff Wellness

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By creating a safe, welcoming space for students to "work on themselves," we help nurture a community of emotionally intelligent, self-aware young people who feel empowered to navigate life with resilience and empathy. 

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