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 its inaugural year, Summit Academy serves 6th and 7th graders, with plans to expand to 8th grade next year. Lively and Hyder explain how the school offers the flexibility of online learning while emphasizing community and personal connection through in-person gatherings. These monthly meetups focus on leadership, soft skills development, and experiential learning, ranging from STEM labs to team-building adventures.

Throughout the conversation, Keven and Brad Henry from the SC Public Charter School District highlight the importance of flexibility and personalization in education, ensuring the "kids first" mission truly guides every decision.

🔗 Learn more: https://summitacademysc.com/

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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, serving as a direct feeder to Greer Middle College Charter High School.

The school will begin with a "soft launch," enrolling 100 sixth graders and 50 seventh graders, focusing on small class sizes, personalized learning through hand-scheduling, and a commitment to educating the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally. Davis shares her passion for the charter model, rooted in her own experience as a parent. Her daughter thrived at Greer Middle College, receiving college acceptances and internship opportunities, and Nanette aims to offer the same foundation at Greer Prep. The academy will emphasize project-based learning, core knowledge curriculum, and STEM programs like robotics and flight simulation. With overwhelming community interest and a strong student and teacher applicant pool, Greer Prep is already proving its value.

Superintendent Neeley and Dr. Perry Mills highlight the rigorous charter application process and the growing demand for high-quality charter options statewide. The episode underscores the importance of creating schools that build student confidence and prepare them for high school and future academic and career success.

Tune in to learn how Greer Preparatory Academy is shaping the future of education through personalized learning, strong community roots, and a mission to empower every student for lifelong success.

🔗 Learn more: https://greerprepacademy.org/

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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 providing specialized care for children from birth through second grade, with a focus on early intervention. The center serves approximately 120 children, offering a blend of individualized education and therapy in a nurturing environment. Meta highlights the dedicated staff, including certified teachers, teaching assistants, and a team of therapists who work closely with each child to ensure they receive the support they need.

Keven and Meta also discuss the challenges faced by children with special needs and their families, emphasizing the importance of communication between the school and parents. The conversation touches on the center's commitment to ensuring every child's success, including through the use of technology like speech-generating devices, which have allowed children like Grant to communicate effectively.

With an ever-growing demand for services, Meta reveals the center's plans for expansion, including the development of a new facility to accommodate more children and provide additional therapies. She also reflects on the long-term vision of the Meyer Center, aiming to build a brighter future for children with disabilities across the state.

Tune in to hear more about the invaluable work being done at the Meyer Center and the impact it has on both children and their families.

🔗 Learn more: meyercenter.org

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