Charter Institute at Erskine
Thornwell Charter School (Thornwell), Clinton, earned four different awards in recognition of its outstanding academic performance and school culture in the 2024-2025 school year as well as a financial Academic Performance Bonus from the Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute) at the Academic Showcase on Wednesday, January 7.
Thornwell earned a total of $25,000 in Institute Academic Performance Bonuses.
The Middle School earned $15,000 for achieving an Overall Excellent report card rating and the High School earned $10,000 for achieving an Overall Good rating.
“For far too long, the education establishment has funded struggling schools to the exclusion of those who are producing excellence. These performance bonuses are a statement that the Institute believes in rewarding the efforts that are producing success for children,” said Cameron Runyan, Superintendent at the Charter Institute at Erskine.
Thornwell earned a variety of awards, both from the Institute and the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE).
Thornwell’s Middle School also earned:
- Gold School of Excellence for performing in the top 25% of South Carolina middle schools in Mathematics
- Gold School of Distinction for outperforming the local district and demonstrating above-average growth in ELA and Mathematics
- Excellent Overall report card rating.
- Palmetto Gold Award from the South Carolina Department of Education.
In recognition of its student and teacher experience, Thornwell also earned a Culture of Excellence Award for receiving Excellent ratings on the School Climate Indicator for Middle and High School on the state report card.
"Despite the difficulties South Carolina has faced in math performance recently, Thornwell remains a representation of academic rigor,” said Head of School Melissa Moore. “By outperforming the local district and landing in the top 25% of the state for Math, we are ensuring that our students are not left behind."
The Institute Academic Showcase unites charter schools from across the state to celebrate growth, achievement, and the collective journey toward academic excellence. This event offers students, staff, teachers, and leaders the chance to be recognized for their successes and to share valuable tools and strategies with their peers. Additionally, the Institute awarded $245,000 in Academic Performance Bonuses to 21 schools across the state at the Showcase.
Thornwell Charter School is a tuition-free public charter school located in Clinton, S.C. Serving students in grades K-12, the school is dedicated to a "whole child" approach that combines rigorous, personalized academics with an individualized health and wellness program. By fostering a safe, nurturing, and high-performing environment, Thornwell Charter School empowers students to become productive, responsible members of their communities. It is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine. For more information, please visit
www.thornwellcharterschool.org.
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