December 21, 2024
Meeting Street Academy – Charleston was abuzz on Friday as students enthusiastically explained everything from a hotel security worker’s role to a website for a sustainable turtle tour business.
Dressed in their Sunday best, students presented their work in a format reminiscent of a science fair. Written reports, art displays and creative projects adorned the room, showcasing weeks of research and hands-on learning.
The event marked the culmination of a project-based learning unit focused on Charleston’s tourism industry.
“I’m really proud of them,” said third grade teacher Lyndsay Morgan, watching her students and holding back tears. “They did all the work. This experience connected their learning from inside the classroom to what they see on the internet to the outside world.”
Project-based learning is a teaching method that involves students tackling real-world problems over an extended period. Lessons involve experiences and creative projects.
Each grade explored an age-appropriate investigative question. First graders, for instance, looked into how they would travel to a Charleston hotel, while third graders explored, “How is Charleston affected by ecotourism?” The difference in framing reflects a progression of learning, with younger students addressing practical, tangible topics and older students tackling more abstract, open-ended questions.
Third grade teacher Sophia Brown said she saw students adapting and leading in a meaningful way.
“This project required more independent work,” she said. “They were so engaged and eager to learn.”
Students took field trips with a purpose. Instead of passively observing, Brown said students actively gathered data, asked questions and sought answers that directly informed their projects. For example, one group explored the operations of a hotel by interviewing staff, while older students interviewed owners of an ecotourism business.
Rather than relying on books for answers, Morgan said her students had to dig, discover and get creative.
“It allowed a different side of their brains to come into the learning,” she said.
As students stood proudly by their projects, explaining their findings to visitors, the impact of project-based learning was evident. By engaging with real-world issues, students are not only building academic knowledge but also gaining the skills and confidence to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.
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Start Your Career!Meeting Street Schools (MSS) is an innovative non-profit where schools, families, and the community collaborate to create environments where all children can achieve their full potential. With a network of schools across South Carolina, including MSA-Charleston (Charleston, SC), MSA-Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC), MS-Brentwood (North Charleston, SC), MS-Burns (North Charleston, SC), we are committed to providing students with the rigorous education they deserve.
Founded on the principle that every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their socio-economic background, Meeting Street Schools has been a beacon of hope and a testament to what's possible in education. Our schools are driven by a strong focus on student achievement, evidence-based instruction, and relentless support of our students and their families.
While united by our shared mission, each MSS campus, is unique in its character, tapping into the local spirit of the communities they serve. Explore each of our schools and discover how they're creating a brighter future for students in South Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, MSA Charleston is more than just a school—it’s a hub for innovative learning and community engagement. As part of the Meeting Street Schools network, MSA Charleston embodies a commitment to excellence through its rigorous academic programs, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the whole child. With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic and personal growth, MSA Charleston prepares students to be curious learners and active citizens of their community.
Meeting Street Academy – Spartanburg is as a pillar of educational innovation in the Spartanburg community. The school’s dedicated educators and supportive learning environment ensure that each child receives a high-quality, personalized education with exceptional faculty and teachers. The Academy is distinguished by its emphasis on community partnership, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Meeting Street – Brentwood is a place where education meets opportunity. Serving the Brentwood area, this neighborhood Public School of Innovation is a testament to the transformative power of education. With a student-centered approach that celebrates diversity and encourages excellence, Meeting Street – Brentwood is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Meeting Street – Brentwood also serves as a hub for the Brentwood community to access educational and wellness services. The school’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a warm, welcoming environment, makes it a standout in the Meeting Street Schools network.
Located in a community rich with history and culture, Meeting Street – Burns is renowned for its dynamic educational approach that intertwines traditional learning with modern teaching techniques. The school’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students at Meeting Street – Burns are not only recipients of knowledge but also active participants in their educational journey. The school exists to spark an educational revolution for the students and families in the Dorchester-Waylyn Neighborhood in North Charleston. With a commitment to creating a supportive and challenging academic environment, Meeting Street – Burns is forging a new path in public education.
“MSA is a family. Once you’re in, you’re in. They said they would follow our kids from K-3 to college and they actually lived up to what they said they would do. Not only did MSA challenge my daughter academically but it also exposed her to new things that she probably wouldn’t have been exposed to at our previous neighborhood school. Our journey at MSA was exciting and rewarding. They actually walk the walk.”
“We come into work everyday truly believing that our students are capable of achieving anything that is put in front of them. Here at MSS, students are provided the opportunity to achieve success through the facilitation of well-educated teachers, resources, and a responsive classroom school environment.”
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