What We Fund
When a family gives, this is what their money becomes. FRIENDS pays for the people, programs, and places that the Charleston County School District budget does not cover — in service of the academic, physical, social, and emotional well-being of every student.
Great Teachers
The Spanish teacher, the certified technology teacher, and academic interventionists — educators the district budget doesn't cover.
- Spanish instruction
- Certified technology teacher
- Academic interventionists and classroom support
- Instructional resources and professional development
Hands-On Science & Nature
Live marine science on campus — the wet lab, aquarium touch tanks, and the Green Heart garden.
- The wet lab and aquarium touch tanks
- The Green Heart gardening program
- Science labs and materials
Arts & Enrichment
Art and music programs and enrichment days that round out every student's week.
- Art and music programs
- Enrichment days
A Better Campus
Playground improvements and athletic facilities like the basketball court and track.
- Playground improvements
- Athletic facilities — basketball court and track
Every Student Supported
Calmer, safer dismissals and intervention services for students who need extra help.
- Academic intervention and student support services
- The silent dismissal initiative and School Dismissal Manager
A recent year, in dollars
In our 2025–26 year — our strongest since COVID — the community raised roughly $175K–$200K. Money already put to work during the year included about $35K toward additional teacher salaries, $11K for the aquarium tanks, and $6K for the Green Heart garden program. A generous $15K gift from LENS was earmarked for the aquarium tanks and their upkeep.
Spread across our ~500 students, our annual goal works out to about $500 per child — a little from every family goes a very long way.
Public figures are rounded; final numbers are approved by the board.