What is a Charter School?
A charter school is a public school that is non-profit and tuition-free. Our school is sponsored by Charleston County School District. Charter Schools have the freedom to be more innovative while still being held accountable to the State Department of Education for improving student achievement. Unlike traditional public schools, every charter school must demonstrate success or its charter may be revoked.
There are no admissions tests for our school and a lottery will be held each year if there are more applications than open slots.Charter schools are funded from local, state, and federal sources and are governed by a our own Board of Directors.
Where is the school located?
Our new location is in West Ashley of Charleston, South Carolina. We will be temporarily located at the old St. Andrew’s Middle School (SAMS) for 3 years until Voyager finds a permanent home. Carolina Voyager’s new address is: 721 Wappoo Road, Charleston, SC 29407
Which grades are available?
Carolina Voyager serves grades Kindergarten -8th grade and class sizes are limited to 23 students. There are two classes per grade level.
What is the school schedule?
Monday – Thursday: 7:40am-3:40pm; Fridays: 7:40am – 2:10pm.
Drop off time: start @ 7:25am ⬥ Tardy bell: 7:55am
Children eating breakfast at school should arrive before 7:40am.
“Early Dismissal day OR Half days” = school will dismiss at 11:40AM
Early sign-out: If you need to sign your child out before the end of day, you MUST arrive at LEAST 30 minutes before the scheduled dismissal. (Please call ahead when possible.)
Is there childcare?
A variety of after-school programs are available.
Bus pick ups include: St. Andrews Parks and Playground, Japan Karate Institute, Preschool Academy, and National Karate MMA. Please call these After School Providers directly to learn more about their programs.
Our Kaleidoscope program partners with Stono Park Elementary to offer after school care. Kaleidoscope is operated by the Charleston County School District (CCSD) Expanded Learning office. Daily, weekly, and discounted plans are available. Please call Ms. Hew at (843) 518-1133 for more information.
Are there Uniforms?
The elementary school uniform is navy bottoms (shorts, pants, skirts, skorts, jumpers) and white, red, or navy solid-colored polo style shirts (school logo is optional). Middle School students may wear khaki bottoms. No flip-flops, Crocs, or slippers are permitted at school. We strongly encourage students to wear sneakers/athletic shoes. Additionally if your child wears a dress or skirt, please also wear biker shorts/leggings or something similar underneath. School-colored sweaters or jackets are welcome in the classroom, however NO HOODS may be worn indoors.
The first Friday of each month is “Dress Down Day”. Voyagers may wear their favorite outfits for a $1 donation to the PTO. Look for information from PTO on how to pre-pay for the year.
Optional: CVCS logo T Shirts and sweatshirts are available for purchase in our office. Voyager students are permitted to wear their Voyager Tshirt/sweatshirts on Fridays with regular uniform bottoms.
What are the School Supplies?
The school supply lists for all grades can be found HERE.
Younger students are also requested to send a spare change of clothes in a zip-lock bag with their name on it to their teacher. Please label all tags on clothing items and other personal belongings such as jackets, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.
What food is offered?
Cafeteria – The cafeteria at our school is operated by CCSD. All students at Voyager qualify for free breakfast and lunch for the 2021-2022 school year. CCSD posts their school menus as well as detailed nutrition information on their CCSD Nutrition Services website each month. Students are also welcome to pack their lunch – but it must be “ready to eat” food that does not require cooking or reheating. Additionally, children will not be allowed to share lunch food with peers.
Accommodations will be made for students with food allergies as needed. Students with allergies must have a doctor’s note on file with the office specifically stating the child’s allergy and treatment plan – this will be shared with staff who work with your child.
Classrooms – Teachers will coordinate with the classroom parents to provide snacks for the elementary students.
Beverages – Classrooms are water only zones. Students should bring a water bottle each day with ONLY WATER in it. Please label the water bottle with your child’s name. Students may pack other drinks for lunch, however students may not have coffee, sodas, or energy drinks at school.
Bottled water and extra milk (white or chocolate) is available for purchase in the cafeteria for 50 cents. (Note, milk is already included if your child chooses the school provided lunch).
Is there a Parent Teacher Organization?
Yes! To learn more about Carolina Voyager Charter School’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), please visit our website.
Pick-up & Drop-off?
Dr. Walker, our former School Leader, kindly video taped an exact route for student pick-up and drop-off. Link below: https://vimeo.com/230156450