The History of Erskine College and the Charter Institute at Erskine
In 2017, Erskine College announced the creation of the Charter Institute at Erskine, an organization which sponsors charter schools.
According to South Carolina state law, independent institutions of higher education may sponsor charter schools, provided they register with the South Carolina Department of Education. Access the full charter school act here.
Erskine College delegated its sponsoring authority to the Charter Institute at Erskine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Charter Institute is governed by an independent board that is chaired by the Erskine College president.
Why Charter Schools?
Erskine has invested in education for over 180 years, and the creation of the Charter Institute enables the college to support innovation and flexibility in the K-12 educational space in South Carolina. Through a shared passion for high-quality public education in rural areas, Erskine and the Institute have provided tens of thousands of families across the state with more choices for their children’s education.
All charter schools in South Carolina are considered public schools, meaning that these schools are tuition-free and are open to all children eligible to attend public schools, regardless of geographical boundaries.
Learn more on the Charter Institute’s website.
Erskine president Dr. Steve Adamson visits Belton Preparatory Academy, a Charter Institute at Erskine school.
How does a school join the Charter Institute?
Every charter school in South Carolina must have a sponsor. In brief, here is how it works:
- Individuals or organizations wishing to start a charter school can apply to the Charter Institute.
- The Charter Institute Board reviews the application and either approves or denies it.
- If the application is approved, the Charter Institute assumes responsibility for the school’s oversight in areas such as operations, fiscal and legal compliance, special education and federal programs, among other responsibilities as defined by the school’s contract with the Institute. View the Charter Institute’s bylaws here.
The mission of the Charter Institute is “To authorize high-quality charter schools that elevate educational opportunities through innovation and creativity.”
What is the role of the Charter Institute?
The Charter Institute’s board of directors has authority over the management of the Institute, which exercises direct oversight of the charter schools. The Charter Institute reports to the Department of Education and must ensure that the schools under its authority follow federal, state, and local laws.
Does the Charter Institute receive public funds?
Under state law, each school is allocated state funds based on its enrollment. Institute-sponsored schools operate under a contract with the Institute and pay a fee of no more than 2% to the Institute for its services as sponsor. The Institute uses this revenue for its operations and to provide a high level of support for schools and their children. To learn more about how the Charter Institute is making a difference for students, visit the Institute’s Facebook page.
The Charter Institute publishes its financials on its website.
Does Erskine College receive public funds?
No. Erskine College does not and cannot receive any state funds from the Charter Institute or from the charter schools.
American Leadership Academy in Lexington, S.C. celebrates its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Members of the Charter Institute pose on the steps of Bowie Arts Center during a professional development opportunity on held on Erskine’s campus.
Erskine president Dr. Steve Adamson and members of the Charter Institute team attend a flag-raising ceremony at Greenwood Charter Academy.