Celebrate Decades of Educational Growth with the Charleston Development Academy

Celebrate Decades of Educational Growth with the Charleston Development Academy

The Charleston Development Academy Public Charter School is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a grand celebratory gala on March 22 at the Crystal Ballroom in the Charleston Marriott Hotel along Lockwood Boulevard.

Transformative Role

The gala marks 20 years of serving students from the City of Charleston’s Gadsden Green Public Housing Community and nearby areas. Established in 1999 and officially opened in 2003, the Charleston Development Academy has grown from serving 65 students to over 200 students today, providing education from pre-k through eighth grade.

Growth and Future Plans

Anthony McCutchen, a teacher at the Charleston Development Academy, highlighted the school’s evolution and the need for expansion to accommodate more students from diverse backgrounds.

McCutchen expressed the need for growth, stating, “We are a Title I school with one class per grade level, served by two teachers. Expanding our capacity will allow us to serve more students and eventually build a school to impact even more children.“

Celebratory Gala Details

The gala, featuring ticket prices from $85 to $650, will include a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music and celebrate the school’s achievements and community impact.

Principal’s Pride

Dr. Sean Johnston, principal of the Charleston Development Academy, commended the recent success of the middle school, achieving an excellent rating on state report cards. Despite challenges like COVID-19, the school remains dedicated to its values of hope, faith, and discipline.

Johnston stated, “The Charleston Development Academy’s educational approach, rooted in hope, faith, and discipline, continues to drive positive change within our community, deeply woven into the fabric of Charleston.“

Celebrating 20 years of educational excellence, the Charleston Development Academy looks ahead to further growth and impact in the future.