College of Charleston Scholars Academy

An Elite Academic Path at West Ashley

As a cornerstone of the West Ashley community, West Ashley High School (WAHS) carries a rich academic legacy, equipping over 2,000 students with the essential, high-level skills needed for significant achievement and success in life after graduation. The Scholars Academy at West Ashley High School, in partnership with the College of Charleston, offers an exclusive opportunity for students to join an elite academic cohort at their “Excellent” rated neighborhood high school.

Through this program, students pursue a rigorous curriculum—including Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses—that are typically available only through selective magnet programs or on a college campus. By choosing this pathway, your student joins an elite cohort at their “Excellent” rated zoned high school. During their first three years, Scholars will be immersed in rigorous academics on the West Ashley campus, following a structured core progression that prepares them for college. Despite this high level of rigor, the program offers sufficient flexibility to explore elective courses and specialized career paths that align with their personal passions and long-term goals.

During their senior year, your student will transition to the College of Charleston campus to take full-time collegiate classes. Even while learning on a college campus, they remain a West Ashley student, allowing them to participate in their daily routines and the vibrant milestone events that define the traditional high school experience. Most importantly, this transition is guided by constant, structured support from our Scholars Academy advisors and counselors. By balancing this high-level collegiate independence with the familiar support of our faculty, we ensure that our Scholars Academy students can reach their full academic potential while staying rooted in the community they call home.

Graduate with a Competitive Advantage

Our scholars do more than prepare for college- they successfully navigate it. By blending the high-level support West Ashley has to offer with the academic rigor of the College of Charleston, students complete their graduation requirements early, ensuring a seamless transition into higher education.

• Accelerated Success: Allows students to complete graduation requirements by the end of their Junior year.
• Collegiate Credit: Students can earn up to two years of college credit, potentially entering a four-year university as a Junior.
• Senior Year Immersion: Scholars spend their senior year as full-time students on the College of Charleston campus, enrolled in 12–15 credit hours per semester.
• A Rigorous, Proven Pathway: Our curriculum is designed to challenge the brightest minds through a strategic progression of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Dual Enrollment (DE) courses, and foundational College of Charleston courses.
   

  
  If you have any questions regarding the Scholars Academy, please email our Scholars Academy School Counselor Ms. Farrell (marguerite_farrell@charlestoncountyschools.gov)