Amber Speights
Academy Director, Lowcountry Acceleration Academy
Summarize your academy in 3 words:
Comprehensive, Customized, Evidence-Based
Favorite subject in school:
Chemisty
Alma mater:
Allen University Columbia, South Carolina
Lowcountry Acceleration Academy
Is Lowcountry Acceleration Academy Right For You?
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Our students come from a diverse range of backgrounds, but all are looking for a more inclusive, relaxed atmosphere and a flexible path to earning their diploma. They want a customized plan where they can complete coursework year-round. We provide an open and safe environment that is supportive and designed to help all students thrive. Our flexible education program is designed to serve students ready to engage in their education to reach their goal of earning a high school diploma.
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Enrolling young adults who are ages 14-20, grades 9-12. Students can stay enrolled until their 21st birthday.
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Acceleration Academies is tuition-free! Free snacks and drinks are provided in the academy café.
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Free shuttle services may be available in your area. Otherwise, free public bus passes can be provided. If you are requesting transportation services, please let us know when you come to orientation and we will discuss your options.
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Students take one course at a time.
One class = .5 credits.
Students must attend in person at least 12 hours/week.
Students are expected to complete 24 hours online each week.
Courses can be completed in an average of 3-4 weeks. -
Students graduate with an official Lowcountry Acceleration Academies diploma. We hold several in-person graduation ceremonies per year so that our students and their families can celebrate their achievements.
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Acceleration Academies offers laptop computers for students who need them, and a wrap-around support system of educators, life and career coaches and mentors to help remove barriers that cause them to struggle in a traditional setting.
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WIDA ACCESS Testing (for ESOL)
Testing starts on February 17th, 2025 and goes through February 28th, 2025. Ms. Bria and/or Ms. Jean will notify GCs which days they are scheduled to test. Each GC will have two separate testing days that are one week apart.
WIN
All 11th graders (and some 12th graders) will take the Career Readiness (WIN) test at LAA. 12th graders will test in the Fall, October 28th - November 1st, while 11th graders will test in the Spring, March 24th - April 4th. Exact testing dates will be communicated to each GC required to test. This test will take 4-5 hours and is a South Carolina high school graduation requirement.
PreACT
10th graders that signed up for the PreACT will take the test on Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 10:00am.
PSAT
10th graders that signed up for the PSAT will take the test on Friday, April 25th, 2025 at 10:00am.
SAT
11th graders that signed up for the SAT will take the test on Friday, April 18th, 2025 at 10:00am.
ACT
11th graders that signed up for the ACT will take the test on Thursday, March 11th, 2025 at 10:00am.
Fall EOCs
*GCs that have finished the following courses between July 2023 and December 2023 will need to take the EOC, worth 20% of their final average in the course. Each test starts promptly at 10:00am.
- Monday, December 2nd, 2025 - English 2 Reading EOC
- Tuesday, December 3rd, 2025 - English 2 Writing EOC
- Wednesday, December 4th, 2025 - Algebra 1 EOC
- Thursday, December 5th, 2025 - Biology 1 EOC
- Friday, December 6th, 2025 - US History and Constitution EOC
Spring EOCs
*GCs that have finished the following courses between December 2023 and May 2024 will need to take the EOC, worth 20% of their final average in the course. Each test starts promptly at 10:00am.
- Monday, May 5th, 2025 - English 2 Reading EOC
- Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 - English 2 Writing EOC
- Wednesday, May 7th, 2025- Algebra 1 EOC
- Thursday, May 8th, 2025 - Biology 1 EOC
- Friday, May 9th, 2025 - US History and Constitution EOC
Get to Know Our Director & Board Members
Eddie Crosby
Board Member
Darryl Brown
Board Member
Sally-Ann Archie
Board Member
Carla Ferrette-Clark
Board Member
Ned Moore
Board Member
Cedric Harrison
Board Member
Dr. Bruce Johnson
Board Member
Leonardo Reeder
Board Member
How We're Different
Lowcountry Acceleration Academy is a public charter school that offers options for students who need more flexibility and support than what’s typically offered in traditional high schools. Each student receives a personalized learning plan with a flexible mix of online coursework, one-on-one coaching and social-emotional support. We design it all to work with your work and family obligations.
Our Academic Accreditation
Our approach to education isn’t just flexible, it’s backed by Cognia, the world leader in providing improvement and accreditation services to educational providers. Our Cognia accreditation means that students receive a high-quality, nationally-recognized education. Plus, students that attend an accredited school gain greater access to federal loans, scholarships, post-secondary education and military programs.
Preparing You For The Future
Our model helps to provide students with a Career and Life Coach who works one-on-one with them to explore and select the right post-graduate career path. We prepare our graduates for internships, college, military service, skilled trades, well-paying jobs, and more! Students can also participate in relevant, hands-on, and engaging Career and Technical Education programs coordinated by their Career & Life coach. In these programs, students can earn industry certifications, gain real-world experience, and graduate confidently knowing their next steps toward a successful life.
Commitment to Supporting Military Families
At Lowcountry Acceleration Academy — a South Carolina Public Charter School District (PCSD) high school — we’re proud to be part of a Purple Star Designated District, showcasing our commitment to military families and their children. Recognizing the unique challenges of frequent relocations, we strive to create welcoming, inclusive environments that feel like home.
From enrollment to support services, our schools provide resources tailored to the academic, social, and emotional needs of military-connected children. Dedicated staff ensure smooth transitions, connect families to community resources, and foster a sense of belonging.
We honor the sacrifices of military families by ensuring their children have the stability and quality education they deserve.
Ready To Enroll?
Enrollment is open and tuition is 100% free. Get started on your enrollment today and begin this exciting journey!
Want to Learn More?
Join us for a virtual information session to learn more about our flexible, supportive approach to high school.
Where Are We Located?
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Lowcountry Acceleration Academy
5935 Rivers Ave. Suite #101-A
North Charleston, SC 29406
DirectionsMonday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
843.804.6778Fax: 843.429.8003
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