Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! South Carolina Construction Academy High School is a completely tuition-free public charter high school for students in grades 9–12.

As a public charter school in South Carolina, SCCA is funded through public education dollars just like traditional public schools. Charter schools are considered public schools under South Carolina law, which means families are not charged tuition to attend.

Our mission is to provide families with another high-quality public school option that prepares students for both college and careers. At SCCA, students can earn a South Carolina High School Diploma while gaining hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing pathways, along with valuable career and leadership skills.

Because we are tuition-free, students have access to:

• SC certified teachers,

• hands-on career training,

• industry-focused learning opportunities,

• workforce preparation,

• and real-world experiences without the cost of private school tuition.

We believe every student should have access to an education that prepares them for a successful future — whether that means entering the workforce, attending technical college, pursuing a four-year degree, or starting a career in the skilled trades.

We currently serve students in grades 9-12.

South Carolina Construction Academy High School offers students a different kind of high school experience — one that combines strong academics with hands-on learning, career readiness, leadership development, and real-world problem solving.

While students still earn a South Carolina High School Diploma taught by SC certified teachers, SCCA goes beyond the traditional classroom by giving students opportunities to work with their hands, think critically, build confidence, and explore future career pathways while still in high school.

Students are introduced to construction pathways including carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, while also developing valuable life and workplace skills such as:

• teamwork,

• communication,

• leadership,

• responsibility,

• critical thinking,

• creativity,

• and problem solving.

What truly makes SCCA unique is that students are preparing for more than just one career path. The skills learned through construction education can lead to opportunities in:

• skilled trades,

• construction management,

• engineering,

• architecture,

• drafting and design,

• business ownership,

• project management,

• technical college,

• four-year universities,

• and many other industries.

SCCA is designed for students who want a more engaging and purposeful educational experience — one where learning connects directly to real life and future success.

As part of The Educational Empowerment Group and connected to our successful sister school, Ohio Construction Academy, SCCA is building a model focused on preparing students for successful futures through academics, hands-on experiences, industry exposure, and meaningful relationships with teachers and mentors.

At SCCA, we are not just preparing students for graduation — we are helping students build their futures.

Families often have questions about new charter schools and their long-term success. While South Carolina Construction Academy High School is new to the Myrtle Beach area, we are not new to education or workforce-focused learning.

SCCA is supported by The Educational Empowerment Group, an experienced charter school management organization that has been serving students and families for over a decade. EEG currently supports more than 30 charter schools and has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, student achievement, and preparing students for success after graduation.

Our principal, Jae Anderson, brings more than 20 years of educational experience and leadership to South Carolina Construction Academy. Her commitment to student growth, career readiness, and building strong relationships with families helps create a positive, student-focused environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

SCCA is also connected to a successful sister school, Ohio Construction Academy, which has earned recognition and awards for its excellence in career-focused education. Graduates from Ohio Construction Academy are entering high-paying careers, skilled trades, apprenticeships, technical colleges, and other successful career pathways after graduation. Their success helps demonstrate the long-term vision and opportunity that construction-based education can provide for students.

South Carolina Construction Academy was created to offer students a different kind of high school experience — one that combines strong academics with hands-on learning, leadership development, industry exposure, and real-world opportunities.

Students at SCCA are not only preparing to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma but also gaining valuable skills and industry knowledge that can open doors to careers in the skilled trades, construction management, engineering, architecture, business ownership, technical college, or four-year universities.

We are committed to building strong relationships with families, local businesses, and community partners while creating a safe, supportive, and purpose-driven environment where students can grow, gain confidence, and build successful futures.

Yes! Our classrooms are led by certified educators dedicated to helping students grow academically and personally.

South Carolina Construction Academy High School uses a curriculum aligned to South Carolina State Standards to ensure students receive a strong academic foundation while preparing for success after graduation.

Core academic subjects are taught by certified teachers and include:

• English Language Arts

• Mathematics

• Science

• Social Studies

In addition to academics, SCCA integrates hands-on career and technical education

focused on construction-related pathways including:

• Carpentry

• Electrical

• Plumbing

Students also learn important real-world skills such as:

• leadership,

• teamwork,

• communication,

• problem solving,

• workplace safety,

• and career readiness.

Our program is designed to combine classroom learning with practical application so students can better understand how academics connect to real careers and everyday life.

SCCA is supported by The Educational Empowerment Group, which promotes a strong standards-based educational framework focused on helping students achieve proficiency, grow in confidence, and prepare for long-term success.

In addition, SCCA is building partnerships with organizations such as NCCER and OSHA to help support industry-aligned learning opportunities and workforce preparation.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily at no cost to students by the school.

Students at South Carolina Construction Academy will be assigned a device to use during the school day for educational purposes, including classroom assignments, research, NCCER coursework, industry certification preparation, and testing. Devices will remain at school, so they are available as a learning tool when needed throughout the school day.

At SCCA, we believe technology should support learning — not replace it. While students will use devices as part of their education, our program is built around active, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for real-world careers in the skilled trades.

Students will spend time participating in hands-on training in carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, collaborating with classmates, practicing technical skills in the construction lab, completing real-world projects, and developing problem-solving and teamwork skills that are essential in the workforce.

Technology is simply one tool that supports instruction at SCCA. Our focus remains on meaningful learning experiences, strong teacher-student relationships, and preparing students for success in both the classroom and the construction industry.

At South Carolina Construction Academy, we know that every student learns differently — and that’s okay. Our goal is to create a high school experience where students feel supported, challenged, and confident as they prepare for their future.

One of the biggest advantages of SCCA is our smaller school environment. With smaller class sizes, students have more opportunities to build strong relationships with teachers, ask questions, receive individual support, and stay actively engaged in learning. Students are not just another face in the crowd at SCCA — they are known, valued, and supported.

Our South Carolina certified teachers and NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) certified instructors work closely with students to provide hands-on, engaging instruction while also offering academic guidance and encouragement. We understand that students learn in different ways, so we use differentiated instruction, targeted interventions, and personalized support strategies to help every student succeed both in the classroom and in the construction lab.

SCCA also has a dedicated school counselor who supports students academically, socially, and emotionally. Our counselor works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and support teams to help ensure students have the resources they need to be successful in high school and beyond. This includes supporting students with 504 Plans and IEPs and helping families navigate available services and accommodations.

At SCCA, we are committed to building more than career skills — we are building confidence, relationships, and futures. Our relationship-focused approach allows us to truly get to know our students and help them discover pathways for success in school, the skilled trades, college, military service, and life after graduation.

School doors open at 7:45AM, and breakfast will be provided for students each morning. Classes begin promptly at 8:00 AM and dismissal is at 3:00 PM Monday to Thursday. Every Friday will be an early release at 1pm.

Yes! While not all charter schools offer their own athletic programs, many—like ours—are designed to work with local school districts, so students don’t have to miss out on those experiences.

At our school, we’ve structured the day with students in mind. Classes end at 3:00 PM, allowing students time to travel to their zoned Horry County Schools campus and participate in sports programs offered there.

This means your child can:

• Attend a specialized, career-focused high school during the day

• AND still play for their local district-school team

There is no need to choose between academics and athletics.

Families can complete an enrollment application online at www.SCConstructionEDU.org/enroll or contact the school directly for assistance with the enrollment process.

Enrollment remains open while seats are available. Because class sizes may fill quickly, families are encouraged to apply early.

Yes. Charter schools are public schools of choice and may accept students from surrounding areas based on availability if the residency is established in South Carolina.

At this time, South Carolina Construction Academy does not provide bus transportation. However, many families choose to organize carpools with other SCCA families, and we encourage parents to connect and coordinate transportation when possible. Because SCCA is a smaller, community-focused school, we strive to help families build relationships and support one another throughout the school year.

Yes! Students who have a valid driver’s license may drive themselves to school with parent/guardian permission and approval from school administration.

For safety and security, all student drivers must register their vehicle with the school office before driving to campus. Students may also be required to display a school-issued parking pass while parked on campus.

To register a vehicle, students may need to provide:

• A valid driver’s license

• Proof of vehicle registration

• Proof of insurance

• Parent/guardian permission

• Vehicle information, including make, model, color, and license plate number

Student parking is a privilege and may be revoked if a student does not follow school rules, parking lot expectations, attendance requirements, or safe driving procedures while on campus.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are top priorities at South Carolina Construction Academy High School. We are committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment for all students.

SCCA will have a dedicated security officer on campus during the school day. In addition, we have partnered with the Myrtle Beach Police Department, which has already completed a safety assessment of our campus. The department will continue to work closely with SCCA throughout the school year by assisting with school safety procedures, training, and emergency preparedness activities.

To further enhance campus safety, students will be required to use clear bookbags and will pass through a metal detector upon entering the building each day. These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and positive school environment where students can focus on learning and preparing for their future careers.

At South Carolina Construction Academy High School, we believe preparing students for successful futures goes beyond academics and hands-on training. We focus on building character, leadership, responsibility, and respect in everything we do.

Students are expected to demonstrate positive behavior, professionalism, accountability, and respect for themselves, others, and the learning environment. Because many of our programs reflect real-world workplace expectations, students learn the importance of teamwork, communication, safety, responsibility, and strong work ethic.

SCCA maintains high expectations for both student conduct and character development. Our discipline policies, dress code expectations, safety procedures, and behavioral standards are clearly outlined in the student and parent handbook to help create a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.

Our goal is to help students grow not only as learners, but also as confident young adults prepared for college, careers, and life beyond high school.

No. South Carolina Construction Academy High School does not require traditional school uniforms, but students are expected to follow a dress code designed to support safety, professionalism, and a positive learning environment.

Because students participate in hands-on construction lab experiences, certain safety requirements must be followed while in the lab setting. Proper dress attire is mandatory in the Construction Lab.

Lab and safety expectations include:

• Closed-toed shoes are required at all times. Crocs, sandals, slides, and similar footwear are not permitted.

• Students must wear pants in the lab environment, preferably jeans or work pants. Shorts are not permitted during lab activities.

• Hoodie drawstrings must be tucked in for safety purposes.

• Safety glasses and hard hats must be worn while working in the lab.

• Jewelry and personal technology devices, including headphones, earbuds, and cell phones, are not permitted during lab participation.

Our dress code and safety expectations help students develop professional habits while creating a safe and structured environment that reflects real-world workplace standards.

We encourage family involvement through school events, volunteer opportunities, communication platforms, and parent engagement activities.

Families are welcome to schedule a school tour, attend an open house, or contact the school office to learn more about South Carolina Construction Academy by calling 843-829-6858.

Public charter schools are tuition-free public schools that provide families with an additional educational choice. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are open to all students and are held accountable to state academic standards, but they can operate with greater flexibility in how they teach and design learning experiences.

This flexibility allows charter schools to create innovative programs, specialized learning environments, and unique educational opportunities that meet the needs of their students and communities.

Charter schools are independently operated public schools that must meet strict accountability and performance standards. They are open to all students regardless of race, background, disability, or academic ability.

If more students apply than there are available seats, a waitlist process may be used to ensure fair enrollment opportunities for all families.

Public charter schools in South Carolina are tuition-free public schools funded through public education dollars based on student enrollment. Funding follows the student to the public school they attend.

Like traditional public schools, charter schools receive state and federal education funding and are held accountable to state academic, operational, and financial standards. Although charter schools are public schools, they often operate with greater flexibility in how they design educational programs and learning experiences for students.

Many charter schools also seek grants, partnerships, and community support to help expand programs and provide additional opportunities for students and families.

Public charter schools are held accountable to state academic, operational, and financial standards just like traditional public schools. Charter schools must meet the requirements outlined in their charter agreement and demonstrate that students are making academic progress.

Charter schools are regularly monitored by their authorizer and the state to ensure they are providing a quality education, managing funds responsibly, and operating in the best interest of students and families.

Because charter schools operate under a performance-based agreement, they can face corrective action or even closure if they fail to meet required standards. This added level of accountability helps ensure charter schools remain focused on student success and educational excellence.

Our school colors are a bold combination of rich green, bright gold, and deep blue. These colors reflect the energy, confidence, and purpose of our school community.

Our mascot is the Hank the Hammerhead, representing strength, determination, and school spirit!