The SC Preparatory Academy and the SC Leadership School are operated by Reason & Republic—a charter school management organization committed to your child's success.
Why did Reason & Republic launch the SC Leadership School for the 2024-2025 school year?
While SC Prep provides a top-notch educational experience—especially for university-bound students—Reason & Republic saw a need for a different kind of school. Our new school is for students who have concluded that traditional school isn't working for them right now and need a more individualized approach to reach their goals.
South Carolina Preparatory Academy and South Carolina Leadership School present two distinct options for online education in South Carolina for students in grades 6-12. Both institutions are tuition-free, public charter schools that embrace the classical education model (more on that below). SC Prep is more suited for students who want to pursue a college degree after high school, while SC Leadership is geared toward those who want to earn a high school diploma and learn a trade, earn a technical degree, or serve in the military.
Despite their shared foundational principles, the schools have distinct approaches to education, and understanding the differences can help families make an informed decision about which school is the best fit for them.
South Carolina Preparatory Academy (SCPA) offers a well-rounded education that prepares students for a four-year university and life beyond. The rigorous academic curriculum focuses on critical thinking, and effective communication skills, teaching students how to learn instead of focusing solely on what they learn.
SCPA also offers a flexible learning pace, allowing students to progress as quickly or slowly as they need. This is ideal for students who require extra time to master concepts, or those who are ready to tackle more advanced coursework. Additionally, SCPA provides career exploration opportunities and dual enrollment options to earn college credits. Finally, SCPA fosters a supportive community to help students envision and plan their future careers.
The South Carolina Leadership School (SCLS) focuses on building confidence and leadership skills in its students. This is especially helpful for those who might feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or under-supported in traditional classrooms. At SCLS, students will find a caring environment that provides personalized tutoring and ways to make up missed credits. SCLS also realizes that everyone doesn't learn the same way and provides the freedom to approach school the way the student learns best.
With a curriculum that highlights critical thinking and creativity, SCLS fosters confidence by helping students overcome challenges that once felt too big to conquer. This renewed sense of achievement empowers them to earn their diplomas and to become leaders in their fields. The key to this approach is the personalized support at SCLS, providing each student with every opportunity to reach their goals. SC Leadership School also offers dual enrollment with almost every technical college in the state and credits for work-based learning.
When trying to decide which Reason & Republic school is best for your student, SC Prep provides a rigorous academic program that's ideal for students who are committed to going to a four-year university, while SC Leadership focuses on helping students catch up, overcome challenges, earn their diploma, and learn to flourish after high school.
Another key difference is that while both schools are completely virtual (online), SC Prep offers live, interactive learning three days a week and recorded classes the other two days a week. Students can also take dual enrollment courses to earn college credits.
At SC Leadership, all of the classes are recorded, allowing students to pause when they need a break and have more control over their work pace. This approach is supported by the individual tutoring students need to learn the material and excel in their classes.
If your child thrives in a structured environment that balances college preparation and values flexible pacing from the comfort of home, SCPA may be the ideal choice.
If your child needs the flexibility of doing school at home while catching up and wants to learn a trade, prepare for life, or join the military, SCLS may be the better fit. As noted above, SC Leadership also offers dual enrollment classes that most technical colleges in South Carolina accept and credits for work-based learning.
Our enrollment counselors will provide the information you need to make the best choice for your child—and students may transfer between our two schools if one proves to be a better fit than the other. Whichever school you choose, Reason & Republic is committed to providing the flexibility your child needs to excel and thrive in school, and to fall in love with learning again. more information? Reach out to us below.