Research Wando High School public Schools in Charleston, South Carolina

“Too large. Pushing the kids academically is one thing, but telling them 'they will even get into any college' unless they take a bunch of AP courses is silly. The block schedule severely hampers learning. (1 semester of Spanish is NOT equal to a year somewhere else--ridiculous to think so). And, my child was not given all the credits they earned in school in another state--pretty ironic considering SC is 49th in the U.S!”

“School's strengths are breadth of academic offerings, extracurricular programs (particularly fine arts and sports), and new facilities. Drawbacks are large size (though they try to minimize impact on 9th graders with their Academy), cultural expectation for youth drivers, and rather rigid disciplinary policy.”

“My son graduated from Wando last year (attended 9-12th grade) and loved it! Wando is one of a handful of 'bright spots' in an otherwise marginal district. The Honors/AP program is great (although block scheduling sometimes limits course selections). AP passage rate is very high. On the whole, the teachers are good. Great extracurricular activities, especially soccer and fine arts. Beautiful facility although it is lacking a new stadium. There is a lot of school spirit and parental involvement in the school. Not everyone is fond of the principal, but I attribute that to her no-nonsense approach. She does not tolerate those that are not there to learn or who do not follow the rules. I would highly recommend this school!”

“I was a former student at wando and attended there for two years. Let me first say that it is in fact a beautiful campus so i can understand the strictness of the school. Some of the things i disliked about wando was that it felt very limited and closed in for the students(the only time students were allowed to get fresh air is if they took p.e. or ate lunch in the back of the school), and the fact that there is no school spirit. Okay and now for the good things wando has. -safety -and okay teachers”

“Good programs, good new facility, average leadership, above teachers, Great for kids that excel, terrible for kids that struggle Bit of a division between the haves (wealthy whites) and the have-nots (working class blacks)”

“Wando is a rich environment that allows my son to grow academically (honors program is demanding, creative and engaging) and personally (engineering focus plus outstanding fine arts programs) We are very pleased with the academic program.”

“Is this school in an area where only 20% of the population is Black. If not I'd like to know why only 20% of the school population is Black.”

“This school is the best school in the state of South Carolina. We are top in the state in sports and education.”

“Wando rates high in Charleston County Schools, in academics and sports. Some sports tryouts are obviously based on who you know, not necessarily potential and talent. This is discouraging for many students who never get a chance to play on a team. I have been pleased with the academic curriculum my kids have. I am quite discouraged at the lack of response from administration via phone calls or e-mails. Numerous times I find this an issue. It does appear that it's 'who you know' in this administration before you get results. The teachers respond quickly, administration, i.e., principal, asst. principals do not. Guidance department is awesome.”

“As a parent I belive that Wando High School restricts students ability to express individuality. This school is more concerned with looking good than with the sucess of students. Students are not introduced into a career oriented atmosphere. Wando does not care for students needs or feelings. Due to these and other cicumstances I have taken my child out of this school and moved to a move goal oriented enviornment where personality is rewarded and not punished. I urge parents who look at this school to think about your childs futre as a person and reconsider this jail like school.”

“I enjoyed my experience at Wando. It was large enough for everyone to find something they were interested in and people to hang out with. The dramatic arts were lacking when I attended, but with the new 1000 seat auditorium that will surely change. The principal is nice but fair. The teachers, for the most part, are very intelligent and good at what they do. Wando is consistently one of the top schools in the state in academics, sports, choir, band and other activities. With the new building it will now be the largest public school campus in the state. No school is perfect but Wando is one of the best.”

“A trailer camp. Should be alleviated next year when a new facility opens. Great one on one support for advanced academic kids. Average support for all the rest.”