To date, we have received nearly 1,000 lottery applications in this year's lottery enrollment cycle.  Because of this, a lottery will be held on Monday, December 2 , at 5:30 p.m. Please take time to read through the Lottery FAQ . We are grateful for the trust you have placed in us as your potential educational partner. We take very seriously this shared commitment that we could soon enter into that undeniably - after three full years of being in operation as Sumter's first and only public charter school - has placed the children we collectively serve on a pathway to educational freedom through greater opportunity.  We are confident that you will find your questions answered here. Please remember that it is your responsibility to confirm the  correct  email address/phone number is included in the scholar's lottery application AND that the scholar is in the correct lottery through  the online Lotterease platform.  Please like/follow Liberty STEAM Charter School on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok.

A national philanthropic group focused on expanding best-in-class organizations to transform education for everyone recently recognized Liberty STEAM Charter School as one of the top educational providers in the U.S. The Yass Foundation for Education celebrated Liberty STEAM as one of its 25 semifinalists that demonstrate its core values for "Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless (STOP) education," and Liberty Executive Director Trevor Ivey attended the summit last week in New York. As a national semifinalist, Liberty was awarded $200,000, which will go toward the school's facility expansion, Ivey said. The school plans to attend another Yass conference next month in Miami, where it will receive support to work on its sales pitch to donors, parents and other stakeholders. Organizations, nonprofits, educational technology providers, private schools, traditional public schools and charter schools were among the 25 semifinalists in attendance. According to organizers, more than 1,000 applications were submitted. "We aspire to be proof point in public education by focusing on changing the narrative for what is possible by serving families from all backgrounds with the goal of uplifting communities through better educational opportunities for children," Ivey said. "Our commitment to the STOP values of being sustainable, transformational, outstanding and permissionless is ingrained in our mission that we live out each and every day, driving us to expand our reach and impact." Since 2021, the Yass Foundation has awarded more than $46 million in grants to new and alumni organizations, including a $1 million Yass Prize to transform education, given to the group that most exemplifies the STOP principles. "As part of this year's awardees, I am proud to be associated with other like-minded individuals who are not only unconventional in their ethos and work, but they share a passion and commitment to defying educational malaise. We are not just educational entrepreneurs; we are challengers who want to positively disrupt the system and transform outcomes for students. I could not think of a better way to emulate the STOP principles than leading the efforts of my hometown community's first and only charter school."

Liberty STEAM Charter School, an award-winning school of Inquiry, Innovation and Impact, is proud to announce the expansion of both enrollment and facility space. Currently serving grades kindergarten through 4th grade, Liberty plans to expand to grades 5-8 over the course of the next three years. Upon full expansion, this will allow for 150 students per grade in kindergarten through 8th grade, bringing total enrollment to 1,350 students. In addition, Liberty has acquired an additional 65,270 square feet of space at Sumter Mall, bringing the total size of the campus to 96,548 square feet. Construction is expected to begin in Fall 2024 with completion by Fall 2027. Greg A. Thompson, Founding Chairman of the Board of Directors, says: "Liberty STEAM Charter is growing again to expand its reach & more scholars across Sumter. With this expansion comes additional state-of-the-art facilities that will provide scholars with the resources they need to succeed. This is an exciting development for the school and the Sumter community. Now in its 4th year of operation, it is undeniable that LSC has a proven track record of success. We're committed to providing innovative, high-quality educational opportunities that increase learning opportunities throughout South Carolina and this is another milestone development in fulfilling the promise we made to our community a little over five years ago. And this additional facility renovation is a big step in achieving this shared goal for our learning community and I couldn't be more excited for the future of Liberty STEAM Charter." Dr. Trevor Ivey, Liberty's Executive Director, says, "Make no mistake about it: this facility expansion further empowers us to deliver on our charter's promise of excellence in public education across Sumter and gives our parents security in knowing their scholar has a world-class facility through the end of middle school. Liberty exists to be a proof point in public education focusing on changing the narrative for what is possible by serving families with the single goal of uplifting our community through better educational opportunities for children. The stakes are high since our scholars will only get one shot at a K-12 education. To deliver on that promise, we believe in the importance of not just offering a high-quality STEAM based education through project-based learning but we place a premium on the ideal that scholars deserve to receive that education in state-of-the-art facilities. We are tremendously grateful to our donors who fiercely share this unyielding belief." "Congratulations to Liberty STEAM Charter School on their student-centric focus, academic excellence, and desire to expand their inclusive school footprint in Sumter." said Chris Neeley, Superintendent of the South Carolina Public Charter School District. "Liberty is a beacon of hope and innovation, ensuring scholars are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow to reach their full potential in life." Eagle Nation: Read Dr. Ivey's update about the expansion here . About Liberty STEAM Charter Authorized by the SC Public Charter School District in 2020, Liberty STEAM Charter is the first tuition-free public charter school in Sumter County. We will offer a kindergarten through 12th-grade STEAM-focused, project-based and personalized learning model that is innovative and unlike any other school in South Carolina. We are currently growing to accommodate 2,000 scholars amongst four distinguished academies.

LSC Family, I am thrilled to share with you the official 2024 LSC Annual Report . Our commitment to excellence in education continues to thrive. In today’s rapidly evolving world, our scholars must be well-versed in academic knowledge and equipped with the practical skills needed to excel in the workforce. To this end, we launched our annual STEAM Day, where local professionals introduce our scholars to STEAM careers projected to be in high demand when they join the workforce. This initiative is more than just a day of learning; it is a crucial step toward integrating real-world skills with classroom education. This year’s theme, Training & Tailoring Your Teams of Tomorrow , encapsulated our dedication to preparing our scholars for future careers. We understand that the future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers are in our classrooms today. By fostering a curriculum emphasizing hands-on experience, critical thinking, and collaboration, we ensure that our scholars are ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s workforce. At Liberty, we go beyond traditional teaching methods by creating partnerships with industry leaders, offering mentorship programs, and providing opportunities for scholars to engage in real-world projects. These experiences are invaluable in helping our scholars understand their studies’ practical applications and building the confidence and skills necessary for their future careers. It is undeniable that the road to future prosperity for our scholars is not necessarily tied to college. At LSC, we embody that belief in our unique educational model through a longer school day and school year with exposure to the four critical workforce development pathways right here in our very own community: health sciences, industrial engineering, business technology, and engineering technology. With a project-based and personalized learning focus that transcends reading, writing, and math, we are equipping our scholars with the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to take on the high-wage jobs that are ready for scholars right now in the Sumter community. Please take time to read through the annual report. It illustrates our gratitude to our team, parents, stakeholders, and community for your unwavering support and for being part of the Liberty community. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of our scholars, shaping them into the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. We are Liberty for All. In it together, Trevor

With the passage of our FY25 budget and because of our learning community's continued support, we are confident that we will continue to make great progress in being good stewards of the public funds we have been entrusted with, as well as from our donors. Learn more below.

The 2023-24 School Year was a great one! Let's look back and celebrate all we accomplished together. A Year-End Video Message from Dr. Ivey End of Year Community Newsletter End Of The Year Letter from Dr. Ivey 2023-24 Organizational Goals Report Card

Dear Members of Eagle Nation: It’s hard to believe we are turning the pages on another fantastic school year at the Eagle’s Nest! As we continue this journey of educational excellence, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Benjamin Franklin’s profound words: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” In a world driven by constant change and innovation, education stands as the bedrock upon which individuals, communities, and societies thrive. At LSC, we firmly believe that investing in knowledge and learning yields invaluable returns, shaping not only the lives of individuals but also the trajectory of our collective future. Throughout this school year, we have witnessed the power of education to inspire, transform, and create boundless opportunities. Our unwavering commitment to providing quality education has enabled us to empower countless scholars, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Through collaborative efforts, we have fostered an environment where curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning flourish. From innovative programming and initiatives to remarkable stories, this school year is nothing short of a testament to the profound influence that education has on individuals and communities alike. Let’s reflect on the following achievements & major milestones in our third year of operation: Opened a Second Academy Campus—Hiring 50% More Staff & Doubling the Number of Scholars Served Became the First Public Charter School in SC to be Designated a “Purple Star Military Family Friendly School” Ended the Year with 60% Reading Proficiency & 72% Math Proficiency 55% of Critical Support Intervention Scholars Meet their Year-Long Growth Targets in Reading 77% of Critical Support Intervention Scholars Meet their Year-Long Growth Targets in Math LSC Re-Designated a “Great Place to Work” for 4th Consecutive School Year 99% of Scholars Successfully Read One Million Words & Increased Family Engagement Opportunities by 20% 5,625 Total Parent Volunteer Hours Served & 99% Family Engagement Satisfaction Held our 1st Annual STEAM Workforce Development Day with 100% of STEAM Capstone Presentations Completed Raised $3.5 Million Dollars from Private Donors & Established 11 New Community Partnerships Held 156 Saturday Enrichments that saw 75% of LSC’s Total Scholar Population Participating in at Least One Class We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, committed partners, & visionary supporters who have played an integral role in making this year possible. Your unwavering support has paved the way for a brighter future, igniting a passion for learning, and driving us closer to our collective goals. As we navigate the challenges & opportunities that lie ahead, we are confident that our shared commitment to education will pave the way for a prosperous & inclusive future. The school year has ended, but we are already planning for the 2024-25 school year. Here are some important dates: June 3-14: Primary Academy Summer PRIDE June 3-21: Elementary Academy Summer PRIDE June 6: 2024-25 SY Back-to-School Information Posted to Website & Social Media Channels June 24: Final 2023-24 SY Board of Directors Meeting July 16: Academy Leaders Report / July 19: Operations Staff Report / July 25: Instructional Staff Report Back July 26: Welcome Back Postcards Mailed to all LSC Scholars July 30: Back-to-School Extravaganza (Drop-In Style: 9 am-Noon for PA Families and 1-4 pm for EA Families) August 1: First Day of School (Kinder Scholars will have a Staggered Start either on August 1 or 2 and will be noted on the welcome back postcard with all kinder scholars attending together on August 5). It has been my privilege & honor to serve as your leader. Thank you for helping to make #TheLibertyDifference! In it together, Dr. Trevor Ivey NBCT; Executive Director

RSVP now for our 4th Annual Welcome to Liberty family orientation https://tinyurl.com/ke2vaj64

That's right, LSC is featured in The New York Times! NY Times Writer Paul Sullivan featured Liberty STEAM for our innovative use of the Sumter Mall property and a leader in the nation for this growing trend. Click here to read the story. We’re always on a mission to serve our scholars best as we continue to grow, soar, and make #TheLibertyDifference!

The LSC Board has approved our calendar for the 2024-25 school year, which honors our charter promises for more time on task to reach the ambitious goals we have set. (10) more Scholar Attendance Days than Required by the State for a total of 190 Half Day Fridays + 10 Full PD Days for a total of 20 Staff Professional Development Days Modified to include Short Mini Breaks 1 Hour Longer Than Traditional School Day Strong Alignment with Sumter School District The Liberty Difference #CharterChoiceChange

Please help support our fall service learning project by sponsoring a wreath to be laid on the local graves of veterans by LSC scholars using this link: https://shorturl.at/dqy07 What: Pay $17 to sponsor a wreath to be laid on a local veteran's grave. Service Learning Component: Families meet on December 16 at Noon to lay wreaths on the graves of local veterans at Sumter Cemetery.

As we continue this journey of educational excellence, we are reminded of the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Benjamin Franklin’s profound words: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” In a world driven by constant change and innovation, education stands as the bedrock upon which individuals, communities, and societies thrive. At LSC, we firmly believe that investing in knowledge and learning yields invaluable returns, shaping not only the lives of individuals but also the trajectory of our collective future. Throughout the past year, we have witnessed the power of education to inspire, transform, and create boundless opportunities. Our unwavering commitment to providing quality education has enabled us to empower countless scholars, equipping them with the tools and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Through our collaborative efforts, we have fostered an environment where curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning flourish. As we delve into the pages of this annual report, we invite you to embark on a journey that showcases the transformative power of education. From innovative programs and initiatives to remarkable stories, each section is a testament to the profound influence that education has on individuals and communities alike. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff, committed partners, and visionary supporters who have played an integral role in making this year possible. Your unwavering support has paved the way for a brighter future, igniting a passion for learning and driving us closer to our collective goals. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, we are confident that our shared commitment to education will pave the way for a prosperous and inclusive future. Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. We are #LibertyForAll Click here to read our annual report.