What makes Horse Creek—and schools like us—different?
Let’s be honest—charter schools can feel a little mysterious if you haven’t experienced one firsthand. Are we public or private? Do we get more money than other schools? Can just anyone attend?
At Horse Creek Academy, we get these questions all the time. So today, we’re clearing the air. We’re diving into some of the most common myths about charter schools in South Carolina—and setting the record straight with facts.
❌ MYTH #1: Charter schools get more money than traditional schools
✅ FACT: Actually, we get less.
In South Carolina, charter schools receive about 30% less per student than traditional public schools. Why? Because we don’t get any local property tax funding—a key source of revenue for district schools.
At HCA, we stretch every dollar to deliver top-tier instruction, small class sizes, and strong student support. We work hard, fundraise often, and rely on our Village to help fill in the gaps.
❌ MYTH #2: Charter schools are private schools in disguise
✅ FACT: We’re public, through and through.
Horse Creek Academy is a tuition-free, public school, open to all South Carolina families. We follow state standards, administer the same state assessments, and are held accountable by the South Carolina Department of Education.
The difference? We have more flexibility in how we operate—which allows us to build a school that truly serves the whole child.
❌ MYTH #3: Only certain students can attend charter schools
✅ FACT: Anyone in South Carolina can apply.
Our enrollment process is open and fair. There are no admissions tests or interviews—just a simple lottery system if we have more applicants than seats.
We serve students with IEPs, 504 plans, gifted learners, English language learners, and everything in between. If your child would qualify for services at a district school, they’ll receive those same services here—with the benefit of our smaller classes and individualized attention.
❌ MYTH #4: Charter schools aren’t held accountable
✅ FACT: We’re actually held to more accountability, not less.
Charter schools in South Carolina operate under a state-approved charter contract that must be renewed every 5–10 years. To stay open, we must show strong academic performance, sound financial management, and compliance with all required policies and laws.
We also submit annual audits, academic reports, and are evaluated by our authorizer regularly. Flexibility doesn’t mean a free pass—it means responsibility with purpose.
❌ MYTH #5: Charter schools don’t serve students with special needs
✅ FACT: We do—and in some grade levels at HCA, we serve higher percentages of students with IEPs than the state average.
We are committed to meeting students where they are and helping them grow. Our special education team works closely with families to create support plans that work—whether that’s academic accommodations, small group instruction, speech services, or daily interventions.
Our goal is always to make sure every child has what they need to succeed.
❌ MYTH #6: Charter school teachers aren’t certified
✅ FACT: Most are—and at HCA, we’re well below the allowable percentage of non-certified teachers.
In South Carolina, charter schools are allowed to employ up to 25% non-certified teachers—especially in specialized areas. At HCA, we’re far below that limit, and most of our staff hold full South Carolina certification.
But we also believe that certification isn’t the only measure of excellence. We are proud to employ teachers with advanced degrees, unique experience, and a strong connection to our mission—even if they don’t hold traditional SC certification.
For example: One of our upper-level math teachers is a Harvard graduate, holds a master’s degree in mathematics, and previously served as the leader of an international school overseas. He’s an award-winning educator with deep expertise, real-world experience, and a passion for helping students grow.
While he may not have a South Carolina teaching certificate, he is highly qualified by every other standard—and our students are lucky to have him.
At HCA, we hire educators who can teach, connect, and inspire—and we give them the support they need to thrive.
So What Makes HCA Different?
We’re a public school, just designed a little differently.
We’re built to be personal, flexible, innovative, and deeply connected.
At Horse Creek Academy:
Our average class size is just 19
Our teachers are chosen for their excellence and heart
We serve the whole child, not just their test scores
We live out our motto every day: We are the Village
Final Thoughts
Charter schools aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution—but for many families, they’re the perfect fit.
At Horse Creek Academy, we’ve built something different on purpose. If you’re looking for a school that values relationships, innovation, and whole-child growth, we’d love to welcome you into the Village. Come visit. Ask questions. See the difference for yourself!