Frequently Asked Questions
A charter school is a tuition-free public school funded by the state and open to all students. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are accountable to students, families, and the state for academic and financial performance. However, charter schools operate with greater flexibility in how they organize their program, schedule, and staffing. In exchange, they must meet specific academic and operational goals outlined in their charter, a legally binding contract with an authorizing organization. Bridge Point Charter School is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine, a South Carolina nonprofit that oversees and supports charter schools in the state.
Yes. Charter schools are publicly funded and tuition-free for all students in South Carolina. Families do not pay tuition, fees, or costs for enrollment. Bridge Point Charter School will be 100% free to attend.
A charter is a legal agreement between the school and its authorizing organization (in our case, the Charter Institute at Erskine). The charter outlines the school's mission, educational program, goals for student achievement, accountability measures, and financial management. The school must operate according to the charter and is held accountable through regular monitoring and evaluation.
South Carolina's charter school law, found in S.C. Code Ann. § 59-40-1 et seq., authorizes the creation of public charter schools statewide. This law requires that charter schools:
- Be open to all students and admit students by lottery if applications exceed capacity
- Comply with all state and federal laws, including those protecting students with disabilities (IDEA, Section 504, ADA) and English Learners (Title III, ESSA)
- Be held accountable to academic performance standards set by their authorizer
- Maintain financial transparency and conduct annual independent audits
- Provide a safe, inclusive environment free from discrimination
Bridge Point Charter School will be located in Indian Land, South Carolina, a rapidly growing community in Lancaster County. The school will serve families in Indian Land and surrounding areas.
Bridge Point Charter School's mission is to deliver a first-class K–8 education that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) into meaningful, real-world learning. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and cultural understanding, Bridge Point provides a bridge to understanding the world and discovering purpose, preparing students to grow as problem-solvers, responsible citizens, and lifelong learners.
STEAM learning integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through hands-on, project-based experiences that connect academic content to real-world challenges. For example, students might design a sustainable community garden (combining engineering, math, science, and art), code a simple robot to solve a problem, or research and present on climate change using data analysis and creative communication. STEAM instruction helps students see how different subjects connect and prepares them to think critically and solve complex problems.
Bridge Point uses research-based, state-adopted curricula aligned with South Carolina College- and Career-Ready (SCCCR) Standards:
- English Language Arts: HMH Into Reading (K–5) and HMH Into Literature (6–8), grounded in the Science of Reading
- Mathematics: Reveal Math (K–8), featuring inquiry-rich, conceptual learning
- Science: STEMscopes (K–8), inquiry-based and aligned to NGSS
- Social Studies: Studies Weekly (K–5) and TCI Social Studies Alive! (6–8)
- STEAM Integration: Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for engineering and design thinking at all grade levels
- Arts: Davis Publications Art & Design, QuaverMusic, and JumpStart Dance Curriculum
- Physical Education: SPARK PE, meeting South Carolina PE requirements
- World Languages: Spanish and Russian electives (Grade 2+)
- Social-Emotional Learning: Character Strong, integrated daily
Yes. All students in grades 3–8 take the South Carolina READY (Reading, English Language Arts, and Mathematics) assessment, as required by state law. Additionally, science assessments are administered in grades 4, 6, and 8. Bridge Point's curriculum is designed to prepare students for these assessments while emphasizing deeper learning, critical thinking, and application.
Bridge Point will implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) that includes:
- Tier 1: High-quality core instruction for all students
- Tier 2: Small-group interventions for students showing emerging needs in reading, math, or behavior
- Tier 3: Intensive, individualized support for students requiring specialized services
Teachers use universal screeners (i-Ready, DIBELS, formative assessments) and classroom data to identify students who need support. An MTSS team meets regularly to monitor progress and adjust interventions. Additional support is provided during "Bridge Time," a dedicated intervention and enrichment block in the daily schedule.
Yes. Bridge Point is fully committed to serving students with disabilities in compliance with federal law (IDEA, Section 504, ADA). The school:
- Provides a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
- Develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible students
- Offers co-teaching, push-in support, and specialized instruction as needed
- Uses Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to make curriculum accessible to all learners
- Maintains ongoing communication with families about their child's progress
All required special education services will be provided by certified special education teachers and related service providers.
Yes. Bridge Point anticipates serving a substantial number of English Learners and is fully committed to meeting their needs. The school will:
- Employ ESOL-certified teachers and coordinators
- Use co-teaching and push-in support models so that language development is integrated with grade-level content
- Provide targeted small-group language instruction aligned to WIDA standards (English language proficiency levels)
- Use sheltered instruction strategies, visual supports, vocabulary scaffolds, and sentence frames
- Monitor progress with WIDA assessments and adjust supports as needed
- Communicate with families in their home language when possible
Yes. Bridge Point will identify and serve gifted and talented students through:
- Universal screening using approved assessments (CogAT, achievement tests, performance tasks)
- Differentiated instruction within the general classroom
- Enriched project-based learning opportunities and advanced curriculum extensions
- Flexible grouping and ability clustering
- Opportunities for students to pursue independent inquiry and mentor peers
Bridge Point will enroll students on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. If applications exceed available spots, admission will be determined by random lottery to comply with state law. All families interested in enrolling should fill out an online enrollment form on Bridge Point's website.
No. While Bridge Point is open to all students and admission will not be based on academic performance, behavior, or special education status, enrollment is limited to classroom capacity. If more families apply than there are spots available, admission will be determined by random lottery.
No. Bridge Point will accept applications from families throughout South Carolina. However, priority will be given to families in the Indian Land community to the extent allowed by state law. All students meeting lottery criteria have an equal chance of admission.
Bridge Point will open in Fall 2027 with students in Kindergarten through Grade 8.
No. Bridge Point is open to all students, including those with disabilities, English Learners, gifted students, and economically disadvantaged students. All students are welcome and will be supported to succeed.
Yes. While Bridge Point prioritizes serving the Indian Land community, the school is open to students from throughout South Carolina.
Bridge Point's core values are Respect, Responsibility, and Service:
- Respect: We honor the dignity and diverse identities of every student, family, and staff member.
- Responsibility: We hold ourselves accountable for our learning, behavior, and contributions to the community.
- Service: We recognize our role in supporting one another and making a positive impact in our community.
Bridge Point will seek input from parents, staff, and other stakeholders before making a final decision about a uniform policy, with the goal of finding the best option for students’ comfort, identity, and sense of community. Families will be invited to share feedback through surveys, meetings, and School-Family Advisory Circles, and any adopted dress code or uniform guidelines will be shared with enrolled families well in advance.
Regular attendance is critical for student success. Bridge Point families must understand that consistent attendance is a shared responsibility. The school will communicate attendance expectations clearly and work with families to address chronic absenteeism through the multi-tiered support system and community engagement.
Bridge Point values parents as partners in education. The school will offer many ways for families to get involved, including:
- Monthly Coffee with the Principal sessions (morning and evening times available)
- Quarterly Project Learning Exhibitions where students showcase interdisciplinary work
- Family Academic Nights (STEAM Night, Literacy Night, Wellness & Mindfulness Night)
- Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for organizing events and fundraising
- Structured Volunteer Program with opportunities in classrooms, STEAM labs, reading groups, and events
- School-Family Advisory Circles that meet bi-monthly to provide input on school decisions
- Biannual parent surveys to gather feedback
Bridge Point will maintain frequent, accessible, and multilingual communication through:
- ParentSquare (secure communication app for messages and announcements)
- Weekly newsletters with classroom updates and school news
- Classroom communication channels (email, apps like ParentSquare)
- Parent-teacher conferences (at minimum twice yearly)
- Open-door policy: Parents can request meetings with teachers or administration
- i-Ready progress reports showing reading and math growth
- Regular progress monitoring reports on interventions or special services
Parents/guardians are expected to:
- Ensure their child attends school regularly and on time
- Support homework and learning at home
- Maintain high expectations for academic success
- Partner with teachers to support their child's behavioral growth
- Participate in school activities and events when possible
- Communicate openly with school staff about concerns or needs
Dr. Nataliya Panasiuk is Bridge Point's founding Principal. She has extensive experience as a school leader, including serving as principal of an independent charter high school and as a founding principal of a K–8 charter school in South Carolina. She brings deep expertise in curriculum implementation, compliance, building school culture, and working with diverse learners.
Bridge Point will hire:
- Teachers: State-certified, experienced educators with strong content knowledge and commitment to the school's mission
- Special Education Teachers: State-certified special educators
- ESOL Teachers: ESOL-certified teachers to support English Learners
- Support Staff: Qualified paraprofessionals, counselors, and administrative support
All staff will receive training on Bridge Point's STEAM curriculum, Universal Design for Learning, culturally responsive practices, and restorative discipline.
Bridge Point anticipates offering an after-school care to serve working families. Details about hours, cost, and programming will be shared as the school approaches opening.
Yes. Field trips, guest speakers, and community partnerships are part of Bridge Point's learning model. Project-based learning often includes visits to local businesses, environmental sites, museums, and community organizations. Parent volunteers often assist with field trips. Costs for field trips will be communicated to families in advance, and alternative options will be available for families unable to participate.
Yes:
- Arts: Visual art (weekly), music (weekly), and dance (integrated) are core to Bridge Point's STEAM curriculum.
- Physical Education: Required for all students, meeting state requirements (150 min./week for K–5, 60 hours/year for 6–8).
- Sports/Athletics: Information about sports clubs and teams will be shared as the school develops.
Yes. Bridge Point will participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), providing affordable or free meals to eligible students. Families will be able to apply for free or reduced-price meals based on income.
Bridge Point is funded through state per-pupil funding, just like traditional public schools. The school receives its proportional share of education dollars for each enrolled student. Like all charter schools, Bridge Point must manage its budget carefully and is subject to annual independent financial audits to ensure transparency and accountability.
Bridge Point is free to attend. While the school will not charge tuition, minimal optional costs may include field trips, supplies, or fundraising events. Families with financial hardship will have alternatives available.
Bridge Point will operate a full-day school calendar aligned with local school district calendars. Specific hours will be announced as the school approaches opening.
Bridge Point will follow a traditional school year calendar aligned with the Lancaster County School District to the greatest extent possible, ensuring that family vacation planning and sibling schedules are coordinated. The calendar will be published well in advance each school year.
Bridge Point will be accountable to its authorizer, the South Carolina Department of Education, and families through:
- Annual academic performance reviews based on SC READY results and other assessments
- Financial audits and budget monitoring
- Monitoring of attendance, discipline, and school climate
- Regular check-ins with the Charter Institute on compliance with the charter and state/federal law
- Public reporting of performance data
- Evaluation of the Principal and Executive Director by the Governing Board
Families interested in Bridge Point can:
- Visit the Bridge Point Charter School website
- Attend informational meetings in the Indian Land community
- Email [email protected] to be added to the group email list
- Follow Bridge Point on social media (Facebook, Instagram)
Yes. Once Bridge Point secures a facility, the school will offer tours and open houses for prospective families. Information about tour dates and registration will be posted on the website and shared through community partnerships.
For more information about Bridge Point Charter School:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (803) 910-9170 (Dr. Nataliya Panasiuk)
We look forward to welcoming your family to Bridge Point Charter School!