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BEAUFORT, S.C., August 24, 2026 — Eligible juniors and seniors at Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC), a K12-powered online school, can now participate in a dual enrollment cohort through a new partnership with the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL). Participants can earn both high school and college credit while taking college-level courses, with CASC covering tuition and all fees associated with the program. The new program gives students the opportunity to experience college-level coursework and gain academic experience while removing a financial hurdle that often makes dual enrollment difficult to pursue. “We want our students to know that they have what it takes to pursue higher education after graduation,” says Stephanie Wells, high school academic administrator at CASC. “Sometimes students just need someone to give them the opportunity to see what they are capable of. Partnering with the Technical College of the Lowcountry will offer students hands-on academic experience to challenge themselves and start building confidence for what’s next.” The first cohort will include 40 CASC students across the state, 25 juniors, and 15 seniors. Students will take four college courses beginning in their junior year, including English, public speaking, math, and social studies. Each course carries three college credits and a corresponding high school credit. CASC and TCL selected courses that are designed to support the transfer of credits toward a degree after graduation. “At Technical College of the Lowcountry, we’re focused on preparing students with hands-on experience to get the jobs they want while becoming the candidates that employers need,” says Sara Cain, assistant director of recruitment and dual enrollment at TCL. “We’re thrilled to partner with CASC so we can reach students at an earlier age, helping them explore their potential and gain confidence before entering the next phase of life.” Students must meet GPA and course prerequisites established by TCL to participate. CASC will work closely with TCL faculty throughout [GR1] the program to support participating students, including a CASC teacher who also serves as an adjunct instructor with TCL. For more information about CASC, please visit casc.k12.com. About Cyber Academy of South Carolina Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC) is a tuition-free, full-time online public school serving students in grades K–12 throughout South Carolina. Powered by K12, a Stride, Inc. portfolio brand, CASC combines an engaging online curriculum with South Carolina-certified teachers to support academic growth and college and career readiness. Learn more at casc.k12.com. About K12 For 25 years, K12 has been a national leader in virtual education, serving more than three million students across the country. K12 provides families with flexible learning options, including online public and private schools, personalized tutoring, and accredited homeschool curriculum. K12 is a portfolio brand of Stride, Inc. Media Contact Jocelyn Elmore, Public Relations Jocelyn@mckeemanpr.com

There's a reason our mission is, "To provide an individualized virtual education...regardless of circumstance". Hear how CASC student Lee has been able to thrive in a virtual learning environment!

CASC offers a level of flexibility many schools cannot match. See how Sephorah makes time for her passion for flight while keeping up with her studies!

From an idea to provide virtual learning to South Carolina students to creating a school with a sole purpose to serve students who have faced academic challenges, the 12-year history of The Heron Institute  was recently preserved in the form of a documentary produced by Charter Institute at Erskine . Choice Stories: Always a Heron  tells the story of South Carolina Learns, the predecessor to The Heron Institute. It features perspectives from its long-tenured leadership staff as well as from two students who have found purpose in their enrollment at Heron Institute schools. This full-length feature also charts a path for where The Heron Institute is going, continuing its focus on students while looking ahead at how to best serve students regardless of circumstance. The Heron Institute is a nonprofit organization that oversees operations for Cyber Academy of South Carolina and Heron Virtual Academy. Its mission is to provide virtual education programs that prepare students for life beyond school--regardless of circumstance.

Listen to Senior Ainsley Crowe describe what school choice means to her as well as how she has served as an advocate for virtual education!

Cyber Academy of South Carolina serves students from a variety of backgrounds, from students who desire accelerated learning to those who need personalized support to achieve their goals, to high-performing athletes who need virtual learning, and more! Learn how CASC meets the needs of a variety of students and see what a day in the life of a CASC students looks like!

Cyber Academy of South Carolina offers many of the same clubs and organizations students enjoy in brick and mortar schools, including National BETA! Our amazing Beta students traveled to the National BETA convention in Savannah, Georgia, to compete with students from across the country. Our students brought home several awards: Elementary Jerald Anderson - 8th Place, Color Photography Elementary Sephorah Lowe - 7th Place, Spelling Bee Elementary Junior Cyber Academy of South Carolina, 7th Place, Musicology Junior Kingston Ready, 4th Place, Sculpture Connor Thompson, 6th Place, Social Studies Senior Angel Canete, 2nd Place, Color Photography Division II Cyber Academy of South Carolina, 6th Place, Convention Invention Senior Abigail Wilson, 5th Place, Drawing Division I Azj'saeyna Owens, 7th Place, Jewelry Division I Cyber Academy of South Carolina, 4th Place, Performing Arts Senior Congratulations to these students and to all who represent BETA at our school and in our community! National BETA was founded in 1934 and recognizes students for their achievement, character, and leadership qualities.

Sawnsurae Lowe was elected to a two-year term on the SC Learns Board. A parent of students at Cyber Academy of South Carolina, Sawnsurae looks forward to her role on the board. ‘’I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with fellow board members to enhance educational standards and drive student achievements, ensuring the institution's mission and goals are met effectively.’’   As a Board of Directors member, Sawnsurae brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of fostering academic excellence. With her background in education, she possesses valuable skills in strategic planning, policy development, and organizational leadership.    Sawnsurae is a Bilingual Instructional Facilitator & Educator with over 13 years of dedicated teaching experience. A seasoned educator proficient in creating and delivering engaging lesson plans across a diverse range of subjects. Her expertise is further bolstered with Certifications in TEFL/TESOL, Computer/Course Design, and a proven leader in Standardized Test Preparation.    Currently employed by MasteryPrep, Sawnsurae assists students in achieving college-ready scores on standardized tests, including; ACT, NC MATH, LEAP, TSIA 2, SAT, etc. Providing individualized support and essential test-taking skills to students from diverse backgrounds and learning needs.    Sawnsurae is involved in spearheading the facilitation of product development to educators. Her engaging the educators in the product development process has lead to the creation of more effective educational tools and resources. She has successfully supported numerous students in securing Florida's Bright Futures Scholarships, collectively providing upwards of $3,000,000 in scholarship funding. Resulting in her achievement has of the Award of Excellence in Programming from the Carolina Youth Coalition.    Sawnsurae's passion for working with students and empowering them to achieve their goals is truly admirable. By traveling all over the country to deliver lectures and assistance in high schools, universities, and other educational institutions, She is making a significant impact on the lives of her community and beyond.

Put your love of video games to good use! CASC's esports team competes with students from across the country for bragging rights as well as scholarships. Check out club sponsor Erick Martin as he explains what esports is as well as what opportunities are unlocked as an esports competitor!

The annual "snail mail" Valentine's Day card exchange, organized by the CASC PTSO, is growing every year! Check out how our students celebrated the special day by creating Valentine's cards for classmates!

Congratulations to Jamie Scorsone on her new role as Executive Director of Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC)! 👏 Jamie Scorsone is a dedicated professional who has devoted nine years of service to CASC, making significant contributions to the institution's academic excellence and overall growth. Having progressed through various roles, Jamie most recently held the position of Senior Director of Academics, where she played a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape at CASC. Her commitment to fostering a robust learning environment paved the way for her recent appointment as the Executive Director of the Cyber Academy of South Carolina. In her new role, Jamie is proud to lead an institution that serves over 3,500 students, ensuring they receive a high-quality education in the dynamic field of virtual learning.   Photo of Jamie Scorsone