The following piece was written by Beemok Education President Josh Bell.
This year’s state SC School Report Card results mark a meaningful moment for Meeting Street Schools. Across the network, our students are achieving at higher levels, our schools are improving their overall ratings, and the gains we’ve seen are the strongest in years.
Three of our four schools improved their overall Report Card ratings, with three now rated “Good” and one “Average.” Meeting Street Academy – Spartanburg came within a single point of being rated “Excellent.” Even more encouraging, three of our schools earned the state’s highest possible rating of “Excellent” for student progress while the fourth earned “Good.”
This year’s results feel like turning in a strong first draft of a novel. Our work demonstrates focus, progress and a real mastery taking shape, but just like great writers and researchers, we know the work isn’t done after one draft. We’re refining our approach and pushing for excellence in every paragraph. We know the story we want to write, and our students are learning, growing and proving what’s possible.
How We Got Here
The progress we’re seeing isn’t luck; it’s the result of intentional changes and the tireless effort of our teachers and leaders. Over the past year, we made bold, strategic shifts designed to ensure every student is equipped with the academic skills and mindsets they need to succeed.
- New leadership and a clear strategic plan: We built a team aligned around a single vision of excellence for every student.
- A stronger instructional model: We focused on consistency and clarity in what great teaching looks like and how we support it.
- Improved coaching, content and curriculum: Teachers receive real-time feedback and tools that help them deliver rigorous, high-quality instruction.
- A sharper focus on proficiency: We raised the bar for all students, emphasizing grade-level mastery and a consistent expectation of excellence.
- Centralized systems and data-driven accountability: We’re using data more effectively to guide decisions, identify needs and celebrate what’s working.
Each of these steps required hard work, trust and collaboration and our educators rose to the challenge.
Where We’re Going
Our goal hasn’t changed: We want every Meeting Street school to be rated “Excellent,” and every student to leave us on or above grade level and prepared for a future of limitless opportunities.
We’re proud of this year’s results, and we’re prouder still of the people who made them possible. Our teachers and staff are the true heroes and the driving force behind our students’ success, and we’re so grateful for their endless contributions and commitment.
Each year adds another chapter to our story, and this one shows how powerful focus and persistence can be.
