Testimonials

“Meeting Street Academy is my family. They taught me that I am valuable. I am an asset to the world…They asked me, ‘What is your dream?’ I had never been asked that before. The MSS community gives me the strength to pursue my dreams.”

- Kadelyn Steed, Student

“MSA is a family. Once you’re in, you’re in. They said they would follow our kids from K-3 to college and they actually lived up to what they said they would do. Not only did MSA challenge my daughter academically but it also exposed her to new things that she probably wouldn’t have been exposed to at our previous neighborhood school. Our journey at MSA was exciting and rewarding. They actually walk the walk.”

- Tyeka Grant, Parent

“We come into work everyday truly believing that our students are capable of achieving anything that is put in front of them. Here at MSS, students are provided the opportunity to achieve success through the facilitation of well-educated teachers, resources, and a responsive classroom school environment.”

- NikToshia Giles, Teacher

“We applaud our state legislators for recognizing the success of Meeting Street’s public/private partnership and supporting the expansion of the ‘schools of innovation’ model.”

- Lindsey Leonard, Senior Director, Boeing National Strategy & Engagement

“Meeting Street Schools are unique in its approach to education… I am impressed by the extraordinary academic achievement that comes from high expectations for all students, the intensive teaching model with two teachers per classroom, and academic help given so all students excel… There is great emphasis placed on preparing students for college, and that also comes from the special trips that some students may take that includes college visits.”

- Julie Walker, MSS Supporter, Spotlight on donors who share our vision

“I just want to say how much I am enjoying Read 365. It is one of the best parts of my day. My reading buddy always makes my day so much better!”

- Justyn Graves, Read365 Volunteer

“Meeting Street Academy was the opportunity that I was waiting for, an educational opportunity for my grand kids. Meeting Street Academy was the change I wanted to see.”

- Darlene Rivers- MSAC Charleston Grandmother, A Grandparent's Perspective

“I’m impressed with the involvement of the teachers and staff. They care about your child and their success and teaching them to be outstanding citizens in their community.”

- LaTashia Smith, MSE@Brentwood Parent, A Parent's Perspective

“Our teachers are the mission-keepers, and I am humbled to work alongside them each day.”

- Katie Robinson, Chief Academic Officer, Leadership with a vision

“You do a great job of helping educate my child. At the same time, the staff makes my child feel loved and cared about on a personal level. You help make me as a parent be an active part in and at every milestone of my child’s education.”

- MSA-Spartanburg Parent, A Parent's Perspective

“MSA has helped my kids gain more confidence and they love to attend school!”

- Ashley Byars, MSA-Spartanburg Parent, Parent's Perspective

“Being a part of the Meeting Street Academy community in a mentoring capacity has been a blessing. It has provided me the opportunity to share 70 years of life’s experiences with students who are eager to listen to personal stories – stories whose underlying messages reinforce some of the nine principles that define MSA – grit, integrity, curiosity and gratitude.”

- John Holmes, Volunteer at MSAS since 2014, Our Volunteers Make a Difference!

“I love that I am having a true hand in making sure that we shape the very best communities for our future. Seeing our students at MSS reach achievement levels that were previously seen as unreachable is one of the very best things about my work. Knowing that I helped put the very best educators in front of those students makes me feel even better about my work!”

- Elliot Dillihay, HR Talent Acquisition Manager, Leadership with a vision

“The idea that your educational opportunity would be determined by where you are born or by your zip code- it’s unfair. It’s un-American.”

- Ben Navarro, Founder of Meeting Street Schools, It's about the kids

“Celebrating 5th graders and their families on graduation day is one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. As a preschool teacher, I start the MSA journey with our families. It is amazing to not only watch our students grow in my classroom but over time as an MSA student. There is nothing better than watching the joy in our families faces as their children leave MSA as confident, talented, and successful students. I am honored to be a part of that process.”

- Megan Coles, Pre-K teacher at MSAC, Our teachers make the difference

“I’m inspired by the collaboration and commitment of leaders, teachers, families, and students at MSS. MSS offers me the skill set and resources needed to empower kids to know their voice, to ignite their learning and to change the world.”

- Mary Leigh Spicher, 1st Grade Teacher at MSE@B, Our Teachers Make the Difference

“I believe that Meeting Street does an excellent job celebrating the students for their accomplishments, as well as preparing their minds for college. My son is in the first grade, and he has a bag at home with supplies that he is collecting for when he goes to college. Your system is AWESOME!”

- MSE@B Parent, A Parent's Perspective

“MSA is the best educational opportunity for my Grandson, Domineke.”

- Lynn Thorne, MSA-Charleston Grandmother, A Grandparent's Perspective

“You get teachers that show up to work every day realizing that the parents are involved, administrators support them, and they have the time to do one thing. Teach that kid.”

- Senator Tim Scott, Support from the Community