Charleston Independent Schools 2016

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INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
ISD 17
“After not doing well at my previous school, I looked
for something that would be more personal. For me, the
smaller classes helped me focus,” said recent Capers Prep
graduate Kristina Venning, who completed her bachelor’s
in Biology at Francis Marion University and a post-
bachelor’s in Histotechnology at MUSC before finding
work in a laboratory focusing on skin cancer.
“Dr. Brown makes sure each student is doing the best
she or he can,” she concluded.
Beyond the foundation of reading, writing and
math, students at Capers Prep experience a variety of
other invigorating courses such as karate, ballet and
even Mandarin Chinese. Interestingly, none of these
are considered “electives” – students must participate to
complete the school curriculum. The school building
is home to a complete library and science lab, plus a
technology lab donated by the Posey Foundation of Texas
and outfitted with 10 HP computers, iPads and more. And
then there’s the traveling.
“This year we visited Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone,
the Red Hills of Colorado and Bear Country U.S.A, and
the year before we went across the country, from South
Carolina to San Francisco,” Dr. Brown reported. “Next
year we’re doing the New England states, then Hawaii in
2018. They’ve been as far as the Bahamas.”
Yes, taking trips outside of the Lowcountry – at least a
few per year, often with Freeman Tours, owned by Perry
Freeman – is an important aspect of the curriculum. But
it’s not just a leisurely vacation; Dr. Brown and her faculty
turn each voyage into a learning opportunity.
“On the smaller trips – such as
to the Riverbanks Zoo or a
Carolina Panthers game, for
example – students enjoy
the chance to care for the
animals or learn about
professional sports,” she
explained.
Approximately 50
students currently attend
Capers Preparatory Christian
Academy, with six teachers and
seven volunteers assisting Dr. Brown in perpetuating
the distinctive goals for the school and maintaining
accreditation from the South Carolina Independent
School Association. The faculty and staff strive to keep
the environment “family based,” and most of the parents
stumble upon Capers Prep through word of mouth. As
for funding, the school operates as a 501(c)(3) and garners
most of it through donations and scholarships.
“Capers Prep differs from other schools because we
operate outside of the box,” Dr. Brown mused. “We’re
opening doors for these students.”
To learn more, visit
or call 843-225-2892.
Photo courtesy of Capers Prep.
“Capers Prep differs from other schools
because we operate outside of the box. ...”
Recent Capers graduate Kristina Venning, left, with Dr. Fayrine Brown.