About Us
University School at a Glance
The below points highlight some of the key attributes of University School. To gain a sense of the daily workings of the school, please see the daily journal page. From here, you can select any week and read the account of each day in that week.
* Co-educational, non-sectarian, non-profit independent school
* Grades 6 – 8 are currently served
- expansion to grades 4 & 5 (Intermediate School) for 2008-2009
- grade 9 will start in 2009-2010, and remaining high school grades will begin in the three following years
* 10:1 student to teacher ratio
* Geared to students of above-average ability
* USL is a laptop school. Each teacher and student is provided a wireless notebook computer for use at University School (1 to 1 ratio).
* Many aspects of a student's course of study are individualized based on a student's interests and abilities
* USL features "Learning Outside of the Classroom." Regular interaction with and service to the community are hallmarks of our program. The Lowcountry is our classroom, and students spend one day per week "learning by doing" through experiences that challenge and inspire them.
Bulls Island Expedition
specimen collection and identification on one of the largest undeveloped stretches of beach on the Atlantic coast
August 30, 2007
* A key aspect of USL is the involvement of teenage and young adult mentors in the lives of our students. We have a mentor from every major high school option for our students, and the mentors are regularly involved in our students' lives at school and at evening and weekend school-sponsored activities. USL students also mentor younger students from Hibben Preschool.
* Inquiry-based, hands-on curriculum that features multiple teaching styles and multiple forms of assessment
* Regular service to and involvement with the greater community
* Program designed to exceed the entrance requirements of all area public and private schools, including Academic Magnet, Wando, Bishop England, Porter-Gaud, and Ashley Hall.
* Memberships: South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA), Association for Experiential Education (AEE), Independent School Management Consortium (ISM), National Business Officers Association (NBOA),
* USL intends to earn Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) accreditation
* Standardized Testing for College Admissions Preparation and Accountability - PSAT/ACT EXPLORE administration in 8th grade, Stanford Achievement Test (national and indepedent school norms) administration in all grades, and participation in Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) for 7th Graders.
* Significant opportunities for earning high school credit - Although many middle schools provide an option to earn credit in Algebra and/or a Global Language, University School provides opportunities to advance and to earn high school credit in Algebra, Algebra II, and Geometry (enhancing one’s options to take AP/IB/college-level math and science courses before graduating from high school). Similar opportunities are available in Global Languages.
Founder & Head of School
Jason Kreutner, raised in Mount Pleasant and a current resident, is founder and Head of University School of the Lowcountry. He has extensive experience as an educator and leader in independent schools and is a recipient of a National Association of Independent Schools NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring School Heads (2006-2007 school year). Prior to establishing USL, he was Dean of Students and then Director of Studies at Charleston Collegiate School, served as Upper School Dean and History Department Chair at Porter-Gaud School, and was Dean of Students and Humanities Instructor at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the South Carolina Honors College and received his master’s degree from Emory University in History.
Mr. Kreutner is married to Ashleigh (Tasha) Eady, a member of the corporate management team for Gilligan's restaurants. They have one daughter, Kessler. In addition to his work in education, he is Head Coach of Snee Farm Swim Team.