Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to download a one-page info sheet (.pdf) about University School.

What is University School of the Lowcountry?
University School of the Lowcountry (USL) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, independent intermediate/middle school (grades 3-8 for 2010-2011) in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It serves families and the communities within the greater-Charleston area of South Carolina.

Why was USL founded?
The founding members of USL recognized the strong demand for a high-quality independent school for above-average students that was located in the East Cooper area of the Lowcountry.  After a thorough feasibility study, they gathered together a team of expert advisors and like-minded parents to bring their vision to fruition.

What is an independent school?
An independent school is governed by a board of trustees and funded by tuition, endowment and contributions.  University School is a not-for-profit institution, with no government or religious affiliation, and is not a charter school. The decision to operate under an independent structure was made conscientiously and stems from four principles:

1) The public purpose of private education - USL fulfills a public purpose by meeting clear community needs. The Lowcountry needs another option: 1) For above-average students; 2) In terms of programs, teaching/learning styles (especially experiential), and individualization for each student; 3) In maintaining a positive and nurturing culture that fosters achievement, service, and a sense of belonging. This endeavor involves students, teachers, parents, mentors, and members of the community.

2) Accountability through accreditation - USL's goal is to be nationally-recognized as a leader in independent school education. This entails seeking the highest level of voluntary accreditation that an independent school can attain.

3) Institutional Independence - University School's mission informs all decisions that are made. No external influences shape our adherence to the mission, and this means putting the education of our students first. This commitment to our mission is reinforced by our prudent financial model. USL has no debt, and the school expands as mission-appropriate students join (there is no financial pressure to diminish our culture or standards).

4) Access and affordability - USL desires a diverse (economically, ethnically, etc.) community that reflects the rich and heterogeneous world in which we live. Shared experiences like schooling provide profound lessons of understanding and allow for the creation of powerful ties among disparate people, and University School actively fosters this.

 

 

Middleton Place Expedition

survey of the culture and contributions of enslaved peoples on the plantation

 

 

 

 

 

Where is University School located?
University School operates on the campus of Hibben United Methodist Church in Mount Pleasant (690 Coleman Blvd.). We are fortunate to have such an inviting and versatile facility for our use. Click here for a map of the location. We anticipate this site serving as the home of USL for the next few years, and we are already working on plans for a permanent home in the area.

What is the mission of University School of the Lowcountry?
"University School is an independent, co-educational, non-sectarian school that offers a challenging and individualized curriculum. It fosters high academic achievement and emphasizes balanced growth - intellectually, physically, emotionally, ethically, and socially - for every student. Within a highly supportive community, University School is committed to maintaining a caring and creative environment that encourages children to love learning, take intellectual risks, self-advocate, treat others with respect and empathy, and aspire to make a positive difference in the greater community and world."

What does "high academic achievement " mean at USL?
USL's curriculum offers intermediate/middle school courses in Humanities (English & History), Science, Spanish, Mandarin, Latin, Mathematics, Leadership & Life Skills, Writing, and the arts – taught in ways that encourage students to make connections across disciplines.  Small classes, engaged students and passionate "Renaissance Scholar" faculty combine to foster a love of discovery and a depth of understanding through a curriculum that is integrated and interactive. In the middle school grades, opportunities exist for advanced high school credit in Global Languages and Mathematics and for enrichment in all disciplines.

How does USL incorporate "balanced growth" into the curriculum?
Through a conscious school-wide effort to encourage growth in a positive and supportive culture, USL seeks to nurture each child to develop his/her talents and to incorporate a socially-conscious outlook. An extensive service learning program provides the opportunity for students to learn to serve the community, and these experiences will also allow each student to benefit from the powerful and personal connections to community members that will result. Students also mentor and receive mentoring. 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 each other and younger students from Hibben Preschool.

What does USL mean "to make a positive difference in the greater community and world?"
In addition to programs in world history and current events, world literature, religious literacy, and global languages, USL uses technology to establish global connections with schools across America and in other countries.  Students will work in tandem on projects with students from these schools. Outreach to the diverse population of the Lowcountry is vital, and ongoing relationships with members of the community have been forged. This entails regular service learning and service to the community through planned USL activities.

 

 

University School makes connections to schools across the globe

 

 

 

 

What about the admissions process?
The admissions process is outlined on this site, and there are two major principles governing this aspect of USL. One, University School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, and national or ethnic origin who demonstrate sufficient promise of academic success and parent-student agreement with and subscription to the school's philosophy and regulations. Two, in order to ensure the proper growth and development of the School's culture and the ability to provide a positive and engaging environment for its students, enrollment for the 2011-2012 academic year will be limited to 72 students.

Who is the 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. Kreutner was recognized by the South Carolina Independent School Association as the Headmaster "Rookie of the Year" for the 2007-2008 school year.

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.

Will University School of the Lowcountry be accredited?
USL is a member of the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) and was accredited in the Fall of 2008. Our intention is to seek accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) within the normal time frame for new schools.

How can I help?
The growth and development of University School of the Lowcountry is a community effort: interested businesses, foundations, families and individuals are encouraged to contribute through their time, their talents and their financial support.  Please contact us by phone (843-884-0902) or by email at info@uslowcountry.org for more information on how you can become involved.

 

SCIway - South Carolina Information Highway