School Profile

Mission:  Daniel Island Academy's mission to provide the best learning and developmental environment in which a child may reach his or her full potential.

 

Year Founded:  2004

 

Location:  Daniel Island (annexed neighborhood of The City of Charleston), located between Mount Pleasant and North Charleston.

 

Grades Taught:  Preschool (12 months) - Kindergarten (6 Years)

 

Enrollment:  280

 

Average Class Size:

Full-Day                                   

12 - 23 Months: Three classes - 10 children each

24 - 36 Months: Three classes - 12-14 children each

3 Years: Two - Three classes - 14-18 children each

4 Years:  Two classes - 20 children each

Kindergarten: One class - 14-18 (max.) children  

 

Half Day

Mother's Morning Out - One Room - 10 (max) children

2 Years: One - Two classes - 14 children each

3 Years: Two classes - 9 children each

4 Years: Two classes - 10 children each

 

Teacher-to-Child Ratio:

Full-Day (6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)*                                  

Pre-Toddler (12-24 months): 1:5
Toddler-Young (24-30 months): 1:6
Toddler-Old (30-36 months): 1:7
Full-Day Three's (36-48 months): 1:9
Full-Day Four's (48-60 months): 1:10
Kindergarten: 1:9

*Not to exceed 10 hours daily

Half Day Pre-School (9:00 - 12:00)
 Half-Day Two's (Tuesday and Thursday): 1:6
Half-Day Three's (Monday, Wednesday and Friday): 1:9
Half-Day Four's (Monday - Friday): 1:10
Mother's Morning (9:00 - 12:00)
One's & Two's: 1:5

 

School Days in Calendar Year:  Daniel Island Academy is open year around (allowance for holidays and teacher workdays) and offers Full Day, Half Day and Mother's Morning Out classes, Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. 

 

Teaching Staff Qualifications: Daniel Island Academy (DIA) is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which sets the highest standards for education, health and safety, including teacher qualifications. NAEYC stipulates that 75% of lead teachers and 50% of assistant teachers are required to hold or be working towards a degree in early childhood education or related discipline. Our school consistently achieves and exceeds NAEYC standards.

 

Accreditation and Membership:

  • NAEYC - Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the highest standard for education, safety, and health

  • The School Nutrition Association (SNA) - The only professional association dedicated solely to the support and well being of school nutrition professionals in advancing good nutrition for all children. Daniel Island is the only allergy safe school in the Charleston region.

  • USGBC - United States Green Building Council - Completing LEED certification process. Green schools are more than buildings, they are places where children learn the wonders of the world and teachers prepare the next generation of leaders and citizens. These schools are built and operated to be full of clean air and sunlight and to be free of toxic materials and harmful chemicals.

Curriculum: The Creative Curriculum® is taught in all preschool classrooms. Additionally, curriculum enhancements are provided in Full Day programs, including, foreign language (Spanish), music, and literacy. The Kindergarten Program meets and exceeds State of South Carolina standards, with a core curriculum including, math, science, handwriting, literacy, Spanish immersion, reading, health, and wellness education.

 

Enrichment Programs:  A number of enrichment programs are offered throughout the year, including, dance, science, music, foreign language, creative movement, and more.

 

Community Service:  The Daniel Island Academy Parent's Association leads the school in a number of community service projects to benefit area charities, including, East Cooper Community Outreach, Meals-On-Wheels, Christmas Commandos, Lowcountry Children's Center, and more.

 

Kindergarten and Elementary School Placement:  Children completing a program of education and development at Daniel Island Academy are well received by public and private school programs. The school's Kindergarten Program meets and exceeds State of South Carolina standards.