Columbia, SC – SC Whitmore School (SCWS), a statewide virtual public high school and member school of the SC Public Charter School District, was named the 2025 Best Charter School by the Irmo Chapin Life. Irmo Chapin Life Magazine started in 2018, to share community news. The magazine distributes 25,000 copies monthly in the community with more than 60,000 readers a month. This year over 15,000 votes were cast during the Best of the Irmo Chapin Life contest.
SCWS was founded in 2011, in order to support at-risk youth and to provide a high-quality online public educational option to students across South Carolina. Over that period of time, more than 1,000 students have graduated from SCWS, while being fully prepared for both college and career. Most recently the class of 2024 earned more than $1,000,000 in scholarships, 5 students were awarded the Palmetto Fellow Scholarship, and 68 students met the preliminary criteria for LIFE Scholarship.
Graduates have credited their academic success to SC Whitmore’s innovative approach to education. SC Whitmore School provides a personalized curriculum and online learning platform. SCWS allows all students the opportunity to thrive, with the support and guidance of highly qualified, trained, and certified professional educators.
Executive Director Kim Dunbar said, “We are humbled by the recognition as the 2025 Best Charter School by the Irmo Chapin Life. It is wonderful to have the community vote and share the message about who SC Whitmore School is. We take pride in offering an inclusive, flexible, and personalized learning environment. Our learning model allows students to gain a high level education while pursuing their dreams such as being a musician, author, athlete, or entrepreneur.”
The SCWS Principal, Ebone’ Adams, is very proud of the school's accomplishments.
"We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the Irmo Chapin Life 2025 Best Charter School,” said Adams. “This honor reflects the dedication of our students, families, and staff who make SC Whitmore School a supportive learning community."
SCWS is an established virtual school that has allowed for a continued positive impact on students in South Carolina.