The NEXT School

The NEXT School (the School) is a public charter school in South Carolina that prepares young people for life by engaging them in life now, giving them the tools and opportunity to create real products, host real events, launch real businesses, and start real nonprofits. We believe that there is no reason for student work to be hypothetical, or for projects to live and die on a tri-fold board. We don’t use play money, and we don’t believe in “can’t.”

The School is the result of a community effort to bring an innovative, world-class educational shift to South Carolina. Our model is Impact-Based Learning: using project-based learning and entrepreneurial values to give young people the chance to make a real impact now. 

Some of our tools and methods include: blended learning, 1:1 technology, a low-ratio teacher advisory program, flexible workspace, and flexible scheduling. This combines to create a dynamic, fast-paced, and high-energy environment.

In addition to coursework, students are always engaged in applying knowledge and skills to create projects of impact: collaborative projects that cross subject lines and focus on creating value now (products, events, businesses, nonprofits, or community and personal improvement). We also have an on-campus guest speaker series to introduce diverse perspectives (think in-house TEDx Talks), and community-led “breakout seminars” that lead students through industry practice and hands-on experience.

There are two campuses: NEXT High School in Greenville, SC and NEXT School Eagle Ridge in Salem, SC.  NEXT High School comprises grades 9-12, while NEXT School Eagle Ridge is both a middle school and a high school (grades 6-12).

Vision - Every student (Peer) leading a life of impact and purpose.

Mission - To prepare the NEXT generation by empowering discovery of personal interests, inspiring learning through content-specific inquiry and encouraging student-led impact in their school and community.

Purpose - To build an inclusive culture that embodies high academic expectations, nurtures social and emotional maturity, and develops life-long learners empowered to better themselves and their communities.