Yes! Morning Star Academy is a completely tuition-free public charter school for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.

We currently serve students in grades K–8.

Morning Star Academy offers a hands-on STEAM-focused learning environment where students learn through science, creativity, exploration, and real-world experiences. Our school will feature a state-of-the-art Nature and Animal Life Cycle Lab where students will have hands-on opportunities to observe, interact with, and learn from animals as part of their STEAM education.

What makes Morning Star Academy different is our commitment to turning learning into an experience — not just a lesson. Instead of simply reading about science concepts in a textbook, students will actively explore them through experiments, discovery, problem- solving, and interactive learning environments designed to spark curiosity and imagination.

Our students will be encouraged to think critically, ask questions, collaborate with others, and develop confidence through hands-on activities that connect classroom learning to the real world. From studying animal habitats and life cycles to participating in creative STEAM projects and technology-based learning, students will engage in meaningful educational experiences that help build both academic knowledge and life skills.

We believe children learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. Morning Star Academy is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, leadership, and a lifelong love of learning in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where learning is truly limitless.

We understand that families may have questions about a new charter school and its long- term success. While Morning Star Academy is new to the Myrtle Beach area, we are not new to education.

Morning Star Academy is supported by The Educational Empowerment Group, an experienced charter school management organization that has been serving students and families for well over a decade. EEG currently manages more than 30 charter schools and has built a strong reputation for academic excellence, student achievement, and successful school growth.

Our leadership team combines the experience and support of an established educational organization with local leadership that understands the needs of families in our community. Principal Danielle Scarpelli brings decades of educational experience and is deeply committed to building a positive, student-focused school culture where children can thrive.

Morning Star Academy was created with a long-term vision to serve and support families in the Myrtle Beach area through strong academics, hands-on learning opportunities, and meaningful relationships with students and parents. We are committed to growing thoughtfully, building trust within the community, and creating a school families can feel confident in for years to come.

Yes! Our classrooms are led by certified educators dedicated to helping students grow academically and personally.

Our curriculum follows South Carolina State Standards while incorporating engaging hands-on learning opportunities and STEAM-based instruction.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Students participate in creative, problem-solving learning experiences designed to prepare them for the future.

Homework expectations vary by grade level and are designed to reinforce classroom learning while encouraging responsibility.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily for free by the school daily.

Students will be assigned a Chromebook to use during the school day. Chromebooks will remain at the school so they are available as a learning tool when needed in the classroom.

At Morning Star Academy, we believe technology should support learning — not replace it. While students will use technology as part of their education, we also believe it is important to limit excessive screen time and create meaningful hands-on learning experiences.

Our focus is on active, engaging learning both on and off the screen. Students will spend time exploring science, participating in hands-on STEAM activities, collaborating with classmates, interacting with nature and animals in our Nature and Animal Life Cycle Lab, creating projects, and building real-world problem-solving skills.

Technology is one small part of the learning experience at Morning Star Academy — not the center of it.

At Morning Star Academy, we understand that every child learns differently. We are committed to creating a supportive learning environment where students receive the encouragement, guidance, and individualized support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

We provide targeted intervention opportunities, differentiated instruction, and strong communication between teachers and families to help students continue growing with confidence. Our staff works closely with parents to identify learning needs early and create strategies that support student success.

Morning Star Academy also has a dedicated school counselor on staff who helps support students with 504 Plans and IEPs while working collaboratively with families, teachers, and support teams to ensure students receive the services and accommodations they need.

Because of our smaller school environment and relationship-focused approach, we are able to better understand each student as an individual and provide meaningful support designed to help them thrive.

School doors open at 7:30 AM, and breakfast will be provided for students each morning. Classes begin promptly at 8:00 AM and dismissal is at 3:00 PM Monday to Thursday. Every Friday will be an early release at 1pm.

Morning Star Academy is also partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand to provide after-school programming until 6:00 PM for a small fee. The program will include engaging activities, supervision, a snack, and a hot meal to help support working families and provide students with a safe, enriching environment after school hours.

Yes. For a small weekly fee, the Boys & Girls Club of the Grand Strand will provide after- school programming for Morning Star Academy students Monday through Friday until 6:00 PM.

The program is designed to provide students with a safe, supportive, and engaging environment after school while also promoting academic success and personal growth. Students will have opportunities for educational tutoring and homework support, sports and recreation activities, leadership development, and social engagement with peers.

Participants will also receive a daily snack and hot meal as part of the program.

Families can complete an enrollment application online at www.MorningStarEDU.org/enroll or contact the school directly for assistance with the enrollment process.

Enrollment remains open while seats are available. Because class sizes may fill quickly, families are encouraged to apply early.

Yes! Charter schools are public schools of choice and may accept students from surrounding areas based on availability if the residency is established in South Carolina.

At this time, Morning Star Academy does not provide bus transportation. However, many families choose to organize carpools with other MSA families, and we encourage parents to connect and coordinate transportation when possible. Because MSA is a smaller, community-focused school, we strive to help families build relationships and support one another throughout the school year.

We focus on respect, responsibility, and positive behavior expectations while helping students grow socially and emotionally. We hold high expectations and standards in character development and discipline, that is specifically outlined in each parent’s student handbook.

Our goal is to support learning without limits by creating a positive, consistent learning environment while also keeping uniforms simple and affordable for families.

Uniforms include basic polos with pants, shorts, or skorts No single vendor required

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Items can be purchased at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and many other stores

This approach gives families flexibility and choice, while helping students focus on what matters most—learning, growing, and thriving.

We encourage family involvement through school events, volunteer opportunities, communication platforms, and parent engagement activities.

Families are welcome to schedule a school tour, attend an open house, or contact the school office to learn more about Morning Star Academy by calling 843-829-6469

Public charter schools are tuition-free public schools that provide families with an additional educational choice. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are open to all students and are held accountable to state academic standards, but they are able to operate with greater flexibility in how they teach and design learning experiences.

This flexibility allows charter schools to create innovative programs, specialized learning environments, and unique educational opportunities that meet the needs of their students and communities.

Charter schools are independently operated public schools that must meet strict accountability and performance standards. They are open to all students regardless of race, background, disability, or academic ability.

If more students apply than there are available seats, a waitlist process may be used to ensure fair enrollment opportunities for all families.

Public charter schools in South Carolina are tuition-free public schools funded through public education dollars based on student enrollment. Funding follows the student to the public school they attend.

Like traditional public schools, charter schools receive state and federal education funding and are held accountable to state academic, operational, and financial standards. Although charter schools are public schools, they often operate with greater flexibility in how they design educational programs and learning experiences for students.

Many charter schools also seek grants, partnerships, and community support to help expand programs and provide additional opportunities for students and families.

Public charter schools are held accountable to state academic, operational, and financial standards just like traditional public schools. Charter schools must meet the requirements outlined in their charter agreement and demonstrate that students are making academic progress.

Charter schools are regularly monitored by their authorizer and the state to ensure they are providing a quality education, managing funds responsibly, and operating in the best interest of students and families.

Because charter schools operate under a performance-based agreement, they can face corrective action or even closure if they fail to meet required standards. This added level of accountability helps ensure charter schools remain focused on student success and educational excellence.

Morning Star Academy’s school colors are light blue, dark blue, and gold. Together, these colors represent curiosity, confidence, excellence, and school pride

Our mascot is Sami the Sea Lion, who helps represent the curiosity, energy, and excitement of our students!