University School of the Lowcountry opens its doors

MOUNT PLEASANT — Among the tens of thousands of students who readied themselves for the first day of school, eight middle-schoolers donned polo shirts bearing University School of the Lowcountry logos and took their seats at tables on the second floor of Hibben United Methodist Church's education building.

They are the inaugural class of the co-ed, independent school for grades six to eight.

The brainchild of founder and headmaster Jason Kreutner, the new school focuses on small class size, getting students outside the classroom and using mentors.

The students study Spanish, math, humanities and science four days a week. "Flex time" is integrated into those four days for students to work on physical education, art and grammar.

Wednesdays are spent outside the classroom learning or doing community service. Kreutner said, "We spend more time in classes in four days than most schools do in five."

Going outside the school allows students to meet people beyond their peer group and teachers, he said. On the first school outing to Shem Creek, teacher Rhonda Ewing encouraged students to measure the tide without tools and to study the dock's construction.

Kreutner, a Mount Pleasant native, was dean of students and director of studies at Charleston Collegiate School, served as the 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.

He has also served as head coach of Snee Farm swim team since 1990.

Another characteristic element of University School is the role of mentors, or area high school students, who participate in classes. Kreutner said, "They are positive role models, living, breathing examples of what it is to be a curious high school student."

Mentor Chelsea Joyner is a 16-year-old junior at Porter-Gaud School. She said her role is to help the students feel comfortable with their surroundings and get them interested in subjects.

Kreutner said enrollment was about where he expected it to be. Tuition is $8,500, about half the cost of the area's most expensive private schools.

"We fund-raised over the summer to carry us through," Kreutner said. Renting space from Hibben — although the school is not affiliated with any religion — was a prudent move, too, he said. Ultimately, Kreutner would like to see the school expand from kindergarten to high school classes.

Humanities teacher Donna Logan has taught at four area schools, public and private. "I've never been in a school where teachers are encouraged to follow their instincts," she said.

Logan teaches history along with the art and literature of the time period. She also incorporates composition based on the history lessons.

Rhonda DeWolff, mother of seventh-grader Adam DeWolff, said she liked the hands-on approach to learning. "(Kreutner) understands what middle-school students need," she said.

Reach Jill Coley at 937-5719 or jcoley@postandcourier.com.