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Spartanburg Preparatory School to move from single‑gender classes to fully coeducational model in 2025–26
Summary
Spartanburg Preparatory School requested and the PCSD board approved an amendment to transition from single‑gender classes to a fully coeducational model beginning in the 2025–26 school year, citing parent/teacher survey results, staffing flexibility and limited current research supporting single‑gender instruction.
The South Carolina Public Charter School District board on June 12 approved Spartanburg Preparatory School’s request to amend its educational model and transition from single‑gender classes to a fully coeducational setting beginning in the 2025–26 school year.
PCSD staff presented the amendment and said the school's board and leadership sought the change after surveys showed parent and teacher support for coeducation, rising discipline referrals in single‑gender settings, difficulty sustaining single‑gender professional development and limited recent research validating single‑gender instruction. Staff also said the change will improve staffing flexibility, resource allocation and operational efficiency; PCSD finance staff reported stable fund balances despite enrollment declines and outlined a marketing plan the school will use to support enrollment growth.
Spartanburg Prep representatives at the meeting included Executive Director Dr. Tamika Whitmire and elementary principal Hannah Holmes, who answered board questions about the school’s history and the original rationale for single‑gender instruction. School presenters described the single‑gender approach as a 2009-era model that was widely discussed in the state at the time but that, over the years, momentum and supporting evidence for whole‑school single‑gender models waned. The school said some honors or small classes had been coeducational when required by enrollment.
Board members asked about parental response; school leaders said parents and teachers have been supportive and that recent visits by trustees confirmed a positive school culture. The board approved the amendment by voice vote; staff will monitor the transition and report back on enrollment, staffing and instructional adjustments.
The board’s formal approval allows Spartanburg Preparatory School to implement the change and begin recruitment and staffing for the 2025–26 school year.
