Grasyn Holland
January 28, 2025
CAMDEN, SC – Fifth-grade students from Horse Creek Academy Kershaw (HCAK) traveled to the State House on Wednesday, January 28, to join a statewide demonstration advocating for increased educational options in South Carolina. The event, held in conjunction with National School Choice Week, brought together hundreds of students, parents, and educators to urge lawmakers to prioritize parental rights in education.
The HCAK team joined a growing movement of South Carolinians who argue that a student’s zip code should not determine their quality of education. By participating in the rally, HCAK students and staff aimed to highlight the real-world impact that charter schools have on local communities like Camden.
“Horse Creek Academy Kershaw is more than just a school. We are an investment in the future of Kershaw County,” said Michael Manning, School Leader at HCAK. “Our students traveled to Columbia to represent not just our school, but every Kershaw family that believes high-quality, accessible options are the key to unlocking every child’s full potential and building a brighter future for our state.”
The rally comes at a pivotal time as South Carolina continues to evaluate legislative measures regarding educational funding and the expansion of school choice programs. HCAK’s participation ensures that the voices of Kershaw County families are represented in the ongoing discussion regarding the future of the state’s education system.
Horse Creek Academy Kershaw is a tuition-free, public charter school that serves students grades 5K-6 in Kershaw County and beyond. Each day, the school community strives to build a Village, nurture the whole child, and create meaningful opportunities for every learner to thrive. HCAK’s participation in the National School Choice Week festivities serves to reinforce its mission of providing high-quality, accessible options for families seeking a different approach to public education.
Interested in learning more or enrolling your child? Visit https://www.hcakershaw.
net/.

