Elementary School News

West Columbia, SC – East Point Academy Beta Club is conducting a shoe drive fundraiser from October 15, 2025 to December 15, 2025. East Point Academy will earn funds based on the total weight of the pairs of gently worn, used and new shoes collected, as Funds2Orgs will issue a check for the collected shoes. Anyone can help by donating gently worn, used and new shoes at East Point Academy: Elementary Campus. All donated shoes will then be redistributed throughout the Funds2Orgs network of micro-enterprise and small business partners. Funds2Orgs works with micro-entrepreneurs in helping them create, maintain and grow small businesses in developing countries where economic opportunity and jobs are limited. Proceeds from the sales of the shoes collected in shoe drive fundraisers are used to feed, clothe and house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to send her son to law school. “We are excited for this opportunity to give back to developing nations.” said Cameron Beeler, Beta Club Sponsor. “This is a fundraiser we think could receive a lot of attention and appreciation. We have the chance to help families who need economic opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone.” By donating gently worn, used and new shoes to the Elementary Beta Club, the shoes will be given a second chance and make a difference in people’s lives around the world.

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East Point Academy is a tuition-free public charter school with a global focus and Mandarin immersion program. With a commitment to academic excellence and cultural awareness, EPA serves students from 4K through 8th grade across its two campuses in West Columbia, South Carolina.

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – East Point Academy is proud to announce the return of the Panda Safety Patrol program at its Elementary Campus, thanks to the leadership of School Resource Officer (SRO) Myers from the West Columbia Police Department.

Officially one month into his new role as SRO, Officer Myers has reinstated the extracurricular club dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students. The Panda Safety Patrol will empower 4th and 5th grade students to take an active role in school safety and leadership.

Student patrol members will assist with a variety of responsibilities, including: Supporting the car ride line, patrolling hallways, assisting at the crosswalk and escorting younger students to class.

“John Quincy Adams says “If Actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”” said Officer Myers. “It’s an exciting way to combine leadership, responsibility, and school spirit.”

On September 11, 2025, Officer Myers will host an induction ceremony for new patrol members. Once inducted, students will be expected to actively participate in patrol meetings and uphold the highest standard of behavior as representatives of the Panda Safety Patrol.

The return of this program reflects East Point Academy’s ongoing commitment to student safety, character development, and community partnership with the West Columbia Police Department.

West Columbia, SC, August 2025 

We are proud to announce EPA is a 2024-2025 National Beta School of Merit. The school earned this recognition by offering National Beta to all eligible grades on their campus. 

The National Beta School of Merit award is given to honor a club’s dedication and commitment to academic excellence. To achieve this prestigious honor, a school must include members from all eligible grade levels in their Beta club. This year 5,930 Beta Clubs across the country received this award. 

In a congratulatory letter to the school, Bobby Hart, CEO said “Thank you for your continued support of National Beta and commitment to developing future leaders!”

“I have seen firsthand how leadership skills are cultivated through Beta, and it is incredible to witness the confidence that students gain from the success of service learning and other projects,” said Mr. Lally, Head of School at East Point Academy.

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With more than 500,000 active members and 14,000 clubs nationally and internationally, National Beta has become the nation’s largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization.  National Beta recognizes outstanding achievement, promotes character and social responsibility, encourages service involvement to school and community, and fosters leadership skills. National Elementary Beta includes grades 4-5, National Junior Beta includes grades 6-8 and National Senior Beta includes grades 9-12.   Visit betaclub.org for more information.

West Columbia, SC — East Point Academy (EPA) Elementary Campus is excited to announce the return of its annual Cub Crawl, a special half-day event designed to help the school’s youngest students transition into the learning environment. Scheduled for Monday, August 5th, the Cub Crawl will run from 8:05 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., following a half-day schedule.

The Cub Crawl is open to all enrolled 4K and 5K students at EPA. The purpose of the event is to ease the first-day jitters and help students become familiar with the car line process and navigating their way to and from classrooms.

 “The Cub Crawl gives exposure to a real school experience for our 4K and 5K students” said Karla Chapman, Principal of East Point Academy Elementary Campus. 

The Cub Crawl received positive feedback from families last year. Parents praised the event for building student confidence and setting a calm, welcoming tone for the school year.

All enrolled 4K and 5K students are encouraged to participate. For more information, families can contact the EPA Elementary Campus front office or visit ParentSquare.

About East Point Academy:

East Point Academy is a tuition-free public charter school with a global focus and Mandarin immersion program. With a commitment to academic excellence and cultural awareness, EPA serves students from 4K through 8th grade across its two campuses in West Columbia, South Carolina.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Columbia, SC – July 27, 2023 – East Point Academy, a public charter school known for its commitment to academic achievement and cultivating global understanding, has some exciting news for parents and students. As the summer wraps up, the school has announced that they have purchased all school supplies for the upcoming school year for its 745 students.  

East Point Academy has purchased school supplies to guarantee that all students have the resources they need for a successful school year. The school hopes this will help reduce the burden on parents. Careful fiscal management and budgeting have kept annual expenditures within budget, making this beneficial undertaking possible.

” Students and their families have been very appreciative,” said Andrew J. Hart, Head of School at East Point Academy. “We are happy to provide support and hope this will ease the back-to-school preparations.

Parents and students alike can now look forward to starting the school year without the usual hassle of gathering the seemingly never-ending list of supplies. East Point Academy remains committed to creating an optimal learning environment where students can focus on their education.

As the summer months come to an end, East Point Academy is ensuring that both campuses are fully prepared to welcome back students in August. With this initiative-taking approach to supporting the educational needs of their “Pandas,” East Point Academy once again demonstrates its commitment to providing an exceptional and supportive learning experience. 

As the Head of the School, Andrew J. Hart, expressed, “We can’t wait to see our Pandas back in August, ready to embark on a new and exciting academic year.”

For more information about East Point Academy and its commitment to excellence in education, please visit www.eastpointsc.org.

Media Contact:

Erika Whitlow
Chief Information Officer
East Point Academy
803-995-9019
media@eastpointsc.org