North Charleston parents should be aware of several new school policies and updates for the 2025-2026 school year from the Charleston County School District (CCSD), which serves North Charleston. Key points include revised academic calendars reducing early release days to full school days on certain dates, updated procedures for student registration through the PowerSchool Parent Portal, and changes in individual student planning processes such as Individual Graduation Plans (IGP) and Gifted & Talented program screening criteria.​
Academic and Attendance Policies
The 2025-2026 calendar features fewer early release days, with some previously scheduled half days now full instructional days, impacting planning for parents.​
Parents must report tardy students by physically signing them in at the school; attendance remains strictly monitored under state law requiring regular school attendance from age 5 until 17 years old.​
Registration and ongoing student data updates are done via the PowerSchool Parent Portal; proof of residency such as a current utility bill is required.​
Academic Programs and Individualized Support
The district maintains rigorous academic programs with honors weighting across courses and a career clusters system providing personalized pathways.
Students in grades 3-12 are screened for the Gifted & Talented program with specific criteria including GPA thresholds and test scores; placement decisions involve parents and an evaluation team.​
Each student works with advisory teachers and school counselors to develop and annually update Individual Graduation Plans (IGP), ensuring alignment with college and career readiness goals.​
Communication and Engagement
Schools encourage parental involvement and provide resources to keep parents informed about policy changes, student progress, and school events.
Parents can expect ongoing communication through official district channels for updates on school facility improvements and policies relevant to North Charleston schools.​
Parents should check the Charleston County School District website and their child’s school communications regularly for the latest updates and detailed policy documentss.
SOURCES
[1](https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1733156924/ccsdschoolscom/wxhxatqm6xlvqjzw7tyy/NCHSProgramofStudy2024-2025.pdf)
[2](https://www.ccsdschools.com/family-resources/academic-calendar)
[3](https://www.ccsdschools.com/family-resources/registration-and-enrollment/2025-2026-returning-student-registration)
[4](https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1724168339/ccsdschoolscom/ghsese7a0lwt1lj0a8cy/StudentCodeofConduct_2024-25_aug12.pdf)
[5](https://learn4lifecharleston.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-25-Parent-Student-Handbook_Charleston-pdf.pdf)
