Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Bowden
Hi Anthony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey to founding The Pivot Schools is a story of passion, purpose, and perseverance. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I always knew that my calling was to make an impact in education. My journey, was deeply rooted in the values instilled by his family, especially his mother, a South Carolina native, who inspired him with her dedication to education and community service. I would spend summers in South Carolina and hear about how my great great uncle Croft Mimms started one of the first schools for African Americans in McCormick, SC. Connecting with my roots Anthony helped me recognize the untapped potential and unique challenges within the region, which planted the seed for his dream of starting a school.
My professional career was a testament to my unwavering commitment to students and education. Over the years, I gained valuable experience working in various roles, including instructional coaching, curriculum development, social-emotional learning (SEL) programming, and school administration. These roles not only shaped my expertise but also gave me a front-row seat to the systemic gaps that hinder equitable education. I became determined to build a school that addressed these gaps, blending academic rigor with innovation to prepare students for 21st-century success.
In 2016, I authored the children’s book, “The Day Jake Went To College”. I wrote it to inspire children to dream big and value the power of education. Drawing from personal experiences and a passion for storytelling, I wanted to create a relatable and uplifting story that emphasizes the importance of pursuing higher education, even in the face of challenges. The book highlights the journey of Jake, a young boy navigating his excitement and nerves about college, offering lessons about resilience, curiosity, and self-belief for children everywhere.
For me, the idea of starting a school was never just a professional ambition—it was a personal mission. I recognized the power of education early in my own life when it opened doors and provided opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t have been available. The Pivot Schools represent my vision of a learning environment where students are not only academically equipped but also emotionally supported to thrive. It’s a place where community and opportunity intersect, and where students are prepared for both college and career pathways.
Today, The Pivot Schools stands as a reflection of my life story—rooted in family, driven by purpose, and shaped by my belief that education is the most powerful tool for change. My work is a tribute to families legacy, my professional journey, and my deep-seated belief in the potential of every child.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Opening a school has been one of the hardest and most challenging journeys of my life. From navigating layers of bureaucracy to securing funding, the road has been anything but smooth. It has required a relentless belief in the vision of creating a school that will transform the lives of students and families in our community. At times, the obstacles felt insurmountable—there were moments of rejection, moments of doubt, and countless sleepless nights spent reworking plans, budgets, and proposals to ensure that this dream became a reality.
People often don’t see the emotional and mental toll of trying to build something from scratch, especially in an environment where resources are limited, and support isn’t guaranteed. I’ve had to juggle being a leader, a fundraiser, a strategist, and a motivator, all while remaining steadfast in my mission. I’ve encountered roadblocks like securing facilities, gaining approval, and convincing people to take a chance on this vision. But through every setback, I’ve learned to pivot, adapt, and keep moving forward.
What keeps me going is the thought of the students and families who will benefit from this work. The struggles I’ve faced pale in comparison to the challenges that underserved students and their families encounter every day. Knowing that this school has the potential to provide them with opportunities, hope, and a brighter future makes every hurdle worth it. This journey has tested my resilience, but it has also fueled my determination to create something extraordinary for the community we serve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder and CEO of The Pivot Schools, where we specialize in creating innovative, student-centered educational experiences that integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Career and Technical Education (CTE). My work focuses on providing students with the tools they need to excel academically, emotionally, and professionally, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of the 21st century.
I am known for my ability to blend education with innovation, building schools that not only focus on academic rigor but also prioritize emotional well-being and career readiness. Through our groundbreaking CTE pathways, like our middle school career academy, our AI-focus in high school, and our emphasis on SEL, I strive to close the achievement gap and create equitable opportunities for all students, especially those in underserved communities.
What I’m most proud of is the way Pivot Schools redefines education for families and communities, showing students that they can achieve greatness while staying connected to who they are. Watching students develop confidence, achieve industry certifications, and see themselves as capable leaders of the future is the driving force behind everything I do.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next few years, the education industry is poised for significant growth and transformation, particularly in the charter school sector in South Carolina. With increased focus on innovation, equity, and providing families with diverse educational options, the charter sector in South Carolina is on the brink of exponential growth. The state’s emphasis on expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and fostering innovative school models aligns perfectly with the direction we see education heading.
At The Pivot Schools, we are committed to being at the forefront of this growth. Our vision is to not only provide a unique, high-quality education to students in Aiken but to expand our impact across South Carolina. By focusing on cutting-edge programming, such as our AI-centered CTE pathways and social-emotional learning (SEL) model, we aim to be a leader in reimagining education for students in underserved communities. As the demand for innovative and adaptable schools continues to rise, Pivot is dedicated to building a network of schools that empower students and families, contributing to the broader transformation of the South Carolina education landscape.
We see this as more than just an opportunity for growth; it’s a responsibility to shape the future of education in our state. Our goal is to expand to new communities, meet the needs of diverse learners, and provide all students with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st-century workforce. By continuing to innovate and lead, The Pivot Schools is setting the standard for what education can and should look like in South Carolina.
Pricing:
- Tuition Free Charter School
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepivotschools.org
- Instagram: @thepivotschoolssc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepivotschoolssc/
