Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Barrett.
Hi Melissa, 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?
I’m a South Carolina native, born and raised in York. After earning a Bachelor of Arts at the College of Charleston in 1999, I discovered my true, inherent passion for education while teaching preschool. Working in a myriad of educational settings since 2001 has made me a master in the education field through classroom experience and by obtaining my Masters of Education, subsequent special education certification, and becoming certified in general education and special education in both California and South Carolina; additionally, I hold National Board Teacher Certification in Exceptional Needs. While immersed in general and special education settings in eight cities in four states, I came to realize the traditional school day was not fostering a love of learning. I also consistently found that traditional instruction was not fit to close the gap between learning level and material being taught. From that lived experience and understanding that all students need access to high quality education services, I was moved to found Lowcountry Center for Academic Equity (LCAE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in May 2022. At LCAE, I have cultivated an environment that fosters a love of learning and is proven to close the gap between the current learning level and grade level material, and most importantly is available to all students, regardless of their economic standings. LCAE is focused on meeting students where they are, academically and behaviorally. I hear from students that previously hated school and/or could not focus on the assignments, that they do not want to leave the learning center at LCAE. After completing a learning session (50 minutes of direct instruction and 10 minute break with a game), the students often tell their parents that they want to stay for another session! This fostered love of learning has measurable results with every student making growth toward their academic goals, accompanied by a bolstered work ethic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have definitely been challenges as we have developed our organization. As LCAE offers high-quality academic instruction to all learners, we also ensure no child is turned away from academic instruction for financial reasons. This financial accommodation creates challenges because LCAE requires support from donors, grantors, sponsors, and partnerships to ensure high-quality programming is available to all families. In addition, LCAE’s long term goal is to expand programming and develop partnerships to create a one-stop shop for families to have a variety of needs met simultaneously. This vision of a one-stop community center necessitates a larger space for this growth. Fortunately, we have found an ideal property that meets the community need that has greenspace with old growth trees, that is centrally located and on a safe side street. However, securing the funding for the 2.3 acre property is an ever present challenge. We invite donors, grantors, sponsors, and partnerships who align with our values and vision to fulfill this community need!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lowcountry Center for Academic Equity?
At LCAE, we specialize in high-impact academic intervention with kindergarten through twelfth grade students in all subjects, including homework support, study skills, and executive functioning skills. More specifically, we work with students who are 1-5 grade levels behind, those with documented and undocumented learning disabilities, and those who are neurodivergent.
The two most significant things that set us apart from other tutoring companies are: 1) LCAE embraces atypical learners and those behind grade level; and 2) LCAE programming is individualized to each student.
At LCAE, I’ve created a learning environment in which atypical learners and those behind grade level develop skills to independently access materials. Atypical and/or below grade level learners often require a flexible learning session in order to accommodate non-academic needs, such as behavior or attitude. At LCAE, we support the students to meet those needs. Because of this accommodation, learners feel comfortable and safe in our learning center. When students need breaks from work, we honor that by providing options during the break. Options include (but are not limited to) organic conversation about issues that may be hindering a student’s focus, sensory input, physical movement, meditation, and more. This flexible learning session concept couples with a feeling of success, nurturing students to accurately complete tasks, exponentially increasing their love of learning and quality of life.
The second feature that makes LCAE unique is that we use standardized test results and school teachers’ feedback to provide guidance on program creation. This means that students do not take assessments at our center. LCAE establishes relationships with each student’s teachers to obtain candid feedback about a student’s school performance and their most recent standardized testing results before and after LCAE programming. This process allows us to build a relevant and effective individualized academic plan for each student and monitor their growth.
In closing, LCAE is proud to have the reputation of a learning center that embraces neurodiversity, meets students at their current education level, and accommodates all socioeconomic levels. This nonjudgemental environment enables students to have a positive experience with education many have not previously experienced. LCAE’s learning environment fosters a realization that students can independently achieve academic success.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are a myriad of supporters and mentors that have guided me through this project being established and LCAE’s growth. LCAE’s board members have played an integral role in day to day operations, find funding, and following our strategic plan to take us forward. For more information about the board members, visit our website! Other significant supporters include SBDC business coach Paul Featheringill, commercial real estate firm Harbor Commercial Partners, and our clients!
Pricing:
- $77/session
- 50 sessions required to enroll
- sliding scale pricing for those who qualify
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelcae.org
- Instagram: @the_lcae
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelcae
