About Us

Why we’re here

Many capable and motivated middle school students can struggle to keep pace in large, fast-moving classrooms. At BEST Skills Academy, we ensure every student truly understands what they are learning, not simply moving on to the next grade.

We are a private middle school in Greenville, South Carolina, built on a mentoring- and mastery-based learning model. With small class sizes and a 1:10 student-to-instructor ratio, each student receives personalized instruction and coaching tailored to their individual learning style and pace.

In addition to strong academic foundations, students develop essential real-world skills including personal responsibility, effective communication, and financial literacy through more than 180 hours of guided mentoring each year.

Working With Families

We believe education is most effective when schools and families work together. Parents and guardians are a child’s first teachers, and we honor that role through open communication, shared expectations, and regular progress updates.

Our mentors also collaborate with local leaders and community partners to support students in strengthening both their academic skills and personal character, helping them grow into confident, well-rounded individuals.

The Power of Mentorship

Our mentors guide students in setting meaningful goals, staying accountable, and building confidence. Through these trusted relationships, students learn to take ownership of their growth academically, socially, and personally.

Our mentoring model fosters self-discipline, resilience, and leadership, equipping students with the skills and mindset needed for success in high school and beyond.

THE BEST WAY WORKS

Our mastery-based learning model ensures students fully understand each concept before moving forward. This approach builds lasting confidence and measurable academic growth, with many students making significant gains in reading and math within a single year.

At BEST Skills Academy, we don’t simply move students along, we move them forward, equipping them with the skills, mindset, and habits needed for lifelong success.

The value of upward economic mobility

Education plays a critical role in creating upward economic mobility and long-term stability. Higher levels of educational attainment are consistently linked to increased earning potential and greater financial security over a lifetime.

At BEST Skills Academy, we believe education is about more than academic achievement — it’s about expanding opportunity. By equipping students with strong academic foundations, critical life skills, and informed decision-making, we help prepare them for future pathways that support independence, stability, and success.

The importance of financial literacy

The BEST Way places a strong emphasis on financial literacy as a core life skill. Our curriculum introduces students to essential concepts such as financial responsibility, credit and debt, budgeting, and investing.

This focus makes a meaningful impact. After just one semester, 83 percent of students report a noticeable increase in their financial knowledge, empowering them to make informed decisions now and in the future.

Better educated students make a stronger community

Expanding access to quality education strengthens economic mobility and helps reduce long-term financial strain for individuals and families. Over time, this contributes to more equitable, resilient, and prosperous communities.

By addressing these challenges early in life, students are better prepared to make informed decisions that support financial stability and long-term success. This foundation not only benefits individual students, but also fuels economic growth and positive outcomes throughout their communities.