WELCOME TO COASTAL ACADEMY

Learning, Play, and a Safe Place to Be Small

Early learning and child care for infants through school age, close to home in the Charleston area. Come see where your child's day begins.

Cartersvill

States

L

Community Schools

20,000+

Families Served

A small group of babies sit on the floor playing with various toys while their teacher supervises and engages them. They are each dressed casually and appear content.
What We Do

Big Lessons in Small Moments

Our teachers turn everyday play into real learning, in a school where your child is known by name and you're part of the day. From the first drop-off to the last goodbye, we pay attention to the small moments that help children feel secure: a familiar face at the door, a teacher who remembers their favorite book, and a routine they can count on.

A Typical Day

What a Day in Our Care Looks Like

Mornings start with a hello at the door and breakfast while friends arrive. From there, the day moves through circle time, learning centers, outdoor play, lunch, rest, and afternoon activities, with a rhythm that stays steady so children know what comes next. Your child's teacher will tell you how it went, and the Engage app shows you along the way.

Our Values

Five values shape every decision we make, from how we structure the classroom to how we partner with families

Safety

A safe setting for our children, our teams, and our communities, every single day.

Quality

Environments that foster development, encourage success, and are built with integrity from the start.

Partnership

We work together as one team, with our families, and with the communities we serve.

Inclusion

Every child, every family, and every team member is welcome and belongs here.

Growth

We keep improving our programs and growing our people, so children always thrive.

Our Programs

Learning at Every Stage

Philosophy

The Early Years Shape Everything

The early years are a once-in-a-lifetime window, when brains, hearts, and habits all take shape. Our schools are built around that opportunity: safe classrooms, caring teachers, and play-based learning that helps children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Why Our Families Trust Us

Alanna McNamee
Coastal Academy - North Charleston
"My son (4 yrs old) and I absolutely love Coastal Academy in North Charleston! We were so upset when we had to leave due to my recent job relocation. At the time I was new to the Charleston area, and I was panicking about where my son was going to start pre-school. I had a couple of friends say to check out Coastal Academy due to its good reputation, etc; i immediately inquired and was so impressed. Once a spot opened up for Leo in the pre-school class, I was so relieved and happy! Not only did my son love going to school there each day; but the teachers, learning curriculum, professionalism, teaching styles, activities, etc. was everything I was hoping for! Misty, Ms. Nakita, and the rest of Leo’s teachers were so amazing and sweet; they really had an amazing impact on Leo! Thank you Coastal! We miss you!"
Blanyi Escalante de Chuello
Coastal Academy - Hanahan
"My son has been at Coastal Academy - Hanahan for a year and we love it! He's happy, learning his daily routine, obsessed with story time 📚, and doing great with potty training thanks to his awesome teachers. Love the monthly Parents' Night too. Highly recommend! 💙"
Janet Brendli
Coastal Academy - Hanahan
"Overall things are wonderful!!! Everyone genuinely loves the kids and it shows! My daughter loves the activities and is always excited to share what she has learned. Gave only 4 stars since sometimes teachers discuss kids when it’s to talk negatively about them instead of regarding transfer of care. Sometimes it is also forgotten that they are young children and sometimes the things they say and do are because they are trying to figure out life too. " Our daughter absolutely loves her teachers (shoutout to Ms. Hope!), and it gives us so much peace of mind knowing how loved and well taken care of she is throughout the day. Receiving updates and pictures throughout the day truly makes our day and gives us so much reassurance knowing she’s happy, learning, and having fun while we’re away from her. They do such a great job incorporating learning, outdoor play, and fun into her days, and they even provide lunch and snacks. As busy parents, it’s so nice not having to worry about packing a million things for school every morning because they truly do it all! We couldn’t be happier with our experience and are so thankful to be part of the Lakestones community."
Caitlyn OBrien
Coastal Academy - Hanahan
"My daughter attended a military preschool and it felt like she wasn’t learning or being challenged. Within her first month in Miss Tika’s class I can see so much growth in my child. Her vocabulary is expanding, she’s asking more grown questions, she is showing more independence. It feels like her teacher really tries to connect with each student and I love hearing about her day."

Take the First Step Today

One step closer to an exceptional education for your child, every day.

Find Your Local School

Five schools across the Charleston area, and one near you