We are excited to announce that Kelly Waters has been named the Executive Director/Principal for the 2026–2027 school year at Goucher Charter Academy. She is a Cherokee County native and resides in the Goucher community.

Mrs. Waters brings a deep passion for education and a wealth of experience spanning early childhood, elementary, and middle school settings across her 19 years in education. Her background also includes extensive work in gifted education, special education, instructional coaching, and school administration—providing her with a well-rounded perspective on supporting all learners and educators.

For the past 13 years of her career, Mrs. Waters has served within the charter school community and with an amazing team to develop strong expertise in navigating both the opportunities and challenges unique to charter schools. Her experience includes school growth, strategic marketing, program development, building expansions and celebrating school success—all while maintaining a focus on student achievement and school culture.

Importantly, Mrs. Waters’ charter school experience has been within the South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD), the authorizer to which Goucher Charter Academy is transitioning. Mrs. Waters has attended PD’s and conferences regularly within this community and has presented on multiple occasions at this level. She brings with her strong, established relationships with SCPCSD leadership, which will be an asset as the school continues to grow and thrive under this new partnership.

Mrs. Waters is committed to building on the strengths already in place at Goucher Charter Academy and working collaboratively with staff, students, families, and the broader community to move the school forward.

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Waters to this role and supporting her as she leads Goucher Charter Academy into the next chapter.