West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies

West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies is a high school in Charleston, SC, serving students from West Ashley High School, St. John's High School, and Baptist Hill Middle High School. The school specializes in career and technology education, offering comprehensive programs in Industrial Arts, Medical Arts, Technical Arts, and Engineering. Students engage in hands-on learning through courses in welding, automotive repair, mechatronics, PLTW Bio-Medical, sports medicine, health science, computer service and repair, networking and cyber security, media technology, aerospace, civil and architecture engineering, and more. The school’s mission is to deliver dynamic instruction that prepares students for future careers and higher education while fostering a lasting passion for learning. Students and staff alike highlight its supportive environment, strong faculty connections, and real-world skill development. The school is consistently recognized for its academic excellence and student engagement, with positive feedback from students and families.

The school’s approach centers on experiential learning, with programs designed to mirror industry standards and workforce demands. Its leadership team brings deep local roots and professional expertise, Principal Dale Bannon Metzger III, a Charleston native, previously served in multiple leadership roles at West Ashley High School and Garrett Academy, and brings firsthand experience from his career as a journeyman pipefitter at the former Charleston Naval Shipyard. Assistant Principal Jason McDermott brings 18 years of educational leadership and 25 years of coaching experience to the team. Together, they guide a curriculum that blends academic rigor with practical application, including community-based projects such as repairing an ambulance for humanitarian use in Honduras.

Located in the heart of Charleston, the West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies is situated on a prominent road within the city’s West Ashley area, serving as a hub for career-focused education. Its physical presence reflects its mission, modern, accessible, and dedicated to student success.

The school stands out for its thorough, well-documented online presence and a website that is both informative and easily navigable. This level of transparency and clarity underscores its commitment to accountability and communication with students, families, and the broader community. Its strong reputation is built on consistent academic performance, dedicated educators, and impactful programs that prepare students for immediate entry into skilled trades or further education.

As a cornerstone of career and technical education in Charleston, West Ashley Center for Advanced Studies empowers students with the tools, skills, and confidence to thrive in their chosen fields, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals in the region.