Charleston County School District was named on Apr. 30 as one of seven districts in South Carolina to receive the Best Communities for Music Education recognition from The NAMM Foundation for its support and commitment to music education. This marks the second consecutive year that Charleston County School District has earned this honor, and it is also the first time all three tri-county districts—Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester District 2—have been recognized together.
The distinction highlights school districts across the United States that demonstrate dedication to music education and strive to provide equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded curriculum. Now in its 27th year, the program continues to celebrate communities making significant efforts in this area.
In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter, and parochial institutions—were acknowledged for their achievement in offering high-quality music education programs.
“It is incredibly exciting to see the tri-county area recognized for these efforts and the continued growth of music education in our community,” said Dr. Shelly Goughnour, Assistant Academic Director of Visual & Performing Arts. “This recognition reflects not only the talent and dedication of our students, but also the unwavering commitment of our educators, families, and community partners who support the arts every day. Music education plays a vital role in developing creativity, discipline, and collaboration, and we are proud to see these programs thriving and making a lasting impact across our schools.”
Recipients were selected through an application process that reviewed factors such as funding levels, instructional time devoted to music classes, student participation rates in music programs, available facilities for instruction or performance purposes, and overall community support. Applications were independently reviewed by WolfBrown—a research firm specializing in educational evaluation—to ensure credibility.
The NAMM Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants with a focus on removing barriers that limit access to music-making opportunities or career pathways within the industry.
