Philip Simmons Middle School is in its seventh year in a fast growing community in the Berkeley County School District that serves over 400 students from 5th to 8th grade in the diverse communities of Cainhoy, Huger, and Wando. Philip Simmons Middle School was founded in 2016 as a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) school with a focus on the transdisciplinary approach to education. Our school and its teachers collaborated with Clemson University and the S2TEM Center of South Carolina to develop strong STEAM instruction. As one of Berkeley County’s first STEAM schools, Philip Simmons has proven to be a leader in arts education. In its second year, (2017) Philip Simmons Middle School became an Arts in Basic Curriculum School and South Carolina Department of Education Distinguished Art Program Grant School and has ever since maintained that status. Our school is named in memory of the renowned Charleston blacksmith Philip Simmons and his innovative ironwork. We celebrate his legacy, dedication and work ethic, as well as his knack for perseverance during a time of adversity. In the famous words of Philip Simmons, “if you want your prayers answered, get up off your knees and hustle.” In an effort to continue his legacy, we are a community that unites to provide various opportunities for all of our students in hopes of developing the skills and characteristics needed to be successful in the 21st Century.