The Lowcountry Literacy Project (LLP) will premiere its first documentary, The Rising Tide: Literacy in the Lowcountry, on Jan. 20 at the Charleston Music Hall. While admission is free, registration is required to attend the premiere, which will shine a light on the teachers, administrators and families who are working together to change the literacy story for Charleston’s children.
Set inside real classrooms across the Lowcountry, the film follows a grassroots movement to strengthen early literacy instruction. Viewers will hear directly from educators about how this training has been different than what they learned in college and what becomes possible when a community rallies around the simple but powerful belief that every child can learn to read at school, without reliance on expensive tutoring.
“Behind every data point is a child, a teacher and a family,” said Lindsey Ballenger, Executive Director, Lowcountry Literacy Project. “This documentary lifts up their voices. It shows that when we equip and coach teachers with the right tools and align support around them, students who were once left behind can move not just toward grade level but toward their full potential.”
The documentary underscores the impact of LLP’s model of intensive teacher training and ongoing coaching, grounded in the science of reading and multisensory Orton-Gillingham based instruction. Independent evaluation has shown that classrooms supported by LLP are seeing students grow faster in literacy than their peers, closing gaps for the students who need it most.
Following the screening, a live panel discussion will bring together educators and community leaders featured in the film to explore:
- What is working in Charleston’s classrooms right now
- How strengthening classroom instruction and aligning language, tools and strategies across supports can accelerate literacy for all students
- Concrete ways the broader community including businesses, civic leaders and neighbors can join and expand this movement
“The Rising Tide is more than a film, it's an invitation,” Ballenger added. “We want people to walk out of the Music Hall informed on the problem, inspired by the solution and ready to play their part whether that’s championing literacy in their workplace, supporting a school or helping amplify the voices of teachers who are leading the way.”
Event Details
- What: Premiere of The Rising Tide: Literacy in the Lowcountry + Panel Discussion
- When: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m. (cash bar available) | Program: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Charleston Music Hall, 37 John Street, Charleston, SC
- Tickets: https://givebutter.com/
therisingtide | Admission is free
For more information about the Lowcountry Literacy Project or The Rising Tide: Literacy in the Lowcountry, visit: https://