Guiding Students to the Finish Line: Meet CASC’s Graduation Coach, Erin Craft 

When it comes to helping students stay on track and cross the graduation stage, Erin Craft is often one of the last (and most impactful) stops on their high school journey at Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC). 

Based in Greenville, Ms. Craft has been with CASC since 2014 and has seen the school’s growth firsthand, from a small, tight-knit virtual program to a thriving online community serving students across the state. But her passion for this work isn’t just about diplomas – it’s about people. 

“I really felt like I was missing that deeper connection with students,” Ms. Craft said. “When the graduation coach role became available, I knew it was time for a change. I wanted to make a difference for students on an individual level.” 

From Psychology to Student Support 

Before joining CASC, Ms. Craft earned her degree in psychology from Clemson University and began her career in healthcare administration. Working in hospital registration and managing a wound care center, she developed a deep empathy for individuals facing long-term challenges. 

“By the time patients came to us, they usually had chronic issues and needed help navigating tough circumstances,” she explained. “It made me realize that I wanted to work with young people and to help them before life’s challenges became overwhelming.” 

That calling led her to education – and eventually to CASC – where she helped build the school’s Student Support Team from the ground up. In 2022, she moved into her current role as High School Graduation Coach, where she combines her background in psychology, data, and guidance. 

Keeping Students on Track: The Flex Program and Beyond 

A big part of Ms. Craft’s work revolves around the school’s FLEX program, which allows eligible high-performing high school students to take greater ownership of their academic schedule once they meet certain benchmarks. 

“After the first few weeks of live classes and orientation, FLEX students get a little more independence,” she explained. “I do weekly grade monitoring, and if a student starts slipping, we intervene quickly. The goal is always to help them succeed, not to catch them failing.” 

The program, which has an application process, has grown significantly in recent years and now serves a wide range of students – from driven, dual-enrolled seniors to working teens and even young parents balancing school and family life. 

A Hands-On Approach to Graduation 

As CASC’s graduation coach, Ms. Craft’s days are filled with conversations – sometimes about English papers and internet connections, other times about housing or transportation challenges. 

“I might message a student, ‘Hey, did you get your essay turned in?’ or ‘Were you able to find a place to stay last night?’” She shared, “It’s not just about academics – it’s about helping the whole student.” 

She also manages several behind-the-scenes responsibilities, from transcript audits and data management to planning the school’s graduation ceremony, which is an annual event held at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. 

“We always want it to feel student-focused,” Ms. Craft said. “Last year, we had student performers who we had never met in person before. They rehearsed virtually and pulled off a beautiful duet at graduation. It was incredible.” 

Dropout Prevention … with a Personal Touch 

Ms. Craft also leads CASC’s dropout prevention efforts, monitoring student progress, and identifying early signs of disengagement. She uses both a proactive and personal approach. 

“When a new student enrolls, I do a transcript audit and create a graduation path,” she explained. “If I see something concerning, I’ll reach out to the family for a conference. Sometimes, just understanding a student’s story changes everything.” 

Those stories can be heartbreaking – students dealing with illness, financial strain, or family loss – but Ms. Craft meets each one with compassion and creativity. 

“Some students might need to switch to a GED path or take classes through adult education,” she said. “It’s never about giving up. It’s about finding a path that works.” 

Her proactive work is paying off. CASC’s graduation rate has climbed steadily year over year, and for the first time, Ms. Craft is projecting rates in the 90% range. 

“I’m so proud of how far our students have come,” she said. “Every percentage point represents real kids, real families, and real stories of perseverance.” 

Empowering Students – and Families – in Virtual Education 

As an educator, and a parent of three (including one current CASC student), Ms. Craft has seen firsthand how powerful virtual education can be when families engage with it fully. 

“Virtual education is what you make of it,” she said. “If you’re willing to give it a chance and stay involved, it can give your student everything they need – and more.” 

She believes CASC offers opportunities that rival and sometimes exceed those found in the traditional setting – from dual enrollment and career pathways to the various options that may allow students to chase their passions outside of school. 

“We’ve had students graduate with associate degrees, earn scholarships, and even go on to Ivy League schools,” Ms. Craft said. “Our students are thriving because they’re learning in an environment that meets them exactly where they are.” 

A Culture of Connection 

As CASC continues to grow, Ms. Craft remains focused on one mission: making sure no student falls through the cracks. 

“Sometimes all it takes is one person to say, ‘I see you, and I’m not giving up on you,’” she said. “That’s what I try to be for our students.” 

With her unwavering belief in what students can accomplish, Erin Craft is helping redefine what graduation success looks like in the virtual world – one student at a time. 

And we thank you! 

Is Online Learning Right for You? 

Take control of your education with school choice! Explore Cyber Academy of South Carolina and discover how our flexible online programs can empower your child to thrive, graduate early, and achieve their goals sooner. Click here to get started today! 

Back to Blog