Thomas C. Cario Middle School, located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, serves a vibrant student community and was honored with the Palmetto’s Finest Award during the 2024–2025 school year. The school is deeply committed to academic excellence and a strong, collaborative arts culture.

 

Music education has long been a defining part of Cario’s identity. The Cario Band program is distinguished by a sustained tradition of high achievement, including regular representation in Region and All-State Bands and a consistent history of earning SCMEA’s Outstanding Performance Award. The program previously performed as a featured ensemble at the South Carolina Music Educators Association Conference in 2005 and is honored to return to the SCMEA Conference stage in February 2026, celebrating 21 years of continued growth and tradition.

 

Collaboration is central to the success of Cario’s music programs. The band, orchestra, and chorus programs work closely together to create unified musical experiences for students, including full 8th grade orchestra and choir collaborations at annual holiday performances. Cario also benefits from strong, supportive relationships with its feeder elementary schools—Charles Pinckney Elementary, Carolina Park Elementary, and Laurel Hill Primary—and with Wando High School, ensuring continuity, mentorship, and a shared commitment to musical excellence across grade levels.