Your New Career in Just One Year!
The Charleston Woodworking School is the only professional woodworking school in the State of South Carolina dedicated to the instruction of students desiring a career in woodworking. Licensed by the SC Commission on Higher Education and approved by the Veterans’s Administration for all veteran benefits, the Charleston Woodworking School trains individuals for “Your New Career in Just One Year”. Founded by Master Craftsman Sam Sprouse, the school offer students a professional learning environment. Sam is a graduate of the prestigious Thomas Chippendale School of Furniture in Scotland. The state-of-the-art Charleston Woodworking School facility is located at 2338 Ashley River Road in Charleston!
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 academic year!
The Charleston Woodworking School focuses on teaching the individual traditional woodworking techniques. From learning how to hand cut dovetails, to business instruction, to project management, the school truly prepares the student for woodworking projects, either as a hobby or an eventual future in professional woodworking.
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Charleston Woodworking School has been designed to give the student a first class education in the specifics of woodworking. Emphasis is placed on the student’s initiative in the classroom and in the woodworking shop. At the conclusion of the weekly nine-month course, the graduate will have the basic skills to continue working in the areas of furniture design, furniture making, antique restoration and repair, specialty wood projects, project management, and marketing. Additional, more advanced courses, are also available to students following the completion of the initial course.
Design
All students at the Charleston Woodworking School will develop skills in furniture design, from traditional to contemporary. Design classes include specialized history of furniture and furniture makers, so the student will be able to gain a strong appreciation in the design arena.
Furniture Making
A big part of the professional woodworker is the ability to build quality furniture, utilizing a variety of wood. Classroom instruction compliments practical instruction, and each student will be required to design and build a major furniture project during each of the three semesters.
Antique Restoration and Repair
The skill required to restore and repair antiques should not be left to the novice. The CWS instructs each student in the proper way to restore antiques, and to make repairs when necessary for the integrity of the piece. Great care is taken in this level of instruction sine it is a big part of the professional woodworker’s business.
Specialty wood projects and project management
Each student is encouraged to make several projects on their own, including time after class. The school will be open after hours to enhance the student’s project development, in addition to the projects assigned by the faculty.
Marketing
In addition to learning the specifics of furniture making and various woodworking projects, students at the CWS learn the value of marketing their products to potential customers. Lecturers in marketing will teach all students how to “get the word out” about their new business, focusing on interior designers, home builders, antique dealers, and individuals.
Apply Now!
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-2026 academic year. Enrollment is limited to 15 students per academic year to reflect the Charleston Woodworking School’s commitment to:
Providing in-depth tutoring and one-to-one support
Creating a unique, highly successful learning experience
Developing a woodworking community