News Summary
Gray Collegiate Academy is expanding with a new satellite campus in Irmo, set to open next fall. Located at Koon Road and Broad River Road, the campus aims to accommodate 600 to 1,000 students. The school is enhancing facilities, focusing on both education and athletics, and has community support for the expansion. This move addresses the demand for charter schools in the area and marks a significant growth period for Gray Collegiate, continuing its tradition of excellence since 2017.
Exciting News for Irmo: Gray Collegiate Academy Expanding with New Campus!
Get ready, Irmo! Gray Collegiate Academy is about to make a big splash in your community with plans for a brand-new satellite campus, set to open its doors next fall. Currently located in West Columbia, the high-performing school has decided it’s time to grow after reaching full capacity. Principal Brian Newsome noted that demand has simply outstripped what their current facilities can handle.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Last summer, the school did its homework and scoured the area for opportunities to expand. It didn’t take long to find a promising site, which is conveniently located at the intersection of Koon Road and Broad River Road. This new spot is designed to be more accessible for those living closer to Irmo, responding to community surveys that showed a strong desire for charter schools in the area.
A Campus Built for Tomorrow
The brand-new campus will kick off operations featuring three modular buildings, offering eight classrooms each, alongside a dedicated office space. The initial plan aims to accommodate around 600 students from grades six to ten, but there’s big vision here! The long-term goal is to eventually cater to 1,000 students and expand to a full six-to-twelve grade school setup.
Facilities That Inspire
With a new beginning comes modern facilities, and this campus won’t disappoint. Expect a vibrant **multi-purpose outdoor cafeteria** and dedicated physical education space, ensuring students have the perfect environment to thrive academically and physically. This effort is supported by Performance Charter School Development, bringing added expertise to the venture.
A History of Excellence in Athletics
Gray Collegiate has already made a name for itself in the world of athletics since its inception in 2017, boasting multiple state titles across various sports disciplines. This new campus is expected to further elevate the school’s athletic program, paving the way for it to potentially rise to **Class 5A** status as enrollment increases. Right now, the academy has 938 enrolled students, with approximately 620-625 of those in high school.
Future-Friendly Educational Choices
Situated neatly between Dutch Fork High School, just 4 miles away, and Irmo High School, 6 miles away, the new campus will serve the Lexington-Richland 5 school district but will also continue Gray Collegiate’s tradition of independent operation. This independence allows the school to attract a diverse range of students from different areas, ensuring that educational choices flourish in the community.
Staffing Up for Success
A team of 26 dedicated employees will be on hand for the new campus, with 13 of those members transitioning from the existing West Columbia location. This mix of familiar faces and new educators promises a seamless integration, bringing experience and fresh ideas to the new environment.
Community Support and Road Improvements
The enthusiastic response isn’t limited to the school community either! Irmo’s Mayor, Bill Danielson, welcomed the new campus with open arms, stressing the importance of competition in education. He also highlighted that the school’s arrival could prompt necessary improvements to local roads, making it even easier for students to commute.
More Than Just Academics
Gray Collegiate continues to expand its athletic offerings as well; this year, additions like **girls golf** and **wrestling** are making waves. However, not all local sports teams have been eager to take on Gray Collegiate in competitions, leading to some scheduling challenges for their athletic programs.
Future Growth Plans
This exciting expansion isn’t stopping at Irmo. Gray Collegiate is exploring additional locations for growth within and beyond South Carolina, envisioning an even broader reach for its successful educational model.
So, as the countdown begins for the new Gray Collegiate Academy campus in Irmo, it’s clear that changes are on the horizon that will benefit not just students, but the entire community. Stay tuned for what’s sure to be a thrilling new chapter!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cayce, SC Celebrates 13-Year-Old Vivienne Fonte, the 2024 American United Miss Preteen, for Her Inspiring Achievements and Community Service
Lexington County Residents Unite to Support One Another After Hurricane Helene
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Permitting Woes Leave 200 Lexington County Students in Limbo
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Post and Courier: SC Virtual Charter School Lawsuit
- Google Search: Virtual Charter School
- Lexington Chronicle: What Are Magnet Schools?
- Google Scholar: Magnet Schools
- Stacker: Best Public High Schools in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public High Schools
