News Summary
Gray Collegiate Academy announces plans to open a second campus in Irmo by August 2025. The new facility will accommodate up to 600 students in grades six to ten and may evolve into a full-fledged high school. This expansion comes as a response to the growing demand in the area, ensuring more families have access to this successful charter school’s renowned academic and athletic programs.
Exciting News for Irmo: Gray Collegiate Academy Expands!
Irmo, get ready for some thrilling news! Gray Collegiate Academy, the well-loved school from West Columbia, has just announced plans to open a second campus right near your neighborhood by August 2025! This is super exciting for families in the area, as the new campus will help accommodate the growing number of students clamoring to get into this fantastic school.
A Home for More Students
This new facility isn’t just a small addition; it will serve as a satellite campus designed to host up to 600 students in grades six through ten. And if that’s not enough, plans are already in place to expand it into a full-fledged high school in the future! This should definitely ease the stress for parents and kids who have faced waiting lists at the current campus, which has been bursting at the seams lately.
Located at the intersection of Koon and Broad River roads, the new campus will kick things off with three modular buildings, each containing eight classrooms. You can imagine how much smoother things will go once those classrooms are filled with eager students and teachers dedicated to making learning fun and effective.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
While the new campus is being built, it’s important to know that all athletic practices and games will still take place at the original West Columbia campus. To make it easier for students to go back and forth, a shuttle service will be provided. Now that’s a win-win for everyone involved!
However, to pull this expansion off, Gray Collegiate will be on the lookout for an additional 28 faculty and staff members. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in becoming part of a passionate team at a school known for achieving success in both academics and athletics.
Success all Around
Since opening its doors in 2014, Gray Collegiate Academy has continuously amazed everyone with its academic results, outshining not only the state average but also many other charter schools. Despite facing some bumps in the road regarding management and finances in the past, the school has fought through to operate independently and is stronger than ever.
It’s worth noting that Gray Collegiate has made a name for itself in sports too, clinching a jaw-dropping 14 state championships in its relatively short history! This record has stirred up conversations around competitive fairness with local public high schools, and with their recent reclassification into Class AAAA, the excitement is only set to grow.
With more students pouring in, we can expect their brand of athletics to ramp up, putting them on a competitive level with nearby powerhouses like Dutch Fork and Irmo High School. Students hoping to join the athletic success and stellar academics will now have an even better chance at the second campus.
Local Response
On the ground, Irmo’s Mayor has expressed excitement about how this new campus will enrich the local community, while also reminding everyone that some roadwork is expected in the area. This is just a heads-up that while new beginnings are on the horizon, it might require a bit of patience from drivers and families during the transition.
Bright Future Ahead
Gray Collegiate Academy’s decision to expand reflects its ever-growing reputation for academic excellence and a strong athletic foundation. With so many families seeking high-quality charter school options, this new campus couldn’t have come at a better time. As Irmo prepares for the opening, students and parents alike can look forward to a bright future full of new opportunities and unforgettable experiences.
Irmo, it’s clear that change is in the air, and it’s for the better! Buckle up because the next few years promise to be a thrilling ride for our community!
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Gray Collegiate Academy Expansion
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- SW Lexington Ledger: East Point Academy Recognition
- Google Search: Gray Collegiate Academy
- Fox Carolina: Charter Schools and Sports Fairness
- Google Scholar: Charter Schools
- WLTX: SC Lawmakers and Charter Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School
- SC Daily Gazette: K-12 Schools and Cellphones
- Google News: South Carolina Education
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
