You might have been as surprised as I was when I learned that a new school was coming to our area! In the same location that a previous school had tried to use as well.

We have one of the top-ranked school districts in the state and it always concerns me when I see charter schools come to the area. Why don’t they go into the areas of NEED in our state? Couldn’t they have more impact by lifting up students in pockets of our state that need them more than Irmo/Chapin?

The first call I made was to the SC Department of Transportation. I’ve been told that the school will be responsible for infrastructure improvements – to include turn lanes and ample “student drop off” to eliminate any back up on Koon Road. I’ll continue to monitor that and as that y’all continue to be my eyes and ears out there!

Next, I was concerned this could impact Chapin, Dutch Fork, Irmo athletics. I’ve been told the grades will be 6-10 at this location and that all athletics will continue at the current location.

From ABC WOLO TV….

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Gray Collegiate Academy in West Columbia will soon open a new satellite campus in Irmo.

Faculty and board members made the announcement to media earlier on Thursday, Jan. 23, while students were at home enjoying their “snow day”.

Set to open this August, the expansion on Koon Road will initially entail three modular buildings that can hold over 600 students.

Within the next two years, leaders say a permanent facility will be constructed at the same site, giving more Irmo residents a chance to become a part of the Gray-Collegiate family.

The new Irmo campus will offer courses not yet available at the West Columbia location including classes in architecture and engineering.

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John E. Davis
John E. Davis
February 3, 2025 8:32 am

Sounds interesting, provided none of our tax revenues go to support such private schools. Our district, through Irmo, Dutch Fork and Chapin schools, has a justified reputation for excellence in K-12 education. State funds should go to our public school system.