GREENWOOD, SC – The journey of transforming the next generation of Americans began with a ceremonial flag raising and celebration with families, teachers, leadership, and dignitaries at Greenwood Charter Academy (GCA) on Tuesday, September 5
As the first charter school in Greenwood, GCA offers a tuition-free, public educational option for families across the state. It officially opened its doors to students on Wednesday, July 26. GCA is currently serving grades K-6 for the 2023-2024 school year but will reach 4K-8 at full matriculation.
GCA believes in educating the whole child, which includes not only academics but also physical and mental health. All students at GCA receive PE and music and/or art every day. GCA also doesn’t believe in stressing out students and parents with homework, which allows for the life balance needed after school hours. School Leader Jason Morrison believes that GCA offers an education that is unlike anything else in the area.
“What’s special about GCA is that we’re a classical education school. We’re focused on pencil and paper, books, and building relationships with the students,” said Morrison. “The kids get a chance to be kids and enjoy getting an education without being stuck to a device all day long.”
Several honorary guests joined the community to celebrate the new school and its innovative mission. Morrison, members of the school’s board, and the school’s Educational Management Organization, Tutelage School Solutions, were present at the event. Mr. Brandon Smith, Mayor of Greenwood, spoke at the event and shared his support for the new school. Also in attendance was leadership from the school’s authorizer, the Charter Institute at Erskine. This included Dr. Steven Adamson, Board Chair and President of Erskine College, Superintendent Cameron Runyan, and Board members, Ms. Helen Taylor and Dr. Tony Foster.
The story of Greenwood Charter Academy is innovative, similar to the values that are embraced at the school. A $24.9 million investment from the South Carolina Jobs- Economic Development Authority enabled the school’s planning committee to rehabilitate the once-abandoned Greenwood Mall into a sanctuary for growth and community.
Charter Institute at Erskine Superintendent Runyan believes that this building is much more than just a school – it’s a beacon of light for our country and a representation of what America’s future will look like.
“This school brings a renewed focus on our country. More specifically, it adds a focus on the values that have made our country great and have allowed the United States of America to be the most prosperous and flourishing nation in the history of the world,” said Superintendent Runyan. “If we don’t teach the next generation those truths, they might lose them. Because we have this school here, I believe that we are going to continue to see renewed flourishing in Greenwood and beyond.”
The Charter Institute at Erskine is the fastest-growing school district in South Carolina. Serving 28 schools and 26,000 students across the state, the Charter Institute at Erskine is committed to innovative, creative, high-quality methods of education. For more information about the Institute, please visit www.erskinecharters.org.
John Loveday
Executive Director
Tutelage School Solutions
[email protected]
