News Summary
Gray Collegiate Academy has announced a delay in opening its new Irmo campus to August 11. This delay is due to a shipping issue with a water line component. In the meantime, students can engage in virtual meetings, while the original campus offers in-person options. Plans for expansion and additional staff hiring are outlined, emphasizing the academy’s commitment to quality education. Local officials have expressed support despite ongoing road work that may affect access.
Irmo – Gray Collegiate Academy has announced a delay in the opening of its new Irmo campus, now scheduled to start operations on August 11, 2025, instead of the previously planned date of August 4, 2025. The postponement is due to an unexpected delay in the delivery of a vital component for the water line, as stated by Principal Brian Newsome.
In the interim, students enrolled at the Irmo campus, which will serve grades 6 through 10, will participate in virtual meetings with their teachers from August 4 to August 7. The original West Columbia campus, which remains unaffected by the delay, is offering students the option to attend in-person sessions during the opening week. However, students must notify the school by 8 a.m. on Wednesday if they wish to take advantage of this opportunity.
A back-to-school open house is also scheduled at the West Columbia campus, allowing parents and students to learn more about their educational options and to prepare for the upcoming school year.
The new Irmo campus is being constructed at the intersection of Koon Road and Broad River Road and is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students. Initially, it will support 600 students in grades 6-10, with plans to expand to include grades 11 and 12 in the future. The campus will feature a multi-purpose outdoor cafeteria and space for physical education, enhancing the overall educational experience for students.
Gray Collegiate Academy’s Irmo campus will operate as an extension of the West Columbia campus, allowing students to take classes at both locations, depending on logistical arrangements. To ensure student participation in athletic events and practices, a shuttle service will be provided for student-athletes traveling from the Irmo campus to the West Columbia campus.
Additionally, Gray Collegiate Academy plans to hire 28 additional faculty and staff for the new campus to maintain its commitment to high educational standards. The academy has been well-regarded for its performance on academic assessments since it was established in 2014.
Irmo Mayor Bill Danielson has expressed excitement about the development of the new campus, noting that road work in the area is ongoing, which may impact accessibility to the site. Despite this, Principal Newsome has conveyed confidence in the school community’s ability to secure a smooth operation following the adjusted opening date.
Applications for enrollment at both campuses are currently available online and at the front office of the West Columbia location, encouraging families to explore educational opportunities for their children.
As Gray Collegiate Academy prepares for the expanded campus and the anticipated influx of students, ongoing efforts are made to address logistical needs and ensure a supportive academic environment.
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Additional Resources
- The State: Education News
- Google Search: Gray Collegiate Academy
- Cola Daily: Gray Collegiate Academy Expansion
- Google Scholar: Gray Collegiate Academy
- Post and Courier: Gray Collegiate Academy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gray Collegiate Academy
- ABC Columbia: Gray Collegiate Academy Facilities
- Google News: Gray Collegiate Academy
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