Gray Collegiate Academy will open its new campus in Irmo to students in the fall of 2025. Since the announcement, Gray Collegiate has held its first information session for families. 

Often known for athletic achievements, Gray Collegiate has also excelled academically. The charter school received a 100% graduation rate in 2024, shared with only three other charter schools and nine schools statewide.

It also ranks among the top schools in South Carolina, placing in the top 25% for English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics.

During an information session, Principal Brian Newsome said the current enrollment at the West Columbia campus is 934, with students from 16 different school districts in attendance. Newsome stated the West Columbia campus has outgrown its capacity, and the new Irmo campus will add additional students, courses and staff.

Currently, there are four guidance counselors at the West Columbia campus, but that number will rise to six next school year. The school will also add 28 new staff members, with 14 staying in West Columbia and the others going to Irmo.

The Irmo campus will offer the same courses for middle school students, with some new courses for high school students. For example, architecture and engineering will be offered. Courses offered at the West Columbia campus like art, music, Spanish and more will also be available at the new satellite.

Students at either campus will be able to travel between locations to take different courses, though transportation will not be provided.

The dual enrollment courses are taught by USC Union instructors. Gray Collegiate interviews the instructors, who are paid by both USC Union and receive a stipend from the charter school.

From Monday through Thursday, students take core classes. On Fridays, students have the option to attend school. Enrichment and intervention take place on Friday when students can receive additional help and tutoring to stay on track with their workload.

The school also offers peer tutoring for additional support.

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) program occurs once a month to help instructors develop strategies for student success.

Gray Collegiate will host four more information sessions. These will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 20, March 13, March 27 and April 10 at the Northwest Family YMCA, located at 1501 Kennerly Rd. in Irmo.

To sign up for a session, email registrar@grayca.com.