Libertas Academy Colleton, the first tuition-free public charter school in Colleton County, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $100,000 transformation investment from the Charter Institute at Erskine's 'Corridor of Success' initiative. This investment is a major milestone for Libertas Academy Colleton and will help bring high-quality education to the community, ensuring their students, staff, and families have the resources they need to succeed.
Keith Coones, Board Chair of Libertas Academy Colleton, highlighted the school's mission at the ceremony: "Our goal is to be the best school in the county and to educate the next generation of American citizens. This investment from the Charter Institute at Erskine brings us one step closer to achieving that vision."
The transformation investment loan will be fully forgiven if Libertas Academy Colleton meets specified academic benchmarks in their first three years as part of the “Corridor of Success” pillar of the Charter Institute’s Success Agenda. This pillar aims to transform the historically underserved area along South Carolina’s I-95 Corridor into a hub of academic excellence.
Superintendent Cameron Runyan of the Charter Institute at Erskine, who grew up in rural South Carolina, expressed his joy in supporting local educational initiatives: "Having experienced firsthand the challenges faced by rural communities in our state, I am honored to be in a position to invest in institutions like Libertas Academy Colleton. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to uplifting communities through quality education."
Libertas Academy Colleton is set to open for the 2025-2026 academic year, serving students from 4K through 4th grade at the temporary facility of Faith Church in Walterboro, while its permanent location, which will serve 4K through 8th grade, is under construction. The academy's curriculum includes Core Knowledge, Core Virtues, and Eureka Math, reflecting its commitment to a comprehensive educational foundation. With sister schools across the state in Boiling Springs, Gaffney, and Greenwood, Libertas Academy Colleton looks forward to bringing the same standard of excellence to Colleton County.
The announcement event was attended by county council members, including Chairman Scott Biering, Vice Chairman Bubba Trippe, and Councilman Johnny Frank. During his remarks, Chairman Biering affirmed that investment in education is paramount to lifting up the community and expressed excitement for Colleton County families to have school choice.
Libertas Academy Colleton invites the community to join in its mission to provide exceptional educational experiences and looks forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the region.
About Libertas Academy Colleton
Opening for the 2025-2026 school year, Libertas Academy Colleton will be the first tuition-free public charter school in Colleton County, serving students in grades 4K through 4. The school is dedicated to delivering a rigorous curriculum that includes Core Knowledge, Core Virtues, and Eureka Math, aiming to foster well-rounded and knowledgeable citizens.
About the Charter Institute at Erskine
Established in 2017, the Charter Institute at Erskine authorizes high-quality charter schools across South Carolina, elevating educational opportunities through innovation and creativity. The 'Corridor of Success' initiative is part of the Institute's broader mission to transform educational outcomes in historically underserved areas.
Media Contacts
Libertas Academy Colleton: Alyssa Granados, info@libertascolleton.education
Charter Institute at Erskine: Ashley Epperson, aepperson@erskinecharters.org
For more information about Libertas Academy Colleton, please visit https://www.libertascolleton.education/.
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