Business Details
12 Years
experience
Your Trusted College Prep Charter School in West Columbia, SC
Gray Collegiate Academy is a public charter school serving students in grades 6-12, dedicated to providing a rigorous academic curriculum combined with elite athletics and dual enrollment opportunities. Founded in 2014, our mission is to create a safe, family-centered environment where students earn up to two years of college credit while developing leadership skills through academics and athletics. Our split-schedule model allows flexibility for extracurricular activities and real-world experiences, supported by a 1:25 teacher-student ratio and USC-vetted college professors. With an over 99% graduation rate since 2019, we emphasize RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and RIGOR as foundational principles. Our students benefit from personalized counseling, service learning, and preparation for college and career success.We maintain strong partnerships with local businesses and the community to enhance educational outcomes. Our innovative approach integrates technology and varied instructional strategies to foster lifelong learning. As a Charter Institute at Erskine Gold School of Excellence, we combine academic excellence with character development. Our athletic programs nurture integrity and school spirit while guiding student-athletes through college eligibility processes. With campuses in West Columbia and Irmo, South Carolina, we serve a diverse student population committed to becoming responsible, contributing citizens.
Services
Dual Enrollment
College Prep
Athletics Programs
Counseling Services
Academic Support
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- We offer dual enrollment courses taught by USC-vetted college professors
- Our split-schedule model supports athletic development and academic success
- We maintain a 1:25 teacher-student ratio for personalized learning
- Our graduates earn up to 60 transferable college credits before graduation
- We combine academic excellence with character development through athletics
What people say
Excellent Rating
High Graduation Rate
Dual Enrollment Opportunities
Elite Athletics Programs
Small Class Sizes
Services
Dual Enrollment
Our dual enrollment program allows high school students to earn transferable college credits through courses taught by USC-vetted professors. This unique opportunity enables graduates to complete up to two years of college coursework while still in high school. The program prepares students for higher education through rigorous academic standards and college-level instruction.
College Prep
Our college preparatory curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual inquiry through differentiated teaching strategies. Students benefit from project-based learning, hands-on activities, and integrated reading, writing, and math instruction across all subjects. The program consistently achieves over 99% graduation rates with college-ready graduates.
Athletics Programs
Our athletic programs combine competitive sports with academic excellence, preparing student-athletes for college athletics eligibility. The split-schedule model allows early practice completion while maintaining academic priorities. Students develop leadership skills and character through interscholastic competition and school spirit-building activities.
Counseling Services
Our counseling services provide academic guidance, college application assistance, and personal development support. Counselors help students navigate dual enrollment options and career planning. The program emphasizes holistic development through service learning and leadership opportunities.
Academic Support
We offer personalized academic support through small class sizes and targeted skill development. Teachers collaborate across disciplines to address learning gaps and reinforce core competencies. The program includes technology integration and varied instructional strategies to accommodate different learning styles.
People
Dr. Brian Newsome
Principal
Dr. Brian Newsome has served as Principal of Gray Collegiate Academy for eight years, leading with a focus on RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, and RIGOR. He emphasizes college readiness through dual enrollment programs and small class instruction. His leadership has maintained the school's Excellent rating since 2019.
Questions
What grades does Gray Collegiate Academy serve?
We serve students in grades 6 through 12 at our West Columbia and Irmo campuses.
How does the dual enrollment program work?
Our students take college courses taught by USC-vetted professors, earning up to 60 transferable credits before graduation.
What athletic opportunities are available?
We offer interscholastic athletics with a split schedule allowing early practice completion while prioritizing academics.
How do I apply for admission?
Applications open November 1-30 annually through our online portal with lottery selection for oversubscribed grades.
What makes GCA unique?
Our combination of college-level academics, athletics, and small class instruction with 1:25 teacher-student ratios sets us apart.
Is transportation provided?
Students are responsible for their own transportation as we don't provide bus services.
