The new Ashley River Classical Academy building set to open in Charleston in the 2025-26 school year.
The Ashley River Classical Academy (ARCA) is set to open in Charleston for the 2025-26 academic year. Located at the former site of Grace on the Ashley Baptist Church, ARCA will provide a classical liberal arts education for grades K-5, with plans to expand annually. The academy, authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine, aims to blend academic rigor with character development, ensuring students focus on pursuing truth, goodness, and beauty while preparing them for future educational success.
Get ready, Charleston! A new educational establishment is on the horizon as the Ashley River Classical Academy (ARCA) is gearing up to open its doors for the 2025-26 academic year. Set at 2025 Bees Ferry Road in the charming West Ashley area, the new school promises to bring a fresh approach to education in the community.
The building that will host ARCA has an interesting past. Previously, it was home to the Grace on the Ashley Baptist Church and later the Charleston Christian School. Now, thanks to the American Classical Education Foundation, that site is being transformed into a vibrant space for learning. Spanning a whopping 49,000 square feet, the facility is not just big; it’s packed with amenities that include a music room, a fully equipped gymnasium, an art room, a multipurpose room, and not one, but two playgrounds! It’s a dream come true for kids seeking fun alongside their learning journey.
When it opens on August 12, 2025, ARCA will welcome students in grades K-5 and has grand plans to expand by one grade per year until it serves students through 12th grade. The school aims to kick off with around 340 enthusiastic students, which is sure to create a lively and engaging environment.
ARCA has been officially authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine, which is a major player as South Carolina’s largest charter school sponsor. Plus, the academy will be affiliated with the renowned Hillsdale College and will adopt a classical liberal arts curriculum. This means students will not just be learning subjects but will also focus on developing moral character and civic virtue alongside their academic education. The goal here is not just to teach but to prepare well-rounded citizens who understand the rich principles of Western tradition.
While many are excited about the new academy, there have been some concerns from locals regarding potential biases due to the school’s connection with certain conservative groups. But, in the grand scheme of things, ARCA emphasizes character development and a challenging academic approach that encourages students to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty.
In the midst of these discussions, local community members, including teachers and business owners, have voiced their enthusiasm for the school’s future. Support is evident, with notable backing coming from state senator Matt Leber and his wife, who is a newly elected member of the school board.
When it comes to what’s being taught in the classrooms, ARCA has big plans. The curriculum will align with South Carolina College and Career-Ready standards, which means students will get an education that meets state requirements while also engaging them with subjects like Singapore math, Latin, and phonics-focused literacy. This classical model has seen a rise in popularity over the last decade and advocates a thorough exploration of key concepts that inspire a deep understanding and appreciation of various disciplines.
As the countdown begins for ARCA’s opening day in 2025, the Charleston community eagerly anticipates what this new educational gem will bring. With a commitment to a high-quality education intertwined with a moral foundation, the Ashley River Classical Academy may very well set the stage for a bright future for its students and the local area alike. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we await the grand opening!
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