Gray Collegiate Academy held a press conference, Thursday, to announce the opening of its new satellite campus in Irmo.

The campus, located at 617 Koon Road, will initially serve 600 students in grades 6-10, and serve grades 6-12 at full matriculation.

As a satellite campus, the Irmo location will exist as an extension of GCA’s West Columbia campus at 3833 Leaphart Road. Each campus will have alternate course offerings, and students are welcome to take courses in both Irmo and West Columbia if scheduling and transportation allow.  

Students, parents, staff, leadership, and special guests were present to celebrate the announcement. Dignitaries included representatives from the Town of Irmo, the South Carolina Department of Education, the Office of the Honorable Joe Wilson, the Office of the Honorable Tim Scott, and more. 

“This expansion marks an incredible milestone for Gray Collegiate Academy as we bring our commitment to academic excellence and dual-credit opportunities to even more students,” said Principal Dr. Brian Newsome. “We are excited to offer families in Irmo the same high-quality education and college prep focus that has defined our success, while maintaining the strong sense of community that makes our school unique.”

The Irmo campus will open for students in August 2025 with permanent modulars and a state-of-the-art “Airnasium” and weightroom. A permanent building will be constructed in the future.

While all athletic practices and events will remain at the West Columbia location, a shuttle will run between both campuses every afternoon to transport student athletes to their practices.

“At GCA, we believe that an excellent education has the power to change lives, and we have witnessed its impact firsthand through the success of our graduates,” said Gray Assistant Principal Ms. Casey Hallman. “It’s an honor to extend this opportunity to more students across the Midlands, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to excel in college and beyond.

Applications for both campuses are available in the front office at the West Columbia location or online at https://www.graycollegiateacademy.org/admissions. GCA will be hosting informational sessions about the Irmo campus for prospective families at the Northwest Family YMCA (1501 Kennerly Rd., Irmo, SC 29063) on the following dates:

• February 6 at 12:30 p.m.
• February 20 at 12:30 p.m.
• March 13 at 12:30 p.m.
• March 27 at 12:30 p.m.
• April 10 at 12:30 p.m.

To sign up for a session, email [email protected].

Interested candidates can access more information about job opportunities here: https://www.graycollegiateacademy.org/employment.