West Columbia’s Gray Collegiate Academy (Gray) earned nine different awards in recognition of its outstanding academic performance in the 2024-2025 school year as well as a financial Academic Performance Bonus from the Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute) at the Academic Showcase on Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Gray earned $30,000 total in Institute Academic Performance Bonuses. Its Middle School and High School each earned $15,000 for achieving Overall Excellent report card ratings.

“For far too long, the education establishment has funded struggling schools to the exclusion of those who are producing excellence. These performance bonuses are a statement that the Institute believes in rewarding the efforts that are producing success for children,” said Cameron Runyan, Superintendent at the Charter Institute at Erskine.

Gray earned a variety of awards, both from the Institute and the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE).

Gray’s Middle School earned:

• Diamond School of Excellence (the Institute’s most prestigious award) for scoring in the top 10% of South Carolina middle schools in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.
• Silver School of Distinction for outperforming the local district and demonstrating average growth in ELA and Mathematics.
• Palmetto Silver Award from the South Carolina Department of Education.
• Excellent Overall report card rating.
• Culture of Excellence award for earning an Excellent rating on the School Climate Indicator on the 2025 School Report Card.

Gray’s High School earned:

• Platinum School of Excellence for performing in the top 25% of South Carolina high schools in English, Algebra, and Biology.
• Platinum School of Distinction for outperforming the local district in core subject areas and college and career readiness.
• Palmetto Gold Award from the South Carolina Department of Education.
• Excellent Overall report card rating.
• Culture of Excellence award for earning an Excellent rating on the School Climate Indicator on the 2025 School Report Card.

“This recognition is a true testament to the hard work of our students and the incredible commitment of our teachers and staff,” said Principal Dr. Brian Newsome. “We are excited to see our academic results and school culture celebrated, and even more excited about the daily work happening in our classrooms to support student growth and success.”

The Institute Academic Showcase unites charter schools from across the state to celebrate growth, achievement, and the collective journey toward academic excellence. This event offers students, staff, teachers, and leaders the chance to be recognized for their successes and to share valuable tools and strategies with their peers. Additionally, the Institute awarded $245,000 in Academic Performance Bonuses to 21 schools across the state at the Showcase.

Gray Collegiate Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school serving grades 6-12 at campuses in West Columbia and Irmo. With a strong focus on dual-credit and college readiness, Gray prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. The school is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine. For more information, visit www.graycollegiateacademy.org/.