A proposed public charter school in Columbia is one step closer to opening after the city approved a zoning exception for the project.
The C.R. Neal Academy is planned for the 2600 & 2700 block of Atlas Road, near Bible Way Church. Construction is expected to transform the current grass field and community center site into a 41,000-square-foot school building.
The school is expected to open in August 2027 and would be the first public charter school authorized by an HBCU in the country, according to the school.
C.R. Neal Academy was authorized by Voorhees University’s Charter Institute of Learning. The institute will oversee the school’s academic and financial performance.
The school plans to focus on health sciences, manufacturing and technology.
Part of the property is owned by Bible Way Church, which has supported the project. Pastor Darrel Jackson submitted a letter of support to the city, saying the church believes the school would be a positive addition to the neighborhood.
There is currently a community center on the property. Documents filed with the city show the center is expected to be demolished to make room for the new school.
C.R. Neal Academy plans to initially serve students in sixth and ninth grades, with about 260 students expected during its first year.
By its fourth year, the school hopes to serve more than 900 students in grades six through twelve.
According to the school’s website, enrollment applications for the 2027-28 school year are scheduled to open Oct. 28.
The school will be funded in part by the Rooted School Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
