Exciting Times Ahead for Carolina Forest as New Charter School Begins Construction

Exciting Times Ahead for Carolina Forest: New Charter School Breaks Ground!

Carolina Forest, S.C. – Big news is buzzing around Carolina Forest as construction has officially kicked off for a brand-new charter school! To celebrate this monumental occasion, a lively groundbreaking ceremony took place on Saturday morning, where school administrators, enthusiastic students, and proud parents gathered to toss dirt, cheer, and celebrate the future of education in the area.

A Journey to This Moment

Sherri Oskin, the dedicated principal of the school, shared that getting to this point was no small feat. “It’s been about a two-year process,” she explained with a smile. The road to groundbreaking involved a series of procedures, from rezoning to working closely with the County Council. “They were wonderful with us,” Oskin expressed, emphasizing the teamwork it took to make this dream a reality.

Relocating and Renaming

The new school, now titled Coastal High School, is moving from its old location on Palmetto Pointe Boulevard to a new site located in the 2100 block of River Oaks Drive. This change comes with an exciting renaming, as the school was previously known as Coastal Leadership Academy. As the building takes shape, it is expected to open its doors to welcome over 500 students by August 2025, creating a vibrant learning environment.

Voices From the Students

Current student Korin Evnich will be a senior when the new school opens, and she couldn’t be more thrilled. “We have been such a small school for such a long time,” she said, her eyes shining with excitement. “It’s so exciting to get a new school!” This sentiment is echoed by many within the student body who are eagerly anticipating the additional space and facilities that the new campus will provide.

Clarifying the Charter School Experience

Marketing director Haley Wentz clarified a common point of confusion for local families, saying, “The biggest thing is that we are a free public charter school, not associated with Horry County Schools at all. Any kid is welcome here.” This openness is set to attract families from both Horry and Georgetown Counties, who are looking for a unique educational option for their children.

What’s in Store for Coastal High School

Coastal High School will focus on a solid core science curriculum, offering students the chance to explore diverse subjects in a dedicated setting. But not everyone is on board yet. Some residents from the River Oaks area have shared concerns regarding noise, traffic, and the overall viability of infrastructure during and after construction. Wentz acknowledged these worries, saying, “We’ve had a bit of negative feedback from some people about noise and traffic, which are all concerns of every resident in general.”

Reassuring the Community

Despite the concerns, Wentz reassured residents that Coastal High School aims to maintain a small school experience, even as it grows. “We want everyone to know we will still be a small school,” she explained, suggesting that the school will foster a close-knit community despite its expansion.

Next Steps

As construction progresses, the excitement is palpable around Carolina Forest. Parents and students alike are ready for a new chapter in their educational journey. If you want to learn more about Coastal High School or apply for enrollment, be sure to check out their official site for all the details!

The future of education is looking bright in Carolina Forest, and the community is eager to see how Coastal High School will enrich the lives of its students while navigating the growing pains that come with expansion. Stay tuned!