Greenville School Set to Close at End of Academic Year
Greenville, S.C. – A decision has been made to shut down Greenville Early College at the close of this school year as the number of enrolled students has significantly declined. The school district announced the closure after recognizing that only 107 students are currently attending the institution, which first opened its doors in 2015.
This specialized school was designed to aid students who are the first in their families to attend college, promoting their chances for future success. However, officials say they can no longer justify keeping the school operating given the declining enrollment numbers.
“Why are we losing this school?” questioned parent Shenetta Brewster, expressing frustration over the situation. She emphasized that parents should have a voice in decisions affecting their children’s education.
Moving forward, the district plans to transfer the programs offered at Greenville Early College to three other local high schools: Berea High, Southside High, and Carolina High. School district spokesperson Tim Waller stated that they are going to ensure that the educational offerings will still be available, just in a different format.
Although some parents have expressed concern that their children might not receive the same level of support, Waller assured that small class sizes would still be maintained, along with opportunities for field trips and events related to college exposure. Additionally, a dedicated counselor will be accessible to all students transitioning from the closed school.
Moreover, a summer bridge program at **Furman University** will continue, providing services and resources to incoming students that were not previously offered. “They are going to have the same courses but more opportunities,” added Waller, indicating that these changes aim to broaden the educational experience.
Brewster, whose daughter was scheduled to graduate next year, expressed her regrets about not having a chance to voice her concerns sooner. “What are you doing?” she asked. “We are paying tax dollars to see our schools improve.”
As it stands, Greenville Early College will officially close at the end of the current school year, with all programs integrated into the three high schools starting in the next academic year. The possibility of this closure has been a topic of discussion within the district for several years.
