Exciting Times for Legacy Early College in Greenville!
Greenville is buzzing with excitement these days, and for good reason! Legacy Early College is all set to expand, and the community couldn’t be happier. The charter school, which started its journey 15 years ago in an old mill-village building, is planning to grow from about 1,700 students to a whopping 3,000 over the next five years! This ambitious goal just got a big boost thanks to a generous $45,000 donation from the South Carolina Children’s Fund.
A Warm Announcement in the Library
The news broke during a gathering in the school’s library on November 8, where everyone was all smiles. Legacy’s founder, William Brown, made the big announcement as a crowd of supporters from the local and state education community looked on. Dignitaries included state Rep. Bruce Bannister and state Sen. Ross Turner, along with South Carolina’s Superintendent of Public Schools, Ellen Weaver, and Chris Neeley, the head of the state’s Public Charter School District.
Brown expressed a heartfelt belief that “ZIP codes should not determine educational outcomes.” With around 82% of Legacy’s students living in poverty and 96% being Black or Hispanic, the school is committed to creating a positive impact. The students are encouraged to exercise daily and are provided with healthy meals — no fried food here!
A Community Rooted in Hope
Legacy Early College is not just a school; it’s a beacon of hope for the community. The former Parker High School has been transformed into a center of learning, where programs and events thrive. The school serves children from 4K all the way through 12th grade across its two campuses in the City View neighborhood. This area has seen better days; it disbanded its town charter in 1995 due to rising unemployment and crime but is now enjoying a revival thanks to the efforts of the school.
As part of the expansion plan, Legacy will be building a brand-new campus that will accommodate 1,200 students for its elementary and middle schools. Meanwhile, the plan also includes leaving behind the aging elementary school, which once housed the Fine Arts Center.
Why the Children’s Fund Chose Legacy
The donation from the South Carolina Children’s Fund comes as no surprise. Co-founder Kira Orange Jones emphasized that the organization sought out Legacy due to its standout academic achievements and the vulnerable students it serves. Jones, who has a rich experience leading charter schools in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, stated that supporting Legacy aligns with their mission of improving education.
Acknowledging the Students’ Hard Work
The atmosphere in the library was electric as students celebrated their school’s achievements. Senior Benjamin Luines received a standing ovation for his speech, thanking his mentors who believed in him and even provided him opportunities — including a summer trip to Cambridge University. “My teachers saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” he shared, reflecting the inspiring support students receive at Legacy.
College-Bound Attitude
You won’t find a school more dedicated to preparing students for the future than Legacy. The motto is clear — every student is seen as “college-bound,” and that message is stitched into their uniforms. Currently, 828 hours of dual-credit college courses are being offered, and 14 seniors are on track to earn an associate’s degree from Greenville Technical College by graduation. With a 96% graduation rate, Legacy is above the state average by 10 points, though they do recognize that the path might not be the right fit for every student.
All in all, Legacy Early College embodies the spirit of perseverance and hope. It stands as a reminder that with community support and a refusal to let circumstances dictate outcomes, bright futures are indeed possible. With exciting plans ahead and a strong foundation already in place, Greenville has much to look forward to!
