North Charleston, South Carolina – The City of North Charleston has approved the following stages for a new high school that will replace the former Chicora Elementary School.
Metanoia, a local charity, has been working on plans for Cristo Rey Charleston High School for years, despite setbacks such as a fire in 2020 that destroyed the historic auditorium.
“We’re about to start construction in 2020.” The building had a large fire. We had to go through a lengthy insurance claim, but now we’re back to the point where we can finally close on construction and begin this huge project for the community,” Metanoia CEO Bill Stanfield stated.
Cristo Rey will serve low-income students who will attend classes four days a week and work as interns at local companies one day.
“By the time they graduate high school, they’ve already got four years of professional experience of working through these internships,” Stanfield informed me.
The building has been vacant since 2012. Plans seek for the preservation of historical aspects during the renovation.
“This structure has such a long history in North Charleston. It serviced; the first wing was constructed in the 1930s. Many people and families passed through this structure. “So many young people went to school here,” Stanfield explained.
The North Charleston City Council issued a statement about the redevelopment proposal.
“This City is thrilled to see this project finally come to fruition after many setbacks, including a horrific fire that destroyed the historic auditorium. The auditorium will be rebuilt as part of the new campus for Christo Rey, an innovative college and career-preparatory school that only serves children from low-income households.”
Stanfield stated that the school is consistent with Metanoia’s aim.
“We deploy a strategy of listening constantly, walking with families to discover their strengths and release their brilliance all the while kind of rejecting the barriers that they may face every day,” Stanfield told me.
Construction will begin in December, with the school planned to open in August 2027.
