- Project Overview: The former Chicora Grade School in North Charleston, vacant for nearly 14 years, is being renovated into Cristo Rey High School, a college-prep school targeting underserved, low-income families.
- Cristo Rey Model: This will be the 42nd school in the national Cristo Rey Network. Students attend classes four days a week and intern one day with local businesses for real-world experience.
- Timeline and Scale: Groundbreaking has started; first freshman class of about 100 students begins in fall 2027.
- Funding and Partners: Multi-million-dollar effort backed by nonprofits like Metanoia (led by CEO Bill Stanfield) and Coastal Community Foundation.
Community Impact
Residents in the Chicora neighborhood see this as a game-changer. Craig Logan, Vice President of the Chicora Neighborhood, called it a “milestone and history maker” for local families and future generations. North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess stressed community involvement: “The building is what it is, but the people make everything work.”
This aligns with ongoing revitalization in the area, addressing long-standing needs for education and economic opportunity in underserved Charleston communities.
Broader Context
Cristo Rey schools have a strong track record—over 98% of graduates attend college, per the network’s data. Similar transformations of vacant sites have boosted local economies elsewhere, like in Atlanta and Boston Cristo Rey campuses. For North Charleston, this could tie into regional priorities like workforce development and youth programs.
What aspect of this project interests you most—details on the Cristo Rey model, local funding sources, or similar initiatives in South Carolina?
