S.C. to receive $31.5M grant for charter schools

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South Carolina will receive a grant of more than $31.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter School Programs. The funding will expand existing public charter schools and open 32 new ones across the state during the next five years.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of allowing parents to choose the educational model that is best for their child,” S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said in a news release. “Receiving this grant will allow us to continue to strengthen our public education system by providing our existing charter schools with the support they need to grow and thrive as well as funding to open new charters throughout the state.”

Eight grants were awarded nationwide for a total of $68 million in year one funding, according to the release.

The S.C. Department of Education will collaborate with the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina to provide support for 32 new charter schools as well as technical assistance for S.C.’s existing 90 charter institutions and 43,000-plus students, according to the release.

“Ten years ago, South Carolina made history when it was awarded their first grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter Schools Program,” Carol Aust, alliance executive director, said. “Today marks yet another historical day for students and families across our beautiful state. We have seen the tremendous impact school choice has on communities.”