LANCASTER, S.C. (December 3, 2025) – On Wednesday, December 10th, Cogito Academy will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its permanent facility. Cogito Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school serving students in Lancaster County, South Carolina.
First opened in August 2025, Cogito Academy is currently operating out of a temporary facility. Their permanent location, scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2026, will be the most state-of-the-art educational facility in Lancaster County. The facility is being constructed through a $31.5 million bond, which was secured entirely through state funding and without raising local taxes, a true win-win for families in the greater Lancaster area.
This exciting development reflects the community’s need for an educational option that focuses on the whole child and strives to develop the next generation of American citizens. Cogito Academy is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine and supported by Tutelage School Solutions, an education management organization based out of the Carolinas.
WHEN:
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
WHERE:
290 Shiloh Unity Road, Lancaster, SC 29720
WHO:
Senator Allen Blackmon, SC Senate District 27
Representative Brandon Newton, SC House District 45
Cameron Runyan, CEO & Superintendent, Charter Institute at Erskine
Tony Helton, CEO, Tutelage School Solutions
Jason Cole, Interim School Director, Cogito Academy
Select speakers will be available for interviews after the remarks.
ATTIRE:
The groundbreaking ceremony is being held at an active construction site in December. Please be mindful of the potential for dirt and dust, as well as cold temperatures, when selecting footwear/attire.
PARKING:
Ample parking is available across the street at Lancaster Motor Speedway, located a short walk from the event location.
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About Cogito Academy
Cogito Academy is a tuition-free public charter school that opened for the 2025-2026 school year. Cogito Academy is currently serving students in grades 4K–5 and will expand one grade level each year until reaching full enrollment in grades 4K–8. Rooted in the mission to develop the next generation of American citizens, Cogito Academy delivers a classical education built on a rigorous curriculum, strong character formation, and genuine care for student well-being.
Authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine and managed by Tutelage School Solutions, Cogito Academy is committed to providing an enriching, purpose-driven educational experience that equips every student for a bright and flourishing future.
About Tutelage School Solutions Tutelage School Solutions (TSS) is an award-winning, comprehensive service provider supporting high-quality public charter schools across South Carolina. TSS assists its partner schools through every phase of development, including: charter application, school design, finance, construction, operations, marketing, and curriculum. Tutelage helps communities build sustainable, high-performing public schools that embody their slogan of: “Higher standards. Brighter futures. Every zip code.”
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