Charter Institute approves three new transfer schools
November 20, 2025
The Charter Institute at Erskine (Institute) Board of Directors has approved the transfer of three charter schools from the Limestone Charter Association during its board meeting on Thursday, November 13.
“We’re excited to welcome these schools into our growing Institute family,” said Superintendent Cameron Runyan. “Their request to join the Institute is a reflection of our shared belief in the unique potential of each child and the importance of an educational choice that will enable each child to achieve that potential. We look forward to many years of shared successes and transformed futures.”
The schools approved for transfer are:
- Colearn Academy
- Morning Star Academy
- South Carolina Construction Academy
Of the five schools that have requested transfer, these three schools are the first to go before the Institute’s Board for approval of their transfer requests.
Colearn Academy is an accredited K-12 virtual school currently in its first year of operation. It prioritizes personalized learning through collaboration with parents and families. The school provides enrichment funds and monthly field trips to ensure students receive a well-rounded education both inside and outside the classroom.
“There are families that want to home educate but face challenges and are looking for more support,” said Amber Robinson, Colearn School Leader and Planning Committee Chair. “At Colearn, we offer a solution by collaborating with families to help students achieve academic success at home. We’re thrilled to partner with the Institute to bring this innovative model to more families across South Carolina.”
To learn more about Colearn Academy, visit www.colearn-academy.com/.
Morning Star Academy is a K-8 school located in Horry County that will open in Fall 2026. The school utilizes a unique play-based curriculum that allows for hands-on, immersive learning. Through small class sizes and a dedicated staff, it will provide a nurturing and supportive environment for all students.
For more information about Morning Star Academy, visit www.facebook.com/
Morning Star Academy will partner with South Carolina Construction Academy to occupy the same building and offer a full K-12 education to the Horry County area.
South Carolina Construction Academy is an innovative high school program opening in Fall 2026 that will serve students in grades 9-12. The school’s mission is to ignite a passion for positive change by blending engaging academics with hands-on construction experiences. Students will gain practical skills through industry-aligned coursework, preparing them for successful careers.
For more information about South Carolina Construction Academy, visit www.scconstructionedu.org/.
“We were thrilled that the Institute could see our vision for Morning Star Academy and South Carolina Construction Academy,” said Wendy Rydarowicz, Chief Executive Officer of The Educational Empowerment Group, the schools’ Educational Management Organization (EMO). “There is a growing need for a high-quality, hands-on education that prepares students for life beyond high school, even when that path doesn’t include college. Our goal is to provide that opportunity starting in elementary school. This is just the beginning for this hands-on learning model!”
The Charter Institute at Erskine maintains a selective authorization process to ensure alignment with its mission and standards of excellence. Colearn Academy, Morning Star Academy, and South Carolina Construction Academy exemplify the type of innovative, high-quality schools that strengthen the Institute’s statewide portfolio and expand opportunities for South Carolina families.
The Charter Institute at Erskine
The Charter Institute at Erskine is the fastest-growing school district in South Carolina. Serving 28 schools and nearly 30,000 students across the state, the Charter Institute at Erskine is committed to innovative, creative, high-quality methods of education. For more information about the Institute, please visit www.erskinecharters.org.
