Heron Institute celebrates grand opening of first Learning Lab
November 25, 2025
The Heron Institute marked a major milestone on Tuesday, November 18, as the organization welcomed families, staff, and community leaders to the grand opening of The Heron Institute Learning Lab (HILL). Designed to bridge the gap between virtual and brick-and-mortar education, the HILL will serve as a community hub for students attending Cyber Academy of South Carolina (CASC) and Heron Virtual Academy of South Carolina (HVASC).
More than 150 community members were in attendance for the celebration. Guests included parents, students, teachers, local dignitaries, and leadership from the Heron Institute, CASC, HVASC, and the Charter Institute at Erskine.
Attendees began the event with tours of the state-of-the-art space. During the walk-throughs, they had the opportunity to interact with sample activities and learn about the wraparound services that will be offered to virtual students in the Greenville area and beyond.
“This learning lab represents what is possible when we listen to families and build programs that meet the child’s needs,” said Mr. David Crook, CEO of the Heron Institute. “The HILL brings together the rigor and flexibility of virtual instruction with the essential connections, guidance, and community that help students thrive. Thanks to this new space, we will now be able to ensure that our students are supported in more ways than just academically.”
Superintendent Cameron Runyan of the Charter Institute at Erskine emphasized the generational impact this new space will have on educational access and the prosperity of children across the state. “The HILL is an example of innovation with purpose,” said Superintendent Runyan. “By expanding in-person services for virtual students, the Heron Institute is ensuring that children receive the individualized support they deserve, no matter where they live or how they learn. A project of this magnitude will leave an impact on South Carolina’s families that will be felt for many years to come.”
The HILL will provide opportunities for small-group instruction, academic support, and social engagement, offering students many of the experiences typically associated with a brick-and-mortar school. The facility also includes a fully stocked pantry with supplies available at no cost to students and families.
This is just the first in a new series of learning labs that will be opening across South Carolina. The Heron Institute’s goal is to ensure that there is a location accessible to every CASC or HVASC student regardless of where they live in the state.
With the opening of the HILL, the Heron Institute enters a new phase of service dedicated to flexible pathways, enhanced support, and innovative approaches to virtual education.
For more information about the Heron Institute, visit www.theheroninstitute.org.
