Legacy Early College, a public charter school that serves more than 1,600 K‑4‑through‑12th‑grade students, held a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 5 for its new $60 million campus at 504 West Marion Road in West Greenville. The 55‑acre site, purchased for $3.49 million in 2024, will accommodate roughly 1,300 younger students when the school opens its doors in the fall of 2028.
Building a brighter future for West Greenville families
Founder William Brown, who started Legacy Early College in 2009 to give underserved West Greenville children a clear path to college, said the project reflects his belief that a child’s zip code should never dictate their future. “I have always believed that a child’s zip code should never determine their future, and today we put a shovel in the ground behind that belief,” Brown told the crowd. “This campus is for every child in West Greenville who needs a foot in the door and a seat at the table.”
The new campus will replace the school’s current elementary building on West Washington Street and the K‑4 Center on Bramlett Road. High‑school students will continue to attend the existing 900 Woodside Avenue campus in City View.
Design, amenities and local partners
Architectural firm Moody Nolan, the nation’s largest African‑American‑owned design firm, created the master plan. Construction will be handled by Greenville‑based Harper Construction. The academic building will feature classrooms clustered around shared common spaces, a multimedia center, two gyms, dedicated art and music rooms, and a large cafeteria.
Additional elements include outdoor learning yurts for science labs, an outdoor amphitheater and athletic fields. Seventh‑grade student Hezekiah Henry said the campus represents more than just new hallways. “It represents growth, new opportunity, bigger dreams and a community that believes in our potential,” he said.
Community fundraising and support
Legacy Advancement, the school’s fundraising arm, launched a $25 million “Small is BIG” capital campaign in 2025. As of March, more than $10 million has been raised, with ongoing appeals to donors, neighbors, families and educators. “It takes a village, but it takes more than a village,” Brown noted. “It takes donors, neighbors, families and educators who believe in these scholars as much as we do.”
The project underscores the school’s commitment to serving West Greenville’s families, many of whom rely on Title 1 resources. By expanding capacity and modernizing facilities, Legacy Early College aims to provide a stronger academic foundation for the next generation of college‑bound students.
Looking ahead
Construction is slated to begin later this month, with completion targeted for fall 2028. When finished, the campus will stand as a tangible expression of the community’s dedication to education, faith in the future of its children, and the belief that every family deserves a quality learning environment.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
