On October 28, community leaders, elected officials and education partners gathered at 340 Rolling Hills Circle in Easley to break ground on Libertas Academy Easley, a new public charter school authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine.
School‑choice expansion for Pickens families
Libertas Academy will open its doors in August 2027, initially serving students from 4K through sixth grade. An additional grade will be added each year until the school offers a full 4K‑through‑eighth‑grade program. The school will be tuition‑free, giving parents a genuine alternative to traditional public schools and reinforcing the county’s commitment to school‑choice.
“Our goal is to be the number one academically performing school in Pickens County,” said Tony Helton, CEO and founder of Tutelage School Solutions, the Columbia‑based organization that will manage the academy. Helton emphasized a focus on rigorous curricula, strong teacher development and a safe learning environment rooted in traditional values.
County leaders endorse the project
Pickens County Council Chairman Chris Bowers praised the project, noting that the academy will “provide Pickens County parents with more choices for their child’s education” and “push the envelope even further” in the region’s educational landscape. Bowers highlighted the importance of offering tuition‑free options that empower families to select the setting that best aligns with their values and aspirations.
“We have some of the best schools from our K‑5 program to our secondary education right here in Pickens County,” Bowers said. “Libertas Academy coming right here to Easley, South Carolina, is going to push the envelope even further.”
Community support and future outlook
The groundbreaking attracted a broad cross‑section of the community, including parents, local business owners and faith‑based groups who see the academy as a positive step toward strengthening families and neighborhoods. Supporters argue that expanding school‑choice options helps families uphold their parental rights to direct their children’s education in line with their faith and values.
As the construction progresses, officials anticipate that the academy will create new jobs for teachers and staff, further bolstering the local economy. The project also aligns with the county’s broader strategic plan to attract quality educational institutions that serve as anchors for community growth.
Next steps
Construction is slated to continue through the spring of 2027, with the campus expected to be ready for the 2027‑28 school year. Interested families can learn more about enrollment and program details by visiting the school’s website at libertaseasley.education/o/easley.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
