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ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WIS) - A charter school striving to give students a world-class education is beginning its next chapter in Orangeburg — one that will give students and staff a more permanent place to learn. On Tuesday, school leaders, families and community members gathered on Five Chop Road to break ground on what will soon become the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence’s permanent campus. The school, named after former South Carolina State University football coach Willie Jeffries, opened last school year in temporary modular classrooms. It currently serves students in grades K–7, offering a tuition-free public charter education. Tuesday’s ceremony featured students, staff and community leaders, who took turns turning the dirt with golden shovels to mark the start of Phase Two of the school’s development. The upcoming 20,000-square-foot facility will include a gym, cafeteria, and office space — amenities that will help the school continue to grow and serve more families in the region. Coach Jeffries said he’s proud to see a school carrying his name help prepare students for the future. “Now they will come here and learn so they can go on into the future,” Jeffries said. “We would like to have all of the graduates stay here, but they go to different places. But they can’t do it without a school like we have. We’re certainly appreciative that they decided to name the school in my honor.” Students also shared their excitement about seeing their school’s future take shape. “Everything’s starting to get accomplished and the building blocks are starting to get built, so it feels great,” said student Noa Jackson. “It’s still a great place for learning, but having a building would really show our growth,” added student Kamaya Adams. Parents echoed that same enthusiasm. “I think everybody will benefit from having a building. We’ve started so much here and the kids love it,” said Nia Jackson, a parent. “To actually have a place to walk into, to be excited to learn and grow — that’s always going to be a great thing.” School leaders say the new building will be connected to the current modular classrooms by a walkway. Construction is expected to be completed by July 2026. Once the project is finished, the Willie Jeffries School of Excellence will be able to accommodate up to 750 students and expand to include grades K–8. Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
