State education board clears way for the first charter school to open in Columbia

April 15, 2026 - 11:01

The path is now clear for the first public charter school to establish itself in Columbia. The state education board has granted initial approval, marking a significant shift in the local educational landscape.

The approved institution, Frontier STEM Academy, is slated to open its doors in the fall of 2027. Its educational model will focus heavily on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from an early age. The school plans a phased opening, beginning with services for young learners from preschool through second grade. This approach allows the school to build its foundation with early childhood education before expanding to higher grade levels in subsequent years.

Proponents argue that the charter school will provide families with an additional public school option, emphasizing a specialized curriculum centered on critical thinking and hands-on learning in STEM fields. The board's approval is a procedural but crucial step, involving a review of the school's application, its proposed curriculum, and its financial and operational plans. The school's organizers must now meet specific benchmarks set by the state before receiving a final charter to commence operations.