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North Charleston, S.C.—November 20, 2025— In a bold move to provide area students and families with an innovative college preparatory experience and revitalize a historic community landmark in North Charleston, Metanoia and Cristo Rey Charleston High School announce the beginning of renovations to the former Old Chicora Elementary School.
The historic school, located at the corner of Chicora Avenue and Success Street, has an extensive history of serving the surrounding neighborhood since 1931 and reflects the influences of the post-World War II baby boom, 1950s trends in school architecture, and the struggle for racial integration in public schools. After closing in 2012, the building fell into disuse and has remained vacant for the past decade. Metanoia has worked extensively with the Chicora community and partners to determine a future use and pathway to renovating the historic structure and has continued this work despite a 2020 fire that delayed construction. “We are pleased to partner with Cristo Rey to see the historic Old Chicora School quite literally ‘rise from the ashes,’” said Metanoia CEO, Bill Stanfield. “Despite setbacks, our commitment to delivering a project that welcomes neighborhood families has never wavered. Today, we’re moving forward with hope—and with partners who believe, like we do, that every young person deserves a future rooted in opportunity.”
Cristo Rey Charleston High School Board Chair Tim Hayes echoed Stanfield’s remarks and celebrated the partnership between the two organizations: "Our school is very fortunate to be able to partner with Metanoia for our campus in North Charleston that will benefit students, families, and the community. We are committed to developing the future leaders of the greater Charleston area.”
The school has received support from leaders throughout the region. North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess wholeheartedly welcomed the renovation and the launch of the new school. “Cristo Rey High School in North Charleston will provide an innovative alternative to traditional education, combining classroom learning with real-world experience to prepare students for college, careers, and a stronger future for our community.” Mayor Burgess will join with key partners and the surrounding community for a groundbreaking at the site on January 8, 2026. Additional details related to the groundbreaking will be forthcoming.
Financing for the $37 million project is provided by philanthropic contributions through Metanoia and Cristo Rey and affiliates of Truist Bank, CAHEC New Markets, LLC; the National Community Investment Fund, the National Trust Community Investment Corporation, the Coastal Community Foundation, and the Reinvestment Fund.
About Cristo Rey (www.CristoReyCharleston.org)
An Innovative School Model Combines Academic Rigor and Corporate Work Study
The Cristo Rey Network is the only network of high schools in the country that integrates four years of rigorous college preparatory academics with four years of professional work experience through a Corporate Work Study Program. With an ethos of “college-ready and career-prepared,” Cristo Rey Network students have a 100% college acceptance rate, with students graduating at nearly triple the rate of their socio-economic peers.
In 2024, a group of local supporters of the Cristo Rey model conducted a feasibility study to determine if a Cristo Rey school was needed, wanted, and would be supported in the region. A key aspect of the study was to identify a viable campus that could serve approximately 400 students at full enrollment. To date, supporters have raised over $12 million to support the renovation project and the launch of the school, in addition to 100 professional internship placements from local businesses for the inaugural freshman class.
Cristo Rey Charleston High School Acting President Joanna Wusinich underscored, “This is a critical mission moment for our community. The progress we celebrate today was made possible through the ingenuity, commitment, and determination of local families, innovators, educators, and leaders who understand the urgent need for expanded access to high-quality, college-preparatory education for underserved students in the greater North Charleston and Charleston area.”
City of Charleston Mayor William S. Cogswell, Jr. shared his support and enthusiasm for the project. “Cristo Rey Charleston offers a real opportunity to improve both education opportunities and the workforce in order to meet the growing demand in the city for skilled and college-educated employees.”
As the 42nd Cristo Rey Network school, Cristo Rey Charleston High School students will join 14,000 students across 24 states and an alumni network of 25,000 graduates. The school is scheduled to welcome its first class of freshmen in August 2027.
About Metanoia (www.metanoiasc.org)
Metanoia is a wholistic community development organization that works alongside the Chicora community and surrounding historically Black neighborhoods to hone the unique strengths that exist within those communities. Metanoia does its work by listening constantly and walking with families to discover their strengths and release the brilliance contained within the neighborhood. The organization pursues work in year-round youth leadership development, housing development, and economic development opportunities, and works to organize the community around issues of importance so that the community’s voice is expressed in critical conversations determining the future of the neighborhood.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information,
please contact:
For Cristo Rey: advancement@cristoreycharleston.org
For Metanoia: marketing@metanoiasc.org
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