a tuition-free public charter school
AN AMERICAN CLASSICAL EDUCATION
Opening Fall 2025, Ashley River Classical Academy, in partnership with Hillsdale College, will provide a tuition-free, classical liberal arts education to students grades K-5 in the Charleston area. We will be adding a grade each year until K-12 is served.
Open enrollment is now open for 2025-26 school year.
our mission & vision
Aiming for the good, true, and beautiful
Ashley River Classical Academy is dedicated to providing a classical education that encompasses the liberal arts and sciences, complemented by instruction in moral character and civic virtue. Our mission extends beyond preparing students solely for college and careers; we aim to cultivate their longing for what is good, true, and beautiful. We prioritize primary sources and classic literature, enabling students to engage with the profound thinkers who have shaped Western culture.
A Well-Rounded Course of Study
At ARCA, highly educated and passionate teachers employ traditional teaching methods to impart genuine knowledge and foster moral integrity, decorum, respect, discipline, and a commitment to thoughtful inquiry.
Content-Rich
Our curriculum provides a solid foundation of core knowledge and exploration of Western Civilization.
Tuition-Free
We provide a tuition-free education for all students in the Charleston area.
We are Hiring!
Interested in being an educator at ARCA? We are now hiring teachers grades K-5. Join us in furthering our mission!
THE BARNEY CHARTER SCHOOL INITIATIVE
Hillsdale K-12 Curriculum
Ashley River Classical Academy, a candidate member school, will stand among over 25 tuition-free member schools nationwide as a participant in the Hillsdale College K-12 initiative. Like other successful Hillsdale-affiliated schools, ARCA prioritizes intellectual rigor, virtue, moral character, and responsible citizenship. Through our partnership with the Hillsdale Barney Charter School Initiative, we offer a proven curriculum that goes beyond conventional test-focused education, preparing students for successful, joyful lives.
HILLSDALE K-12 CURRICULUM
Our Classical Curriculum
Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on language, content-rich subjects, a solid foundation of core knowledge, and an in-depth exploration of the historical, literary, and scientific legacies of both the United States and Western civilization. It has been thoughtfully chosen to cater to the diverse needs of all our students. The following elements are at the heart of our curriculum:
- A Well-Rounded Course of Study
- Rooted in Human Nature
- Moral Formation
The Enrollment Process:
Attend Parent Info Event
Prospective parents can learn more about Ashley River Classical by registering for an in-person event.
Submit an Application
Open enrollment for 2024-2025 will open on December 4, 2023. Please sign up for our newsletter for updates.
Accept Offered Seat
After the lottery on February 6, we will send out email acceptance offers for everyone who was selected.
Now Hiring K-12 Teachers
ARCA is looking for teachers who have a solid understanding of classical education, a dedication to the liberal arts and the teaching of civics, and a strong capacity for organizational leadership.
