Columbia, SC - Tutelage School Solutions (TSS), South Carolina’s fastest-growing public charter school network, is excited to announce the official closing of $32.3 million in bond financing to fund the construction of Ethos Academy, Lower Richland’s first tuition-free public charter school.
The transaction was funded entirely through private investment, providing the capital needed to move forward with construction without requiring funding from the local school district or increasing local taxes. Underwritten by D.A. Davidson & Co., the successful closing represents a significant investment in the future of high-quality education in Columbia, SC, and will bring families a new public school option within their community.
The transaction includes:
$32,335,000 total bond amount
Financing secured through private equity investors
Zero local tax impact
No local school district bond referendum required
This milestone brings Ethos Academy one major step closer to opening its doors and reflects strong investor confidence in the school’s vision and Tutelage’s continued growth across South Carolina. The school is scheduled to open for the 2027-28 school year, initially serving students in grades PK4-6 with plans to grow through eighth grade. All age-eligible students who reside in South Carolina are eligible to apply.
“This is an incredible moment for Ethos Academy and for the families of Columbia,” said DuJuan Council, Board Chair of Ethos Academy. “From the beginning, our vision has been to create an exceptional public school where families have access to a high-quality education right here in their own backyard. This financing brings that vision closer to reality. We are grateful for the confidence that has been placed in Ethos Academy and could not be more excited about what lies ahead.”
Ethos Academy will provide families with a new tuition-free public education option centered on high academic and behavioral standards, strong character development, and a supportive school culture. This proven model already serves more than 4,000 families across South Carolina and features a classical curriculum, daily PE, daily art or music, small class sizes, a uniform policy, and a no-homework policy.
“This bond closing is an exciting milestone, not only for Ethos Academy, but for the entire Columbia community,” said John Loveday, Chief Operating Officer of TSS. “Securing more than $32 million in private financing demonstrates tremendous confidence in the vision for this school. We are incredibly proud to help bring a new, high-quality public education option to Lower Richland and to create more opportunities for students to learn, grow and thrive right here in their own community. This milestone brings us one major step closer to opening the doors of Ethos Academy and welcoming the families we are honored to serve.”
With financing now secured, Ethos Academy moves into its next phase of development as work continues toward the school’s planned opening in August 2027. Enrollment for the 2027-28 school year is set to open in January 2027. Parents are encouraged to fill out an interest form via the school website (www.ethosrichland.education) and to enroll as early as possible in January, as a waiting list is anticipated for the inaugural school year and beyond.
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Tutelage School Solutions (TSS) is an award-winning, comprehensive service provider supporting high-quality public charter schools across South Carolina. TSS assists its partner schools through every phase of development, including: charter application, school design, finance, construction, operations, marketing, and curriculum. Tutelage helps communities build sustainable, high-performing public schools that embody their company slogan:
“Higher standards. Brighter futures. Every zip code.”