October 8, 2025

Charleston Plans New Elementary School at Long Savanna

Charleston, October 8, 2025

News Summary

Charleston is planning a new elementary school as part of the Long Savanna Development in West Ashley. This school, designed for 1,200 students, aims to alleviate overcrowding in nearby schools and improve local traffic congestion. City officials are optimistic that the school will enhance community stability while minimizing road traffic by promoting walkability. The $70 million school will be funded through a $9 million bond by the Charleston County School District, strategically located to serve local families.

Charleston Plans New Elementary School at Long Savanna Development

Charleston is set to welcome a new elementary school as part of the Long Savanna Development in West Ashley. The development, which has been underway since the mid-2000s, is gaining traction with plans for a school alongside neighborhood and commercial spaces. The school is to be located adjacent to the town center, strategically positioned between Bear Swamp and West Bridge.

City Planning Manager Christopher Morgan expressed optimism about the school, noting that it aims to be one of the most walkable in Charleston. The initiative is designed to enhance foot traffic in the area, ultimately alleviating road traffic issues. The Charleston County School District plans to finance the new school by borrowing $9 million through a bond issuance for an 11.5-acre parcel on which the school will be built.

The anticipated construction cost of the school is projected to be around $70 million, ensuring that it accommodates up to 1,200 students. This new school is particularly critical as it seeks to address overcrowding in nearby schools such as Drayton Hall Elementary and Springfield Elementary.

The proposed school is also expected to ease traffic congestion along Bees Ferry Road by keeping students within their immediate neighborhood, which could help alleviate strain on local roadways. Morgan highlighted the importance of community planning in opting for a school over residential apartments, emphasizing that this decision supports greater neighborhood stability and boosts property values.

Local resident Ashley Simpson noted the positive implications this new educational facility will have on families, enhancing the educational options available in the area. The school’s design will be part of a larger interconnected network meant to improve traffic flow for the community beyond the school grounds.

Charleston’s Mayor William Cogswell remarked on the successful collaboration between the city, the developer, and the school district in securing the parcel of land designated for the school, especially over competing offers for apartment developments. Cogswell views this new facility as a significant community amenity that will help reduce traffic congestion in the West Ashley area. This follows the city’s previous interventions to prevent the establishment of dense apartment developments in congested regions of West Ashley.

Key Details of the Long Savanna Development

Location: Between Bear Swamp and West Bridge, adjacent to the town center
Construction Cost: Approximately $70 million
Capacity: Designed to accommodate up to 1,200 students
Funding: $9 million bond issuance by the Charleston County School District
Community Impact: Aims to reduce overcrowding in nearby schools and improve local traffic flow

Background of the Long Savanna Development

The Long Savanna Development has been evolving since the mid-2000s, and now, with the addition of a new elementary school, the project sees an exciting new phase. With the increasing population in West Ashley, the demand for educational resources has escalated, making this development a timely and necessary addition to the area. The new school aims not only to respond to educational needs but also to foster a sense of community through its design and location, prioritizing pedestrian access and minimizing traffic congestion.

FAQ

Where will the new elementary school be located?

The school will be located adjacent to the town center, between Bear Swamp and West Bridge.

How much will the construction cost for the school be?

The construction cost of the school is projected to be approximately $70 million.

How many students will the new school accommodate?

The school will accommodate up to 1,200 students.

How will the school help with traffic congestion?

The school is expected to mitigate traffic congestion along Bees Ferry Road by keeping students within their neighborhood.

Key Features of the Long Savanna Development
Feature	Details
Location	Between Bear Swamp and West Bridge, adjacent to the town center
Construction Cost	Approximately $70 million
Student Capacity	Up to 1,200 students
Funding	$9 million bond issuance by Charleston County School District
Community Benefits	Alleviate overcrowding in nearby schools and reduce traffic congestion