C.R. Neal Academy is a public school, funded by the public and accountable to the public. This page is where our governance records, meeting information, policies, and public notices live, in one place, for anyone who wants to see how decisions get made.
C.R. Neal Academy is an approved public charter school in its pre-opening period and will welcome its first scholars in August 2027. Some public-reporting requirements apply to us today. Others begin once we are serving students. We are publishing what applies now, building the rest before we open, and confirming anything ambiguous with our authorizer rather than assuming. Each item below is labeled so you can see exactly where it stands.
Four organizations appear in our documents, and they do different things. Here is what each one is and how they relate.
The South Carolina nonprofit corporation that holds the charter. Its governing body is legally responsible for the school: its finances, its policies, and its compliance. Referred to in documents as RSSC.
The public charter school that Rooted School South Carolina operates. Tuition-free and open to all students in our enrollment area. Named in honor of Rev. C.R. Neal.
Our authorizer, referred to as VU-CIL. Authorizers approve charter schools, hold them accountable for academic and financial performance, and can renew or revoke a charter. VU-CIL oversees C.R. Neal Academy. It does not run the school.
A nonprofit school network, referred to as RSF, contracted by Rooted School South Carolina to provide operational support and services. RSF works for the school under a written agreement. It does not govern the school.
During pre-opening, the school's work is guided by a founding committee that meets publicly, keeps records, and operates under the corporation's bylaws. Formal officer elections follow once the permanent governing board is seated. We are keeping public records now, in the pre-opening period, so that the habit is in place before it is required.
Who governs the school, under what rules.
Our meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted in advance and approved minutes are published afterward, consistent with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Public dollars require a public accounting. Most financial reporting obligations attach to an operating school. We are confirming with VU-CIL which apply during pre-opening rather than assuming, and we will publish on the schedule those determinations set.
The documents that define what we promised, who holds us to it, and who we contract with.
As a public school, our records are public records. Here is how to request them and where our required notices live.
Documents that describe day-to-day school life. These become available as we move toward opening in August 2027.
Do not see what you are looking for? Email info@rootedschoolcola.org and we will point you to it or tell you plainly when it will be available.