August 20, 2025 • Greenville, South Carolina
Michael Murphy, a longtime resident of Greenville, South Carolina, and established classical school leader, recently joined the team working to open Ascent Classical Academies’ (ACA) newest school planned for the Upstate region.
Before joining the ACA team, Murphy served at Southside Christian School and Bob Jones Academy, and most recently as the upper school principal for Greenville Classical Academy. His nearly 30 years of classroom experience includes teaching history, geography, and logic.
Murphy holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master of education in history from Bob Jones University.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Michael Murphy to our team; his deep experience in classical education and long history in the Upstate community are invaluable,” stated Derec Shuler, executive director and founder of Ascent Classical Academies. “His decades of experience will be instrumental as we work to establish the Upstate’s first tuition-free classical academy and fulfill our mission to provide an excellent education for local families.”
ACA announced the delayed opening for its Greenville campus earlier this year after facing challenges in securing a suitable facility. With several strong facility options already in motion, the founding team is partnering with local organizations and community leaders to ensure the Upstate’s first tuition-free classical school opens its doors in Fall 2026.
Ascent Classical Academies opened its first South Carolina school in Fall 2024, serving the greater Fort Mill area. Its American classical education cultivates a student’s ability to think critically, reason logically, and communicate effectively. Beyond academics, students learn what it means to lead a meaningful life, characterized by strong relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose.
The school plans to open in Fall 2026, initially serving grades K-8 and adding a grade each year until it is a complete K-12 school. Applications will open later this fall, and an enrollment lottery will be held in February 2026.
Interested parents are encouraged to visit greenville.ascentclassicalsc.org to learn more and join the school’s interest list.