(GDN) — Plans are well underway for a new local STEM-based charter school. 

Wayne STEM Academy recently received unanimous preliminary approval from the Charter School Advisory Board at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. 

Scott Satterfield, Wayne STEM Academy Board Chair, says they can now move forward with developing and opening their tuition-free elementary school.

The CSAB still needs to give final approval for Wayne STEM Academy, and a location for the new school is still being evaluated.

Satterfield says there was an opening for a local elementary school specializing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

He says he also believes STEM skills will continue to be in high demand in the years to come.

Wayne STEM Academy Board member Charles Raiford says the school is designed to give students a good head start on their future education and careers.

Raiford adds the tuition-free school will be able to provide high-quality education to all Wayne County elementary students, regardless of family income, race, or what side of town they live on.

Wayne STEM Academy will begin a weighted lottery enrollment within the next 12 months and is slated to open for the fall 2023 semester.

The Wayne STEM Academy’s mascot will be a Wildcat.

Updates on the developing public charter school, as well as registration information, will be posted on Wayne STEM Academy’s Facebook and Instagram pages.