NELSONVILLE — Southeast Ohio Classical Academy is pursuing an additional location at 10 W. Washington St. on the Nelsonville Public Square, the former Athens County Community Cares Resource Center. The Logan charter school, which opened in 2024, offers free K–7 classes, plans to add eighth grade next school year and reach K–12 by 2030. A school at the downtown site would need a zoning variance.
Principal Tim Allen told the Athens County Independent that the building would house many upper-school students and relieve crowding at the lower-school campus. He said he hopes roughly 120 students will attend there by 2030. Jonathan Cozad, who placed an uncontested $776,000 bid for the property in late September, according to records from the Athens County Commissioners office, has said he intends to lease it to SOCA long term. Allen said Cozad knew of the school’s space needs.
At Oct. 14, Oct. 20, and Oct. 26 meetings, supporters cited curriculum and possible effects on downtown traffic and business, while Nelsonville-York City Schools staff warned that charter enrollment could divert district funding. A nearby tavern owner also raised concerns about liquor licensing within 500 feet.
As of publication, SOCA had not submitted a variance application. Council member Gregg Clement said the city had nothing to review yet. The Board of Zoning Appeals has vacancies; the city is seeking five members. Allen said other sites have been considered if the variance fails. State data generated Oct. 14 put average daily attendance near 216 and annual state support above $2.2 million.