Lancaster, SC - Cogito Academy is proud to announce that Lancaster County native Van Steen has been appointed as the school’s permanent School Director following a unanimous vote by the Board. Steen will lead the school into the 2026-27 school year, welcoming students and families to Cogito Academy’s new permanent facility.
Steen brings more than 17 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to academic excellence, instructional leadership, and student success. Steen currently serves as Cogito Academy’s Instructional Coach, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s academic foundation, supporting teachers, and building a strong, student-centered culture.
Throughout his career, Steen has built a reputation for making learning engaging and meaningful, while mentoring educators to strengthen classroom instruction. Prior to his time at Cogito Academy, he served as a history teacher, giving him a deep understanding of the importance of supporting both teachers and students. His leadership has already made a lasting impact on the Cogito Academy community.
“Van Steen is an exceptional leader who has already demonstrated his ability to positively impact both students and educators,” said Tutelage School Solutions Executive Director, Alyssa Granados. “His deep understanding of Cogito Academy’s model and mission, combined with his passion for academic excellence, makes him the right person to lead the school into its next chapter. We are thrilled to have him as the permanent School Director.”
This leadership transition reflects a thoughtful and positive process, with full support from Cogito Academy’s current School Director, Jason Cole, who will remain within the Tutelage School Solutions network as the incoming School Director at Cherokee Charter Academy. The transition reflects a shared commitment to continuity, stability, and the long-term success of Cogito Academy.
“I am truly honored to step into the role of School Director at Cogito Academy,” said Van Steen. “This school represents an incredible opportunity to build something lasting for our students and families. It is especially meaningful to see something so special take shape in the community where I was born and raised. I’m excited to continue working alongside our dedicated staff to create a culture of excellence and to welcome our community into our new permanent home in the year ahead.”
As Cogito Academy prepares for the 2026–27 school year, Steen’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the school’s continued growth and in establishing a strong, meaningful presence in the Lancaster community.
Cogito Academy is currently enrolling students in grades P4K-6 for the 2026-27 school year. Families interested in learning more about Cogito Academy or enrolling their child are encouraged to visit https://www.cogitolancaster.education/.