Collegium Charter School (CCS), 435 Creamery Way, Exton, recently announced that construction on its new Performing Arts Center (PAC) is now complete.

On Nov. 12, CCS founders, employees, students, board of trustees members and local dignitaries gathered to celebrate at a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony.

The theater within the PAC is dedicated to the late Jeffrey W. Dean, CCS's former director of technology and board of trustees president. "Jeffrey volunteered countless hours and his IT talent to CCS' performing arts programs," said Monica Pica Dean, Jeffrey's wife. "He helped bring the first performance to the CCS stage through our traveling theater group, Bravo Youth Theater. CCS then asked Jeffrey to join its staff to teach and become its head of IT."

Jeffrey and Monica's children, Austin, Alexander, Abigail and Autumn, attended CCS and performed at the theater dedication.

The new PAC features a professional-level theater with more than 600 permanent, padded seats; a dedicated stage; and new spaces for students to pursue their passions in music and performing arts, as well as master video production and online streaming. The PAC also has state-of-the-art technology, including a full fly system and theatrical devices for scenery and special effects options, sound and lighting systems and more.

Established in 1999, Collegium Charter School is a tuition-free, independent public charter school for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Enrollment is open to any student who resides in Pennsylvania. Most Collegium families reside in Chester County's West Chester, Downingtown and Coatesville Area school districts. For more information, visit http://www.collegiumcharter.com.