The enrollment at Lufkin's Pineywoods Community Academy charter school is increasing so fast it is rapidly becoming a one-stop school for all grades, Pre-K through 12.

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Enrollment hit 465 students last fall with the addition of the 10th grade, and School Director Bruce Marchand says the enrollment should go over 500 next year when the 11th grade is added.

Pineywoods plans to have all high school grades by the 2013 school year.  Marchand expects the enrollment should level off at nearly 730 students over the next six years.

Marchand attributes much of Pineywoods' success to its Early College High School program, which allows students to take college level courses while still in high school.  It's possible for them to complete two years of college with an Associate's degree and earn their high school diplomas at the same time.

Pineywoods' growth is creating the need for more space.  The school is hoping to add eight classrooms, two science labs and a cafeteria to its school on South Raguet.

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