Brazilia Bilal-Page, Executive Director of Georgia Connections Academy, was awarded the 2025 Charter Leader of the Year Award during the Georgia Charter Schools Association’s annual conference in Atlanta on Wednesday, March 12.
Under Bilal-Page’s leadership, Georgia Connections Academy (GACA) continues to empower staff, students, and the community to achieve brighter futures. As Executive Director, she has fostered a culture of innovation and excellence in education. Her commitment to inspiring, engaging, and elevating students has distinguished GACA as a leader in virtual education.
One of Bilal-Page’s notable achievements is her dedication to empowering educators. She actively encourages staff to apply for grants, bringing valuable resources and programs that enhance the GACA experience. These grants enable students and teachers to explore new educational opportunities, often exceeding expectations and surpassing standards set by school districts across Georgia.
Under her guidance, GACA upholds rigorous academic standards comparable to traditional brick-and-mortar schools while ensuring that students in a virtual environment have access to hands-on learning. Through in-person events, collaborative projects, and innovative programming, she creates opportunities for students to connect, grow, and excel.
In 2024, GACA and STEAM Academy will host the NASA Space Apps Challenge in Duluth, Georgia. This international competition fosters innovation in space and Earth science and reflects Bilal-Page’s commitment to providing unique learning opportunities. Open to all participants (with those under 18 requiring a parent or guardian), the hybrid event will bring together in-person and virtual attendees to collaborate, problem-solve, and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Through initiatives like the Space Apps Challenge, Bilal-Page cultivates an environment where students not only meet but exceed state standards. By fostering collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, she ensures that GACA students are well-prepared for success beyond the classroom.
Her leadership has led to measurable achievements. In 2024, GACA celebrated its largest graduating class—650 students—who collectively earned over $15 million in scholarships. The school consistently meets or exceeds state and national standards in key assessments, underscoring Bilal-Page’s strategic leadership in fostering resilience and academic excellence.
Despite GACA’s virtual model, Bilal-Page has prioritized in-person engagement, creating meaningful connections between students, families, and educators through field trips, student work showcases, and social-emotional learning initiatives. She also ensures that teachers and staff have access to targeted professional development, supporting their growth through statewide training opportunities and the school’s internal Career Ladder Program.
Additionally, GACA has taken a proactive approach to strengthening relationships with community members, legislators, educational leaders, and representatives from the Georgia Department of Education. The school’s outreach efforts highlight its value as a virtual public school and demonstrate how it meets and exceeds the same standards as traditional schools. As part of these efforts, GACA is working toward eligibility for the Perkins Grant to enhance student support and program offerings. The school also hosts Advisory Meetings twice a year, inviting stakeholders from across Georgia to collaborate and provide guidance on student academic and personal development.
The Charter School Leader of the Year Award honors high-impact educational leaders who drive school culture and performance through a clear vision and strategic leadership. The 2025 Charter School Leader of the Year was sponsored by Purpose Capital Group and includes $3,000 for educational use. Read more…
