Cherokee Classical Academy was named the 2026 SOAR Award winner at the Georgia Charter Schools Conference on Wednesday, March 11. The award recognizes an emerging charter school that has demonstrated exceptional promise, performance, and innovation within its first five years of operation.
Serving 520 students in grades K–6, Cherokee Classical Academy combines a classical, content-rich curriculum with targeted interventions to support growth in both knowledge and character. The school emphasizes virtuous living, traditional learning, and civic responsibility, preparing students to become caring, engaged members of their communities.
In its first year, the school achieved notable milestones. Nearly all families re-enrolled, with a 98.7% retention rate, and 95% of faculty confirmed they plan to return next year. Students participated in hands-on learning experiences and outreach, including a visit from the Second Lady of the United States, reflecting the school’s strong focus on engagement and community partnership.
The school’s approach emphasizes building foundational skills while fostering students’ intellectual potential. By combining small-group instruction, rigorous academics, and a culture of high expectations, Cherokee Classical Academy ensures students are challenged and inspired to reach their full potential. The school’s early success demonstrates how support from the GCSA Charter Incubator can help a first-year school build strong foundations and thrive.
The SOAR Award celebrates schools that are establishing strong foundations, achieving early academic success, and demonstrating a clear path toward long-term excellence. Cherokee Classical Academy serves as a model for new and emerging schools, showing how innovative instruction, strong family engagement, and a commitment to student growth can drive meaningful, lasting success.
