Tapestry Public Charter School Seniors
In 2019, three Georgia public charter schools held their first high school graduation ceremonies: Atlanta Classical Academy, Academy for Classical Education and Tapestry Public Charter School.
Atlanta Classical Academy seniors received their diplomas on Saturday, May 18 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. On Saturday, May 25, Academy for Classical Education held its first commencement ceremony at Macon City Auditorium in Macon. Tapestry Public Charter School celebrated its inaugural graduation at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta on Sunday, June 2. In addition to the legacy graduation ceremonies, Mountain Education Charter High School held its first joint graduation ceremony on May 25 at the University of North Georgia’s Convocation Center for all 16 of its sites.
Academy for Classical Education Class of 2019
Academy for Classical Education’s first graduating class received 110 college acceptances from 42 colleges, and the seniors garnered $1.7 million dollars in scholarship offers not including the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships.
“These 65 students were determined to be “the change they wished to see in the world.” The ACE Faculty is so proud of them,” said Laura Perkins, Co-Founder and Principal of Academy for Classical Education.”
Xavier Butler, Tapestry Valedictorian
The first graduating class at Tapestry Public Charter School received more than $1.3 million in scholarships. Tapestry is a fully inclusive school for neurotypical students and those on the autism spectrum. The DeKalb County Public charter school’s first Valedictorian, Xavier Butler, will attend Brandeis University to study chemistry with a full scholarship. As an eighth grader, Butler, who is on the autism spectrum, found it challenging to speak publicly. Last Sunday, he addressed several hundred people during the graduation ceremony.
“Always tap into your energy. Tap into your belief that you can succeed, never sell your self short, said Butler. “When you leave here today celebrate what you’ve accomplished.”
Atlanta Classical Academy graduates
Atlanta Classical Academy students received more than $5 million in scholarships and were admitted to more than 60 colleges and universities.
“You know that a true education is one that not only will prepare you for a profession, but it is one that shapes who you are,” said Atlanta Classical Principal and Executive Officer during ACA’s graduation ceremony. ” … Amidst all of what lies ahead, I encourage you to find the time to learn the stories of those who surround you. In so doing, then you have the prospect of seeing value in others, cultivating our friendships, and growing in virtue.”
Mountain Education Charter High School had 210 students from 15 counties participate in its first collaborative graduation ceremony. With the generous help of local community members, MECHS graduates were awarded more than $75,000 in scholarships to further their education. Of those graduating, 72 percent will attend college, 16 percent will enter the workforce, 6 percent will join the military and 7 percent are undecided. MECHS expects to have an upwards of 350 graduates by the end of summer.
Georgia Charter Schools Association congratulates graduates in the class of 2019 and these four schools for reaching such a monumental milestone.
