Back-to-School Media Advisory: 6 Charter School Stories You Should Be Covering Now
1. Centennial Place Elementary Re-launches as an APS Charter School. Expands to add grades 6-8.
Centennial Place Elementary successfully petitioned APS to become a K-8 public charter school. It opens this year with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) focus and a partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology. The diverse school draws students from the Centennial Place neighborhood, including two shelters. A completely new building will be built to house the upper grades at Centennial Place and, like the current building, include innovative use of space to support the instructional plan. The school is a feeder for Inman Middle School and Grady High School. Contact: Principal, Alison Shelton, 404-802-8550.
2. Trending: Classical Education & Latin Academies
In Atlanta: Atlanta Classical Academy: Atlanta Classical Academy opens at 3260 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30305 in the former Heiskell School. The charter school has an ‘American classical’ approach emphasizing literature, composition, history, sciences, mathematics and language. Classrooms are characterized by teacher-led instruction and Socratic discussion in an atmosphere marked by decorum, discipline and respectfulness. Contact: Principal: Dr. Terence Moore, 404-369-3500
Latin Academies: Following on the academic success of Latin Academy Charter School, an APS middle school, visionary leader Chris Clemons has been approved to replicate his successful charter model in Fulton County. Opening in 2015-16 will be two new Latin Academies: Latin Grammar School and the Latin College Preparatory School, expanding the district’s high quality educational options for families. Contact: Chris Clemons cclemons@latin-academy.org
In Macon: Academy for Classical Education: Academy for Classical Education opens in Bibb County with a mission to “build the foundation of knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary for children to become independent learners for life.” The school was founded by two former Bibb County educators who believe that Bibb students “want and deserve a rigorous, structured educational experience.” The K-8 charter school will be housed in a renovated building on New Forsyth Road in Macon. Contact: 478-238-575
3. New DeKalb Charter School Serves “Neuro-Typical” Students Along withStudents on the Autism Spectrum
Tapestry Public Charter School, a new DeKalb County middle school at 4046 Chamblee Tucker Road, has a unique mission to offer an inclusive, individualized learning environment that is academically engaging, both for neurotypical students and those on the autism spectrum. The school strives to create a positive school culture that empowers all students to take possession of their innate talents and become creative builders of their own future. The curriculum is driven by student interests to increase engagement. By making learning relevant and enhancing each child’s ability, Tapestry intends to meet or exceed the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. Contact: Principal, Amanda Chilvers, achilvers@tapestrycharter.org
4. Young Men of Color Soar Academically at South Fulton Charter School
Fulton Leadership Academy, a State Charter Commission authorized school in East Point, GA offers a single gender program for boys, grades K-9. This past year FLA was the highest performing LEA in the state of Georgia. Principal Dr. Gavin Samms is committed to training boys to become thoughtful, hard-working, and respectful young men of character. Within the FLA curriculum, there is a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and a thematic approach that integrates experiences with aviation and aeronautics. Contact: Principal, Dr. Gavin Samms, (404) 472-3529.
5. Rural South Fulton Charter School Opens With Environmental Focus
Chattahoochee Hills Charter School, serving grades K-5, breaks new ground in the Palmetto area with an experiential, project-based approach that takes advantage of the school’s rural setting. It positions agricultural, environmental, and artistic themes as lenses through which the Georgia state performance standards will be achieved and exceeded. Authorized by Fulton County, the school was founded on a shared vision of continued care and respect for its rural heritage. Contact: Principal, Chad Webb, 678-466-7300.
6. In Clayton County, Utopian Academy Opens. New Charter Middle School with an Arts Focus
Utopian Academy for the Artsis a State Charter Commission approved grade 6-8 charter middle school with a mission to serve a Clayton County, an area plagued by underperforming schools. Utopian will offer single gender classrooms in core subjects, a longer school day and school year, Saturday school, and classes in the dramatic, media, and culinary arts. A school culture driven by high expectations and hard work will prepare boys and girls for a range of public and private high school options upon entering 9th grade. Contact: Principal, Fred Birkett, 205-679-8232.
