Five charter schools from across the state of Georgia have been selected as finalists for the annual charter school of the year award. The Coca-Cola Company sponsors the 2016 Georgia Charter School of the Year Award, which includes a $50,000.00 award to the first place winner. The award was established to honor excellence in education throughout the charter sector. The winner will be announced during the annual Georgia Charter Schools Conference to be held in Atlanta February 3- 5, 2016.
The five schools selected as finalists (in no particular order) are Lake Oconee
Academy in Greensboro, Oglethorpe Charter School in Savannah, KIPP Strive
Academy in Atlanta, DeKalb PATH Academy and The Museum School of Avondale Estates in DeKalb County. “I am thrilled at the variety of areas and students represented in our finalists for charter school of the year. Most importantly, I am proud of the great work taking place in all these amazing schools. All five of these schools are deserving of this recognition,” said Tony Roberts, President and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association.
The five schools were selected by an independent selection committee from a competitive field of applicants representing rural and urban areas in Georgia. In order to apply, schools must meet certain requirements including a demonstration of academic excellence as measured by standardized achievement tests, operational history of at least five years, and demonstrate operational sustainability as well as sound fiscal practices. All schools are accredited by SACS or GACS.
Past winners of the Georgia Charter School of the Year Award include Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School in Atlanta, Brighten Academy in Douglas County, and Amana Academy in Fulton County.
