The Northwest Georgia Charter Academy board received notice that the State Charter School Commission (SCSC) of Georgia staff will recommend that their petition for a free public charter school be authorized by the SCSC board at its July 30 meeting.

According to Judy Taylor, President of the board, the letter states: “I am pleased to inform you that, following a comprehensive review of Northwest Georgia Charter Academy’s FY25 petition and associated capacity interview, SCSC staff will recommend approval of the petition to the SCSC board of commissioners at its meeting on July 30, 2025.”

Taylor cautions: “To be clear, this is only the staff’s recommendation, but it is another step closer to authorization. We are cautiously optimistic and will be in Atlanta for the SCSC board’s vote on July 30.”

If authorized on July 30, the NW GA Charter Academy will be the first SCSC-approved free public charter school in northwest Georgia.

Immediately upon authorization, the founding board will begin a structured planning year working with SCSC staff to complete a detailed “Pre-Opening Checklist” focused on academic, operational and financial structures to support the school opening in August 2026.

Dr. Dawn Williams is the proposed school leader and is excited about leading a small community school. “We will open in August 2026 with only 134 students in grades K-5, growing to 321 in grades K-9 by Year 5 and 539 students in grades K-12 by Year 8.

The Academy has already surpassed its initial target for signatures of interest from families, thus reflecting the level of demand for a free public school option in the region.”

According to Community Engagement Chair, Cassie Potts, formal enrollment will open in late 2025, and based on the demand to date, the board expects a waiting list.

“We encourage all interested parents to follow updates on Facebook and submit Parent Interest Forms now.

”For Cave Spring residents, this news is particularly meaningful after the loss of their beloved Cave Spring Elementary School-CSES.

Tom Lindsey, Operations Chair is delighted: “CSES was the heart of our community. The new school, with its nationally-recognized Expeditionary Learning model, will bring back that heart while offering a unique, quality education to students who live beyond Cave Spring – to all students who live in Floyd and Polk counties as well as Rome City.”

If authorized, a community celebration will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at 10am, at the Historical Society’s new pavilion in downtown Cave Spring. Community members, parents and families are encouraged to come out, meet board members and find out more about NW GA’s first free public charter school!