A school once believed lost to history is officially alive again. On Monday morning, the Northwest Georgia Charter Academy opened its doors to students for the first time, launching a new era of public education in Cave Spring five years after Floyd County Schools voted to close the community’s longtime neighborhood school.

That closure ended a tradition dating back to January 1839, when the original Cave Spring school began operating. Floyd County Schools had overseen the campus since 1929, and for decades it served students from kindergarten through 12th grade until the high school grades were removed in 1984. At the time of its closure, the school operated as a Pre-K through the grade campus.

Now, the K–12 model is on its way back.

Northwest Georgia Charter Academy opened this week as a K- public charter school (the first charter school in northwest Georgia), with plans to add one grade level each year until it fully restores Cave Spring’s historic K–12 structure. The school is tuition‑free, and any student currently enrolled in Floyd County Schools, Rome City Schools, or Polk County Schools is eligible to attend at no cost.

Superintendent/Principal Dr. Dawn Williams said the first day exceeded expectations. “Today went smoothly with zero issues,” Williams said, noting that students settled quickly into routines and teachers were prepared for the inaugural launch.

Nearly 140 students are enrolled for the academy’s first year, filling hallways with an energy the community has not felt since the former school closed. Parents praised the school’s modern layout, especially the redesigned lunchroom, which was intentionally built to feel open, welcoming, and student‑centered.

Students enjoyed free breakfast, including a catered meal from Marco’s Pizza, a first‑day treat that quickly became a talking point among families.

The academy is housed on the secure, gated campus of the Georgia School for the Deaf, giving students access to a spacious, historic learning environment while providing modern safety features.

The Northwest Georgia Charter Academy is built around an Expeditionary Learning (EL) model, a hands‑on, inquiry‑driven approach that transforms the school day into active exploration rather than passive instruction. In an EL environment, students learn through case studies, fieldwork, real-world problem solving, and collaborative projects that connect academic standards to authentic experiences. The model emphasizes critical thinking, original research, teamwork, and character development, helping students understand not just what they are learning, but why it matters. Teachers serve as guides and facilitators, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning while building confidence, curiosity, and leadership skills.

The school has also adopted a uniform policy, designed to help students feel connected, confident, and part of a unified team.

Enrollment interest continues to grow, Williams said. “If you are interested in enrolling your student, we have a few seats available in kindergarten and 5th grade,” she noted. She emphasized that families should act quickly if they hope to secure a spot.n

“With students always coming and going, interested parents need to get their names on the waiting list, and it is possible for your child to get in this school year.”

For Cave Spring, the opening represents more than a new school; it marks the return of a community anchor many feared would never return. The charter academy’s long‑term plan to rebuild a full K–12 program mirrors the structure that served generations of families for more than a century.

Parents who wish to enroll their children or join the waiting list can contact the school at (706) 346‑5688 or visit www.nwgacharteracademy.org.