The Northwest Georgia Charter Academy received high praise this week from top state education officials during their first official visit to the new K–5 charter school now operating on the campus of the Georgia School for the Deaf.
In a recent visit by the Georgia State School Board, Georgia State Board of Education Chairman Phena Petty called the school “amazing,” saying the partnership with the Georgia School for the Deaf has been transformative.
“Being here on the campus of Georgia School for the Deaf is like a God send for this school,” Petty said. “Watching these children be so engaged with the teachers, having a good time, and smiling about learning was fun to watch. It was a great experience getting to see students truly enjoying learning.”
Petty emphasized how critical it is for Cave Spring families to once again have a school close to home.
“It is such a blessing for the students of Cave Spring to have a school close to home be an option,” she said. “The long journey for these students takes a toll on both the students and their parents. This community was devastated when Cave Spring Elementary School closed. It is extremely important for the community of Cave Spring to have a school.”
Petty added that she hopes the charter school will one day be allowed to occupy the former Cave Spring Elementary School building.
“It would be amazing to see the Northwest Georgia Charter Academy allowed to have the former Cave Spring Elementary School. As Northwest Georgia Charter Academy grows to a K–12, it would be wonderful to see this school grow into that location.”
Executive Director of the State Charter Schools Commission Donovan Head also toured the campus, joined by several commission members. Head said the school’s progress has been remarkable.
“I have watched the progress of this school and it has been amazing to see the community embrace them with open arms,” Head said. “I wished the commission could have seen the before and after of this location. This community is very unique on how this came to fruition.”
When reached out to for comment, Floyd County Board of Education member Danny Waits said he supports the opportunities the charter school provides Cave Spring families.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for the students in Cave Spring. I applaud the hard work from the individuals that made this possible,” Waits said.
The school’s founder and board chair Judy Taylor added: “Yes, Cave Spring families deserve a local education option and, while the closure of the beloved CSES was the fire that ignited the charter school initiative, the result is a quality education option that, with our transportation hubs, is available to students from throughout Floyd and Polk counties.”
The Northwest Georgia Charter Academy opened this month with nearly 140 students and plans to add one grade level each year until it becomes a full K–12 program. For Cave Spring families still feeling the loss of their historic neighborhood school, the charter’s arrival represents both hope and renewed debate over the future of the former elementary campus.
NWGA Charter Academy currently has a few open seats in grades Kindergarten and 5th. You can also get on a wait list for the future. For more visit nwgacharteracademy.org
