The Northwest Georgia Charter Academy officially opened its doors Friday morning with a celebratory ribbon cutting, marking a milestone for families who have waited years for a new public school option in the Cave Spring and Floyd County community.

The event, which the Rome-Floyd County Chamber of Commerce called one of the largest ribbon cuttings ever in the history of Floyd County, drew local leaders, parents, and supporters eager to witness the launch of the region’s newest K–5 charter school, which plans to expand by one grade each year until it becomes a full K–12 program.

Rome Mayor Jim Bojo said, “This is a really good thing for our community.  This school now allows for free public options for families.”

The Northwest Georgia Charter School, although having to follow state standards, will offer a different type of learning environment, an EL model.  Expeditionary learning schools are designed to not only get students ready for college, but careers as well.  The model focuses on supporting global citizenship, social, emotional, and physical wellness, designing case studies, incorporating fieldwork and service learning while also allowing students to be involved in original research, critical thinking and problem-solving academics.

Longtime educator and former Principal of Cave Spring Elementary, Susan Childers, “This is one of the most exciting days that I’ve had since I retired 11 years ago.”

The Northwest Georgia Charter Academy is housed on the 480-acre gated campus of the Georgia School for the Deaf. Judy Taylor, “This campus was founded in 1846, so there is a long history of public education in Cave Spring.  Today, thanks to the collaboration between GSD and the NWGA Charter Academy, we expand public education in Floyd and Polk Counties.”

Several state officials were on hand, including Donovan Head, Executive Director of the State Charter School Commission.  “This is not only the first charter school in North Georgia, but the prettiest campus in all the state.”

Head also spoke on how the state saw the need for the school in Floyd County.  “Charter Schools are really a special thing for Georgia. We are really excited that the Northwest Georgia Charter Academy is taking this type of school north. (Most of the state’s charter schools are located in metro Atlanta)

Ron Mayo, Vice President of Policy Advocacy for the Charter System, “It is important for parents in this part of the state to be given an opportunity to access quality education. Sometimes it looks a little different than neighborhood schools that we have known about. Sometimes it takes a charter school to serve a community that may have been left out of opportunities. A charter school is non-traditional and allows for a fit for children who may need a little something different.”

Cave Spring City Manager, Stephen Walker, noted that the loss of the former community school left families disappointed and businesses struggling. The opening of Northwest Georgia Charter Academy, he said, represents a turning point.

“When we lost our community school, everyone was very disappointed. Now we have something we can call our own,” he said.

The city manager believes the new school will bring renewed energy to the area, both socially and economically.

Scotty Hancock, Floyd County Commissioner, “The opening of this school symbolizes freedom of choice.  This allows for families that may not have the opportunity to send their child to a private school a chance to get a great quality education.”

“I love this for the Cave Spring kids.  There’s a large distance between Floyd County Schools and the community.  I am excited for the families in this community,” Shane Cowan, Floyd County Commissioner-elect.

The academy’s launch is expected to stimulate growth in local housing, small businesses, and family services as enrollment increases. School leaders say they are committed to building a strong academic foundation while fostering community pride and connection.

Friday’s ribbon-cutting marks the beginning of the academy’s inaugural year, signaling hope, renewal, and a fresh chapter for families across northwest Georgia.