News Summary
The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education has approved the establishment of REACH Public Schools, a charter school for grades 9-12 set to open in the 2026-2027 academic year. The school aims to provide flexible learning solutions for students facing educational challenges, including credit deficiency and caregiving responsibilities. The initiative focuses on individualized graduation plans and career training, reflecting a commitment to support at-risk students in the community.
Savannah, Georgia
The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education (SCCPSS) has unanimously approved the establishment of REACH Public Schools, a new free public charter school set to serve students in grades 9-12 beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. The decision, made during a public meeting on August 13, 2025, was met with enthusiasm from board members and school advocates alike.
REACH Public Schools aims to support students who face educational challenges such as being credit-deficient, highly transient, or those who juggle school with adult responsibilities. By embracing flexible learning models and offering individualized graduation plans, the school seeks to create an accommodating and supportive educational environment designed to help students achieve their full potential.
The school’s approach includes providing career training opportunities, which are intended to help students make meaningful connections between their academic studies and future job prospects. This aligns with the school’s mission to mitigate the hurdles faced by students in the Savannah-Chatham area, particularly those working or caring for family members.
Patrick Connell, chair of the REACH Board of Directors, stated that the board’s unanimous vote represents a strong endorsement of the school’s mission to provide crucial educational support. Other board members echoed this sentiment, with Dionne Hoskins-Brown highlighting the school’s commitment to addressing educational challenges faced by at-risk students. Tonia Howard-Hall emphasized that the individualized graduation plans will be particularly beneficial for students with caregiving roles or jobs, acknowledging their unique circumstances that require flexibility in education.
Furthermore, Stephanie Campbell touted the innovative nature of REACH’s approach, describing it as “brilliant” and well-suited to meet the needs of the community.
REACH Public Schools will be located at 325 W. Montgomery Cross Road, in the facility formerly occupied by Saint Leo University Savannah Education Center. This location was selected to serve as an accessible point for the intended student population.
The charter petition for REACH was submitted to SCCPSS in March 2025, following a collaborative review process involving SCCPSS staff. The Charter Review Committee reviewed the petition and supported the school’s approval with several recommendations aimed at strengthening its operations and educational framework.
Throughout discussions, board members expressed their commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and collaboration with REACH leadership, indicating a shared interest in ensuring the school’s success and responsiveness to community needs.
The establishment of REACH Public Schools marks a significant development in the Savannah-Chatham educational landscape, aiming to provide a tailored educational experience for students who may have been underserved by traditional schooling methods. With a focus on both academic and practical workforce skills, REACH is poised to become a valuable resource for local families and students seeking pathways to success in their educational and professional futures.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: New Charter High School Coming to Savannah
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- MSN: SCCPSS Approves New REACH Public Charter School
- Google Search: Savannah Public Charter Schools
- Savannah Business Journal: REACH Public Schools Approved
- Google Scholar: Savannah Chatham County Education
- WSAV: SCCPSS Approves REACH Public Charter School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter School
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
