News Summary
The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education has approved a new charter school called REACH Public Schools to open in the upcoming academic year. This school, located at the former Saint Leo University site, will focus on serving students in grades 9-12 who are credit-deficient and require flexible learning environments. With a unique model combining online and in-person instruction, REACH aims to enroll 200 students initially and expand over the years while supporting the local workforce needs.
Savannah, Georgia – New Charter School Approved for Local Students
The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education has unanimously approved the creation of a new charter school, REACH Public Schools, set to open for the 2026-2027 academic year. The decision was made during a board meeting on August 13, 2025, where board members voted 8-0 in favor of the charter. This new institution will serve students in grades 9-12, targeting those who are credit-deficient, frequently change schools, or are managing adult responsibilities.
REACH Public Schools will be located at 325 W. Montgomery Cross Road, in a facility that formerly housed the Saint Leo University Savannah Education Center. The design of the school aims to offer flexible learning environments that include alternative graduation pathways, career training opportunities, and individualized plans to help students meet their academic goals.
Innovative Learning Approaches
The school’s model intends to integrate both self-guided online coursework and in-person instruction, incorporating a hybrid learning system that accommodates diverse learning needs. Enrollment for the first year is projected at a minimum of 200 students, with 50 students in each grade. The school has plans to gradually expand by 75 additional students annually, aiming for a total enrollment of approximately 600 students by its fifth year.
Recruitment Strategies
To effectively address the needs of credit-deficient students, REACH Public Schools plans a variety of recruitment strategies. These will include collaborating with local school district counselors and partnering with community organizations to attract students who would benefit from the school’s unique offerings.
Support for Students with Special Needs
As part of the approval process, the district’s charter school committee emphasized the importance of providing adequate support for students with disabilities. The committee sought clarifications on curriculum alignment with Georgia educational standards, along with grading policies to ensure that all educational requirements are met.
Management and Operational Background
Managing the newly approved charter school will be Propel Charter Management Group, a company selected for its proven success in charter school development and management. The charter petition for REACH was submitted in March 2025 and has undergone a thorough review process, highlighting the evolving framework of Georgia’s charter school regulations under recent legislation.
Addressing Local Workforce Needs
REACH Public Schools is designed not only to keep students on track for graduation but also to equip them with the skills needed for today’s workforce demands. The school will focus on producing workforce-ready graduates, directly addressing a growing need for skilled laborers in the local economy.
Continued Oversight and Support
As the school prepares for its opening, the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education will continue to monitor REACH’s development and operational strategies, ensuring the institution aligns with its goals of educational improvement and support for students facing challenges.
This initiative marks a significant step in providing educational opportunities tailored for the unique needs of Savannah’s students. More information regarding REACH Public Schools can be accessed through its official page.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Savannah-Chatham School Board Approves New Charter School
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- WJCL: New Charter High School Coming to Savannah
- Google Search: Charter School Savannah
- Savannah Business Journal: REACH Public Schools Approved for Charter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Savannah Now: Schools Prepare for Phone Law
- Google News: Savannah 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.
