News Summary
REACH Public Schools has received approval from the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools Board of Education to establish a new charter school. This school will cater to high school students facing various challenges, offering a flexible educational model that promotes self-guided learning and career training opportunities. The approval aims to enhance educational opportunities in the region, marking the first charter school establishment in the area since 2017. Plans are underway for REACH to begin operations at the former Saint Leo University site, with a focus on meeting the diverse needs of its student population.
Savannah, GA – REACH Public Schools received unanimous approval from the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools System’s (SCCPSS) Board of Education for a new charter school, marking a significant step for educational opportunities in the region. The board voted 8-0 in favor of the charter proposal on August 13, 2025, allowing REACH to provide an alternative educational environment for high school students.
REACH Public Schools is set to serve students in grades 9-12, specifically targeting those who may be facing challenges such as credit deficiencies, high levels of transiency, or adult responsibilities that complicate their educational journey. The new school aims to implement a flexible model that accommodates the varied needs of its student population.
The curriculum at REACH will include self-guided learning, classroom instruction, and comprehensive teacher support. In addition, students will gain access to various career training opportunities, equipping them with essential skills for the future. This structured approach intends to foster an environment where students can thrive academically and prepare for post-graduate endeavors.
REACH submitted its charter petition to the SCCPSS Board in March 2025. In preparation for the vote, members of the REACH board collaborated closely with SCCPSS staff, ensuring that the proposal met the district’s academic and operational standards. The Charter Review Committee reviewed the proposal and recommended its approval, while also suggesting enhancements in areas such as academic monitoring systems and board development plans.
The board members expressed a commitment to maintaining open lines of communication with REACH leadership as the school begins operations. The SCCPSS has granted a 90-day extension for REACH to provide further details on strategies for increasing student enrollment and aligning their curriculum with state educational standards.
REACH Public Schools plans to establish its campus at 325 W Montgomery Cross Road, Suite A, Savannah, which previously housed the Saint Leo University’s Savannah Education Center. The partnering with Propel Charter Management Group is a critical aspect of this initiative, responsible for developing the charter petition and assisting in facility negotiations. Propel will manage the lease negotiations and assume liability for the site until the REACH Governing Board is adequately prepared to take over.
The approval of REACH marks the first new charter school in the Savannah-Chatham County area since Susie King Taylor Community School was established in 2017. This new educational option is anticipated to provide vital support to students in the district who require alternative pathways to graduation.
In addition to REACH’s charter school approval, the agenda for the SCCPSS board meeting on August 13 included other significant items. This entails a contract with Epic Special Education Staffing aimed at bolstering special education staffing and securing funding for Speech Language Pathologist professional services.
As the new school prepares to launch, stakeholders are encouraged by the collaborative efforts and the expressed need for a flexible educational model that serves a diverse student body. The next SCCPSS board meeting will take place at the Whitney Administrative Complex in Savannah, where further discussions on educational initiatives and program approvals are expected.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal
- WJCL News
- Savannah Now
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
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.
