News Summary
REACH Public Schools has received unanimous approval from the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools System Board of Education to establish a new charter school. This free institution will cater to students in grades 9-12, focusing on flexible educational environments that address various challenges faced by students. With an emphasis on career training and a supportive academic structure, the charter aims to ensure successful graduation outcomes and practical skills for future employment.
Savannah – REACH Public Schools has received a significant boost in its efforts to open a new charter school after obtaining unanimous approval from the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools System (SCCPSS) Board of Education on August 13, 2025. The board voted 8-0 in favor of establishing the school, which will serve students in grades 9 through 12 as a free, public charter institution.
The newly approved REACH Public Schools intends to create a flexible educational environment tailored to help students who face various challenges, including being credit deficient, experiencing high levels of transiency, or dealing with adult responsibilities. The school plans to offer a self-guided curriculum complemented by classroom learning, as well as support from teachers and the community to foster successful graduation outcomes for its students.
One of the core components of the REACH educational model is career training, designed to connect academic learning with future job opportunities. This approach aims to provide students not only with credits needed for graduation but also with the practical skills and knowledge required for career readiness. The charter school anticipates that this integrated focus will facilitate a more comprehensive approach to education and personal development for its students.
Following the submission of its charter application in March 2025, REACH Public Schools worked closely with SCCPSS staff during the charter review process to fine-tune its proposal. They collaborated to ensure the charter met district standards and educational requirements, ultimately leading to the board’s favorable decision. Board members at SCCPSS expressed a commitment to maintaining open lines of communication and collaboration with REACH leadership moving forward.
The Charter Review Committee’s endorsement of REACH’s charter included recommendations aimed at enhancing the school’s academic monitoring process and creating a comprehensive training plan for board members. These proactive measures were designed to support the school’s mission and ensure a successful launch.
REACH Public Schools will be located at 325 W Montgomery Cross Road, Suite A, Savannah, the previous site of Saint Leo University’s Savannah Education Center. The charter school is partnering with the California-based Propel Charter Management Group, which will provide critical educational services. Propel has already pinpointed a facility and is currently negotiating a lease while assuming liability for the building until the REACH Governing Board is fully established. This partnership is aimed at leveraging Propel’s expertise to fine-tune the school’s operational and instructional strategies.
To further refine its structure and student outreach initiatives, REACH Public Schools received a 90-day extension from the district for the application process. This extension allowed the school to better define its strategies for student enrollment and curriculum alignment. The school aims to address both educational and financial considerations through strong local partnerships and strategic collaboration with Propel.
The SCCPSS board is expected to discuss additional items at its next meeting, including a potential contract for staffing special education roles, demonstrating a continued commitment to enhancing educational services within the district as REACH prepares to enter the Savannah community.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Savannah Now
- Google Search: Savannah Public Schools
- WSAV News
- Google Scholar: Savannah Charter Schools
- WJCL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public School
- Savannah Now
- Google News: Savannah 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.
