August 26, 2025

Savannah Approves Charter School for At-Risk Students

News Summary

The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education has unanimously approved the charter petition for REACH Public Schools, the district’s first charter school aimed at serving students in grades 9-12. Set to open in the fall of 2026, REACH will focus on assisting credit-deficient students and those facing instability in their lives. With a hybrid learning model, the school supported by Propel Charter Management Group plans to enroll 200 students at its launch and build partnerships with local organizations to enhance support for its students.

Savannah

The Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education has officially approved the charter petition for REACH Public Schools, marking a significant development in the district’s education landscape. The board voted unanimously, with an 8-0 decision, to endorse this new charter school, which is scheduled to begin operations in the fall of 2026.

REACH Public Schools will be the first charter school in the district focused specifically on serving students in grades 9-12. It aims to cater to students who are credit-deficient, experiencing instability in their living situations, or balancing education with adult responsibilities. By adopting a hybrid educational approach, REACH will combine self-guided online and paper-based learning with traditional in-person instruction.

The school’s leadership, including its board of directors led by Patrick Connell, expressed gratitude to the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education for their support of the school’s initiatives. The school will be located at 325 W. Montgomery Cross Road, Suite A, Savannah, which previously housed the Saint Leo University Savannah Education Center.

Managing the daily operations of REACH Public Schools will be Propel Charter Management Group, a consultancy known for its expertise in managing charter schools and its track record of academic success and financial stability. Propel’s involvement was highlighted as essential due to their extensive experience in charter school development.

Initially, REACH aims to enroll 200 students, with plans to increase enrollment by an additional 75 students each consecutive year. Each student’s educational journey will be supported through individualized graduation plans, alongside opportunities for career training to better prepare students for life after high school.

Furthermore, REACH plans to forge partnerships with local organizations, including faith-based groups and businesses, such as Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, to ensure a comprehensive support system for its students. These collaborations are part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the educational needs of at-risk youth within the Savannah community.

The charter petition underwent a rigorous review process, which included addressing curriculum alignment, the provision of support for students with disabilities, and strategies for managing enrollment growth. The district’s Charter School Liaison, Shekeria Barnes, played a pivotal role in the thorough evaluation and facilitation of the charter approval process.

In addition to meeting local needs, REACH Public Schools will implement new educational standards established by Georgia’s Senate Bill 82. This legislation provides financial incentives for newly approved charter schools, granting them $250,000 per year for the first three years to assist with administrative expenses.

The establishment of REACH Public Schools reflects a commitment to enhancing educational accessibility and quality for at-risk students in the Savannah area. As the school prepares for its opening in 2026, it is positioned to become a critical resource for students facing numerous challenges in their academic pursuits.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

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.

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