Media release from Northwest Georgia Charter Academy:
Northwest Georgia Charter Academy (NWGA Charter Academy) is proud to announce that it has been awarded $2 million through the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant—the maximum amount available – to new charter schools. The award was announced on Wednesday, December 10, in Atlanta when the State Charter Schools Commission (SCSC) of Georgia voted to provide the award. This highly competitive award provides essential funding to support the school’s launch, growth, and long-term sustainability as the first public charter school in Northwest Georgia.
The CSP Grant supports high-quality new charter schools in expanding educational opportunities for students. Receiving the full $2 million award allows NWGA Charter Academy to strengthen academic programming, build out high-quality curriculum and materials, support teacher recruitment and training, and prepare facilities and resources for opening day. As Northwest Georgia’s first charter school, NWGA Charter Academy is poised to offer families a transformative educational option grounded in the EL (Expeditionary Learning) model.
“Our team is incredibly honored to receive the maximum CSP award—$2 million spread over three years,” said [Dr. Dawn Williams, Superintendent]. “This long-term support allows us to fully develop and sustain our Expeditionary Learning model, where students learn by exploring meaningful topics, solving real-world problems, and producing high-quality work. This funding ensures we open strong and continue growing with excellence.”
The Expeditionary Learning (EL) model focuses on three core dimensions: mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality student work. Through interdisciplinary expeditions, authentic projects, and strong community partnerships, students develop deep understanding, leadership skills, and personal responsibility.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous vote of confidence in our vision,” said [Judy Taylor, Board Chair]. “As the first charter school in Northwest Georgia, we are committed to offering families an educational experience that inspires curiosity, builds character, and nurtures academic success. This grant gives us the resources to do that at the highest level.”
NWGA Charter Academy was approved by the Georgia State Charter Schools Commission and will serve students in [K-5 with potential for 6-8] beginning [August 2026]. The CSP Grant will be implemented over the next three years as the school launches and expands to become a full K-12 school.
NWGA Charter Academy still has seats available in a few grades, but other grades are full with a growing waiting list. Parents are urged to pre-enroll or contact NW GA Charter Academy with questions about enrollment.
Pictured from front to back: State Charter Schools Commissioners and Staff with 4 Charter school representatives including Cassie Potts, representing NWGA Charter Academy.