APRIL NEWSLETTER
April 3, 2025
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Furlow Charter Senior Named 2025 Georgia Scholar
Furlow Charter School senior Addison Drinnon has been named a 2025 Georgia Scholar by the Georgia Department of Education. She is one of 145 graduating seniors statewide to receive this prestigious honor. The Georgia Scholar program recognizes students who excel in academics, leadership, and community involvement.
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"I am very honored to be recognized as a 2025 Georgia Scholar. As a founding student of Furlow Charter School, which proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, I am grateful for the incredible educators and mentors who have guided me throughout my academic journey," said Ms. Drinnon, "Furlow’s commitment to small class sizes, project-based learning, and service opportunities has shaped me into the student and leader I am today. This achievement is not mine alone—it is a reflection of the supportive and innovative learning environment that Furlow fosters every day. I am proud to be part of this community."
Addison has applied to the U.S. Naval Academy and plans to major in chemistry.
View the full list of 2025 Georgia Scholars
View the Georgia Scholar program criteria
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State Charter School Spotlight:
25 Years of Community at
Baconton Community Charter School
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This year marks the 25th anniversary of Baconton Community Charter School (BCCS), a Pre-K through 12th grade state charter school deeply rooted in its community. First opened in 2000, BCCS is one of Georgia’s longest-running charter schools and became a state charter school in 2019. Over the years, the school has continued to grow and now serves more than 900 students.
BCCS continues a focus on literacy, academic mastery, and career exploration. The school also introduced new programs like EMT certification, expanded its arts and graphics departments, and encouraged student participation in robotics and dual enrollment. Beyond academics, BCCS fosters strong community connections through student service projects and extracurricular activities, including its athletic program.
Read our interview with Baconton Superintendent Missy Harrod to learn how the school continues to evolve while serving the Baconton community.
| | | | State Charter School News | |
State Charter Schools Earn 5-Star School Climate Ratings
The Georgia Department of Education recently released the 2024 School Climate Star Ratings, and ten charter schools authorized by the SCSC earned a 5-star rating, the highest possible score
The School Climate Star Rating, which is required by state law (O.C.G.A. § 20-14-33), is a diagnostic tool used to assess schools’ ability to is fostera positive, safe, and supportive environment. Schools receive a rating from one to five stars, with five stars indicating an excellent school climate. Ratings are based on survey responses from students, parents, and school personnel.
The following state charter schools received a 5-star rating:
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- Academy for Classical Education
- Amana Academy West Atlanta
- Baconton Community Charter School
- Brookhaven Innovation Academy
- DeKalb Brilliance Academy
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- Furlow Charter School
- International Charter School of Atlanta
- Northwest Classical Academy
- Odyssey Charter School
- The Anchor School
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Congratulations to these schools for fostering strong, supportive learning environments! The full list of 2024 School Climate Star Ratings is available here. Visit the Georgia Department of Education's School Climate Star Rating page for more information.
| | Georgia Connections Leader Named 2025 Charter School Leader of the Year | | |
Brazilia Bilal-Page, Executive Director of Georgia Connections Academy (GACA), was named the 2025 Charter School Leader of the Year at the Georgia Charter Schools Association’s annual conference held in March.
Ms. Bilal-Page was recognized for her strategic leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and dedication to creating meaningful, real-world learning opportunities in a virtual setting. Despite GACA’s virtual model, Ms. Bilal-Page has prioritized in-person engagement through field trips, student showcases, and social-emotional learning initiatives. She also invests in professional development, offering staff statewide and internal training opportunities that support ongoing growth.
Read more about the award and Ms. Bilal-Page's impact.
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Ivy Prep Academy Leader Honored with
Ann Tisch Inspire Award
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Share Your School News
State charter schools across Georgia are making an impact, and we want to help share your story. Send your accomplishments, milestones, and program highlights to be considered for an upcoming newsletter feature.
Email your updates to erica.achamorfaw@scsc.georgia.gov.
| | Commission Staff Spotlight | | Allen Mueller, Senior Director of the Office of Charter School Compliance |
SCSC Participates in 2025 GCSA Conference
In March, members of the SCSC staff participated in 2025 Georgia Charter Schools Association Conference, Georgia’s largest annual gathering of the charter school community. SCSC staff led breakout sessions on the new Office of Charter School Compliance, charter school funding, and best practices in school communications. The School Support and Outreach division team provided information about FindaGaCharter.org and the website’s school locator function.
Thank you to all who connected with us at this year’s conference!
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Left to right: Naquita Smith, School Support & Outreach Coordinator; Erica Acha-Morfaw, Communications Specialist;
Molly Gassman, School Support & Outreach Specialist
| | Announcements & Reminders | |
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April SCSC Governance Training
Registration Deadline: Apr 11, 2025
The SCSC will offer governance training for state charter schools in April at the Classic Center in Athens. This training event provides an opportunity for state charter school governing boards to fulfill their legal requirement to receive annual training. Governing board members and administrative staff members from state charter schools may register to attend. The SCSC provides this training free of charge and reimburses schools for travel expenses.
The SCSC Governance Training policy and procedures can be found on the SCSC website.
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April Board Meeting
SCSC Board of Commissioners will hold its April Board Meeting on Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be live streamed for virtual attendees. Visit the SCSC Board Governance page for meeting details.
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Proposed Rule Open for Public Comment
Mar 31 - Apr 30, 2025
The State Board of Education, via the Office of Charter School Compliance (OCSC), is currently accepting public comment on proposed amendments to Rule 160-4-9-.05 Charter Schools Petition Process.
The public review period runs from March 31 through April 30, 2025. A synopsis of the amendment proposal and redlined version of the proposed rule are available on the OCSC Rulemaking Page. Feedback may be submitted electronically using the form linked on the webpage.
All comments will be shared with State Board of Education members in advance of their next State Board meeting on May 8, 2025.
| | The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) is a state-level, independent charter school authorizing entity. The SCSC has the power to approve or deny petitions for state charter schools and renew, nonrenew, or terminate state charter school contracts in accordance with Georgia law. | | Copyright © 2025 State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, All rights reserved. | | | | |
