Savannah Choice Program Applications Open Soon

News Summary

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is announcing the opening of applications for its Choice Program, set to begin on January 11, 2025. Concurrent with the 16th Annual Student Success/STEAM Expo, families can explore charter school options and important details related to applications for various educational programs. Schools like Coastal Empire Montessori, Oglethorpe Charter, and Savannah Classical Academy are among the options available. The district encourages early education through the Little Acorn Academy, launching its applications at the same time.

Exciting News for Parents in Savannah: Choice Program Applications Set to Open Soon!

Attention, Savannah families! The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is gearing up for an exciting year ahead with the announcement of key dates and details for the 2025 Choice Program applications. Superintendent Denise Watts is making it abundantly clear that the goal is to ensure every child has the chance to lead a “choice-filled life.”

Mark Your Calendars!

Circle January 11, 2025, on your calendar because that’s when the Choice Program applications open! This date also coincides with the district’s 16th Annual Student Success/STEAM Expo, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Savannah Civic Center located at 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave. What a perfect opportunity to explore educational options while enjoying a fun-filled day!

School Options and Key Details

Now, let’s dive into what the SCCPSS has to offer. Three out of five public charter schools in the district are already open for lottery applications for the upcoming school year. However, keep in mind that SCCPSS does not provide transportation services to choice or charter schools, aside from neighborhood school programs based on where you live.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the local charter schools who have application windows you might want to check out:

• Coastal Empire Montessori Charter School: Catering to pre-K through 5th grade, this school was founded in 2008 and boasts an estimated enrollment of 215 students, with 65 on the waitlist. Their application period begins in the second week of January 2025 and continues until April, when an admissions lottery will be held.
• Oglethorpe Charter School: This school serves grades 6 to 8 and was founded in 1999. It has around 600 students enrolled and over 300 on the waitlist. The application window is from December 2 to January 27, 2025, with a lottery scheduled on January 30, 2025.
• Savannah Classical Academy: Enrolling students from pre-K to 12, this academy has about 435 students and a waitlist of 471. Their application period runs from early December until January 31, 2025.
• Susie King Taylor Community School: Serving grades K-8, this school will accept applications from December 5 through March 21, 2025.
• Tybee Island Maritime Academy: Unique for its weighted lottery system for economically disadvantaged students, this school has a five-year agreement with Kelly Tours for transportation.

For families looking at non-charter schools, it’s best to check the district’s online Choice Program Guide for all the information and application deadlines you’ll need.

Early Childhood Education and More!

Also, if you’re looking into early education options, applications for the Little Acorn Academy, a state-funded pre-K initiative, will open at the same time as the other Choice Program applications. The Savannah school board is working hard to promote early childhood education through programs like Little Acorn Academy and is actively seeking legislative support for funding.

Arts and Academics

For the artsy families, be aware that auditions are now a requirement for applications to the Savannah Arts Academy as well as Esther F. Garrison K-8 School for the Arts, with requirements varying by grade level.

And let’s not forget some impressive achievements! According to school rankings, Savannah Classical Academy shines as the 3rd best public elementary and middle school in the district and holds an overall high ranking in the state.

Important Considerations

For those eager to apply, remember that families need to meet specific criteria for assessment, which includes math and reading scores, GPA, attendance, and discipline records. Make sure you have everything in order, so your children can get their shot at a choice-filled education!

As the countdown begins for the application openings, it’s time for Savannah families to start considering their choices and prepare for an exciting educational journey ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Now: Savannah Charter Schools Open Applications
• WSAV: Savannah Classical Academy Recognized
• Savannah Now: School Choice Program Deadline
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter Schools
• Google News: Savannah School Choice