爱豆社区

Robin Allison, an educator at Tybee Island Maritime Academy (TIMA), received the 2025 Charter School Teacher of the Year Award during the Georgia Charter Schools Association鈥檚 (爱豆社区) 22nd annual conference on Wednesday, March 12.

Ms. Allison empowers her students by creating a dynamic, student-centered learning environment that connects math to real-world applications. Leveraging her engineering background and extensive experience in middle and high school math, she transforms traditional instruction into an engaging, collaborative, and problem-solving experience.

At TIMA, Ms. Allison鈥檚 innovative teaching methods allow students to explore complex, real-world engineering problems. Through project-based learning, she integrates the Georgia Standards of Excellence in creative and meaningful ways. Her students apply math concepts to hands-on projects, such as using Future Cities models to study scale and proportionality or calculating the tensile strength of leashes for TIMA鈥檚 Shorebirds Showcase. These projects not only deepen students鈥� understanding but also highlight the relevance of math in their lives and future careers.

Ms. Allison fosters a student-driven classroom where open-ended exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking thrive. She encourages students to work through problems at their own pace, emphasizing deep learning over speed. By valuing approximations and trial-and-error, she creates a safe space for students to take risks, build resilience, and develop adaptability.

Her results speak for themselves. In 2024, her Algebra students achieved a mean scale score of 587, surpassing the district (501) and state (520) averages on the Georgia Milestones Assessments. With 45% of students proficient and 55% classified as Distinguished Learners, her students excel academically and gain confidence in tackling complex challenges.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Allison actively involves families in student learning. She hosts math parent nights to help families support their children without anxiety, offering hands-on activities, brain science insights, and strategies for reducing math-related stress at home. By making math accessible, she strengthens the partnership between school and home, further enhancing student success.

Ms. Allison鈥檚 impact extends beyond her own classroom. As TIMA鈥檚 math coach, she collaborates with teachers across grade levels to align math pathways, develop engaging lessons, and model best practices. She organizes interdisciplinary projects that connect math to real-world issues. In her Blue Economy unit, students worked with local businesses and educators to design sustainable solutions, applying mathematical concepts to environmental and economic challenges. Through the Shorebirds Showcase, students integrated algebra with public speaking, analyzing real-world data and presenting their findings with confidence.

Her leadership extends to partnerships with local businesses, artists, and maritime educators, ensuring students see the relevance of math in diverse fields. She also organizes events where students and parents can engage with TIMA鈥檚 innovative math pathways, reducing math anxiety and fostering a love for problem-solving.

Through her vision and dedication, Ms. Allison has created a learning environment that inspires students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and approach challenges with confidence. Her commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that TIMA students are not only meeting academic standards but also developing the skills needed for future success.

The Charter School Teacher of the Year Award鈥痵potlights dynamic educators who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to charter school students, their families, and their communities. sponsored the 2025 Charter School Teacher of the Year Award, which provides $1,500 for classroom and educational use.听

Brazilia Bilal-Page, Executive Director of Georgia Connections Academy, was awarded the 2025 Charter Leader of the Year Award during the Georgia Charter Schools Association鈥檚 annual conference in Atlanta on Wednesday, March 12.

Under Bilal-Page鈥檚 leadership, Georgia Connections Academy (GACA) continues to empower staff, students, and the community to achieve brighter futures. As Executive Director, she has fostered a culture of innovation and excellence in education. Her commitment to inspiring, engaging, and elevating students has distinguished GACA as a leader in virtual education.

One of Bilal-Page’s notable achievements is her dedication to empowering educators. She actively encourages staff to apply for grants, bringing valuable resources and programs that enhance the GACA experience. These grants enable students and teachers to explore new educational opportunities, often exceeding expectations and surpassing standards set by school districts across Georgia.

Under her guidance, GACA upholds rigorous academic standards comparable to traditional brick-and-mortar schools while ensuring that students in a virtual environment have access to hands-on learning. Through in-person events, collaborative projects, and innovative programming, she creates opportunities for students to connect, grow, and excel.

In 2024, GACA and STEAM Academy will host the NASA Space Apps Challenge in Duluth, Georgia. This international competition fosters innovation in space and Earth science and reflects Bilal-Page’s commitment to providing unique learning opportunities. Open to all participants (with those under 18 requiring a parent or guardian), the hybrid event will bring together in-person and virtual attendees to collaborate, problem-solve, and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Through initiatives like the Space Apps Challenge, Bilal-Page cultivates an environment where students not only meet but exceed state standards. By fostering collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, she ensures that GACA students are well-prepared for success beyond the classroom.

Her leadership has led to measurable achievements. In 2024, GACA celebrated its largest graduating class鈥�650 students鈥攚ho collectively earned over $15 million in scholarships. The school consistently meets or exceeds state and national standards in key assessments, underscoring Bilal-Page鈥檚 strategic leadership in fostering resilience and academic excellence.

Despite GACA鈥檚 virtual model, Bilal-Page has prioritized in-person engagement, creating meaningful connections between students, families, and educators through field trips, student work showcases, and social-emotional learning initiatives. She also ensures that teachers and staff have access to targeted professional development, supporting their growth through statewide training opportunities and the school鈥檚 internal Career Ladder Program.

Additionally, GACA has taken a proactive approach to strengthening relationships with community members, legislators, educational leaders, and representatives from the Georgia Department of Education. The school鈥檚 outreach efforts highlight its value as a virtual public school and demonstrate how it meets and exceeds the same standards as traditional schools. As part of these efforts, GACA is working toward eligibility for the Perkins Grant to enhance student support and program offerings. The school also hosts Advisory Meetings twice a year, inviting stakeholders from across Georgia to collaborate and provide guidance on student academic and personal development.

The Charter School Leader of the Year Award honors high-impact educational leaders who drive school culture and performance through a clear vision and strategic leadership. The 2025 Charter School Leader of the Year was sponsored by and includes $3,000 for educational use.听Read more…

has been named the 2025 Georgia Charter School of the Year. The K-8 Atlanta public charter school received the prestigious award during the 22nd annual Georgia Charter Schools Conference, hosted by the Georgia Charter Schools Association (爱豆社区). This recognition highlights ANCS鈥� dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.

The school was awarded $5,000 for educational use after receiving the highest number of attendee votes following live presentations by school finalists at 爱豆社区鈥檚 conference, held at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria on Wednesday, March 12.

鈥淎t a time when we are expected to conform to a single way of teaching students, this is both a calling and a reminder of the importance of innovation,鈥� said Alastair Pullen, Executive Director of Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School. 鈥淚t highlights the opportunity and privilege we have to do things differently for the sake of all kids because, as we know, not all kids are the same. Many thanks to my team at the elementary and middle school campuses for making this happen.鈥�

ANCS has consistently demonstrated excellence since its founding. This year, the school made significant strides in ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to a high-quality education. For the first time, at least 25% of new students came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, ANCS remains committed to reflecting the demographics of the city of Atlanta within its student body.

The school鈥檚 focus on academic rigor is evident in its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) data, where student subgroups at both the elementary and middle school campuses consistently outperform those at neighboring schools and within the district by double-digit percentage points.

鈥淎tlanta Neighborhood Charter School exemplifies the creativity, dedication, and excellence that define Georgia鈥檚 charter school movement,鈥� said Dr. Bonnie Holliday, President and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. 鈥淎NCS鈥檚 commitment to academic success, community partnerships, and ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education makes it a model for schools across the state. We are proud to recognize their outstanding work and celebrate their well-deserved achievement as Georgia Charter School of the Year.鈥�

Innovative Programs Driving Success

ANCS attributes its success to several innovative programs:

• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Conscious Discipline 鈥� These initiatives create a supportive and structured environment, contributing to some of the lowest infraction and suspension rates in the district.
• Farm and Nutrition Program 鈥� Students engage with the school鈥檚 farm, which produced over 2,000 pounds of food last year鈥攁ll used in the cafeteria.
• Constructivist Learning Approach 鈥� This hands-on, inquiry-based model fosters critical thinking and engagement.

Recognition and Accolades

ANCS鈥檚 impact has been widely recognized:

• Highlighted by Food Tank for its innovative nutrition and farm program.
• Named a Literacy Leader and Math Leader by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).
• Recognized by GaDOE and Atlanta Public Schools (APS) for high academic performance, including a Content Mastery score above 90 (elementary level) and a Closing Gaps score of 100 (middle school level) on the Georgia Milestones Assessments.
• Achieved a 97% teacher retention rate, reflecting a strong and supportive teaching environment.
• Recipient of an APS grant to help traditional schools develop their own farm programs.

Community Partnerships and Advocacy

ANCS thrives on strong community partnerships, working closely with local organizations such as Zoo Atlanta, Alliance Theater, Grant Park Coffeehouse, Scrap Atlanta, ChARM, and Produce鈥檇. This year, the school launched a groundbreaking internship program with Morehouse College to increase the number of Black male educators in its classrooms.

Additionally, ANCS is reshaping the conversation around charter schools by fostering collaboration instead of competition. The school鈥檚 partnership with Humphries Elementary demonstrates this commitment鈥擜NCS helped establish a farm program, while Humphries assisted in developing ANCS鈥檚 hydroponics initiative.

Preparing Students for the Future

ANCS ensures students are prepared for success beyond the classroom. The farm program integrates real-world applications of STEM and business, offering hands-on exposure to agriculture, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

The school also relies on data-driven decision-making to measure success and continuously improve. A recently developed strategic plan utilizes survey data, student performance metrics, and teacher retention rates to guide ANCS鈥檚 growth and outreach efforts.

The Charter School of the Year Award is generously sponsored by the and听includes a $5,000 prize for educational use.听ANCS was chosen from a group of outstanding finalists, , a K-12 public charter school open to students who reside within the Atlanta Public Schools district, and , a statewide virtual charter school for students in grades K-12.

The Georgia Charter Schools Association congratulates the eleven charter schools recognized on the 2025 Georgia Department of Education鈥檚 Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Schools :听Academy for Classical Education,听Atlanta Classical Academy,听Charles R. Drew Charter School,听Georgia Connections Academy,听Georgia Cyber Academy,听Hapeville Career Academy,听KIPP Atlanta Collegiate,听Lake Oconee Academy,听Savannah Classical Academy,听Tapestry Public Charter School and听Walton High School.听

Schools received this honor based on their 2024 AP course and exam results.听Below, you鈥檒l find the list of Georgia charter schools that earned this recognition, along with the Georgia Department of Education鈥檚 criteria for each category.听

2025 AP Honor Schools Access & Support Schools

Schools with at least 30% of AP exams taken by students who identified as African American and/or Hispanic (minimum of 16 students) and 30% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher. At least 25 exams must be administered.

Charles R. Drew Charter School

Georgia Cyber Academy

Georgia Connections Academy

Savannah Classical Academy

Tapestry Public Charter School

听2025 AP Honor Schools Challenge Schools

Schools with enrollments of 900 or fewer students and exams administered in English, math, science, and social studies and a minimum of 25 total exams administered.

Atlanta Classical Academy

Hapeville Career Academy

KIPP Atlanta Collegiate

Lake Oconee Academy

2025 AP Honor Schools Expansion Schools

AP schools with 25% growth in AP student participation from May 2022 to May 2023 and a minimum of 25 students testing in May 2022.

Atlanta Classical Academy

Tapestry Public Charter School

2025 AP Honor Schools Humanities Schools

Schools with at least five exams administered in each of the following AP categories: one ELA course, two social studies courses, one fine arts course, and one world language course, and a minimum of 25 total exams administered.

Lake Oconee Academy

Walton High School

2025 AP Honor Schools Humanities Achievement Schools

AP Humanities schools with at least 50% of all AP Humanities exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

Lake Oconee Academy

Walton High School 听

2025 AP Honor Schools Distinction

Schools with at least 20% of the total student population taking AP exams and at least 50% of all AP exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

Lake Oconee Academy

Walton High School

2025 AP Honor Schools STEM Schools

Schools with a minimum of five students testing in at least four AP STEM courses, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and a minimum of 25 exams administered.

Academy for Classical Education

Atlanta Classical Academy

Georgia Connections Academy

KIPP Atlanta Collegiate

Lake Oconee Academy

Walton High School

2025 AP Honor Schools STEM Achievement Schools

AP STEM schools with at least 50% of all AP STEM exams earning scores of 3 or higher.

Academy for Classical Education

Atlanta Classical Academy

Lake Oconee Academy

Walton High School

The Georgia Charter Schools Association is excited to welcome Rick Hess as the keynote speaker for the 2025 Georgia Charter Schools Conference. Based on feedback from schools and stakeholders, we are shifting the focus of this year’s keynote presentation to address the current developments in federal education policy and what they could mean for states and schools.

Hess, a nationally recognized education policy expert, will deliver his address on Tuesday, March 11, at 11:15 a.m. As the director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), Hess is at the forefront of national education policy discussions. In his keynote speech, he will provide an expert鈥檚 analysis of the federal education landscape and its implications for education stakeholders, particularly in light of potential changes under the Trump administration. Hess will cover topics such as: Will the U.S. Department of Education actually be eliminated? If so, what will happen to Title I and Special Education funding and requirements? With the possibility of significant shifts in federal oversight, Hess will outline the key questions charter schools should be asking their authorizers and the Georgia Department of Education to ensure preparedness for any changes in funding and oversight.

Hess鈥檚 address promises to be a must-attend session for school leaders, policymakers, and educators seeking clarity in a rapidly evolving education environment. To make this keynote address as interactive as possible, please submit your questions in advance .

In addition to his work at AEI, Hess is an executive editor of听Education Next,听a contributing editor to听National Review, founder of AEI鈥檚 Conservative Education Reform Network, and author of听Education Week鈥檚听iconic blog 鈥溾�� and听Education Next鈥檚听popular 鈥�.鈥� His work has appeared in scholarly outlets including听Urban Affairs Review,听Harvard Educational Review, and听Social Science Quarterly, and in popular outlets such as the听Wall Street Journal,听Washington Post,听USA Today, and听The听New York Times. His books include听,听and听. He started his career as a听high school social studies听teacher and has also taught education and policy at Harvard, Georgetown, Rice, Johns Hopkins, the听University of听Pennsylvania, and the University of Virginia. He holds an MA and a PhD in government and a MEd in teaching and curriculum from Harvard University.

On Saturday, Feb. 1, more than 200 job seekers attended the Georgia Charter Schools Association鈥檚 2025 Charter School Job Fair at KIPP Atlanta Collegiate in Atlanta. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with 20 metro Atlanta charter schools and charter school networks.

The candidate pool was highly qualified, with more than 36 percent holding a Master鈥檚 degree or higher and 62 percent having worked in education for four years or more.

鈥淭he 爱豆社区听job听fair听had the highest caliber of candidates of any听job听fair听I’ve been to in 16 years听as an educator,” said Scott Carpenter, Founding Head of Schools for Fayette Classical Academy.

In addition to meeting with charter school hiring teams, job fair attendees were able take advantage of professional headshots, r茅sum茅 writing workshops, and career coaching.

爱豆社区 wants to thank Atlanta Classical Academy, Atlanta SMART Academy, Centennial Academy, Coweta Charter Academy, Destinations Career Academy of Georgia, DuBois Integrity Academy, Ethos Classical, Excelsior Village Academies, Fayette Classical Academy, Ivy Preparatory Academy, KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools, Northwest Classical Academy, PEACE Academy Charter, Sankofa Montessori, The Anchor School, The GLOBE Academy, The Simple Vue Academy, The Wright School, Utopian Academy for the Arts, and Yi Hwang Academy of Language Excellence for participating in the job fair.

爱豆社区鈥檚 Charter School Job Fair was sponsored by the Association of American Educators, Educators Now, and ValuTeachers.