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Health & Fitness

A Different Education Access Option in Planning for South Cobb

Getting an education is the basic law of the land but Austell, Mableton and Powder Springs residents know how hard it is to get great options.  A petition has been submitted that would allow students in this area to attend a proposed public charter school even outside of their school zone.  In your commute to work in Marietta or Smyrna's Galleria area,  you'll have the freedom to drop your child off at a high performing school of your choice.  You'll experience a school that includes time tested civic and fiscal responsibility programming along with a career and college readiness curriculum.  As a former college admissions administrator, I am pleased to partner with proven, results focused local leaders to create such a school.  A school without borders: Cobb Preparatory Academy.  Like me, Kimberly Cochran, also a South Cobb parent, and our other petitioners are looking to raise the standard for everyone, including our own school aged children.

Cobb Preparatory Academy, with a statewide attendance zone, would allow Georgia residents to be served by a public charter school right here in Southeast Cobb.  We've just celebrated the vision of the 50th Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington.  The diverse mix of families from different economic and social backgrounds, all pursuing a focused, high standard of excellence and thematic curriculum, reflects the best ideas of Reverend King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

“It is not just the fulfillment of demand for seats in a classroom we seek.  Delivering an education of value that builds character, imparts civic and personal responsibility, and prepares one to live their dream is a moral responsibility,” said Mayor Pro Tem and Smyrna Councilwoman Melleny Pritchett.  “It is not enough to just send them to school; parents should have options and opportunity for their children to learn to be their best.  One size fits all just doesn’t work.”

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We are seeking concerned local parents, business people, municipal and civic leaders to combine forces for a new school that meets unaddressed educational needs of local families and commuters.  It won’t solve all of the desires of current, future, and business residents, but it is another step in the right direction.  It's another choice that allows you to choose a school in a neighborhood with an offering you feel best suits your child.  And best of all, you won't have to move to enroll!

The mission of Cobb Preparatory Academy is to provide a safe learning environment where every student is challenged to reach his or her full potential. Cobb Preparatory Academy strives for academic excellence and a school culture with positive morale by providing a research-based and rigorous curriculum. Cobb Preparatory Academy will teach children the value of lifelong learning as well as the importance of contributing to society and community in positive ways.

Find out what's happening in South Cobbwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cobb Preparatory Academy’s charter petition has been submitted and hopes to open their doors to students in the 2014-15 school year.  To ensure the effort is successful, we must have your help to confirm need, demand, and community input. Please take a moment to visit the website at www.cobbprepacademy.com and complete the survey AND support the petition. While you are at it, stop by the Facebook page and Like It!

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About Georgia Charter Education Foundation

The Georgia Charter Educational Foundation (GCEF) was formed in 2009 for the sole purpose for opening quality charter schools in the state of Georgia. GCEF is interested in advancing the educational options of parents and students throughout the state of Georgia and creating cutting-edge and industry relevant charter schools. 

About Charter Schools USA

Charter Schools USA is one of nation's largest providers of charter school management services in the United States and a leader in the development and design of charter schools. As its mission states, "CSUSA creates and operates high quality schools with an unwavering dedication to student achievement, unyielding commitment to ethical and sound business practices, and providing a choice for communities, parents, students and professionals that fosters educational excellence in America." Charter Schools USA is the first SACS Accredited charter school management company in the country.




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