The Savannah Classical Academy announces good news as the State of Georgia unveils significantly improved test scores for this lottery enrollment, public charter school which first opened on Savannah’s east side five years ago.  These results mean that SCA is now removed from the Turnaround Eligible Schools List and there is an immediate lifting of the moratorium on registration, which is good news for the school, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and the students of Chatham County.

New milestone data released by the State of Georgia shows the percentage of students scoring at or above State Performance Target levels to have increased significantly in all grades at SCA over the last academic year (2017-18).  In addition, SCA outperformed or was close to every SCCPSS average score for all grades and in all of the areas measured.  Milestones are measured in the subjects of English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. 

Mr. Barry Lollis, Interim Director of SCA, said “We have closed the gap significantly between the State Performance Targets and our school’s achievements and we are in great shape to make further improvements as we enter the new academic year this August.  Our turnaround would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our teachers and students and the unwavering support of our Board of Directors.”

"I am delighted that the last year has seen such dramatic improvements for SCA,” said Outgoing Board of Directors Chairwoman Falen O. Cox. “I am confident that Scott McGhie, who has been nominated to serve as board chair when my term expires, will build on these fantastic results to ensure that SCA continues to deliver quality education for its students.”

SCA, which is open to all students residing in Chatham County, is funded by the public education system but retains a charter that allows it to operate autonomously under a board of parents and community members. SCA will be serving Kindergarten to Grade 11 for the 2018-2019 school year and is expanding every year to develop into a K-12 school.

"We, as a board, are grateful for the commitment to excellence that Mr. Lollis and the entire SCA team have demonstrated over the last year” said Incoming Board of Directors Chairman Scott McGhie. “We believe that SCA has a bright future as the school continues to pursue academic excellence while its charter remains true to its mission.”

The school’s eight core virtues, established by founding school director Benjamin Couch Payne, are Compassion are Compassion, Courage, Diligence, Integrity, Perseverance, Respect, Responsibility and Temperance. The institution offers a unique education experience, has a long waiting list, and over 70% of its students qualify as economically disadvantaged. Admission is by open lottery, with no testing or neighborhood residency requirements. Funding for the extensive $2.5 million renovation of the historic building that houses SCA – located in one of Savannah’s regeneration zones at the corner of East Anderson Street and Atlantic Avenue – led to the school's opening five years ago.