About this Event
Is Starting a Charter School on Your Heart? Start Here.
The Charter School Founders Summit is a full-day conference experience designed to provide a clear, realistic introduction to what it takes to start a charter school in Georgia.
This Charter Schools 101 experience walks participants through the charter school journey — from early vision and community alignment to governance, finance, and operational readiness — grounded in best practices and real-world lessons from charter leaders across Georgia.
The Summit emphasizes readiness, thoughtful pacing, and responsible next steps to help aspiring founders move forward with clarity and confidence.
Who Should Attend?
The Summit is designed for:
- Aspiring charter school founders
- Current charter school petitioners
- Potential founding board members
- Educators and community leaders early in the charter school development process
This event is ideal for individuals exploring how to start a charter school or actively preparing a charter petition who want greater clarity on readiness, alignment, and next steps.
Event Details
Evening Reception — The Night Before Wednesday, June 24, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM| Grand Bohemian Hotel | Savannah, Georgia
Summit Day Thursday, June 25, 2025 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM | Formey Learning Center | Savannah, Georgia
Registration includes access to both the Summit and the Wednesday evening reception.
PLAN YOUR STAY — NEARBY HOTELS
We encourage you to make your hotel reservations early, as Savannah is a popular destination. Below are a few nearby hotels for your convenience. Please note that GCSA does not have a negotiated room block at this time — rooms are available at standard rates.
Aloft Savannah Downtown Historic District
512 W. Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 421-2003
Rating: 3.6 ★ | Downtown location, walkable to historic Savannah squares
TRYP by Wyndham Savannah Downtown/Historic District
320 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 341-6756
Rating: 3.8 ★ | Central downtown location, public parking available nearby
The Galloway House Inn
107 E. 35th St, Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: (912) 658-4419
Rating: 4.5 ★ | Charming boutique inn in a beautiful Greek revival mansion
Extended Stay America – Savannah Midtown
5511 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 692-0076
Rating: 3.4 ★ | Budget-friendly option with suite-style rooms
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Charter Founders Summit Overview
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Charter Schools 101
🕑: 11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
Community Engagement & Co-Creating a School with Families and Stakeholders
🕑: 11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
Authorizer Insights: What a Authorizer Looks for in Charter School
🕑: 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM
Networking Break & Transition
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch & Keynote
🕑: 01:40 PM - 02:40 PM
From Vision to Viability: Charter School Financial Readiness
🕑: 01:40 PM - 02:40 PM
Building a High-Capacity Governing Board
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:50 PM
CEO Mindset Session
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:50 PM
From Approval to Execution: Leading the School You’re Building
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Assessing Readiness & Setting Direction
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Henderson E. Formey, Jr. Early Learning Center, 400 East Broad Street, Savannah, United States
USD 108.55









