New school receives state approval, selects location
(August 7, 2026) – The Learning Academy of Northwest Georgia has completed significant milestones, including receiving state approval and selecting a location, as it prepares for its planned opening in fall 2027.
The Dalton Public Schools Board of Education approved conceptual plans for the Learning Academy of Northwest Georgia school in April, and the Georgia Board of Education approved its charter in June. Together, these approvals pave the way for the school to operate under a local charter serving students in kindergarten through third grade beginning July 1, 2027. School leaders anticipate opening with 240 students, with 60 students in each grade. During its second year, the school plans to add fourth grade. Grade levels will be expanded in subsequent years.
“We are making excellent progress toward opening our doors, and we are excited to welcome our first students in fall 2027,” said John Minor, local attorney and the founding board chair. “The Learning Academy of Northwest Georgia will provide a strong foundation for student success, subsequently strengthening our local workforce and our economy.”
Operating as a tuition-free public charter school, the Learning Academy will combine three distinctive educational approaches: classical education, dual-language immersion in English and Spanish, and a Finnish-inspired model that emphasizes outdoor learning and personalized learning plans.
The classical education model emphasizes a strong foundation in literacy, mathematics, history, science and critical thinking, helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed for lifelong success.
Through partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of North Georgia, the school will be located at 1013 Underwood Street in Dalton. Dalton will serve as the primary attendance zone, with plans to expand access through partnerships with other interested local school systems.
The school will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, including English language learners, students with special needs, and those from economically disadvantaged communities. School leaders expect a diverse mix of learners with the shared goal of academic excellence.
The Learning Academy is currently conducting a search for its founding head of school, and the search committee is led by Sharon Hixon, dean emerita of the Dalton State College School of Education.
“This is a unique and exciting opportunity to build a new PK-12 charter lab school from the ground up, establishing its foundational culture, academic rigor, and long-term success,” Hixon said. “We are seeking an innovative leader who is passionate about student-centered learning and committed to creating an exceptional educational experience for students and families.”
Details about the position are available at www.learningacademynwga.org/about/career-center/.
Through its collaboration with Dalton State College, the Learning Academy will serve as a training ground for future teachers and a space where current educators can continue to grow.
The school’s governing board is the LEARNING Foundation of Georgia is comprised of leaders from the northwest Georgia community and Dalton State College. Board members include:
- John Minor, V – chair
- Tangela Johnson – vice chair
- Larry Winter – treasurer
- Julie Patterson – secretary
- David Elrod
- Dr. John Fuchko
- Dr. Sharon Hixon
- Cindy Howalt
- Jessica Trivino
For more information, visit www.learningacademyofnwga.org.