ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – All Jessica Foster and her husband wanted for their kids was a chance. They said the Cherokee Charter Academy gave them just that.

“Considering it is the only school that has given our special needs second grader an actual chance at grade level academics and inclusion with typical aged peers, it is literally priceless,” said Foster.

When they found out the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia is considering closing it, they were heartbroken.

“To say that we are shocked by the recommendation is an understatement,” said Foster.

“They know his name, they love him, they treat him just like all the other kids. They have been the ones who have been fighting for him,” said Jared Foster.

That sentiment is the same for parent, Summer Dunn, who has children attending the school as well. She said no other school in the county is like it.

“It’s smaller classrooms, the environment is different, the parent involvement is different. The children here are thriving,” said Dunn.

The commission is also considering closing Fulton Leadership Academy in East Point. The state said some of the reasoning for closure is that both schools did not meet academic eligibility criteria, and failed to meet certain financial standards.

“I know academically we were struggling for a minute. We brought that up and we are doing a whole new model here,” said Dunn.

The commission still needs to vote on Wednesday for this to be a sealed deal. Jessica Foster said she plans to show up at the meeting to show how much the school means to her family and numerous other parents with children enrolled.

“If we can just get a little more time,” said Dunn.

Cherokee Charter Academy sent a statement that reads:

Cherokee Charter Academy represents the only school of choice in Cherokee County and has proudly done so for more than 11 years. We were quite surprised and disheartened to hear that the State Charter Schools Commission staff is recommending non-renewal without legitimate basis. We’ve had nothing but positive interactions when commissioners and staff visited the school and saw the wonderful things happening. We believe we have met all financial standards and our academics have continuously improved over the past three years, currently placing the school in green status. The Commission has renewed other schools that have not even risen to the standard that we have achieved, which makes this recommendation even more perplexing. Parents are outraged that someone would want to try to take away their choice. It is our sincere hope that commissioners will listen to their constituents, review the facts, and rule in favor of renewal on Wednesday for the only option available for school choice in the county.

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