New Free Charter School Accepting Applications In Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA -- A free public charter school is accepting applications as it plans to open its doors in Atlanta next week, Patch has learned. Genesis Innovation Academy (GIA) is hosting an open house Thursday, August 3 at 5:30 p.m. for the Boys Academy. The Girls Academy was the day before.

The school, located at 1059 Custer Ave. in southeast Atlanta, offers gender-specific classrooms to students in kindergarten through sixth grade. (SIGN UP: For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. Or if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

“Our daughters have different needs and challenges than our sons,” Dr. Gavin Samms, founder of GIA, says in a news release. “For instance, girls fall behind early in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) subjects because society expects boys to do better in those areas. A single-gender environment can empower girls with the belief they can achieve excellence in every subject. If we do not make sure girls believe anything is possible at an early age, we limit their future options.”

The school will adhere to the E5 curriculum model, which includes engineering, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics, and expression.

Children who enroll this fall will learn alongside Samms' own children. “I tried traditional school for my children, but I grew frustrated with a process that could not meet their academic needs," the Harvard University and Georgia Tech grad said. "The focus has been on preparing our children to be test takers in a world that rewards innovators. The old approach is not working, and I cannot wait for someone else to figure this out.”

Prospective students and families as well as members of the community are invited to the open house.