National School Choice Week: The authorization process for charter schools in Georgia

A portrait of Donovan Head on the top left, the logo for the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia on the bottom left, and a classroom on the right
Donovan Head, the executive director of the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, was a featured guest on “Closer Look.” (Yan Krukov, State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia)

Donovan Head, who serves as the executive director of the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, is clearing up what he sees as some misconceptions about charter schools. He says charter schools are free, public schools that are required to adhere to federal and state educational standards.  

In fact, for a charter school to operate in the state of Georgia, it must be authorized by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia or by a local board of education.

According to the latest data from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, more than 100 charter schools are in operation in Georgia. At least 50 of them have been authorized by the SCSC, with more expected to open in fall 2026.