Ethos Classical Charter School has been named the 2026 Georgia Charter School of the Year. The school received the honor on Wednesday, March 11, during the 23rd annual Georgia Charter Schools Conference at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria.
Ethos Classical Charter School serves more than 800 scholars across two campuses for Grades K-7, with 98% of scholars identifying as students of color. In just a few short years, Ethos has demonstrated strong academic progress, with scholars reading on grade level at rates exceeding the state average.
Ethos is grounded in a structured, literacy-focused instructional model that prioritizes strong foundational skills, consistent routines, and high expectations for all scholars. Classrooms are designed to ensure scholars receive targeted support and clear, standards-aligned instruction every day.
In addition to a strong academic core, Ethos provides scholars with access to arts, music, dance, and enrichment experiences that build confidence and allow scholars to express themselves beyond the classroom.
The school鈥檚 approach is rooted in the belief that all scholars can achieve at high levels when given the right environment, support, and consistency.
The Charter School of the Year Award is generously sponsored by the and includes a $5,000 prize for educational use. Ethos was chosen from a group of outstanding finalists, including BIA Charter School in Norcross, which serves K鈥�8 students with a hands-on, technology-forward approach, and Fulton Academy of Science & Technology (FAST), a K鈥�8 school focused on STEAM and Design Thinking.
The 2026 Charter School of the Year was selected through a two-step evaluation process. A review committee evaluated submissions and selected three finalists whose applications demonstrated exceptional impact, innovation, and outcomes. A second committee then evaluated finalists using a rubric that included both qualitative insights and quantitative data, such as academic performance, innovation, community engagement, and replicable practices.
