Hundreds Register for ‘ACE’ Charter School in Macon

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Frustrated with the local school system, some families are turning to a new educational choice in Bibb County—charter schools. This weekend, hundreds of parents registered for the ‘Academy for Classical Education’, in hopes to get their kids in the classroom, when the school opens its doors.

Karyne McCooley signed her her daughter up at the forum on Saturday at Macon City Hall. She said she’s fed up with Bibb County’s “failing school system”.

“The middle schools that we are zoned for and the high schools that follow are not choices that I would make,” she said.

With the new up-and-coming charter school, there’s a new choice in town. Dianna Cooper registered her daughter on Saturday. Hannah currently attends school online because her mother doesn’t feel the local middle schools are “safe”. After hearing Saturday’s forum, the Coopers are excited about possibly attending ‘ACE’.

“Their curriculum, the way that they talk about it, and the enthusiasm they have,” Cooper said, “I don’t’ know what we will do if she doesn’t get in.”

‘ACE’ Co-founder Laura Perkins said the academy will focus on “traditional education” with an emphasis on reading and writing for K-8, adding a grade level each year. She believes the county is ready for educational refinement.

“The classical model was good enough for Plato and Socrates,” Perkins said, “why isn’t it good enough for us?”

The Academy for Classical Education is expected to open its doors in August 2014. ACE will hold another forum at the Barnes and Nobles at the Shoppes at River Crossing on December 6, 7, 8.

For registration and more information, click here.

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