SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY COMPLETES PLAYGROUND RENOVATION WITH SUPPORT FROM THE HODGE FOUNDATION

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY COMPLETES PLAYGROUND RENOVATION WITH SUPPORT FROM THE HODGE FOUNDATION

SAVANNAH, GA. – NOV. 16, 2021 – Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) has completed the renovation on its elementary playground thanks to the generous support of The Hodge Foundation. The playground has now been covered with cushioning and a synthetic turf with a rest area beneath a shaded pavilion with picnic tables to keep kids cool and safe while they enjoy the outdoors.

The Hodge Foundation, Inc. is a Georgia Domestic 501© (3) nonprofit Corporation that has been supporting charitable organizations with focus for youth and family services in Savannah, Ga. since 1962. This independently owned organization provides grants and scholarship funds to local school and institutions in the Coastal Empire.

“Our kids are ecstatic that we have renovated and extended the playground. We thank The Hodge Foundation for selecting Savannah Classical Academy for this generous investment,” said SCA CEO Barry Lollis. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our campus and invest into our children, both academically and recreationally. The donations we receive play a huge part in what we are able to provide for our students.”

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete difficult tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community.

For more information about Savannah Classical Academy, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY APPOINTS NICK LAVERY AS NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY APPOINTS NICK LAVERY AS NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

SAVANNAH, GA. – NOV. 8, 2021 – Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) has appointed Nick Lavery as the new athletic director for the school. In this role, he will oversee all SCA athletic teams and teach SCA students the importance of physical education through daily activity.

Nick Lavery started working for SCA when he was appointed to the upper school as PE teacher and the head coach of varsity boys’ basketball team. For three years, he has led students in a wide range of sports and physical activities. Lavery received a BS from Valdosta State University in Health and Physical Education and is certified to teach grades K-12. While teaching skills and technique are important in his classes, his primary goal is to help students find joy in movement. The teamwork, commitment, and cooperation skills the students learn through physical education are lifelong tools that can be applied to their future goals and endeavors. As Athletic Director, Lavery is continuing to grow the athletic department to build a robust student-athlete culture.

“Mr. Lavery has been a great addition to our teaching staff here at SCA and we are delighted to promote him to this new role of athletic director,” said SCA Executive Director Barry Lollis. “The students engage with Mr. Lavery and enjoy his teaching which motivates them to be active. We believe that he will excel in this role and elevate our athletic department even further.”

The Savannah Classical Academy athletic department offers an exceptional student-athlete experience with high expectations on the court and field as well as in the classroom. There is opportunity year-round for students to participate in team or individual sports. Sports offered this year include volleyball, basketball, soccer, cheerleading and cross country/track with a goal to add more options over time. The program at SCA strives to produce well-rounded student athletes.

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete difficult tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community.

For more information about the athletic department or the mission of Savannah Classical Academy, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY STUDENT AWARDED REACH GEORGIA SCHOLARSHIP

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY STUDENT AWARDED REACH GEORGIA SCHOLARSHIP

SAVANNAH, GA – Nov. 4, 2021 – Today, Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) student Maria Martinez along with 11 other students from the area became a REACH Georgia scholarship recipient. REACH Georgia was founded in February 2012 with a mission to ensure that Georgia’s low income, academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate from high school, access college, and achieve postsecondary success.

In order to become a REACH Scholar, students must be nominated by a counselor, principal, superintendent or anyone else within the school system who recognizes the student’s potential for academic success. The REACH Georgia Scholarship “rewards students for self-accountability, promotes parent involvement and provides motivation and support; all factors that we know are critical in student educational achievement,” said Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal at the launch of the program.

In an effort to raise high school graduation rates in our state, REACH Georgia and REACH Georgia School Systems give support to the selected REACH Scholars beyond a financial scholarship. REACH Scholars are also given the academic and social support to ensure they graduate from high school and attain a college degree or certificate. REACH Georgia’s multi-step approach leads to success for each child.

“Savannah Classical Academy is extremely proud of Maria for her dedication and commitment to her success in school. SCA students are held to a high academic standard through rigorous courses so that students prosper now and throughout their academic careers,” said SCA CEO Barry Lollis. “SCA values our partnership with the REACH Georgia program over the years and will ensure that Maria has the right tools and support for her academic success.”

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete difficult tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY TO RECOGNIZE VETERAN’S DAY WITH SPECIAL PROGRAM, NOV. 10

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY TO RECOGNIZE VETERAN’S DAY WITH SPECIAL PROGRAM, NOV. 10

SAVANNAH, GA. – Nov. 2, 2021 – Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) will honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty military members with its annual Veteran’s Day program at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10 at the school, 705 E Anderson Street. Every year SCA pays a special tribute with this program to veterans bringing awareness to the valor, sacrifice and service of military members and their families. 

Students in grades K-12 will produce poems, essays, and art for the Veteran’s Day program contest that will center on the theme, “Honor Those Who Served: The Centennial Commemoration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

The program will feature student speakers, special presentations, a “missing man” ceremony, and an opportunity for students to honor our nations local veterans. The SCA color guard will present and retire the colors which are vital to every Veteran’s Day program. Students will observe military procedures to gain a deeper respect for the American flag and all that it represents. SCA’s music and strings program along with guest performers will provide musical selections during the program which will invoke a spirit of patriotism and teach students the importance of patriotic music and its place in American culture.

“Providing our students with this opportunity to learn why patriotism is such a valued characteristic as they become responsible citizens is a teaching opportunity that we hold to the upmost importance. We want to use this Veteran’s Day program as a way to thank each and every one of our active military members and retired veterans and their families,” said SCA CEO Barry Lollis.

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete difficult tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community.

For more information about Savannah Classical Academy, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY TO HOST ‘SCA CLASS ACT GALA’ DINNER THEATER SHOW– DEC. 9

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY TO HOST ‘SCA CLASS ACT GALA’ DINNER THEATER SHOW– DEC. 9

SAVANNAH, GA. – NOV. 1, 2021 – Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) is slated to host the “SCA’s Class Act Gala”, a dinner theatre show, that will feature performing arts pieces from SCA students. SCA parents and the community are invited to join for an evening of entertainment on Thursday, Dec. 9 in the school gymnasium, located at 705 E Anderson St., Savannah GA 31401.

During this event, students involved with Theatre Arts and Acting Department at SCA will present monologues, duologues, skits, music, and a featured One Act production of “The Bridge.” “The Bridge” is a one act play written by Ford Ainsworth that uses the popular children’s book, “Three Billy Goats Gruff,” as a model for highlighting the moral decay of today’s society. The dinner theatre will intertwine these performances into a three-course meal that will include an appetizer, salad, steak & baked potato, dessert, water, and tea. Tickets are required and seating is limited.

“We are so proud of the SCA students for all of their hard work and dedication they have portrayed as we worked to create a unique experience for their families,” said SCA CEO, Barry Lollis. “Our institution works diligently to provide avenues for creativity that the students get excited about. We are happy to invite our SCA family and the community to come out and enjoy dinner and a show!”

SCA ensures that all students achieve a challenging and content-rich classical education rooted in Greek philosophy. The Classical education model uses excellent literature, music, art, a rigorous and challenging study in language arts, including Spanish as a second language, and teaching of Latin and Greek roots, science, and history to educate children in the ways of civil society.

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete complex tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community. 

For more information about SCA’s Class Act Gala or to purchase tickets for the show, please visit http://www.savannahclassicalacademy.org/.  

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com/229-393-6457 or Lesley Francis at lesley@francis.com/912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY HOSTS FALL FINE ARTS PROGRAM SHOWCASING STUDENT ART

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY HOSTS FALL FINE ARTS PROGRAM SHOWCASING STUDENT ART

SAVANNAH, GA. – Oct. 29, 2021 – Last evening, Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) hosted its “Fall Fine Arts Showcase,” featuring art from SCA students.

This “creepy-crawly” themed showcase featured a Fall program full of fun, food, and entertainment to kick off the season with themed music performed by SCA’s lower school students. This program also included selections from the lower and upper school strings programs. Patrons enjoyed student’s artwork and, a new addition to the Fall Fine Arts event, entertaining skits from SCA’s Theatre Arts/Acting program.

“Our students work all semester to prepare this fun-filled event for their families. They have been looking forward to putting on this scary show,” said SCA CEO Barry Lollis. “We enjoyed celebrating fine arts week with this brilliant showcase!”  

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete complex tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community. 

For more information about SCA, please visit http://www.savannahclassicalacademy.org/.  

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com/229-393-6457 or Lesley Francis at lesley@francis.com/912-429-3950 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BARRY LOLLIS INDUCTED INTO THE ROTARY CLUB OF SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER BARRY LOLLIS INDUCTED INTO THE ROTARY CLUB OF SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH, GA –Sept. 20, 2021 – Today, Savannah Classical Academy’s (SCA) Chief Executive Officer, Barry Lollis, was inducted as a member of The Rotary Club of Savannah.

The Downtown Rotary Club of Savannah is the city’s largest Rotary Club and was established over 100 years ago. Rotary club of Savannah is an affiliate of Rotary International, a worldwide service organization that brings together business and professional leaders and encourages them to become involved in their communities through humanitarian services. Members observe high ethical standards and work to advance goodwill and peace around the globe.

A graduate of Georgia Southern University and Piedmont College with a master’s in education, Lollis is an innovative educator who has worked in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) since 2004.  A former high school Principal at Windsor Forest, Lollis came to SCA in 2017 and has overseen significant improvements in the academic achievements of the school. The Savannah Classical Academy opened in fall of 2013 and their mission is to provide every child with a classical and academically rigorous education while installing a commitment to civic virtue and moral character.

“I am very honored to represent SCA and to be inducted into The Rotary Club of Savannah. I look forward to serving the city of Savannah through this organization. The Rotary Club of Savannah encourages acts of service that have built and grown the success of the city, and I am pleased to be a part of that,” said Lollis.  

It is the philosophy of Savannah Classical Academy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program that develops academic potential and personal character. The school provides an environment that fosters academic excellence through the habits of thoroughness, the willingness to work, and the perseverance to complete difficult tasks. Through a defined traditional, Classical-Liberal curriculum, students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community.

For more information about Savannah Classical Academy, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY IS FIRST SCHOOL IN DISTRICT TO PARTNER WITH JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF GEORGIA

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY IS FIRST SCHOOL IN DISTRICT TO PARTNER WITH JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF GEORGIA

SAVANNAH, GA – May 20, 2021 – Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) has become the first school in the district to partner with Junior Achievement of Georgia (JA of GA). This week, SCA Director, Barry Lollis, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The JA Colonial Group Discovery Center, slated to open on the Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus. This new Discovery Center is designed to provide middle school students the opportunity to experience and explore their future possibilities through two innovative in-class and standards-correlated curriculums: JA BizTown and JA Finance Park.

“We are looking forward to bringing these experience-based programs to SCA’s middle school. This initiative is innovative and will help our students enhance their education and preparedness by building soft and practical skills for real life success” said SCA Director Barry Lollis. “The JA curriculum goes hand-in-hand with our philosophy that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, educational program through defined academic and character development curricula, ensuring our students are prepared to become active, responsible members of their community.”

SCA students will participate in JA BizTown which creates an unmatched experience where sixth-grade students can interact within a simulated economy, and JA Finance Park focused on transforming seventh or eighth graders into an adult with a career, family and financial scenario that represents one of their future possibilities.

“JA of Georgia is incredibly excited to open the JA Colonial Group Discovery Center on the Georgia Southern University Armstrong Campus,” said Amy Ford, JA of Georgia Education Director. “The JA Colonial Group Discovery Center of Savannah will be the fifth center in the state and the first outside of the metro Atlanta/north Georgia area, and is a game-changer for the students in our region. This is a partnership between JA of GA, Georgia Southern University, local school districts, and our business partners to build a state-of-the-art immersive learning experience right here in Savannah.”

Looking ahead, students will lead businesses, advance communities, and discover breakthroughs. JA BizTown creates an unmatched experience where SCA’s sixth grade students can interact within a simulated economy and take on the challenge of fueling a business. Here, students not only discover the intricacies of being a professional and member of the community, but also discover the abundance of opportunities available within their city.

At JA Finance Park students have the rare opportunity to experience their personal financial futures first-hand. Here, seventh and eighth grade students will participate in an immersive simulation that enables them to develop skills to successfully navigate today’s complex economic environment and discover how decisions today can impact tomorrow.

JA of GA is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make educated academic and economic choices. The JA Discovery Centers are the embodiment of what this learning can look like.

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For media inquiries and interviews, please contact Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457.

Editor’s Notes

The Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) was founded in Chatham County in 2013 as a lottery enrollment public charter school. SCA’s mission is to provide every child with a classical and academically rigorous education while instilling a commitment to civic virtue and moral character. SCA is committed to developing literate and articulate students who will become active, responsible members of the community and will make a positive contribution to society. To learn more about SCA, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org.

Junior Achievement (JA) of Georgia is dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make educated academic and economic choices. JA learning solutions are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences to students from kindergarten through high school. JA of Georgia offers multiple programs, including in-class programs, 3DE by Junior Achievement, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, all of which focus on entrepreneurship, personal financial literacy and workforce readiness. JA of Georgia serves more than 175,000 students annually statewide, including 16,000 in the Savannah area. JA of Georgia’s headquarters is in Atlanta with regional offices in Dalton, Gainesville, and Savannah. For more information, visit www.georgia.ja.org.

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY INVITED TO ATTEND SIGNING OF SENATE BILL 59

SAVANNAH CLASSICAL ACADEMY INVITED TO ATTEND SIGNING OF SENATE BILL 59

SAVANNAH, GA – May 7, 2021 – Savannah Classical Academy’s Director, Barry Lollis was invited to join a small group of leaders in charter school education from across the state of Georgia, to witness the signing into law of Senate Bill 59 (SB 59). Governor Brian Kemp invited Lollis to the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta earlier this week to witness the final stage of SB59 passing into law. This new legislation for the State of Georgia ensures equal provision for students at charter schools as it amends Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to elementary and secondary education.   

Gov. Brian Kemp signed vital charter school legislation on May 4 during a bill signing ceremony held at Kennesaw State University. Senate Bill 59 provides more equitable funding and resources for Georgia’s 70,000 public charter school students. The signing of SB59 into law comes after receiving approval from the Georgia General Assembly during the 2021 legislative session.

The newly signed legislation does the following:

  • SHBP Opt-In Flexibility: Allows state and local charter schools more than one opportunity to opt into the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP).
  • Funding Weight For Local Charters: Establishes a per pupil funding weight for local charter school students. (3.785% of QBE Base; $106/student starting in FY23 = $3.3M in new state funding)
  • Federal Funding Allocations: Ensures districts allocate a proportionate share of federal funding to local charter schools.

“I was honored to attend this momentous occasion which ensures more funding equity and support for all charter schools in Georgia. There is still work to be done to close the funding gap between traditional schools and charter schools. I am thankful our legislators are working to change that,” said Barry Lollis, Director of Savannah Classical Academy – a K-12 charter school. “I have long been an advocate for the charter school movement and believe that this important legislation recognizes that charter schools are a vital part of public education now and for the future.”

SCA is a tuition-free, public charter school serving Chatham County students in grades K-12. The charter school is funded by the public education system but retains a charter that allows it to operate autonomously under a board of parents and community members. It is the philosophy of SCA that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, education program that develops academic potential and personal character. To learn more about SCA, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377). 

GEORGIA CHARTER SCHOOLS WELCOME PASSING OF SENATE BILL 59

GEORGIA CHARTER SCHOOLS WELCOME PASSING OF SENATE BILL 59

SAVANNAH, GA – April 1, 2021 – Charter schools from across the state of Georgia welcomed the news that Senate Bill 59 (SB 59) was passed by the Georgia General Assembly and will be signed into law by Governor Kemp. SB 59 ensures equal provision for students at charter schools as it amends Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to elementary and secondary education.   

“Yesterday was a champion day for all charter schools,” said Barry Lollis, Director of Savannah Classical Academy – a K-12 charter school. “There is now more equity in funding and support for all charter schools in Georgia. The charter school movement is very much alive in Georgia. Thank you to the Georgia Charter Schools Association and our legislators for advocating and supporting charters with SB 59!”

SCA is a tuition-free, public charter school serving Chatham County students in grades K-12. The charter school is funded by the public education system but retains a charter that allows it to operate autonomously under a board of parents and community members. It is the philosophy of SCA that all students benefit from a rigorous, content-rich, education program that develops academic potential and personal character. To learn more about SCA, please visit www.savannahclassicalacademy.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, Lesley Francis at lesley@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-429-3950, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).