Georgia charter schools see an increase in enrollment as job market shifts

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Georgia charter school enrollment grew by nearly 6% or 3,800 students during the last four years.

Charter schools have more flexibility because they create their own curriculums. Amana Academy is one of 97 charter schools in the state. They have a science, technology, engineering, and math focus.

The school feels its approach to education is preparing more students for highly skilled jobs.

Executive Director Ehab Jaleel said they use a Harvard-tested method of study called the “Design Thinking Process” which incorporates empathy into problem-solving.

“We lean into innovation as charter schools, and we’re very agile because there’s so much local control. When an opportunity presents itself, we can be enterprising and jump on it and make it a reality for our students,” said Jaleel.

Amana Academy partners with companies in the area looking to train students on how to use technology.

David Zea, an 8th grader, finished the 12-week program with financial technology firm Fiserv and it inspired him to pursue a career in technology.

“It’d be cool if I would be able to do that and help advance the world in a better way. A.I. is developing and becoming smarter every single day, and I feel like a lot of people, especially at my age, don’t truly understand it,” said Zea.

Workforce preparedness is a key issue for Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and state lawmakers who are concerned the state will need more workers versed in robotics to serve companies moving to the Peach State.

The governor signed a bill this spring that would add another $6 million for charter school funding.

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