Innovation is sparked from the heart and developed in the mind.
Georgia charter schools are dripping in success! This blog features the Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy which is beating the odds and providing that innovation through charter school networks is working.
Students and stakeholders of Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy are excited about the teaching and learning taking place. For years, school districts focused heavily on ELA and Math as these were top core areas of teaching and learning that students are tested. However, as more of our jobs in the workforce are connecting to STEM, it’s critically important for schools to reconnect Math and Science. KCSMA has done just this. Don’t let the name fool you. ELA, Social Studies and various elective classes are all essential aspects of the school’s curriculum.
Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy is a well-established, successful, public elementary charter school in its twelfth year of operation. KCSMA earned a renewal of its charter through the year 2020 to continue closing the achievement gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math using research-based approaches that are grounded in the understanding of how students learn. KCSMA believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment. All schools within the district have an obligation to promote mutual respect, tolerance, and acceptance among students, staff, and volunteers.
Since 2003, Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy has been a place of learning that consistently strives to meet the needs of the students and their families that make up the KCSMA community
About the School Leader
Dr. James McNealey, originally from the mini-metropolis of Jasper, Alabama, is the eldest son of retired educators. While serving as a minister of music, he taught music at both the elementary and middle school levels in Georgia and Alabama. After graduating from FAMU, he continued his education at the University of West Georgia and Arogosy University/ Atlanta in the field of educational leadership. He has served as an assistant principal and principal in Georgia and Illinois. He currently serves at the principal at Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy.
Why Kennesaw Charter?
The mission of Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy is to provide a safe, positive learning environment that inspires strong character and all challenges all students to aspire to their personal best.
Number of Students Served
The current enrollment at KCSMA is 564; K – 5th grade students
What Special Programs Does Kennesaw Charter Offer?
KCSMA focuses on science and math while preparing for STEM certification next year – offering band, chorus, competitive debate, gardening and project based learning as special programming at the school
Awards Received
The school received AdvancEd accreditation during the 2017 – 2018 school year, Cobb County Green School Gold Status 2017 – 2018, Cobb County School District Science Fair participants
Jason has worked in education for over 15 years as a teacher, blogger and community advocate. He speaks and writes primarily about the need to improve education for Black boys, particularly increasing the number of Black male educators in schools. In addition to blogging here at EdLanta, Jason is also a featured writer at Education Post.