Savannah-Chatham Public Schools start Aug. 3

School will be back in session for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System on MONDAY, AUGUST 3. Find bell times, school supply lists, and more here.

sccpss.com/families/back-to-school

Breakfast and lunch are free for all students!

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Take a Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools survey

What should the future of school look like? 

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is partnering in an Innovative School Design effort to imagine new possibilities for students and families, and they want to hear from you. 

Whether you currently attend SCCPSS, choose a private school, homeschool, transfer, or are simply thinking about what great schools should offer, your perspective matters. 

Please take our anonymous survey and share with others in our community: https://bit.ly/4dLL58L

Help shape what comes next. 

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Celebrating Savannah-Chatham County Public School Students’ Excellence!

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is proud to spotlight their incredible students selected for the 2026 Governor’s Honors Program (GHP)!

Participation in the Governor’s Honors Program is one of the highest honors for high school students in Georgia.

GHP is a prestigious summer program for gifted rising juniors and seniors, offering advanced learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom, designed to develop future leaders, innovators, and critical thinkers.

This year:
59 students nominated
22 semifinalists
10 FINALISTS statewide

2026 GHP Finalists:

• Brooklyn Baldwin Ramos: Social Studies, HV Jenkins High School (not pictured, waiting on photos)
• Ana Santos: Social Studies, Woodville-Tompkins High School (not pictured, waiting on photos)
• Maya Lilja-Vazquez: Science: Biology/Environmental Science, Savannah Arts Academy
• Frances Tedder: Social Studies, Savannah Arts Academy
• Walter Yang: Science: Physics, Savannah Arts Academy
• Greer Oliversmith: Music: Voice (Alto), Savannah Arts Academy
• Garrett Shinall: Music: Strings (String Bass), Savannah Arts Academy
• Madilynn Hagemes: Engineering: Civil, Savannah Arts Academy
• Maggie Roberts: Dance, Savannah Arts Academy
• Julie Chiu: Visual Arts, Savannah Arts Academy

Alternates:
• Ziyue Chen: Music: Woodwind (Clarinet), Savannah Arts Academy
• Xaiver Neal: Computer Science, Savannah Arts Academy

These students represent outstanding talent across academics and the arts.

The program will take place this summer at Georgia Southern University.

Join us in congratulating all SCCPSS nominees, semifinalists, finalists, and alternates and thanking the public school educators who helped guide them to success.

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FREE Pre-K @ Savannah-Chatham public schools

Do you have a child who will be 4 years old by September 1st, 2026?

If so, the PreK application/lottery process for the 2026-2027 school year opens this Saturday Jan. 10 2026.

The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System has two programs for our youngest learners: PreK & The Little Acorn Academy.

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Pre-K

Students are eligible for the state-funded Pre-K programs in the 2026-27 school year if they will be four years old by September 1 and reside in Chatham county. 

Learn more and apply for the free Pre-K lottery here.

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The Little Acorn Academy

The Little Acorn Academy is a full day program for 3 year olds. Learn more and apply online here.

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Students must enter a lottery to be placed in one of these programs. 

The lottery for each is open Jan. 10 through Jan. 30 2026.

Learn more here.

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Learn about Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, Jan. 10 2026

YOU have a choice – and it starts with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS)!

Join us for the Student Success Expo 2026 in Garden City, a FREE, family-friendly event designed to help students and families explore Choice Programs, college, and career opportunities – all in one place.

Saturday, January 10, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

@ Davis-Edwards-Harris Educational Complex | Garden City

FREE event

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Event Highlights

STEM competitions & student performances
Explore 27 SCCPSS CHOICE Programs, including Performing Arts, Culinary Arts, Welding, Veterinary Science, Engineering & more

Learn about 45+ career pathways

Every school represented – ask questions and make connections

Information on JROTC, Work-Based Learning, and STEM/STEAM opportunities

Teddy Bear Clinic

Food trucks on site

Free shuttle transportation available (details at sccpss.com)

Learn more here.

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Savannah Classical Academy

The application window for Savannah Classical Academy’s 2026-27 lottery is now open.

Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. January 23, 2026.

SCA’s supportive and well-structured environment leads to excellent academic results while also focusing on character development and citizenship supported by eight core virtues.

Experiential learning, successful student outcomes, and high expectations for students enhanced by many co-curricular options, demonstrates why this free Savannah charter school is a great investment in the community and a best choice for families.

Learn more and apply online here.

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Three SCCPSS high schools have a 100% graduation rate

Georgia’s high-school seniors recorded another all-time-high graduation rate – and significant year-over-year improvement – in 2025. The four-year graduation rate for the state of Georgia rose to 87.2% – up from 85.4% in 2024, and an all-time high since the state began using the adjusted cohort calculation first required in 2011 by federal law.

The 2025 graduation rate for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools is 87.2% also, with 2,229 students graduating out of a class of 2,557.  This represents a .4% increase compared to last year and matches the state’s graduation rate.  Savannah Early College High School and Woodville-Tompkins Technical and Career High School maintained their 100% graduation rate, with a third SCCPSS high school – Savannah Arts Academy – joining the ranks. 

“I am so proud of Georgia’s class of 2025 and the teachers, staff, and families who supported them,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “Seeing this increase in a single year is a strong indicator of the work Georgia’s schools and districts are doing to keep students engaged in their education and prepare them for successful lives after high school. While more work remains to be done, more Georgia students are graduating than ever before – and they’re doing so prepared to pursue futures full of opportunity.”

Dr. Denise Watts, Superintendent of Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, echoed Superintendent Woods’ comments.  “The Class of 2025 represents the very best of SCCPSS—resilient, determined, and prepared for a future full of possibilities. This year’s graduation rate reflects the tireless commitment of our educators, staff, and families to high-quality instruction and student support. Together, we’ve created learning environments that empower students to pursue choice-filled lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

How Georgia calculates its graduation rate

Georgia calculates a four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate as required by federal law. This rate is:

• The number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma, divided by
• The number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class.

Adjusted Cohort Rate Definition: From the beginning of ninth grade, students who are entering that grade form a cohort that is subsequently adjusted by adding any students who transfer into the cohort during the next three years and subtracting any students who transfer out.

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LitTalks is this Friday, Oct. 3 in Savannah.

Hear inspiring stories from Savannah Chatham County Public School staff and students about their passion for literacy and writing, then walk away with useful strategies you can use right away.

This event takes place on Friday, October 3, from 5-7 at Beach High School’s auditorium.

Click here to RSVP to LitTalks

All are welcome – families, community members, SCCPSS staff, and of course, students!

LitTalks is an opportunity to challenge your notions of what literacy is, how to promote literacy with youth, and leave with practical action steps you can take.

Come to LitTalks to hear:

Christina Maldonado, Director of Oatland Island

Melody Senia-Santiago, Instructional Specialist

Shawn Towner, Secondary Literacy Specialist

Annie Hartley, 7th Grader at Charles Ellis Montessori

Keyonna Mitchell, 12th grader at Savannah High School

Click here to RSVP to LitTalks

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Savannah Arts Academy presents 2025 College Admissions Fair for students of the arts

Savannah Arts Academy College Admissions Fair for students of the arts is Saturday, Sept. 20th, 1-3pm @ Savannah Arts Academy cafeteria, 500 Washington Ave., Savannah, 31405.

This year organizers are partnering with the National Portfolio Association to host individual reviews for visual art students at the SAME LOCATION.

Showcase your artistic evolution. Visit with counselors, admissions team members, and faculty from art and design schools for a portfolio review before applying to colleges or universities.

Information for registration for their fair is HERE, but walk-ins are also allowed and encouraged.

No need to register for the SAA Fair.  All area high school students are encouraged to attend. 

In conjunction with the NPA fair, there will be more than 50 colleges represented.

Register here. Registration is not required.

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2025 Best Savannah High Schools list by U.S. News & World Report

What is the best high school in Savannah-Chatham County, according to U.S. News and World Report 2025 list of best high schools?

1. Savannah Arts Academy for Visual and Performing Arts

2. Woodville Tompkins Technical and Career High School

3. Savannah Early College

4. Islands High School Sharks

5. New Hampstead High School Home of the Phoenix

What is the best high school in Bryan County, according to U.S. News & World Report?

1. Richmond Hill High School

2. Bryan County High School

Details here.

See the list here.

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Connect with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools

Now Live on SCCPSS.com: Let’s Talk! We’ve made it easier than ever to connect with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

What is Let’s Talk?

Let’s Talk is a new chat-based communication tool available on our website. Whether you have a question, need support, or want to share feedback, Let’s Talk helps you get answers quickly—anytime, from any device.

Here’s What You Can Do:

*Get instant answers to frequently asked questions

*Access 24/7 support from your phone, tablet, or computer

*Connect with the right department – without the wait

*Enjoy a mobile-friendly, multilingual experience

*Your Voice Matters. Let’s Talk.

Visit SCCPSS.com and click the “Contact Us” tab to start the conversation or click on the Let’s Talk button on your mobile phone!

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Coastal Heritage Society Field Trip Giveaway to Savannah History Museum

EXCITING news for educators!

In honor of America 250, Coastal Heritage Society in Savannah is giving away 25 FREE field trips to local schools and co-ops!

Teachers from surrounding counties are invited to enter our raffle for a chance to explore the American Revolution at Savannah History Museum with their students.

Don’t miss the chance to make history come alive! Enter today here.

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SCCPSS Open Houses 2025

Savannah-Chatham County public schools start Aug. 4 2025. Find school bell times, school open house schedule and more back to school info here.

Have you moved? Need help with registration? There’s help. Two registration events will be held to assist families. Details here.

SC Tax Free Weekend, Aug. 1-3 2025

South Carolina’s annual Tax Free Weekend, also known as the Sales Tax Holiday, is scheduled for August 1-3, 2025. It begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and lasts until 11:59 p.m. on the following Sunday. During this 72-hour period, eligible items can be purchased without paying the state’s 6% sales tax and any applicable local taxes. 

A wide range of items, primarily geared towards back-to-school needs, are included in the tax exemption. These include: 

Clothing and accessories

Footwear

School supplies (used for school assignments)

Computers, software, and printers

Certain bed and bath items 

Exemption applies to both in-store and online purchases of qualifying items. 

No Tax Free Weekend in Georgia

Georgia does not have a tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping any more. The state legis.lature did not renew the initiative, which previously allowed shoppers to purchase items like clothing, computers, and school supplies without paying sales tax. The last tax-free weekend in Georgia was in 2016.

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This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week

Here’s a way to give back to the community: become a volunteer with Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools.

Volunteers play a pivotal role in supporting the well-being and success of students in Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

Learn how to become a volunteer @ Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools here.

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Congratulations to SCCPSS students named 2025 Georgia Governor’s Honors Program finalists & alternates

Eleven Savannah-Chatham County Public School System students have been named Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) Finalists & Alternates. GHP is a coveted residential summer program for skilled, knowledgeable, and talented high school rising juniors and rising seniors. Congratulations to these SCCPSS finalists & alternates!

Finalists

John Lemburg – Social Studies – Jenkins High School

Aranza Pereira – Social Studies – Jenkins High School

Laura Varner – Communicative Arts – Savannah Arts Academy

Ryon Coleman – Music/Piano – Savannah Arts Academy

Cailey D’Aguillo – Music/Voice: Soprano – Savannah Arts Academy

Gracie Miller – Music/Woodwind: Clarinet – Savannah Arts Academy

Ashley Carnes – Music/Woodwind: Flute – Savannah Arts Academy

Madden Holmes – Social Studies – Savannah Arts Academy

Valerie Flores – World Languages/Spanish – Savannah Arts Academy

Alternates

Samuel Barrow – Music/Strings: Violin – Savannah Arts Academy

Leathan Warner – Music/Woodwind: Clarinet – Savannah Arts Academy

Learn more here.

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7 Ways To Commit To Success & Finish The School Year Strong

As we approach the end of the school year, it’s not too late to help your child finish the school year strongly!

If your student is struggling, there are things you can do to get them back in the game. 

Savannah Chatham Public School System shares seven things you can do to help your student commit to success BEFORE summer here.

See the 7 Ways to Commit To Success here.

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2025 Books, Blankets and Family Fun @ Daffin Park, Savannah

Join Savannah-Chatham Public Schools for BOOKS, BLANKETS, AND FAMILY FUN to celebrate literacy, reading, and STEAM education.

There will be music, games, food trucks, guest readers, and much more!

Books, Blankets & Family Fun is Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Daffin Park in Savannah and it’s free.

Learn more here.

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Savannah-Chatham Public Schools

We are in the home stretch for the end of the school year!

As of today March 6, only 46 more school days remain in the 2024-2025 school year.

Have you checked your student’s grades to see how they are doing so they can finish the year strong with good grades? It’s quick and easy through PowerSchool.

Make sure you are signed up and your contact information is up to date so you can:

*Receive Report Cards & Weekly Progress Reports

*Keep Up with Absences & Upload Excuse Info

*View Upcoming Assignments

*Email Your Student’s Teacher

Need the code? Click here:

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