SR774: SR774 Charter Schools Day; recognize February 25, 2026

This resolution from the Georgia Senate recognizes February 25, 2026 as Charter Schools Day at the state capitol. It highlights facts about Georgia's charter schools, tuition-free public schools with open enrollment that operate in all 159 counties, noting that Georgia's charter school law dates to 1993 and that 96 charter schools now serve about 65,000 students statewide. The resolution cites a Stanford University study finding charter school students gained more learning days in reading and math than peers in traditional public schools, and notes that 21,000 students remain on charter school wait lists. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the Georgia Charter Schools Association, the public, and the press. It does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally recognizes February 25, 2026 as Charter Schools Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• States findings about the number of charter schools, students enrolled, and wait list totals in Georgia.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the Georgia Charter Schools Association, the public, and the press.
• Creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties, since it is a commemorative resolution rather than a law.

The resolution primarily concerns Georgia's charter schools, their students, teachers, and leaders, as well as the Georgia Charter Schools Association, which will receive copies for distribution. It has no direct legal effect on other Georgians.

While the resolution carries no legal force, it publicly highlights charter schools' role in Georgia education, drawing attention to enrollment numbers, wait lists, and academic performance data that may inform future debates over charter school funding or expansion.

• The whereas clauses recount that Georgia's charter school law began in 1993 and that 96 charter schools now operate statewide.
• The resolution notes a Stanford University study reporting charter school students gained extra learning days in reading and math compared to traditional public school peers.
• It states that 65,000 students are enrolled in Georgia charter schools while 21,000 remain on wait lists.
• The resolving clause designates February 25, 2026 as Charter Schools Day at the state capitol.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the Georgia Charter Schools Association, the public, and the press.

1. 2026-02-17Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-12Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)Primary sponsor
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)

• charter schools
• public education
• Georgia Senate resolution
• school enrollment