Susie King Taylor Community School: A Legacy of Learning and Leadership

Susie King Taylor Community School, a standout in downtown Savannah, recently celebrated a major win—a 2024 Best of Georgia Regional Award. This achievement, earned by community votes, reflects this tuition-free, public K-8 charter school’s unique educational impact. Known for its place-based model and an unwavering dedication to its scholars, Susie King Taylor Community School (SKTCS) continues to resonate with families across Chatham County, securing a place in the hearts of students, parents, and educators alike.

The Best of Georgia Awards, hosted by gbj.com, highlight businesses and organizations across the state that demonstrate excellence and receive high community support. For SKTCS, the award is not just a trophy—it’s a symbol of the connection they’ve built within Savannah’s historic neighborhoods. Named after Susie King Taylor, a Savannah native who was the first Black woman to openly teach in a school for formerly enslaved children in Georgia, the school carries a legacy of resilience, education, and service. Each day, SKTCS scholars follow in Taylor’s footsteps, exploring their surroundings, engaging with the community, and discovering the history that shapes their education.

“Winning the Best of Georgia Regional Award by popular vote means the world to us,” said Dr. Yanis Medina, the School Director. “It reaffirms that our approach to education—focusing on compassion, creativity, and community connections—resonates with those we serve.”

At the heart of SKTCS’s educational approach is place-based learning, where students engage with Savannah’s landscapes, culture, and local history as part of their curriculum. This hands-on, discovery-driven model gives students opportunities to venture outside traditional classroom walls at least once a month, connecting their studies to real-world experiences and sparking a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime.

SKTCS also prioritizes a strong, structured foundation in core subjects like literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. From using MyView Literacy for K-5, which emphasizes social-emotional learning, to Ready Mathematics, where students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, the school ensures academic excellence while fostering curiosity. Programs like Elevate Science provide hands-on experiments and scientific inquiry, while social studies are enhanced by exploring the rich historical resources Savannah has to offer.

In addition to academics, SKTCS emphasizes personal development, teaching students conflict resolution, self-regulation, and kindness. These life skills are interwoven with academic learning, creating an environment that nurtures not only scholars but also future community leaders.

Recognition through the Best of Georgia Awards is a powerful reminder of SKTCS’ unique role in its community. It’s not just a school; it’s a place where students are encouraged to explore, connect, and grow into confident, compassionate citizens—just like namesake, Susie King Taylor.

Contact

Phone: 912-395-4202

Address: 1709 Bull St. Savannah, Ga 31401

Email: admissions@sktcs.org

Website: www.sktcs.org