Proposed Macon charter school steps back from plan to open in 2025. What we know
In a sudden reversal, prospective charter The Infinity Academy is no longer seeking to open its doors in downtown Macon for the 2025-2026 school year.
The charter school applicant withdrew its petition for authorized consideration by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia on Aug. 20, according to an email from SCSC Communications Specialist Erica Acha-Morfaw last week.
The Infinity Academy's application was withdrawn just eight days before the SCSC approved charter contracts for three new schools to open doors soon in Georgia, one of which is the first charter school in Muscogee County.
Christopher Holmes, a Mercer University alumnus and founder of the charter school, said administration has opted to spend another year of planning and preparation before seeking authorization again for the tuition-free public school.
"We feel we would like to engage with the community a bit more, continue to get feedback on the needs of students from parents, and solidify some other needs, such as facilities, to ensure we have a strong start for students and families," Holmes said in an email last week.
Holmes initially sought approval from the Bibb County Board of Education to operate as a local charter in the area.
The board denied the charter's request to join the district in August after members voiced several concerns regarding the K-5 school, including the lack of a required federal 501(c)(3) non-profit status and alleged fabricated documentation in the charter's proposed petition.
Holmes denied fraudulently signing documents, stating that he had permission from the charter's former board member to sign her name. He also previously told The Telegraph that the academy's nonprofit registration process began in January but is being delayed due to the submission of wrong forms.
Afterwards, The Infinity Academy sought approval to operate as a state-authorized school before withdrawing its petition last month.
The charter's 501(c)(3) status is currently pending, according to the academy's website.
As of now, the only "Infinity Academy" found on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization online search engine is located in Missouri.
Holmes said the charter will file a petition again next year to "hopefully open in 2026." He did not clarify whether the authorization will be sought with the Bibb County School District or the SCSC.
"With such strong interests from families, potential staff, and partners, we maintain our commitment to offer an academically and enriching STEAM and servant leadership elementary learning experience," Holmes added in the email.
The school's curriculum will center around science, technology, engineering and arts with the STEAM model, as well as promote a whole-child approach to teaching and learning, according to Holmes.
