Proposed charter seeks a second chance to serve elementary kids in Macon

After a turbulent first attempt to secure local approval, the Infinity Academy is once again petitioning the Bibb County School District to open as a public charter school in Macon.

The proposed K-5 charter school recently submitted a new application, aiming for a launch in the 2026–2027 school year, according to a social media post in April from the school.

Last year, some members of the Bibb County Board of Education had initially expressed support for the school’s concept, which includes a rigorous, STEAM-focused model and a whole-child curriculum designed to meet local educational needs.

But the board denied the free-tuition charter school’s application following concerns over a lacking federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and allegations of fabricated signatures in the original petition.

After that denial, the Infinity Academy shifted its focus to the Georgia State Charter Schools Commission, the state-level alternative for charter authorization. Yet the school ultimately withdrew that application before a decision was reached, citing a need for more time to plan and increase community engagement.

Christopher Holmes, founder and head of the Infinity Academy, could not be reached for comment regarding resubmission or the school’s current nonprofit status.

The charter school’s return was mentioned Thursday during the board’s review of charter school procedures as it relates to application timelines and the district’s responsibilities in the charter approval process.

Deputy Superintendent Katika Lovett confirmed that the Infinity Academy is the only charter petition currently under review.

Board member Daryl Morton requested that the board receive a copy of the school’s final petition upon submission in June, considering what happened last year.

“Since ultimately the board makes the decision yes or no, I believe the earlier we have the information, once that entity is committed to seeking the charter, it would help us make the best decision we can,” Morton said.

Discussions about the Infinity Academy’s plans to open come amid new developments in state charter policy. Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed the Local Charter School Authorization and Support Act of 2025 (SB 82) into law. The measure incentivizes local boards of education to approve more charter petitions and introduces accountability measures for local school systems that constantly deny petitions.

Local school boards that authorize charter schools will receive $250,000 per year for three years for each new charter school they approve.

Board member Henry Ficklin asked for clarification on the new law and how it might affect the Bibb County School District, describing it as a policy that could make it harder for boards to reject applications.

District legal counsel Sherry Culves said the law raises the standard of specificity for denials that school districts share with charter petitioners.

“There are some consequences for larger school districts who are charter school systems who deny a series of petitioners — I think it’s three or more local charter petitions,” Culves said. “That would not apply to the school district because of the size.”

The Infinity Academy initially aimed to open in downtown Macon in fall 2025, emphasizing community engagement, diversity, and a holistic approach to learning.

Despite last year’s complications, Holmes told The Telegraph at the time that the school remained committed to bringing an innovative educational opportunity to serve elementary students in Middle Georgia.

According to the district’s charter school application timeline, the Bibb County Board of Education is expected to issue a decision on the resubmitted petition within three months of its final submission in June.