Georgia will soon welcome its first healthcare-focused STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine) public charter school to help address the state’s critical health care workforce shortage. On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) approved The Academy for Innovation in Medicine (AIM). The school will open in fall 2026 with students in grades 6 and 9 and will eventually expand to serve grades 6–12.

Developed through the Georgia Charter Schools Association’s (GCSA) Charter Incubator program, AIM will partner with Grady Health System to deliver a curriculum that blends rigorous academics, dual-enrollment college credits, and hands-on work-based learning. Students will graduate not only with a high school diploma but also with industry-recognized credentials, an associate degree, and the ability to immediately enter the workforce with earning potential of $40,000 or more. They will also be well-positioned to pursue advanced healthcare degrees while saving thousands on college tuition.

GCSA is deeply grateful to our partners BES, redefinED atlanta, and GeorgiaCAN for their support during AIM’s petitioning process. Their collaboration and expertise played an important role in strengthening the school’s vision and ensuring a strong foundation for success. Together, this collective effort reflects what’s possible when organizations come together in support of excellent public schools for Georgia students.

“The approval of The Academy for Innovation in Medicine is a powerful example of how Georgia’s charter schools are preparing students for the workforce of the future,” said Bonnie Holliday, GCSA’s President and CEO. “By completing our rigorous Charter Incubator program, AIM has built a strong foundation to deliver a high-quality, innovative education model that blends academics with real-world experience. We are proud to support schools like AIM that not only open doors for students but also help meet urgent workforce demands in our state.”

“This is a tremendous milestone not just for AIM, but for the students and families of Atlanta who deserve access to world-class career focused opportunities,” said AIM’s Founding CEO, Kristy Beam. “I am extremely grateful for the unwavering support of the Georgia Charter Schools Association’s Incubator program, which provided the coaching, expertise, and community needed to bring this vision to life.”

AIM received state approval after completing the GCSA Charter Incubator program—a competitive training process designed to attract and prepare top talent for establishing or replicating public charter schools in Georgia. This successful program supports start-up schools through the charter petition process and provides coaching and professional development during their initial two years. The Incubator also provides existing charter schools and charter networks with the training, resources, and support to scale proven models of success to serve additional locations or students.

“For the past two years in the Charter Incubator, we’ve worked alongside the AIM school leader and founding team, watching their vision take shape and their commitment deepen. Their petition approval represents more than the creation of a new school—it is a bold step toward expanding opportunity for students while addressing critical needs in Georgia’s healthcare industry,” said Christa Thomas, GCSA’s Vice President of New School Development. “AIM is positioned to prepare the next generation of leaders and professionals who will strengthen our communities and the healthcare workforce for years to come.”

In addition to AIM, the SCSC approved Northwest Georgia Charter Academy and The Meliora School—two other GCSA Incubator schools—earlier this month. Both schools are scheduled to open for the 2026–2027 school year. Northwest Georgia Charter Academy is a hands-on, project-based K–5 charter school serving students in Floyd County, Polk County, and the City of Rome. The Meliora School is an innovative, student-centered 6–12 charter school opening in Gwinnett County.