That closure ended a tradition dating back to January 1839, when the original Cave Spring school began operating. Northwest Georgia Charter Academy opened this week as a K- public charter school (the first charter school in northwest Georgia), with plans to add one grade level each year until it fully restores Cave Spring’s historic K–12 structure. The school is tuition‑free, and any student currently enrolled in Floyd County Schools, Rome City Schools, or Polk County Schools is eligible to attend at no cost. The Northwest Georgia Charter Academy is built around an Expeditionary Learning (EL) model, a hands‑on, inquiry‑driven approach that transforms the school day into active exploration rather than passive instruction. Parents who wish to enroll their children or join the waiting list can contact the school at (706) 346‑5688 or visit www.nwgacharteracademy.org.