Wesleyan College today announced its intention to open a new charter school on its campus in Fall 2026, a move that would expand on the institution’s commitment to educational excellence and community development. 

Building on Wesleyan College’s legacy of providing an academically rigorous and innovative education, if approved, the Wesleyan Academy would serve students from kindergarten through grade 12. Designed to expose students to a higher education environment from an early age, the school will aim to prepare students for college and career success by offering an academic curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity and leadership as well as experiential education and dual enrollment opportunities.

“Wesleyan College has a proud history of providing innovative, high-quality educational opportunities to women. However, all too often, I hear from local high school students that they haven’t set foot on our campus,” said Meaghan Blight, President of Wesleyan College. “We know that exposing students to college from an early age eases the transition and prepares them for future success. Building these educational opportunities in our city will help to build our local workforce and strengthen our economy here in Macon-Bibb.”

As part of Wesleyan’s commitment to strengthening local education, the college will be seeking approval for the new charter school under the jurisdiction of the Bibb County School District. Further, the college looks forward to working with local economic development partners like the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority to ensure the school’s educational pathways lead directly to local job and workforce development opportunities. 

“A strong workforce is essential to building our economy here in Macon-Bibb County. That all starts with education,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller. “I welcome Wesleyan College’s leadership in this area and the school’s commitment to finding innovative new approaches to building our community.” 

"This is a win for both education and business, and we are excited to support this important initiative," said Stephen Adams, Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. "By equipping students with both the skills and the mindset for success, this proposed charter school will help ensure that our local industries have access to a well-trained, future-ready workforce.”

Wesleyan College has submitted its letter of intent for the new charter school to the Bibb County School District this week. If the proposal is approved, the Wesleyan Academy is anticipated to open its doors in Fall 2026. While the college itself will maintain its distinction as a women-only institution, the charter will welcome boys and girls to the K-12 program.

Information on the school’s approval process as well as updates can be found at www.wesleyancollege.edu/academy.