Planning Commission recommends approval for Soar Academy private school with conditions

The Augusta Planning Commission recommended approval of a special exception for Soar Academy to establish a private school for diverse learners at 3042 Eagle Drive.

Amanda Cruz, Planner I, told the commission the 20.65-acre property in the R-1A zone sits near Interstate 520 and the Green Meadows Estate subdivision. Under section 26-1(b) of the comprehensive zoning ordinance, private schools may be permitted by special exception in R-1A when they meet criteria including road frontage, off-street loading/unloading that discourages backing, screening from adjacent residential properties and site-plan compliance. Staff’s concept plan showed 31 parking spaces and noted the proposed development is consistent with the 2023 comprehensive plan.

Kenisha Skaggs, founder of Soar Academy Augusta, described the school as “a nature school” serving students with ADHD, autism and dyslexia and said the program emphasizes outdoor, project-based learning and dual-enrollment opportunities with Augusta Technical College. The applicant team said the current proposal is for about 60 students and that public water and sewer are available. Staff recommended approval with conditions: conformity to the submitted site plan (with any expansion to return to the commission), installation of a minimum 6-foot fence with gated entrances, site-plan approval before construction and compliance with Augusta development standards.

Commissioners asked about traffic, access and security. The applicant said they would seek an access agreement with the Board of Education to avoid state-level approvals tied to Augusta Technical College property and that fencing and monitored doors would secure students. Clarence Kendrick, a neighbor, expressed support and described prior community engagement between the property’s former religious occupants and the neighborhood. The commission voted in favor of the recommendation with the listed conditions.