Our goals is welcome a new education option in the Hamilton Hill neighborhood of Schenectady, New York. We want to provide a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are committed to prioritizing individualized learning, hands-on experiences, and fostering a strong sense of community.
At Schenectady Scholars Charter School, partnerships are not an afterthought—they are part of our foundation. Even before opening our doors, we are intentionally building relationships with local organizations that align with our mission and values.
These early partnerships help us:
Design a school that reflects community needs
Prepare meaningful supports for students and families
Build trust and collaboration before our first day of school
Ensure our model is holistic, inclusive, and sustainable
We are building Schenectady Scholars with the community—so when our doors open, our students are supported from the very start.
At Schenectady Scholars Charter School, our mission is to develop confident, compassionate, and capable learners. We provide a student-centered, engaging environment that supports academic excellence, creativity, and character development. Our goal is to prepare students to thrive in a changing world and to contribute positively to their communities.
We envision a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing school environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of learning, foster curiosity and creativity, and cultivate thoughtful, compassionate leaders who contribute positively to their communities and the world.
Founder
Welcome to our Montessori-style charter community! We’re building a hands-on, child-centered learning space with personalized plans for every student. Our curriculum reflects our students’ diverse backgrounds and includes local community themes. With a focus on continuous growth and strong character, we aim to raise responsible, engaged citizens in a supportive and collaborative environment.
With over 16 years of experience in urban education, George Borum is a dedicated education leader, school founder, and advocate who is deeply committed to helping students reach their full potential. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in building effective systems, developing educators, and creating environments where students can thrive. George has held key leadership roles, including Principal of Behavior & Culture, Assistant Principal, and is currently the founder of Schenectady Scholars Charter School. Under his leadership, Schenectady Scholars is an innovative K-1 school that blends Montessori principles with a rigorous charter curriculum, aiming to provide a balanced and impactful educational experience for every student.
Montessori schools support students in learning at their own pace through hands-on, meaningful activities. This approach nurtures not just academic growth but also emotional, social, and personal development—fostering independence, curiosity, and confidence.
Charter schools are public and tuition-free, but they have more flexibility than traditional schools. They can design specialized curriculums, set focused goals, and use creative teaching methods, all while being held accountable for student achievement.
By combining Montessori’s personalized, child-centered learning with the flexibility and innovation of the charter model, we create a school environment where students can truly thrive. This blend allows us to meet students where they are, support their individual growth, and prepare them with the real-world skills, confidence, and compassion they need to succeed in school and beyond.