THE YEAR IN REVIEW: 2025–2026
As we close another remarkable year at Reach for Excellence, I am filled with gratitude for all that our scholars have accomplished and for the community that makes these opportunities possible.
This year was particularly meaningful as Reach celebrated its 25th anniversary. For a quarter century, Reach has worked to ensure that talented and determined students have access to the academic preparation, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.
This summer, we celebrated 26 rising ninth graders at our annual Stepping Up Ceremony and welcomed 40 new scholars from 16 schools into the Reach community. Below are highlights from an extraordinary year.
High School Acceptance Success
Our rising ninth graders achieved outstanding results this year.
100% of scholars who applied to private or independent schools were admitted to at least one school among their top three choices. As a cohort, students also posted a remarkable 233% average increase in SSAT scores, building on last year's strong results.
Of our 26 rising ninth graders, 65% will attend a private or independent high school this fall. Students received an average of 93% of full financial aid and collectively secured more than $476,300 in scholarships for their freshman year.
Our graduates are headed to:
· Marist School: 11
· St. Pius X Catholic High School: 2
· Holy Innocents' Episcopal School: 2
· The Westminster Schools: 1
· Wesleyan School: 1
· DeKalb Early College Academy (DECA): 1
· Riverwood International Charter School: 1
· Other public schools in DeKalb and Gwinnett counties: 8
In addition, one Reach scholar will enter Marist as an eighth grader, bringing the total number of Reach scholars entering Marist this fall to a record 12.
Summer 2026: Five Weeks of Learning
This summer, 98 scholars completed five weeks of academic enrichment in Math, ELA, Social Studies, Computer Science, Science, Book Club, and electives.
Learning extended beyond the classroom through educational field trips and our inaugural Discovery Golf & Leadership Experience for rising ninth graders.
Reach also worked to remove barriers to participation. Seventy-six percent of scholars used daily round-trip transportation provided by Reach, while more than 4,300 breakfasts and lunches were served during the summer.
This year, we continued strengthening and refining our curriculum across Math, ELA, Social Studies, Computer Science, and Science, with greater attention to curriculum alignment, pacing, and academic expectations.
One of the most exciting additions was a full hands-on Science class for every scholar. Students explored chemistry, biology, and physics through experiments while learning how to develop research questions and design their own experiments. Three college students worked as Teaching Assistants and helped lead the Science program, strengthening the pipeline of young educators and mentors.
We also introduced a new Study Skills class for rising ninth graders. The course covered, covering time management, note-taking, memorization, organization, and executive functioning skills to prepare students for the transition to high school.
Extending Support Beyond Middle School
Our commitment to Reach scholars does not end at graduation.
This year, we expanded support for high school students through free tutoring in math and science, SAT/ACT preparation, college-readiness programming, mentoring, internships and opportunities to reconnect with the Reach community.
Volunteers and Alumni Giving Back
More than 60 high school volunteers contributed 1,504 hours of service during the 2025–2026 school year, representing an estimated $40,907 in economic impact.
Four Reach alumni also returned as paid summer interns, supporting scholars through classroom activities, field trips, Spirit Week, Field Day, and conversations about transitioning to high school.
In celebration of Reach's 25th anniversary, we launched an Alumni Giving Campaign, inviting graduates to invest in the next generation. Alumni also returned throughout the year as Career Day speakers, mentors, volunteers, teachers, donors, and board members.
Celebrating 25 Years of Reach
Our anniversary celebrations included our 25th Anniversary Dinner in March and an Alumni Brunch in July, bringing together graduates, supporters, and friends from across Reach's history.
For 25 years, Reach has opened doors for talented students across Metro Atlanta. As we look toward the next 25, our commitment remains the same: to ensure that talent and determination, not circumstance, guide a young person's opportunities.
None of this would be possible without our donors, Board of Directors, teachers, volunteers, families, alumni, community partners, Marist School, and the Society of Mary.
Thank you for believing in Reach and for continuing to climb with us.
Warmly,
Dr. Linda Lehmil Executive Director