The Georgia Charter Schools Commission has approved seven new schools, expanding choices for thousands of families in the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

The votes of confidence went to five schools recommended by state staff and industry experts as having strong academic plans for public education. Two more schools were given the nod by charter school commissioners Monday.

The latest additions to the class of commission-chartered schools are: Atlanta Heights Charter School, which would draw Atlanta Public Schools; Peachtree Hope Charter School in DeKalb County; Fulton Leadership Academy; Coweta Charter Academy at Senoia; The Museum School of Avondale Estates; Heron Bay Academy, which would draw students from Henry and Griffin-Spaulding school districts; and Pataula Charter Academy, which would attract students in Calhoun, Clay, Early, Randolph and Baker counties.

“This is a victory for Georgia students and innovative educators who are willing to be held to high level accountability,” said Ben Scafidi, chairman of the Georgia Charter Schools Commission.

Terry Bushnell, a business management consultant for Fulton Leadership Academy, said parents will be extremely excited about the future for their sons. The all-boys school will teach them leadership and boasts a curriculum that will focus on aeronautics.