In this report, the Annenberg Institute for School Reform and the Southern Education Foundation (SEF) highlight instructional and community-based strategies for strong public schools in Georgia. The authors offer eight essential, evidence-based strategies for success: (1) Access to high quality early childhood and pre-K education; (2) Collaborative and stable school leadership; (3) Quality teaching; (4) Restorative practices and a student-centered learning environment; (5) A strong curriculum that is rigorous, rich and culturally relevant; (6) Wraparound supports for students and their families; (7) Deep parent-community-school ties; and (8) Investment, not divestment. This report provides a window into the ways in which relevant and life-changing classroom instruction happens through ongoing community support and why Georgia communities must have a stake in their beloved community schools.