Metro Atlanta will have a new language-based charter school next year, assuming the state board of education gives it the nod later this year.

The State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia approved the petition of the International Charter School of Atlanta on Wednesday, leaving only that last technical hurdle, the state board approval. While based in Fulton County, the "dual-immersion" language school will take students statewide, starting with kindergarten through fourth grade in the 2015-16 school year. The mission: "develop culturally astute, bilingual citizens who can compete in Georgia's global economy, across the country and around the world."

Commission staff recommended approval, determining that the proposed school had a sound educational plan, an able governing board, a "thoroughly researched" curriculum and implementation plan and a realistic budget.