GA Charter Schools Prove Poverty Is Not a Barrier to Achievement

(January 17, 2012) ATLANTA — Eleven public charter schools in Georgia that serve economically disadvantaged students have earned the designation of “Title 1 Distinguished Schools.”

They are among a total of 824 Georgia public schools to be so honored, based on their success in achieving Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for at least three consecutive years. AYP is a federal measure of academic achievement, including those with disabilities and language challenges. The schools are:

  • DeKalb Path Academy – a 5-8 grade school serving a high percentage of refugee and immigrant children in the Chamblee/Doraville area of DeKalb County
  • Charles R. Drew Charter School – a Pre K-8 school located in the East Lake neighborhood, part of the Atlanta Public School System
  • Dunwoody Springs Elementary Charter School – a Pre K-5 school using gifted strategies to teach all students, serving DeKalb County
  • Hapeville Charter Middle School – Serves grades 6-8, located in Hapeville, serving Fulton County
  • Ivy Preparatory Academy – a girl’s only school for grades 6-12, located in Gwinnett County
  • KIPP South Fulton Academy – Serves grades 5-8, located in East Point, and part of Fulton County Schools
  • KIPP WAYS – Serves grades 5-8, located in West Atlanta, and is part of the Atlanta Pubic School System
  • Neighborhood Charter Middle School – Serves grades 6-8, located in the Grant Park area, and is part of the Atlanta Public School System
  • Sedalia Park Elementary School – a K-5 school serving Cobb County
  • Spalding Drive Elementary School – a pre K-5 school with an emphasis on Technology in Fulton County
  • Unidos – a K-4 dual language (Spanish and English) school serving Clayton County
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“Making the Grade in Georgia” Available for Home Screenings


A powerful new 30 minute documentary about school choice options in Georgia is now available for home and small group screenings. Making the Grade in Georgia exposes the price Georgia pays for its dismal 65% high school dropout rate and the economic cost of failing public schools. It offers strong evidence that charter schools, tuition tax credits, special needs scholarships, virtual schools and other choices, can give parents better options and ultimately turn academic achievement around.

We invite you to screen Making the Grade in Georgia at your home, in your schools, houses of worship and other community settings. GCSA and G-PAN will be happy to help you arrange a screening and lead a Q&A on school choice after the film. Contact Nina Rubin, 404-835-8903 for more information.

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Georgia Charter Dad Tells Why He Supports Choice

(NAPS)—Rich Thompson is among the thousands of parents who marched at the Georgia State Capitol on a cold day last January and plans to do the same later this month in pursuit of a dream for his children: educational freedom.

Thompson, an Atlanta resident, has enrolled his two daughters in a charter school. But for him, it’s not enough.

“I am for all forms for school choice, and I want more choices,” Thompson said. “If a charter school is good for a child, a parent should get that choice. But if it is a private school, a faith-based school, a special needs school—whatever the school—they should have that option, too.”

Throughout most of America, most children only have the option of attending their neighborhood public school. Their school is assigned to them based on their parents’ address. Only those who are most fortunate and can afford a private or religious school can obtain another form of education.

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“Charter Schools Rock” Returns to Atlantic Station

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Charter Schools Rock event, the Georgia Charter Schools Association will return to Atlantic Station on Sunday, May 6, 2-5 pm,  for another celebration.  Charter Schools Rock will showcase the strength of the charter school movement and the achievements of our students. The high spirited program will feature performances from some of metro Atlanta’s best charter schools, and other family friendly activities.

Charter Schools Rock is an afternoon of community building, information, awareness and fun for Metro Atlanta’s growing public charter school community.  The event takes place on a prime shopping Sunday, one week before Mother’s Day.  300+ charter school parents and advocates are expected to attend in addition to usual weekend traffic at Atlantic Station.

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