Springdale Park Elementary (SPARK) is part of Atlanta Public Schools. It serves the vibrant communities of Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Druid Hills and Poncey Highland. SPARK was born in 2009, when the in town elementary schools of Morningside and Mary Lin became so popular, they outgrew their spaces. In 2009, it opened with 365 students meeting in two historic, renovated homes and one new building. SPARK was the first “green school” in Georgia receiving gold certification from LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and was approved for expansion in 2012. In 2014, the additional building (Briarcliff Building) was completed, which included a new gymnasium. In 2022, SPARK became the Midtown cluster's first COGNIA STEM certified school. 

SPARK embodies environmental responsibility – in everything from the construction of the school to classroom learning. Students participate in recycling and composting, as well as a farm-to-school program in which food is grown and harvested on their roof-top and land-based gardens.

With over 400 students currently enrolled at SPARK, our state-of-the-art school offers a rigorous course load, including art, music, physical education, media center activities, technology and an extensive STEM curriculum for all grades. SPARK also offers exposure Spanish, enrichment Math (4th and 5th graders who qualify), orchestra and band (4th and 5th graders), and Gifted & Challenge instruction (for K - 5 who qualify). With a high percentage of students meeting and exceeding standards, SPARK received a 2010 and 2011 platinum award from the Governor of Georgia Office of Student Achievement as well as Gold Awards since 2012 through 2019. 

• All children can learn and must be provided with high-quality instruction that is differentiated to meet their individual needs.
• Students’ educational experiences are enhanced when the community and school collaborate.
• Students will become productive citizens when provided with experiences that foster an awareness and understanding of diversity and social responsibility.
• Students will become more successful learners when teachers work collaboratively to engage and inspire them by implementing innovative and research-based teaching methods.
• Students will become “environmental leaders” when they engage in eco-friendly practices that protect and sustain the environment for themselves and future generations.
• Learning is a life-long process.