Xanadu is a summer enrichment program for gifted and high-achieving students offered by the Office of Gifted and Talented Education in Atlanta Public Schools. The program began over twenty-five years ago for first through fifth grade students, later adding programming for sixth through twelfth graders. Xanadu teachers take academic content and turn it into fun and exciting ways for students to be enriched while still enjoying the sunny days of summer! Students are allowed to select courses that are focused on academics and fine arts/athletics. Course offerings include everything from courses like “Xtreme Xperiments”, where students explore the science behind lava lamps, to courses like “IMPACT”, where students work to make a difference in their immediate community and understand the value of their civic contributions. The program concludes with a culminating activity where parents and the community are presented with student work. Get a glimpse of Xanadu from a previous year on YouTube. 

All gifted and talented eligible/high achieving students in the metro Atlanta area who meet program criteria, are eligible to apply to the Xanadu Summer Program.

Yes, children of APS employees are eligible to apply for acceptance into the program if they meet program criteria. Students of APS employees pay the APS program fee.

Yes, children of APS charter schools are eligible to apply for acceptance into the program if they meet program criteria. Charter students pay the APS Student Program fee.

Xanadu is designed for gifted and high-achieving students. Supporting documentation is required which includes a teacher or principal’s recommendation AND any one of the following which must be uploaded at the time of registration. Students for whom neither are received will not be considered for acceptance.

• gifted eligibility report 
• most recent test scores (For example: MAP, Milestones, STAR, or ITBS) 
• most recent report card/progress report ***APS gifted identified students are not required to upload any additional documents. 
• You will need a teacher or principal’s email address. Xanadu will email them a request to complete an online student recommendation.
• If your student is an APS student, you will need the student number associated with your child (this is usually your child’s lunch number and/or the number they use to log into the APS computer system.) We will not be able to provide this number. 

Admission Process:

Each scholar applying will be admitted based on their own merit. Xanadu does not give precedence to any child, regardless if they have siblings in the program or for prior participation.

Our goal is to ensure each student has a safe, enriching and fun experience with our program. These students enjoy being challenged and are goal-oriented; they enjoy extracurricular activities and the ability to learn new skills.

Xanadu’s primary focus is to serve students from each cluster within the Atlanta Public Schools district. The selection committee looks closely at the student’s recommendations as well as at the student application, teacher/principal recommendation, school of attendance, and academic performance.

Competition for Xanadu has been growing significantly over the past 4 years. Xanadu caps class sizes to ensure scholars have a positive and safe experience while in the program. 

For internet or computer support, every school in APS has a parent center. Please contact your local school. Computer support is also available at your local library.

Application Questions? Please use the Contact Us button on the Xanadu registration portal if you have additional questions regarding the online application or the registration process. You may also reach the Office of Gifted and Talented Education at (404) 802-7585 or at Xanadu_gifted@atlanta.k12.ga.us. Our office hours are 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. 

All payments must be made online through the online school payment portal.

Acceptance or non-acceptance is based on the teacher or principal’s recommendation, a completed application, and program criteria listed above. Notification of acceptance or non-acceptance to the program can be accessed through the online portal (https://apsxanadu.org) during the week of March 25th.

Daily instruction is a combination of academic and fine arts/athletics courses.

No, courses are designed as mini-courses to be taught in two consecutive weeks.

• Session I: June 3-14
• Session II: June 17-28 

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide transportation to Xanadu.

1. Specific instructions for online registration as well as a video tutorial will be provided to walk you through the online registration process. Continue to monitor the website at https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/xanadu for additional information.
2. Online payment will include a 4.0% non-refundable credit card/debit card vendor processing fee. SchoolCash Online Payments is a service that is provided by KEV and its affiliates. Other than the receipt of payments made by you (less applicable fees charged by us and the credit card company), neither the school district, the school, nor any individuals employed by the school district profit from this service.

Courses are assigned based on the completion of the full registration process: application, payment and course selection. Once a class is full, course placement will be based on second choice, and possibly third choice. There is no guarantee of first choice course placement.

No. A specific student teacher ratio is maintained and changing classes disturbs the ratio. Classes will not be changed once confirmation letters have been sent. Once a class is full, course placement will be based on second choice, and possibly third choice. There is no guarantee of first choice course placement. We encourage families to review the course description together before ranking final decisions.

No, multi-student discounts are not available.

Yes, before-care is available. Before-care begins at 7:00 am for a drop-in fee of $5.00 per student/per day. Before-care is sponsored by Preferred School Care. Preferred School Care is a private entity and accepts all forms of payment for their services. Please note that payments for before care are separate from Xanadu tuition.

Yes, after care is available. After-care is sponsored by Preferred School Care. Parents must register with Preferred School Care before the 1st day of Xanadu. The registration fee is $20. After-care begins at 3:00 pm and ends at 6:00 pm daily. The after-care program focuses on technology, visual arts, fitness, and character education. After-care program participants will receive an afternoon snack. The fee for after care is $70.00 per week or a drop-in fee of $20.00 per day. After two days of drop-in, participants are charged the weekly rate. Preferred School Care is a private entity and accepts all forms of payment for their services. Please note that payments for before care and after care are separate from Xanadu tuition.

Breakfast and lunch is included in the cost of programming for each student.

Declining Participation: Student applications can be declined by logging into the Xanadu portal. Select the student application you wish to cancel. Click the red decline button. Declining participation should be made by May 24.

Refunds: You may decline participation and request a refund for paid fees by emailing Xanadu_gifted@atlanta.k12.ga.us. Please provide your child’s first and last name. All requests for refunds must be made by May 24. 

• Please allow 15 days for refund processing. 
• You will receive a full refund minus the credit card/debit card vendor processing fee. 
• All refunds are in the form of a check that must be picked up at the Office of Gifted and Talented. Please bring valid identification when picking up your refund.