What Makes a School a “Good” School?

A Guide to Reframing the Question

When parents describe a school as "good," the term often unconsciously serves as a euphemism for schools with high test scores, favorable online ratings, or a predominantly privileged or white population. These perceptions are influenced by personal experiences, values, unconscious bias, privilege, or peer influence.

But defining a school as “good” or “bad” is much more complex and nuanced. Words like “good” or “bad” often fail to capture what truly makes a school thrive.

Instead of asking “Is this a good school?” consider reframing the question. Below are ten alternatives to this question to guide your evaluation of what makes a school a meaningful, supportive, and enriching place for students to grow.

1. Is this a school that has shown consistent academic improvement over time?

A good school shows consistent academic improvement over time, regardless of its starting point. Keep in mind: Schools in more affluent areas often post higher test scores because their students are better resourced, but this doesn’t always indicate growth or quality instruction.

Toomer Highlights:

• In the 2023-2024 school year, Toomer came off the state’s school improvement list due to its success in closing racial and socioeconomic gaps in academic outcomes.

• On the 2024 Georgia Milestones:

  • ELA scores increased by 10% (4th highest gain in APS).

  • Science scores rose by 29% (2nd highest gain in APS).

  • Math scores grew by 8%.

• Toomer was one of 11 elementary schools recognized for significant literacy and math gains by the Georgia Department of Education.

2. Is this a school that fosters an inclusive, supportive, and positive school climate, where students feel safe and motivated?

A good school fosters an inclusive, supportive, and positive environment where students feel safe and motivated. Keep in mind: Positive school culture is hard to quantify, so external evaluations may not fully capture the school’s climate.

Toomer Highlights:

• A full-time Restorative Practices Coach leads social-emotional learning, restorative circles, and conflict resolution without relying on punitive measures.

• Students demonstrate school spirit through monthly PRIDE celebrations, culminating in a rousing school chant.

3. Is this a school that actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion by supporting students from various racial, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds?

A good school actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion, supporting students from all racial, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds. Keep in mind: Schools in less diverse communities may face challenges addressing equity and inclusion meaningfully.

Toomer Highlights:

• Recognized as an Equity Champion by the district’s Office of Equity & Social Justice.

• The administration recently completed a three-year culturally responsive leadership program.

• Toomer scored 93.2/100 on the CCRPI “closing gaps” metric in 2024, reflecting progress in achievement for all student subgroups, including socioeconomically disadvantaged students, Black students, and students with disabilities.

4. Is this a school that provides ample resources, up-to-date technology, textbooks, and extracurricular opportunities and maintains a safe, welcoming environment?

A good school provides modern resources and maintains a safe, welcoming space. Keep in mind: Wealthier areas often have better-funded schools due to property tax revenue, which reinforces inequalities.

Toomer Highlights:

• Toomer is a 1:1 device school, providing each student with a Chromebook or iPad.

• We have a newly renovated building in 2024-2025 with state-of-the-art air purification and safety features.

• A Toomer teacher received a grant to build a fully accessible playground.

5. Is this a school that fosters strong connections with parents, local communities, and external partners?

A good school builds strong connections with parents, local communities, and external partners. Keep in mind: Lower-income communities may face challenges in fostering similar levels of parent engagement.

Toomer Highlights:

• A vibrant PTA leads initiatives like teacher appreciation, community events, and the Bike Bus Program.

• Partnerships with the Food Recovery Network and Wylde Center provide a monthly farmer’s market and a school garden.

6. Is this a school that offers a well-rounded education, including not only core academics but also arts, physical education, social-emotional learning, and extracurricular activities?

A good school prioritizes a comprehensive education that includes arts, physical education, and extracurricular activities. Keep in mind: Focusing solely on academics may neglect essential aspects of student development.

Toomer Highlights:

• Toomer students attend weekly classes in art, music, P.E., Mandarin (Grades 2-5), and SEL (K-2).

• Extracurricular offerings include: debate team, coding club, band, orchestra, cheerleading, basketball, poetry club, and more.

• Recent accomplishments:

  • Cheer team placed 3rd in their first-ever competition (2023).

  • Basketball team won the APS championship (2023).

  • Reading Bowl team placed 2nd in the district (2024).

7. Is this a school that has experienced, well-credentialed, and stable teachers who receive ongoing professional development? 

A good school has skilled, well-credentialed, and stable educators. Keep in mind: Teacher shortages can significantly impact underserved schools.

Toomer Highlights:

• Toomer became certified as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in 2022.

• Our teacher retention rate is 85%, exceeding national averages for Title I schools.

• Our staff includes award-winning professionals like Ms. Donald, a prior APS Counselor of the Year.

8. Does this school have a mission-driven and experienced administration? 

A good school has a leadership team with expertise, experience, and a clear mission.

Toomer Highlights:

• Principal Caroline Brown helped Barack and Michelle Obama Academy (BAMO) exit the school turnaround list before coming to Toomer as Princpal.

• Our staff annually revisit and revise the school’s mission statement.

9. Is this a school with students who are engaged, motivated, and curious learners?

A good school nurtures curiosity and engagement among its students.

Toomer Highlights:

• Students are recognized monthly for embodying IB learner traits like inquiry, critical thinking, and care.

• Toomer sponsored its first student body government in 2024.

• All fifth graders complete IB capstone projects, solving real-world problems.

10. Is this a community-centered school close to my home where my neighbors also attend?

A good school is accessible and rooted in its local community.

Toomer Highlights:

• Toomer serves students from Edgewood, Kirkwood, and East Lake neighborhoods—no lottery or application required.

• Kirkwood’s utilization of Toomer has increased from 28% (2021) to 34% (2024).