About APS

Welcome to Atlanta Public Schools (APS).

Established in 1872, Atlanta Public Schools is one of the oldest and largest school districts in the state of Georgia. APS is home to countless notable alumni, including civil rights activists, entertainers, national elected officials, professional athletes, renowned scientists, and engineers. APS is the seventh-largest school district in the state of Georgia, currently serving 49,878 students.

The district is organized into nine K-12 clusters with 65 neighborhood schools, 18 charter schools, two citywide single-gender academies, two alternative schools, and five partner schools. The district includes Title I schools where students are offered rigorous instructional programs that foster success in school and life. Atlanta Public Schools officially became a Charter System on July 1, 2016, and this status was renewed in July 2021. The “charter” with the state allows more decisions to be made at the school level by principals, educators, parents, and community members, all of whom are closer to students and their school needs.

Atlanta Public Schools’ journey of transformation has made significant progress with improvements in graduation rates and performance data; however, a substantial achievement gap still remains. We are living the mission with students graduating ready for college and career. Despite these challenges, continuous investment in our people practices over the years has resulted in an 85% teacher retention rate and an 86% staff retention rate. APS continues to make headway with key yard markers such as Georgia Milestones, CCRPI progression, and our growing graduation rates.

Cluster System

APS is organized into nine high school clusters with distinct feeder patterns. Unlike split-feeder patterns, the cluster model allows all students attending a particular elementary school to matriculate to the same middle school, and students enrolled at that middle school will matriculate to the same high school.

Cluster plans are designed to build stronger schools to ensure consistent, high-quality academics and focused programming across the district. 

Cluster plans provide a framework for the following: 

• Ensure all APS students are college and career ready 
• Enhance the PK-12 alignment of schools 
• Promote community and engagement 
• Prioritize collaboration across staff and students 

Each cluster plan includes priorities and strategies aligned to the district four strategic goal areas 

• Academics 
• Talent 
• Systems & resources 
• Culture  

How to Connect & Engage at APS