Springdale Park Elementary (SPARK) is part of Atlanta Public Schools. It serves the vibrant communities of Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Druid Hills, Candler Park, and Poncey-Highland. SPARK welcomed 365 students when it first opened in 2009, operating out of two renovated historic homes and a newly constructed 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 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 its construction to classroom learning. Students actively participate in recycling and composting, as well as a farm-to-school program, growing and harvesting food in rooftop and land-based gardens. Additionally, SPARK’s school wide initiative is to help fight food insecurity in Atlanta. Through our community partnerships, we have donated thousands of pounds of food to our local community. 

With over 450 students currently enrolled, SPARK offers a rigorous curriculum that includes art, music, physical education, media center activities, technology, and an extensive STEM program for all grades. Students also have access to Spanish, enrichment math for qualifying 4th and 5th graders, orchestra and band for 4th and 5th graders, and Gifted & Challenge instruction for qualifying K–5 students.

• Georgia Department of Education Math and Literacy Leader School
• Ranked 29th Elementary School in the State of Georgia by US News and World Report
• Awarded “Beating the Odds” a recognition given to schools that have outperformed other schools of similar characteristics based on CCRPI scores*
• CCRPI Score of 100 Across Content Mastery, Closing the Gaps, and Achievement*
• Overall CCRPI score: 99.1*

*In Georgia, CCRPI stands for the College and Career Ready Performance Index, and it's the state's annual accountability tool used to measure how well schools, districts, and the state are preparing students for higher education and careers.

• 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.