Key Points:
- APS Forward 2040 plan will close, merge, or repurpose 16 schools starting in 2027.
- Extensive community input guided attendance zones and program changes.
- The phased plan aims to improve student opportunities, equity, and learning environments.
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) has approved the APS Forward 2040 plan, a long-term facilities strategy that will close or repurpose 16 campuses starting in 2027. The district says the plan is intended to optimize underutilized facilities, improve student opportunities, and address rising operational costs. The changes will also consolidate programs and adjust attendance zones across the city.
APS officials have emphasized that the plan is part of a multi-year effort to strengthen academic programs, improve staff-to-student ratios, and ensure resources are used efficiently. The district also aims to reduce deferred maintenance costs and position itself to qualify for additional state funding for future construction projects.
Schools Impacted and Planned Changes
The 16 schools involved in the APS Forward 2040 plan will undergo closures, mergers, or repurposing. Some notable changes include:
- Closures and Repurposing: Cleveland Elementary, Continental Colony Elementary, Dunbar Elementary, F. L. Stanton Elementary, Peyton Forest Elementary.
- Mergers: Perkerson Elementary will merge with another campus; Finch Elementary will merge with a nearby school.
- Repurposing and Consolidation: KIPP Soul Primary and KIPP Soul Academy will be repurposed, while Scott Elementary and Sylvan Middle School will see consolidation or grade restructuring.
- Pending Funding: Usher Collier Elementary and Smith Intermediate Elementary will be repurposed and consolidated as funding allows.
Officials noted that repurposing some schools will allow them to offer specialized programs, workforce development pathways, and enhanced arts and medical education options.
Community Engagement and Planning Process
APS conducted an extensive planning process, including over 50 public meetings, nine task force updates, responses to more than 600 public messages, and nearly 7,600 survey responses. The district also logged close to 30,000 website visitors during the engagement period. Feedback from students, parents, and staff has informed how schools will be reorganized and how programs will be consolidated.
The district will continue community engagement as new attendance zones are finalized. Staff reassignments and resource reallocations will be coordinated to minimize disruption while maintaining educational quality.
Timeline for Implementation
The APS Forward 2040 plan will unfold over several years:
- 2026: Administrative regulations and community engagement procedures for redistricting will be developed; draft SPLOST 2027 recommendations will be prepared and presented; planning for attendance zone changes for the 2027–2028 school year will begin.
- 2027: If SPLOST 2027 is approved by voters, collections will start on July 1. Attendance zones for 2028–2029 will be finalized following board votes in fall 2027.
- 2027–2028 School Year: Changes to school boundaries, program consolidation, and staff reassignments will begin in line with the approved plan.
APS officials have emphasized that the phased approach allows for careful planning, including alignment of staff, programs, and student placement to ensure continuity in learning and minimal disruption for students.
Focus on Improving Student Opportunities
The APS Forward 2040 plan is designed to optimize educational resources while expanding academic and extracurricular offerings. By consolidating underutilized facilities, the district aims to provide more robust programs, including specialized arts, STEM, and workforce development pathways. Officials say that the changes will improve equity in access to programs and services, enhance learning environments, and allow for more efficient use of district resources.
Visit Future Education Magazine For The Most Recent Information.