ATLANTA — Atlanta Public Schools ranked first among metro Atlanta school districts in year-over-year academic gains for the current school year. The district achieved its strongest academic growth since the Georgia Milestones Assessment System was introduced in 2015.
The district’s gains in math, science and social studies were more than double the statewide average. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and district leaders said the Back to the Basics 2030 strategic plan has influenced student achievement, attendance and teacher stability.
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APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson discussed the results at Fickett Elementary School today. He said the upward trend was the result of efforts from students and educators across Atlanta.
“Today is an exciting day for Atlanta Public Schools, because we have the opportunity to share something our students, educators and families have earned through years of hard work,” Johnson said on Friday. “For the past several years, we have remained focused on what matters most: Excellent teaching, strong leadership, safe schools and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
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Data shows math proficiency at APS increased 8.2% since Georgia introduced new math standards for the 2023-24 school year. Enrollment in Atlanta schools for eighth-grade Algebra I grew by 2%, which officials said expanded access to advanced coursework.
Math proficiency levels in 2026 exceeded pre-pandemic levels from 2019 across every grade band.
Attendance figures also showed improvement, with 72.4% of students avoiding chronic absenteeism this year. This represents a 3.6% increase more than 2025.
The district has narrowed the chronic absenteeism gap with the state from 14.2% points in 2022 to 8% in 2026.The district reported a 90% teacher retention rate at the start of the current school year.
Teachers in the district have an average of 13.8 years of experience. Atlanta Public Schools also reported having zero teacher vacancies on the first day of school.
“The Atlanta Board of Education couldn’t be more proud of this accomplishment,” Atlanta Board of Education Chair Jessica Johnson said. “Under Dr. Johnson’s leadership, the efforts of our teachers, administrators and students are producing the kinds of results that prove that the investments we have made in our people and our programming are working.”
School officials said while progress has been made, they’re going to continue working to focus on student achievement and teacher stability to continue improving outcomes.
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