Charles R. Drew Charter School is one of Atlanta’s most talked‑about public schools, especially for families focused on East Lake and the east side of Atlanta. If you’ve heard people say “Drew Charter Atlanta” and you’re trying to figure out what that actually means for you or your child, this guide walks through the essentials in clear, local terms.
Drew Charter School is a public charter school located in the East Lake neighborhood of Atlanta, on the east side of the city.
Main campuses:
Elementary Academy & Junior Academy (Grades K–8)
301 East Lake Blvd SE
Atlanta, GA 30317
Senior Academy (High School, Grades 9–12)
300 East Lake Blvd SE
Atlanta, GA 30317
These campuses sit near East Lake Golf Club, the Villages of East Lake community, and are a short drive from neighborhoods like Kirkwood, Oakhurst, Edgewood, and parts of Decatur.
Drew is a public charter school that operates in partnership with:
Key points:
Drew serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade and is often described as a “cradle‑to‑college” style model because it connects to early learning programs nearby and supports students through high school graduation.
Enrollment at Drew is shaped by its attendance zone and partnership with Atlanta Public Schools.
Drew is closely tied to the Villages of East Lake and surrounding neighborhoods. In practice, this usually means:
Because boundaries and rules can change, families in Atlanta should:
Drew Charter is organized into three main divisions:
| Division | Approx. Grades | Location (East Lake Blvd SE) | Focus Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Academy | K–5 | 301 | Literacy, numeracy, early enrichment |
| Junior Academy | 6–8 | 301 | Middle grades, preparation for high school |
| Senior Academy | 9–12 | 300 | College & career readiness, advanced courses |
All three divisions are centered in the same East Lake area, making it easier for families with multiple children in different grades.
Drew Charter is widely recognized in Atlanta for several features:
Drew emphasizes STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). For Atlanta families, that typically looks like:
Drew is part of a larger effort to transform the East Lake community:
Families moving to or living in East Lake frequently consider Drew a central part of the neighborhood’s identity.
At the Senior Academy, many families look for:
While specific course offerings can change, Drew is generally positioned as a school that aims to prepare students for post‑secondary education or training.
Because Drew is a charter school partnered with APS, enrollment works differently than a typical neighborhood school.
Confirm Your Address and Zone
Use APS tools or ask the APS Office of Student Assignment to see if your address is in Drew’s attendance area.
Review Drew’s Enrollment Timeline
Drew typically follows a set application window each year, especially for new students and key transition grades (K, 6, 9).
Complete the Application
Families submit an application, and, if needed, take part in the lottery process if applications exceed available seats.
Provide Required Documentation
As with other APS schools, this usually includes:
Because rules can change, always check the current-year instructions from Drew or APS rather than relying on older information.
For families in the Atlanta area, transportation is a major practical concern.
Students who live inside APS and Drew’s attendance boundaries may be eligible for yellow school bus transportation, similar to other APS students. Eligibility usually depends on:
Families should confirm bus routes and eligibility with Atlanta Public Schools Transportation or Drew’s main office before the school year begins.
The East Lake area can be busy during commute times. Common tips from local parents include:
Drew Charter is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but:
Families who rely on public transit often combine MARTA + short rideshare or carpool to reach the school.
Details vary by year, but families usually want to know the basics:
Always confirm exact times with Drew’s official communications.
Drew generally follows a calendar that lines up closely with Atlanta Public Schools, including:
APS publishes its calendar publicly, and Drew typically provides its own version with campus‑specific dates.
Drew Charter offers a variety of sports, clubs, and fine arts opportunities, which can include:
Availability can change year to year, so parents often:
Although Drew is a charter, it is still part of Atlanta Public Schools. For families in Atlanta, that means:
If a student transfers in or out of Drew to another APS school, records and eligibility typically flow through the APS central office and Drew’s own registrar.
Drew Charter, as a public school, is expected to provide:
Families in Atlanta who have a child with learning differences or other needs can:
For the most up‑to‑date and specific information, families should contact the school directly.
Typical main contacts include:
Main Phone (Front Office)
Look for the primary number listed for Charles R. Drew Charter School in Atlanta.
Campus Addresses
When you call or visit, it can help to be clear about:
Many families in Atlanta look at Drew alongside other options such as:
When evaluating Drew Charter in the Atlanta context, parents often consider: