A Local Guide to Elementary Schools in Atlanta, Georgia

Finding the right elementary school in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the biggest decisions many families make. Atlanta’s public and private options are diverse, neighborhood-based, and can feel complicated if you’re new to the area or moving across town.

This guide walks through how elementary schools work in Atlanta, how to find your zoned school, what choices you may have beyond your neighborhood, and key resources and contacts to help you take the next step.

How Elementary School Works in Atlanta

Atlanta is served by several school systems, but if you live inside the Atlanta city limits, your main public system is usually Atlanta Public Schools (APS).

Typical elementary school basics in Atlanta:

• Grades: Pre-K (in some schools) through 5th grade
• School day: Usually starts around 7:30–8:00 a.m. and ends around 2:30–3:00 p.m. (varies by school)
• Calendar: Early August to late May (with breaks in fall, winter, and spring)
• Main options:
  • Neighborhood/zoned APS elementary schools
  • APS charter schools
  • APS “cluster” options (within your high school feeder pattern)
  • Magnet/specialty programs
  • Private and faith-based elementary schools
  • Home-school support programs and co-ops

If you live outside the city limits but still “in Atlanta” by mailing address (for example, unincorporated Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, or Clayton counties), your child will typically attend the county school system, not APS.

Major Public School Systems That Serve “Atlanta”

Here’s how elementary school governance breaks down for families who say they live “in Atlanta”:

If you’re unsure which system you’re in, your exact address is what matters; mailing city names can be misleading.

Atlanta Public Schools (APS): The Core City System

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is the main district for elementary schools within the city limits.

APS Main Administration
600 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1200
Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 802-3500

APS organizes schools into “clusters”, each anchored by a high school and fed by associated middle and elementary schools (for example, the Grady/Jackson cluster, North Atlanta cluster, Mays cluster, etc.). Your child’s elementary school is usually determined by:

1. Your home address, and
2. The attendance zone drawn for that particular school.

How to Find Your Zoned Elementary School in Atlanta

If you live in the city and want to know your assigned elementary school:

1. Confirm you’re in APS boundaries.
   You can call APS at (404) 802-3500 or contact:

   • Office of Student Assignment & Records
     130 Trinity Ave SW
     Atlanta, GA 30303

2. Use APS address lookup tools or maps.
   APS maintains school zone maps and tools where you enter your street address to see:

   • Your zoned elementary school
   • Your cluster and feeder pattern

3. Double-check if you’re near a border.
   If you live close to a city or county line (for example, near Brookhaven, Decatur, or unincorporated DeKalb), verify whether you fall into APS or a county system.

Once you know your zoned school, that’s typically your default assignment unless you apply for transfers, charters, or other options.

Types of Elementary Options in Atlanta

1. Neighborhood (Zoned) Elementary Schools

These are the standard, catchment-area schools that serve specific neighborhoods.

Common features:

• Enrollment is based on your residential address
• Provide general education, special education, ESOL/ELL, and gifted services
• Offer after-school care through school-led or partner programs in many locations
• Often serve as a community hub with PTA/PTO involvement and local events

Examples (for illustration, not a complete list):

• Morningside Elementary School (APS – northeast Atlanta)
• Mary Lin Elementary School (APS – Candler Park/Inman Park area)
• Jackson Elementary School (APS – Buckhead area)
• F.L. Stanton Elementary School (APS – northwest Atlanta)
• Parkside Elementary School (APS – Grant Park area)

To get specifics (start times, uniforms, tours), call the school’s main office directly once you know your assignment.

2. APS Charter Elementary Schools

APS includes charter schools that operate with more flexibility but are still part of the public system and tuition-free for eligible families.

Key points:

• Admission is often based on lottery, sometimes with geographic priorities
• Some are “start-up” charters (independent boards) and others are “conversion” charters (existing APS schools with a charter)
• They may offer specialized approaches, like:
  • Project-based learning
  • Language immersion
  • STEM- or arts-focused instruction

The APS Charter Schools Office can provide a current list and timelines:

Office of Innovation / Charter Schools
130 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone (main APS): (404) 802-3500 (ask for the charter office)

If you’re thinking about a charter, pay attention to application deadlines; many lotteries take place in late winter or early spring for the following school year.

3. Magnet and Specialty Programs

Within APS and nearby districts, some elementary schools offer magnet or theme-based programs, such as:

• STEM-focused magnet tracks
• International or language immersion programs
• Arts-focused or Montessori-style programs

These may require:

• A separate application,
• Certain residency requirements, or
• Participation in a lottery if demand exceeds seats.

If you’re in APS, contact:

APS Office of Student Assignment & Records
130 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Ask specifically about magnet and choice options at the elementary level for your address.

4. County School Systems Around Atlanta

Many people say they live “in Atlanta” while actually being in surrounding counties. Each system has its own elementary schools, attendance zones, and (sometimes) choice programs.

Fulton County Schools (outside APS)
6201 Powers Ferry Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30339
Phone: (470) 254-3600

DeKalb County School District
1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd
Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Phone: (678) 676-1200

Cobb County School District
514 Glover St SE
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: (770) 426-3300

Clayton County Public Schools
1058 Fifth Ave
Jonesboro, GA 30236
Phone: (770) 473-2700

If your address is borderline or confusing, contact the relevant district or check their attendance zone tools.

5. Private and Faith-Based Elementary Schools

Atlanta has a large network of private elementary schools, ranging from independent day schools to parish schools and small community-based programs.

Common characteristics:

• Tuition-based (fees vary widely)
• Often require applications, interviews, and sometimes readiness assessments
• Many offer financial aid or scholarships
• Can be secular or religiously affiliated (Christian, Jewish, etc.)

You’ll find concentrated clusters of private schools in areas like Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, and parts of Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. Families typically start exploring private options a year before they plan to enroll, especially for competitive schools.

For neutral information and local context:

• Speak with neighbors, neighborhood associations, or local parenting groups
• Visit schools for tours or open houses
• Ask each school’s admissions office for tuition, aid, and curriculum information

Kindergarten and Pre-K in Atlanta

Kindergarten

In Georgia, children typically start kindergarten in the year they turn 5 by a specific cutoff date set by the state. APS and surrounding districts follow those state guidelines.

To enroll in kindergarten in APS, you’ll usually need:

• Proof of residency (lease, mortgage, utility bill)
• Birth certificate
• Immunization record on Georgia Form 3231
• Hearing, vision, dental, and nutrition screening (often on state form 3300)
• Parent/guardian photo ID and, if applicable, custody documents

These requirements are managed through your zoned elementary school or the APS enrollment office.

Georgia Pre-K in Atlanta

Georgia’s state-funded Pre-K program is widely available in Atlanta, both in:

• APS elementary schools, and
• Private childcare centers and early learning centers that host Pre-K classrooms.

Key points:

• It is tuition-free (families may still pay for wraparound care, meals, etc.).
• Enrollment is typically lottery-based due to demand.
• Children must meet age requirements (usually 4 years old by a set cutoff date).

To find Georgia Pre-K options in Atlanta:

• Contact your zoned APS elementary school and ask if they host Georgia Pre-K classrooms and how to apply.

• Or call the Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning main office for general guidance:

  Bright from the Start – DECAL
  2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SE, 10th Floor
  Atlanta, GA 30334
  Phone: (404) 656-5957

Enrolling Your Child in an Atlanta Elementary School

If you’re ready to enroll (or pre-enroll) your child in APS or a nearby system, it helps to follow an organized checklist.

Step 1: Confirm Your District and Zoned School

• Use your full street address to determine:
  • Which district you’re in (APS, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, etc.)
  • Which elementary school you’re zoned for

If you’re in APS, call (404) 802-3500 or contact the Student Assignment & Records office for confirmation.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Most Atlanta-area districts will ask for:

• Proof of residency (often 2 documents, such as a lease and utility bill)
• Birth certificate or passport
• Immunization form (Georgia Form 3231)
• Health screening form (Form 3300, for kindergarten and some transfers)
• Parent/guardian government-issued ID
• If applicable: guardianship or custody papers, Individualized Education Program (IEP), or 504 plan documentation

Check with your district or school for exact requirements before your appointment.

Step 3: Complete Online or In-Person Registration

Most school districts serving Atlanta have an online enrollment portal. However:

• New-to-district families may need an in-person verification appointment.
• Sooner is better, especially for bus routing and class placement.

For APS, registration typically runs through the APS Enrollment and Registration system, coordinated centrally and at school sites.

Step 4: Ask About Transportation and After-School Care

Once enrolled:

• Confirm whether your child is eligible for bus transportation based on distance from school.
• Ask the school or PTA about after-school programs, including:
  • On-site extended day programs
  • Partnerships with local YMCAs, community centers, or nonprofits
  • Activity-based options (arts, STEM clubs, sports, tutoring)

Evaluating Elementary Schools in Atlanta

Parents in Atlanta often look at several factors when comparing elementary schools:

• Distance and commute: Can your child walk, bike, ride the bus, or is it a daily carpool?
• School size: Some families prefer small, close-knit campuses; others prefer larger schools with more programs.
• Academic programs: Gifted, language immersion, STEM labs, arts programs, or Montessori-inspired classes.
• Support services: ESOL/ELL, special education, reading specialists, counseling.
• School culture: Communication style, discipline policies, approach to homework, diversity and inclusion efforts.
• Family involvement: PTA/PTO activity level, volunteer opportunities, and how welcoming the school feels.

Ways to gather information:

• Visit the school during the day if allowed
• Attend any orientation or open house
• Read school handbooks and newsletters
• Speak with current parents, if possible

Special Education and Support Services

All public school systems in the Atlanta area—including APS, Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Clayton—are required to provide special education services to eligible students.

If your child already has an IEP or 504 plan, or if you suspect they may need additional support:

• Contact your zoned elementary school and ask for the special education coordinator or Student Support Team (SST).
• Bring any existing evaluations when you enroll.
• Ask about:
  • How services are delivered at the elementary level
  • How often IEP/504 meetings occur
  • What supports are available (resource rooms, speech therapy, OT/PT, etc.)

Each district has a central office overseeing special education. For APS, inquiries can begin through the main line: (404) 802-3500 (ask for the special education department).

School Choice, Transfers, and Moving Within Atlanta

Atlanta families often move across neighborhoods, which can change their zoned elementary school.

Things to know:

• Intra-district transfers (within APS or within the same county) may be allowed in specific circumstances, such as:
  • Capacity at the desired school
  • Sibling attendance
  • Certain hardship or safety situations
• Many transfers are subject to application windows and are not guaranteed.
• If you move during the school year:
  • Inform your current school early.
  • Ask whether your child can finish the year at their current school or whether they must transfer immediately.

For APS:

• Contact APS Student Assignment & Records at 130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 to discuss your options if you’re moving within city limits.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Families Exploring Elementary Schools

Here are focused, Atlanta-specific actions you can take:

• Check your address early. 🏠
  Before signing a lease or buying a home, verify which elementary school and system you’re actually zoned for.

• Mark enrollment and lottery deadlines.
  APS, charter schools, and Georgia Pre-K programs often have strict timelines, especially for kindergarten and Pre-K.

• Visit during the school year if possible.
  Seeing the daily routines, classroom interactions, and dismissal procedures at your local school can be very telling.

• Ask about bus routes and ride times.
  In metro Atlanta traffic, even a short distance can become a long commute.

• Keep your documents updated.
  Renewed leases, new utility bills, or updated immunization forms are frequently requested when re-enrolling or changing schools.

• Connect with your neighborhood.
  In many Atlanta neighborhoods, the local elementary school is closely tied to parks, libraries, churches, and community groups, which can give you further insight and support.

By focusing on your address, your zoned options, and the realistic commute and culture that fit your family, you can navigate elementary schools in Atlanta with much more confidence. When in doubt, start with your zoned elementary school and your district’s central office—both are used to helping Atlanta families make sense of their choices and next steps.