Charter Schools in Atlanta: How They Work, Options, and How to Apply

Charter schools are a big part of the public education landscape in Atlanta, Georgia. If you live in the city or are moving here with kids, you’ll quickly notice terms like APS charter, state charter, start-up charter, and conversion charter. Understanding what those actually mean can help you make better choices for your family.

This guide walks through how charter schools work in Atlanta, how they differ from traditional public schools, what types of charter schools you’ll find here, and how to navigate applications, transportation, and enrollment.

What Is a Charter School in Atlanta?

A charter school is a public school that:

• Is tuition-free
• Is open to all eligible students (though some prioritize certain zones or districts)
• Operates under a charter (a performance contract) with a local or state authorizer
• Has more flexibility than traditional public schools in areas like curriculum, schedule, and staffing
• Is held to performance targets and can be closed if it does not meet them

In Atlanta, charter schools fall into two big groups:

1. Atlanta Public Schools (APS) charter schools – approved by the Atlanta Board of Education
2. State charter schools – approved by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC) and treated as their own school districts

Both are public and tuition-free, but the way you apply, where they’re located, and who they serve can differ.

Types of Charter Schools in Atlanta

1. APS Charter Schools

These are part of Atlanta Public Schools, serving students who live within APS district boundaries.

Common Atlanta APS charters include:

• Neighborhood-based conversion charters – former traditional schools that now operate under a charter but still serve a defined zone
• Start-up charter schools – created from scratch by community groups, nonprofits, or educators
• Cluster-based charters – coordinated groups of neighborhood schools that share a charter vision

APS central offices (for help and general information):

• Atlanta Public Schools – Center for Learning and Leadership
  130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone: (404) 802-3500

Families often contact APS when they want to understand:

• Whether a school is a neighborhood school or a charter
• Whether they must live in a specific zone to attend
• How lotteries and waitlists work for APS charters

2. Georgia State Charter Schools in Metro Atlanta

State charter schools are not tied to APS boundaries. Some have campuses in the City of Atlanta or nearby metro areas and may serve a broader geographic region.

They are authorized by:

• State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia (SCSC)
  State Offices South at Tift College
  300 Patrol Road, Forsyth, GA 31029
  General inquiries: (478) 992-6370

These schools may:

• Serve students from multiple counties
• Use lottery-based admission with no neighborhood priority
• Offer specialized themes (STEM, arts, college prep, etc.)

If you live in Atlanta but are open to commuting or virtual learning, state-chartered schools may give you more options than just your neighborhood.

How Charter Schools Differ from Traditional APS Schools

Both charter and traditional APS schools are public, but they operate differently.

Key Differences

Governance

• Traditional APS schools: Run directly by APS central administration and the Atlanta Board of Education.
• Charter schools: Operate under a governing board (nonprofit board of directors) that oversees the school and is accountable to APS or the state.

Flexibility

Charter schools generally have more flexibility in:

• Curriculum and instruction (e.g., project-based learning, language immersion, STEM focus)
• School calendar (longer school days, extended years, or unique schedules)
• Staffing and hiring (different structures or roles compared with standard APS schools)

Accountability

• Charter schools must meet academic, financial, and organizational goals in their charter.
• If they do not perform, their charter can be revoked or not renewed, and the school may close or need to reorganize.

Enrollment

• Traditional APS schools: Typically serve students based on home address (zoned schools).
• Charter schools: Usually require a separate application and use a lottery if there are more applicants than seats.

Charter School Options in the City of Atlanta

Atlanta has a growing mix of charter schools serving elementary, middle, and high school students. Availability changes over time, but families commonly look for:

Elementary and K–8 Charter Options

These often focus on:

• Literacy and foundational skills
• STEM or STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math)
• Language immersion (such as Spanish or French)
• Project-based learning

Many Atlanta families consider K–8 charters to:

• Start their child in a smaller school community
• Access specialized programs not offered in their zoned school
• Stay in one school building across elementary and middle grades

Middle and High School Charter Options

At the middle and high school levels, charter schools may emphasize:

• College-prep programs
• Early dual enrollment or college credit opportunities
• Career and technical education (CTE), including IT, healthcare, or business
• Fine arts, technology, or other niche interests

High school charters in and around Atlanta can offer:

• More flexible scheduling for working students or student-athletes
• Stronger emphasis on advanced coursework and standardized test preparation
• Smaller school environments compared with some large, traditional high schools

Who Can Attend Charter Schools in Atlanta?

Residency Requirements

Your home address and the school’s authorizer matter.

• APS charter schools

  • Generally require that students live within the Atlanta Public Schools district boundaries.
  • Some may have a smaller attendance zone or give enrollment priority to specific neighborhoods or feeder patterns.

• State charter schools in metro Atlanta

  • Serve students based on broader rules set by their charter and the SCSC.
  • Some accept students from anywhere in Georgia, while others restrict by region.

If you are unsure whether your address is in APS:

• Call APS Student Assignment and Records at (404) 802-2233 or visit the Center for Learning and Leadership at 130 Trinity Ave SW.

Enrollment Priorities and Lotteries

Most charter schools in Atlanta have more applicants than seats. When that happens, they use a random lottery.

Common priority categories (varies by school):

• Siblings of currently enrolled students
• Students living in a defined attendance zone or cluster
• Children of full-time staff (within legal limits)
• Sometimes current pre-K students at the same school

If the school has fewer applicants than seats, all eligible applicants may be admitted without needing a lottery.

How to Apply to a Charter School in Atlanta

The application process depends on the type of charter school.

1. Applying to APS Charter Schools

Many APS charters participate in the district’s school choice and charter/magnet timelines.

Steps typically include:

1. Confirm your APS residency

   • Have proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) ready.

2. Create an APS enrollment or application account

   • You can call APS Enrollment at (404) 802-2233 for guidance, or visit an APS Student Registration site if you need in-person help.

3. Complete the charter school application

   • Some APS charters use the district’s central application process.
   • Others may require a school-specific application on top of general APS registration.

4. Watch for lottery dates and results

   • If you’re offered a seat, you must accept it by the stated deadline, or the seat may go to the next student on the waitlist.

2. Applying to State Charter Schools Serving Atlanta

For state charter schools, you typically:

1. Go directly to the school’s enrollment or admissions office

   • Each state charter sets its own application window and process within the rules of its charter.

2. Complete the online or paper application

   • Provide student information, residency documentation, and sometimes additional background details.

3. Enter the lottery (if applicable)

   • When spaces are limited, a public lottery is held. Families are usually notified of:
     • Admission
     • Waitlist placement
     • Any follow-up steps

4. Finalize registration

   • If your child is admitted, you’ll be asked to submit immunization, birth certificate, and residency documentation to complete enrollment.

To understand options statewide:

• State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia
  Main office: 300 Patrol Road, Forsyth, GA 31029
  Phone: (478) 992-6370

They can direct you to current state charter schools that serve metro Atlanta students.

Transportation, Meals, and Services

When choosing between traditional and charter schools in Atlanta, it’s important to look beyond academics.

Transportation

Transportation policies vary widely:

• APS Charter Schools

  • Some receive APS bus service similar to traditional schools.
  • Others may offer limited routes or no transportation, expecting families to provide their own.
  • Ask each school:
    • Whether bus service is provided
    • Which neighborhoods are covered
    • Where bus stops are located

• State Charter Schools

  • Many do not provide full bus transportation, especially if they serve broad regions.
  • Some may provide shuttle locations or help coordinate carpools.

🚗 Tip: If you rely on MARTA, ask how close the school is to a MARTA bus stop or rail station and whether start/end times align with transit schedules.

School Meals

Most charter schools in Atlanta participate in federal school meal programs, offering:

• Breakfast and lunch
• Reduced-price or free meals for qualifying families

However, menus and participation can differ, so it’s wise to confirm:

• Whether the school serves breakfast
• How to apply for free or reduced-price meals

Special Education and Support Services

Charter schools are public schools, so they are required to:

• Accept students with disabilities
• Provide special education services and supports in line with federal and state law

If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, you can:

• Provide the plan during enrollment
• Ask specific questions about:
  • Available services (speech therapy, resource classes, etc.)
  • On-site specialists
  • How they support behavior, learning, or accessibility needs

If you ever have concerns about special education services in a charter school, you can contact:

• Georgia Department of Education – Special Education Services and Supports
  205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30334
  Main line: (404) 656-2800

Questions to Ask When Comparing Atlanta Charter Schools

When you’re visiting or researching charter schools in Atlanta, consider asking:

Academics & Programs

• What is the school’s academic focus (STEM, arts, language immersion, college-prep)?
• How does the school support students who are behind grade level?
• Are advanced or honors courses offered?

School Culture

• What does student discipline look like here?
• How does the school handle bullying or conflicts?
• How much family involvement is expected or encouraged?

Schedule & Logistics

• What are school hours? Is there after-school care?
• Is transportation available from my neighborhood?
• Are there any required uniforms or fees (for field trips, clubs, etc.)?

Results & Stability

• How long has the charter been operating in Atlanta?
• Has the charter been renewed successfully in the past?
• How does the school track student progress and share that with families?

Writing these questions down before attending an open house or tour helps you compare schools more easily.

Helpful Atlanta-Area Contacts and Offices

Here is a quick reference section for navigating charter school questions in Atlanta:

Practical Tips for Atlanta Families Considering Charter Schools

• Start early. Many charter schools in Atlanta have application windows that open several months before the school year.
• Apply to more than one school. Lotteries are common, and having a few options can reduce stress.
• Visit in person if you can. The feel of the school—how staff interact with students, how classrooms look—often matters as much as test scores.
• Check commute time. In Atlanta traffic, a school that looks close on a map can be a long daily drive.
• Keep a backup plan. Because of waitlists and lotteries, it’s wise to have a zoned APS school or another option secured while you wait.

By understanding how charter schools operate in Atlanta—how they’re authorized, who they serve, and how to apply—you can better match your child’s needs with the options available across the city and metro area.