New Schools at Carver in Atlanta: What Families Need to Know

If you live in Atlanta’s south side and you’ve heard people talk about the “new schools at Carver”, they’re almost always referring to the modernized campus of The New Schools at Carver, a group of small, themed high schools that share one site just south of downtown.

This guide walks through what Carver is, how the “new schools” are organized, what to expect as a student or parent, and how it fits into the broader Atlanta Public Schools (APS) landscape.

Where Are the New Schools at Carver?

The New Schools at Carver are located in southeast Atlanta, close to the BeltLine Southside Trail and the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, High Point, and Lakewood.

Campus location:

• The New Schools at Carver
  55 McDonough Blvd SE
  Atlanta, GA 30315
  Main APS line: (404) 802-3500 (You can ask to be connected to Carver or specific academies.)

This campus is part of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and serves high school students in nearby attendance zones, as well as some students who attend through choice or specialized programs.

What Are “The New Schools at Carver”?

Carver is not just one traditional high school. It’s a campus with multiple small schools, sometimes called “academies” or “pathway schools.”

While the exact names and focus areas can evolve over time, Carver typically includes separate, themed schools such as:

• School of the Arts or Performing & Visual Arts
• School of Technology or STEM
• School of Early College or College and Career Prep
• School of Health, Engineering, or similar career pathways

The concept is to give students a smaller-school environment with a specific focus, while still being on a shared campus with common resources like:

• Athletic fields and gym
• Cafeteria and media center
• Fine arts spaces (band room, theater, etc.)
• Career and technical labs

Because names and academies can shift with APS redesigns, it’s smart to call the main office or check current APS materials to confirm which “new schools” are currently operating at Carver and what each one is called.

Why APS Created “New Schools” at Carver

Carver has long been an important high school campus for south Atlanta neighborhoods. Over the past couple of decades, APS has focused on:

• Modernizing outdated buildings
• Reducing overcrowding and large, anonymous high schools
• Creating themed academies to better align with college and career goals

The “New Schools at Carver” model grew out of that effort. In general, the goals for these new schools include:

• Smaller learning communities
  Students are grouped into academies where staff can know them more personally.

• Career-focused pathways
  Each school emphasizes a set of careers or fields, like arts, STEM, or health sciences.

• More tailored support
  College counseling, internships, and dual enrollment can be more connected to each academy’s theme.

For families in Atlanta, this means if your student is zoned for Carver, you may have multiple program options on one campus instead of just a single general high school track.

How the Carver Campus Is Organized

Though details change over time, here’s how the campus typically works in Atlanta:

Shared Campus, Separate Schools

Each academy functions as its own school-within-a-school:

• Has its own principal or academy leader
• Maintains its own staff team and often its own hallway or building area
• Offers specialized courses tied to the school’s theme

However, students often share:

• Transportation: Yellow school buses run for the full Carver campus.
• Common areas: Cafeteria, auditorium, athletic facilities.
• Some core classes or electives: In some cases, students may take electives with students from other academies.

Typical Grade Levels

Most Carver academies serve:

• 9th through 12th grade

Some students may enter a specific academy as freshmen; others may join a themed academy after a 9th-grade “transition” year, depending on how APS has structured the program that year.

Types of Academies You May See at Carver

Names and focus areas can change, but Carver’s “new schools” typically fall into a few broad themes:

1. Arts and Media

A Carver arts-focused school might highlight:

• Music, theater, and visual arts
• Digital media, graphic design, or broadcasting
• Performance opportunities in school shows, band, or choir

This can appeal to students interested in creative careers or who want a more arts-rich high school experience within APS.

2. STEM or Technology

A STEM-focused academy at Carver might offer:

• Computer science or IT pathways
• Engineering fundamentals and robotics
• Courses in advanced math and science

These pathways are aimed at students who may pursue engineering, coding, or technical careers after graduation.

3. Health, Engineering, or Public Service

A career-focused academy may include:

• Health sciences (for students interested in nursing, medical support roles, or public health)
• Engineering technology (applied design, construction, or technical trades)
• Public service themes such as criminal justice or emergency services, when offered

These schools often connect students with certifications, work-based learning, or internships around Atlanta.

4. Early College / College & Career Prep

Some Carver academies emphasize:

• Dual enrollment with local colleges (such as Atlanta Metropolitan State College, Georgia State University’s Perimeter College campus, or other nearby institutions)
• Advanced Placement (AP) or honors classes
• College counseling and test prep integrated into daily school life

The idea is to prepare students for two- or four-year college while still in high school.

Quick Overview: What the New Schools at Carver Offer

Below is a simple summary of what families in Atlanta can typically expect from the Carver campus structure.

Because APS sometimes restructures academies, it’s best to verify current offerings directly with the school or district.

Who Typically Attends Carver?

Carver primarily serves families in southeast Atlanta, including parts of:

• Pittsburgh
• Lakewood Heights
• High Point
• Joyland
• Other neighborhoods near McDonough Blvd SE and around the I-85/I-20 interchange on the south side

If you’re unsure whether your child is zoned for Carver:

• You can contact Atlanta Public Schools:
  APS District Office
  130 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: (404) 802-3500

• Ask for Student Assignment/Enrollment and provide your Atlanta address to confirm your zoned high school.

Some students may also attend a Carver academy through school choice, lottery, or transfer processes, depending on APS policies for that year.

How to Find the Right Carver Academy for Your Student

If you are considering The New Schools at Carver for your student in Atlanta, here are practical steps:

1. Confirm Zoning and Eligibility

✅ Step 1: Call APS at (404) 802-3500 or visit an APS enrollment center to see:

• Whether you are zoned for Carver
• Whether specific academies at Carver are open to choice or transfers

2. Learn About Each Academy’s Focus

Once you know Carver is an option, reach out to the campus:

• Ask for the current list of academies on the Carver campus
• Request information on:
  • Pathways and career themes
  • Advanced courses (AP, honors, dual enrollment)
  • Extracurriculars (clubs, sports, band, arts)

You can also ask when they host:

• Open houses
• Rising 9th grade nights
• Family information sessions

These events are especially helpful if you live in neighborhoods like Pittsburgh or Lakewood and want to compare Carver to other nearby APS high schools.

3. Ask About Transportation and Daily Schedule

For many Atlanta families, logistics are critical:

• Bus routes: Confirm if there is a bus stop close to your home.
• Start/end times: Align with your work schedule and after-school programs.
• After-school activities: Ask about tutoring, clubs, and sports, especially if you rely on school-provided transportation.

What to Expect Day-to-Day at the New Schools at Carver

While experiences vary by academy, a typical Carver student in Atlanta can expect:

• Core classes like English, math, science, and social studies that meet state high school requirements.
• Pathway or “major” classes connected to their academy’s focus—such as computer science, arts, engineering, or health sciences.
• Advisement or homeroom where students get support with grades, goal setting, and sometimes social-emotional learning.
• Access to counselors who help with:
  • Graduation planning
  • College and scholarship applications
  • Career exploration

Because Carver is in urban Atlanta, students also benefit from proximity to city resources, such as:

• Local colleges and technical schools
• Downtown cultural institutions (museums, theaters, arts events)
• Employers offering internships, job-shadowing, or guest speakers

How Carver Fits into the Broader APS High School Options

If you live in Atlanta, the New Schools at Carver are one part of a wider APS high school network that includes:

• Other neighborhood high schools (for example, Washington, South Atlanta, Maynard Jackson, North Atlanta)
• Magnet and specialized programs (such as arts, STEM, or early college at different campuses)
• Charter and partner schools within or adjacent to APS boundaries

When you evaluate Carver, consider:

• Is Carver your zoned high school?
• Does its academy structure match your student’s interests?
• How does it compare to other realistic options based on where you live and your transportation needs?

For many south Atlanta families, the Carver campus is attractive because it offers multiple themed options without having to leave the neighborhood.

Tips for Atlanta Families Considering the New Schools at Carver

Here are simple, Atlanta-specific steps to move forward:

• Visit the campus in person.
  Walking the Carver grounds and seeing classrooms gives a clearer sense of each academy’s culture.

• Talk to current families and students if possible.
  Many parents in neighborhoods like Pittsburgh and Lakewood Heights share information through neighborhood associations and community groups.

• Ask detailed questions about support services:

  • Academic tutoring and credit recovery
  • Special education services and accommodations
  • English language learner support, if needed

• Check how the school communicates.
  Find out whether they use robocalls, emails, apps, or printed newsletters so you can stay informed about APS calendar changes, testing dates, and events.

• Keep an eye on APS updates.
  APS sometimes restructures or renames academies at major campuses like Carver. Review district materials each year to confirm which “new schools” are operating and what they offer.

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia and trying to understand what “New Schools at Carver” means, think of it as a modernized, multi-school high school campus designed to give south-side students strong college and career pathways without leaving their community. For the most accurate, up-to-date details, your best next step is to call APS or the Carver campus office and ask about the current academies, enrollment options, and programs.