Atlanta Public Schools is heading into the new school year with new momentum after announcing record student achievement on the Georgia Milestones.
Mayor Andre Dickens joined APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson, Atlanta Board of Education leaders, educators and school officials Friday at Fickett Elementary School to celebrate the district’s latest results.
APS reported its highest proficiency rates since Georgia Milestones testing began in 2015 across several subjects, including:
- EOG Math in grades 3–8
- EOG Science in grades 5 and 8
- EOG Social Studies
- EOC Algebra
- EOC Biology
The district also reported its largest year-over-year gains since 2015 in several areas, including a 4.6 percentage-point increase in EOG Math, a 7.1-point increase in EOG Social Studies and an 8.4-point increase in EOC Algebra.
A Citywide “Group Project”
Mayor Dickens, an APS graduate, said the results represent more than numbers on a test.
“The Group Project starts with Atlanta Public Schools,” Dickens said, pointing to the role students, educators, families, government, businesses and community organizations all play in preparing Atlanta’s young people for the future.
“Strong schools create strong neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods build a stronger workforce. And a stronger workforce drives a stronger Atlanta.”
The Mayor also connected the progress to his continued focus on Atlanta’s young people through the Year of the Youth, emphasizing that investing in students means creating opportunities, removing barriers and giving every child a chance to succeed.
Celebrating Progress — and Continuing the Work
While Friday’s announcement was an opportunity to celebrate, city and school leaders emphasized that the work continues.
“Every student who succeeds strengthens Atlanta’s future,” Dickens said. “Every classroom that improves makes our city more competitive. Every graduate prepared for college, career, military service, or entrepreneurship makes our city stronger.”
The Mayor congratulated Superintendent Johnson, the Atlanta Board of Education, principals, teachers, staff, students and families for the achievement.
“Atlanta’s future is bright because our students are leading the way.”
