Fulton County Schools District News

The Fulton County Schools (FCS) social studies department held its second annual Jimmy Carter and Andrew Young Social Studies Championship at the Carter Center on December 14, 2024. Third through fifth-grade students from the two finalist schools, Crabapple Crossing Elementary School in Milton and Dolvin Elementary in Roswell School, competed for the first-place prize in a quiz bowl-style contest and debate.

Learning how to properly tie a necktie is one the many rites of passage for a young man. It is a skill Gerald Harris, dean of students at Benjamin Banneker High School, learned from his father. Now, he’s paying it forward.

Applying cybersecurity and machine learning to healthcare challenges, Shiv Garg, a high school junior at Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy, has created EyeAI, a cutting-edge tool that uses artificial intelligence to help diagnose eye diseases.

Exciting things are happening in Fulton County Schools. Westlake High School has entered a transformative partnership with the Music Education Group, Inc. (MEG), an organization focused on empowering young minds through hands-on experiences in music, film, and digital media.

Creekside High School recently welcomed a delegation of educational leaders eager to explore how its Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program is transforming lives. During the AVID “Showcase”, visitors observed classrooms, met with administrators, and spoke directly with students to see how Creekside is empowering learners to achieve their college and career goals.

Dunwoody Springs Elementary School third-grader Wade Williams was just five years old when his grandmother Alfreda Williams contracted coronavirus. He was scared and full of questions, but Wade decided to use his experiences to inspire others to be as healthy as possible.

Art teachers teach their students to create and often encourage students to share their creative works with others. Now, the talents of 10 Fulton County Schools (FCS) art teachers are featured in a local art show.

Fulton County Schools has continued a remarkable four-year streak by achieving a historic milestone with a new four-year graduation rate of 90.7%. The district also surpassed state performance in the other key metrics outlined by Georgia’s College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).

Students from Alpharetta, Creek View, High Point, and New Prospect Elementary Schools recently took part in an inspiring initiative designed to tackle girl-against-girl bullying. The Kind Campaign’s founders brought the nationally renowned and impactful program to Fulton County Schools (FCS) to raise awareness of bullying among girls and foster a culture of empathy, healing, and kindness.

One magical day in October, students at Liberty Point Elementary School played the role of princesses and princes. The young royals dressed in their finest frocks and walked through hallways decorated in a Mardi Gras theme. Conversations centered around one big moment – a visit from Anika Noni Rose.

Each year School Transportation News (STN) recognizes outstanding bus fleet management professionals across the country and highlights Garage Stars in their magazine. FCS Foreman Scottie McKinzie was nominated by Tom Hopkins and Chelsea Uphaus of ROUSH CleanTech...

Leaving the comforts of elementary school behind and entering the unknown of middle school can cause some apprehension in 5th graders, unless you are a student of teacher Thomas Bussey. His classes at Hapeville Elementary School are designed to instill student confidence and bring instruction to life.

FCS proudly announces that thirty of its schools have been recognized as Math Leader schools by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). This recognition places FCS among the top districts in Georgia for excellence in mathematics education, ranking third after Gwinnett and Cobb counties.

The Georgia Department of Education announced the 2024 Literacy Leaders, and for the second year in a row, Fulton County Schools (FCS) leads the state. This recognition highlights 26 schools for their achievement or growth in the percentage of elementary and middle school students reading at or above grade level...

In celebration of National Family Engagement Month, Fulton County Schools (FCS) will again host Family Matters, a district-wide event to celebrate and engage FCS families. Building on last year’s success, which attracted nearly 1,000 attendees, Family Matters will be hosted at two schools, one in the northern part of the district and the other in the south, to ensure access for families across Fulton County.

Tabitha Stanley-Rollins was selected by the Georgia Department of Education (GA DOE) as the 2024 Bus Driver of the Year. She was recognized as a “transportation superhero” and a driver of special needs students, often going above and beyond the call of duty.

Summit Hill Elementary School’s mission statement is, “We strive to help and excel in all we do by being proactive, accountable, and willing to lead.” Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Lorrie Bearden, the school now has a responsibility to put that mission into action as a 2024 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence (BRSE).

The APEC Family Foundation, founded over two decades ago by two passionate parents, Angelique and Corey Dutch, is dedicated to empowering FCS students.  When the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, Bright from the Start, awarded the foundation a $120,000 health and safety grant, APEC used the funds to provide outdoor basketball courts at four FCS schools.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) 2024 graduating seniors not only achieved the highest ACT test participation rate in Georgia but also outperformed their state and national peers in composite scores for the eighth consecutive year. The percentage of ACT-tested graduates rose from 47.8% in 2023 to 54.8% in 2024, marking a seven-point increase.

It was a magical moment. A crowd of kindergarteners, first graders and second graders held in rapt attention with their listening ears working at maximum capacity. Teachers and staff at Medlock Bridge Elementary made it happen with the help of author Ann Patchett and illustrator Robin Preiss Glasser.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) proudly announces a new milestone with a 90.7% graduation rate, the highest ever recorded for the district. This marks an increase from last year’s 90.3% and the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking success.

FCS continues to outperform both the state and Metro Regional Education Service Agencies (RESA) in mathematics, according to the Georgia Department of Education’s (GADOE) April 2024 Georgia Milestones results.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) students once again surpassed both state and national averages on the SAT, marking the eighth consecutive year of this achievement. For the class of 2024, FCS students recorded a mean total score of 1063, outpacing the Georgia average by 33 points and the national average by 68 points.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) recently introduced "Buster," an innovative addition to the district's transportation safety initiatives. Buster, a large remote-controlled miniature school bus, measures approximately three feet in height and extends four to four and a half feet from front to back.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) kicked off the new school year with an inspiring and energetic celebration, as small groups of students engaged in lively discussions with industry science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) experts.

Chattahoochee High School students shared their talents with the nation this summer. Soon, the school’s trophy case will be filled with proof, courtesy of the Beta Club. Chattahoochee students placed in the top 10 of 15 categories at the 44th Senior National Beta Convention in Savannah.

In four years of coaching track and field at Langston Hughes High School, head coach Roland Colvin has won two state Georgia High School Association (GHSA) championships. The championships were won in 2023 and 2024.

According to an American Automotive Association (AAA) survey, 43% of Georgians admitted to driving over the speed limit in active school zones with flashing lights. Additionally, 30% of Georgians admitted to using a hand-held cell phone in an active school zone.

On Saturday, July 27, members of the FCS Board of Education, the superintendent and members of his executive cabinet held a back-to-school press briefing at the FCS South Learning Facility in Union City. The recoding is now available on YouTube.

Fulton County Schools’ exceptional 2024 Georgia Milestones test results are a true testament to academic excellence as students continue their path toward academic progress...

Exemplifying Fulton County Schools’ strong emphasis on high academic achievement, 2024 marked another banner year for students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses. With more than ten thousand students participating in the AP program across 39 different subjects...

In March, 72 FCS sophomores and juniors were notified of their acceptance into the Georgia Governors Honors Program, a residential educational experience for public, private, charter and homeschooled finalists.

Typically, teachers try to avoid a day becoming a disaster. But on March 22nd at Innovation Academy, a disaster was a huge success.

A group of dedicated students from River Trail Middle School is enjoying their recent win at both Georgia’s Academic Bowl state championships and the national championship.

As a bus driver for Fulton County Schools (FCS), Lisa Jacobs knows her role means more than ensuring students get to and from school on time. She drives a classroom on wheels.

Azuloy Life, who joined the staff of Sandtown Middle School in 2020, was named the 2024-2025 Fulton County Schools (FCS) Teacher of the Year.

“Ms. Yi’s work ethic is exemplary,” said Lake Winward Principal Julie Morris. “Not only does she efficiently manage cafeteria operations, but she also takes the initiative to establish meaningful connections with students.

“Jodi McDaniel is a classic case of all that is good with Fulton County Schools. As the Professional Assistant III, she quickly became indispensable in the Division of the Chief of Staff...

In June 2023, FCS Chief Financial Officer Marvin Dereef Jr. was awarded the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International Eagle Award for his outstanding leadership contributions in the field of education...

The Bethune robotics team named, built and operated their robot, Orange Phoenix, as they closely followed guidelines of the National Beta Club state competition. They were coached by Schuyler Hollis

Model PLC at Work™ (Professional Learning Community) schools are notably some of the highest performing schools in the nation. Fulton County Schools' (FCS) Webb Bridge Middle School (WBMS) now carries that recognition. This is the first time Webb Bridge has applied for and been awarded the honor and the first middle school in the district to receive the distinction.

"We're only as good as our weakest members." 
Milton High School Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Director Kevin Kenney shares his philosophy to keep the beat going strong. Last November, he led the school's Percussion Ensemble to win first place at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Four students -- Cole Martin, Alex Burton, Chis Enderle and Haley Hoover - took the top spot out of thousands of drummers and percussionists in attendance from all over the world.

As the district implements its budget process for FY 2024-25, FCS pledges to remain open and transparent throughout our annual planning activities. The comprehensive budget development effort takes several months and includes multiple steps of review...

As promised by the one-penny sales tax for education (ESPLOST), a new facility will be built to replace S.L. Lewis Elementary School. For this to happen, the Fulton County School Board must first decommission the current building so it can be torn down and construction can begin.

Timing is important for runners. Stopwatches and scoreboards gauge success. A specific stretch of time played a key role in a successful season for the Boys Cross Country Team at Chattahoochee High School. Head Coach Tim Reeder and Coach Mike Morris call it “22 hours.” “You're at practice for two hours,” says Morris. “But what you do the other 22 hours of the day is what's really going to make you succeed.”

Resilient is the best way to describe Milton High School’s state-champion football team. “Our kids’ resiliency was unmatched,” said Athletic Director Kory Keys. “They lost a couple of games early in the season, and they used those games as motivation to bounce back. Every time a game got difficult down the stretch, they were unflappable. It’s a testament to their toughness and the coaches’ belief in them.”

When he graduated January 8, 2024 from Langston Hughes High School, star quarterback Prentiss Air Noland became part of a family tradition. "My older siblings all graduated from high school early," Noland said. "I had no choice but to graduate early and go to college."

It is the time of year when the high-spirited sounds of high school marching bands fill the fall air as the music, dance and pageantry of competition united the Fulton County Schools community...

When Israel Young, a 5th grader at Cliftondale Elementary, decided to run for president of the Georgia Elementary National Beta Club, he knew what he had to do. "I made sure to establish communication with my Beta club members at school, and with the students at the convention in Savannah," Young said. "Communication is key."

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) released the annual categories of needs improvement lists, and Fulton County Schools (FCS) showed both gains and areas in need of improvement. Four schools were removed from targeted assistance lists due to outstanding efforts by staff and students; while additional schools were added or remained.

The North Springs High School EcoSpartans are on the frontlines of a battle to make the world a greener place. The EcoSpartans are a team of Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Engineering students led by North Springs teacher, Dr. Sharmila Durai. The EcoSpartans recently claimed victory in the Georgia Power Careers in Energy Week Student Challenge. This is the second year in a row North Springs took home the winning title.

Dr. Brian Patterson and Angela Wilborn, two Fulton County Schools (FCS) Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) teachers, were named to the 7th Leadership Exploration and Development (LEAD) class of 2023-2024. Only 20 educators across Georgia are admitted each year.

How do you make sure Fulton County Schools has your feedback on the most important items facing the district? By sharing your thoughts on the annual Georgia Department of Education Parent Survey.

"The work that we're doing is really working." Principal Stanetress Evans sums up the accolade for Fulton Schools where 22 elementary schools were recognized as "Literacy Leaders."

Several PTAs in north Fulton made the commitment with their respective schools to enrich the experiences of stakeholders by meeting the National PTA standards for Family-School Partnerships. The year-long process...

When Tara Parla was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2010, "we decided to turn our negative into a positive, and start something," says Tara's husband, Jon. That is how The Passion Foundation was born.

In honor of National Family Engagement Month, Fulton County Schools (FCS) will host two exciting districtwide Family Engagement events to spotlight family engagement and how it directly correlates with student academic and extracurricular achievement.

Five Northview High School seniors qualified to submit a project to NASA and were named in the top five nationally, which came with an invitation to present their project at the Johnson Space Center in Houston this past April....

Fulton County Schools (FCS) 2023 graduating seniors have exceeded the state and national ACT composite scores for the seventh consecutive year and are participating in greater numbers.

The Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) released new data today showing Fulton County Schools (FCS) with a 90.3 percent graduation rate, achieving the highest ever recorded graduation rate for the third year in a row...

Leadership Development is a Bridge to Success initiative that offers a Leadership Certification Program for FCS educators to further their careers through a partnership between FCS and Georgia State University. This high-quality professional learn...

FCS continues to receive recognition from the state of Georgia’s Positive Behavioral Interventions Supports (PBIS) recognition program. PBIS is designed to improve conditions...

FCS increased student participation in taking the SATs for 2023 graduating seniors with a growth of 170 students or 6%. Since the pandemic, participation...

She melted hearts as Elsa in “Frozen” and defied gravity as Elphaba in “Wicked.” Recently, Broadway actress Idina Menzel took center stage with her sister - author and teacher Cara Mentzel - at New Prospect Elementary School. The superstar sisters stopped by to share their new book, “Proud Mouse.”

Knowing the fundamental importance of early literacy and students' ability to read proficiently by third grade, the Georgia Department of Education is recognizing schools with exceptional achievement or growth in third-grade reading as 2022-2023 Literacy Leaders.

High Point Elementary student Kaiya Desai has an impactful message to share. “No one is too little to help,” she says. “Everybody can help, even if you do little things.”

State testing results released today confirm that the percentage of FCS students testing at proficient and distinguished levels in several categories today is greater than in 2019.

A hard-working group of students will start the upcoming school year with a boost of confidence. Just a few days after the 2022-2023 school year was over, they were back in class for Fulton County School’s (FCS) Summer Learning Program.

When English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher Tracy Jackson arrived at Tri-Cities High School, he had no idea how quickly he would make an impact. Jackson was one of 60 teachers from school systems and charter schools across Georgia recognized by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) as an Exemplary ESOL teacher.

Camp Creek Middle School has never been a finalist in a state Social Studies competition. Recently, three students won first place in the Georgia State Social Studies (GCSS) competition.

Langston Hughes High School graduated 425 students May 17. Of that number, 25 students also received associate degrees in subjects ranging from Communications to Pre-nursing…

Thanks to federal funds from Fulton County School's Bridge to Success Plan, transporting students may be a little safer with the help of some exciting new bus driver training simulators. FCS recently...

Imagine learning how to drive a 15-ton school bus, but in the comfort and safety of a training classroom.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced this year’s $2500 Scholarship winners chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists...

As a part of Teacher Appreciation Week 2023, FCS is featuring three outstanding teachers - one each from elementary, middle and high school - including our FCS Teacher of the Year, Elise Kreitner.

FCS proudly presents our 2023 “Senior Spotlight” web/video series. These 17 outstanding seniors – one from each high school – embody the spirit and fortitude of the Class of 2023.

Did you know that a majority of FCS stakeholder survey respondents continue to approve of the district's Bridge to Success Plan?  As a matter of fact,...

A crowd recently gathered at the Milton Library in Milton for a reception honoring forty young FCS artists. The event celebrated Youth Art Month, w...

Elise Kreitner at Autrey Mill MS has been named the FCS Teacher of the Year. Barb Rettker, Northview HS, and Harriet Perry, FCS Admin, were named Support Professionals of the Year.

Joseph Buffington has a motto in his classroom: “excellence without excuses.” Buffington’s students at Banneker seek that excellence every year as ...

A group of 3rd graders at Summit Hill Elementary could change the world with one box. Their project, "Fresh for Change", recently won Best Overall in the elementary category at the Fulton County Schools (FCS) Design Thinking Competition.

Johns Creek and Chattahoochee High Schools make historic wins at the state level with JCHS earning their 7th consecutive title and CHS taking their first ever. Congratulations to our FCS swim champs!

Twenty-two fourth graders at Love T. Nolan Elementary walked into the Toolbox program not knowing what to expect. What they received was a new way of learning ...

Did you know that in February, Fulton County Schools celebrated the grand openings of two additional S.A.F.E Centers, thanks to funds allocated for the district’s Bridge to Success Plan

At the end of every rehearsal and performance, Banneker High School Band Director Emanuel Johnson leads his students in the Trojan Creed. “One of our lines in the band creed is ‘discipline is the nucleus of all things successful,’” Johnson said. “Whether you are part of a marching band, a family, or an organization, you have to have discipline in order to move forward.’” 

Fulton County Schools (FCS) Stonewall Tell Elementary will have the unique opportunity to create a park on its schoolgrounds for the whole community to enjoy. This partnership, the first of its kind for FCS, is part of the Schoolyards Project with the Trust for Public Land and Park Pride, two area nonprofits.

Cogburn Woods Elementary School in Alpharetta was recently awarded the top prize for summer reading. Through the online reading log program Beanstack, Cogburn Woods students kept track of what they read in the summer of 2022, earning first place in the United States and a $2,000 cash prize for their library. Cogburn Woods readers from kindergarten through fifth grade numbered 553 students, reading for a total of 57,958 hours during the summer.

Fulton County Schools (FCS), BB&T, Aerotropolis Atlanta, and the City of East Point were among the partners who turned out recently to distribute shoes and socks at the Samaritan's Feet Community Shoe Distribution. Families arrived as early as 7:45 a.m. for the 10 a.m. event. "I appreciate everything you've done for my family today," said Lee Tilman, a single mother and parent of eight.