This feature is part of the National Alliance’s 2021 Back to School Month campaign
Atlanta Smart Academy’s mission is to help students evolve into innovative solutionists who can apply their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems.
The Georgia school opened its doors in early August to grades 5-7 and will add 8th grade next school year. With a focus on science, math, and the arts, students will gain the tools they need to thrive in high school and beyond.
The National Alliance spoke with the school’s founder and executive director, Patrice Meadows, who shared more about how it all started.
What led you to open a charter school?
After many years in the education field, first as a science teacher then as an administrator, I found there was a lack of high-quality, innovative school options in southwest Atlanta. Specifically, there are no other public performing arts middle schools in the city. We are the first.
What makes Atlanta Smart Academy unique?
Our school emphasizes relationships, meaningful learning, and high student engagement through personalized, project-based learning with an emphasis on science, math, and the arts. We know our students well and use that to drive them towards higher than normal academic and social growth.
What are your plans to incorporate student voice into your school?
Our students get to select a major to study throughout their time at our school. Also, our founding students will decide our mascot and select the extracurricular activities and clubs they would like to have at our school.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about your charter school?
We are one big family with a shared goal that within 10 years of matriculation, 100% of our students will be in or on track to enter a career of their choosing.
Learn more about Atlanta Smart Academy.
Brittnee Exum is the manager of communications and marketing at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.
