Atlanta Public Schools (APS) rolled out the red carpet for its brightest stars during the 2026 APS Exceptional Prom at Maynard Jackson High School on Saturday, March 14, as the district celebrated exceptional middle and high school students across the district, ensuring they are seen, supported, affirmed, and feel a strong sense of belonging.
Themed “Hollywood Royalty: The Star Treatment,” the prom featured a long red carpet and gold statues, a brilliant display of red, black, and gold balloons flanked by large, brightly lit APS letters, as well as food, music, games, and more.
One by one, dozens of students — many of whom were accompanied by parents, siblings, and other relatives — made their grand entrance and arrived in a myriad of fancy dresses, tuxedos, and suits. Students took turns walking the red carpet and enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon in the school gymnasium, where they danced, played lots of games, took pictures at a 360-photo booth, and connected with classmates and teachers. Many even received special awards.
Hosted in partnership with the APS Department of Exceptional Education, Office of Equity + Social Justice, and the Student Advisory Council (SAC), this year’s event marked the second annual districtwide prom for exceptional students, making it both accessible and inclusive for special populations of middle and high schoolers who typically would not attend prom. The event was originally organized for exceptional students in the North Atlanta cluster several years ago but expanded districtwide in 2025, thanks to support from Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson and then Atlanta Board of Education Vice Chair Jennifer McDonald.
Rachelle Nurse, an English teacher at North Atlanta High School and one of the prom organizers, said the highly anticipated event brought much joy to her heart. Event volunteers transformed the school gym into an extravagant display featuring colorful balloons, red and gold tablecloths adorned with floral centerpieces, carnival games, and a DJ spinning the latest hits.
“I keep fighting back the tears because parents look forward to this for their children, and for us, it’s just a blessing to be able to put on such a great event for the students who wouldn’t normally go to the other junior-senior prom,” Nurse said. “For students to have their own event is so important and very extravagant for us. It’s heartfelt, and I just think parents really appreciate that their children are able to be involved in this as well.”
Her colleague and prom co-organizer, Dr. Jennifer Page, underscored the event’s beauty and its significance to students and families across APS.
“It’s beautiful to see the kids all dressed up, and how parents feel welcome,” said Dr. Page, who also teaches English at North Atlanta High School. “They are in a beautiful space and they’re celebrated. And that’s the main thing. A lot of times, these students can’t physically go to their local proms, and so to have an event that is catered to them, and where they can feel on top of the moon, they are all prom stars.”
Vonche’ McLemore accompanied her son, Adriyin Harris, to the event, and said they both had a great time.
“Today has been phenomenal,” said McLemore, whose son is a sixth grader at Sutton Middle School. “This has been an opportunity for him to get used to attending these types of events because a lot of times, special education students are excluded, whether intentionally or unintentionally, just for different circumstances. So, his getting the experience to dress up, shop for a tuxedo, see his friends, and have fun, it’s wonderful.”
Dr. Shateena Love, director of the Department of Exceptional Education, said she was delighted that students and their families enjoyed the prom.
“This just makes my heart smile, and what makes me smile even more is to see how parents are also enjoying time with their families and their students,” Dr. Love said. “This year, we have more volunteers, which made it an even more awesome experience for everyone. Staff members from the central office and schools got a chance to see how this one event can light up the students’ world. Hopefully, we can do it even bigger and better next year.”
According to Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, program director of Student Engagement and co-advisor of the Student Advisory Council, approximately 150 exceptional students, parents and their siblings, along with student and staff volunteers, participated in this year’s prom. The theme was chosen through collaboration with SAC, student government associations, and past exceptional prom attendees to ensure inclusivity for all students, particularly those with exceptional needs.
“It just allows for a different environment, a different experience, so students can come and feel comfortable with their siblings, parents, and other peers who have similar exceptionalities from across the district,” said Dr. Caldwell Templeton, who helped oversee logistics. “It’s a great coming together of the students that we serve in the Exceptional Education Department.”
Atlanta Board of Education member Patreece Hutcherson attended for the first time and said she was enjoyed the experience.
“This is so endearing, and we want to make sure that we have this every year so our families can enjoy it,” Hutcherson said. “Everyone did an amazing job and it warms my heart because this is so meaningful. For students to have a special prom, just to celebrate and bring their siblings and parents, and see teachers and staff, is awesome.”
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