Written by Dr. Bryan Johnson, Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools
Dear APS Team, Families, and Community Partners,
I am proud to share exciting national recognition for Atlanta Public Schools (APS).
APS has been featured in the 2026 Education Scorecard, a joint initiative led by Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research and Stanford University’s Educational Opportunity Project.
To view the APS feature and explore the full 2026 Education Scorecard report, please visit:
APS Feature: Education Scorecard “District on the Rise”
Full Education Scorecard Report: Education Scorecard Full Report
As part of the report, Atlanta Public Schools was recognized as a “District on the Rise,” highlighting that APS students are improving in both math and reading at a faster rate than similar districts.
“In both math and reading, students in Atlanta Public Schools have improved by more than .4 grade equivalents since 2022, while similar districts in Georgia continued to decline. Atlanta is demonstrating that parents don’t have to accept the pandemic losses in achievement and that recovery is possible.”
Professor Dr. Thomas Kane, Faculty Director, Harvard University – Graduate School of Education
This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and belief of our teachers, school leaders, support staff, students, families, and community partners. Together, we have remained focused on what matters most: strengthening teaching and learning for every child in every classroom.
Over the past several years, APS has intentionally focused on getting Back to the Basics by:
- Expanding literacy and math supports
- Strengthening our instructional core
- Aligning teaching and learning to Georgia standards
- Investing in educators and instructional coaching
- Using student data to provide targeted, responsive interventions
- Increasing access to summer learning and enrichment opportunities
The study specifically highlighted APS’ work around instructional alignment, literacy and math acceleration, educator coaching and support, summer learning opportunities, and data driven instructional practices designed to meet student needs in real time.
This recognition also builds on the strong momentum we are seeing across the district. In recent months, APS has earned:
- Recognition as a national “District on the Rise” by Harvard University and Stanford University
- 34 Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) “Beating the Odds” recognitions
- 11 Single Statewide Accountability System (SSAS) awards for academic growth and achievement
- The 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award
- A teacher retention rate exceeding 90 percent
- Single digit teacher vacancies for the past three consecutive school years
While we are proud of these accomplishments, our work has never simply been about rankings or recognition.
As shared in the case study:
“It’s not just about the numbers for us, it’s bigger than the numbers. This is about kids and their future, their ability to thrive and to find their voice.”
That belief continues to guide our work every day.
I want to thank our incredible educators, staff, students, families, and community partners for continuing to move this work forward with urgency, excellence, and care.
As we continue implementing our Back to the Basics 2030 strategic plan, we remain committed to strengthening literacy, math achievement, student support systems, and high quality instruction so every APS student has the opportunity to discover their voice and thrive.
Thank you for believing in our students and supporting Atlanta Public Schools.
One District. One Goal. Every Child.
Respectfully,
Dr. Bryan Johnson
Superintendent
