2025 Back-to-School Festival photo recap. Photo credit: Brianna Mason, APS ©
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) welcomed over 8,000 families to the Back-to-School Festival at Lakewood Stadium on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The outdoor celebration, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, was designed exclusively for APS families as a festive beginning to the new school year.
Families received a school supply kit and had access to over 40 vendors offering on-site health services, including vision, dental, and eye screenings, physicals, and haircuts. Face painting and children’s activities were also available.
The APS Physical Education Department coordinated games, including musical chairs, tug-of-war, and line dancing, while the APS Nutrition Department distributed free food samples and water.

2025 Back-to-School Festival. Photo credit: Brianna Mason, APS ©
Attendees enjoyed live entertainment from the Carver High School Mighty Marching Panthers Band and Drumline, V-103, and DJ Tay, as well as swag bags and other giveaways.
APS Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson spoke to the families, stressing the district’s focus on student wellness, connection, and academic support.
“We know that when families feel supported and students feel seen, meaningful learning follows,” Dr. Johnson said. “That work doesn’t begin and end in the classroom. It shows up in events like this and reinforces our shared commitment: One district. One goal. Every child.”
The festival followed a day of districtwide open house events, during which elementary, middle, and high school students visited classrooms, connected with teachers, and gained valuable transportation and classroom information and procedures.
Classes officially began on Monday, August 4.










































































