Atlanta Public Schools Considers School Closures Amid Declining Enrollment

Atlanta, GA, September 8, 2025

News Summary

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is evaluating the potential closure or repurposing of up to 17 schools due to a significant drop in student enrollment. Currently managing 87 schools with a capacity for 70,000 students, the district’s enrollment sits around 50,000. This has led to a large number of empty seats and operational inefficiencies. To address the situation, APS will host public meetings to gather community feedback, with a final decision on school closures expected by December.

Atlanta, GA — Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is reviewing the potential closure or repurposing of up to 17 schools due to a significant decline in student enrollment and a drive for operational efficiency. The district, which currently manages 87 schools, is experiencing a decrease in student numbers that may lead to a reduction of approximately 20% of its total institutions if these closures proceed.

APS has the capacity to accommodate 70,000 students, yet current enrollment is hovering around 50,000. The situation is compounded by the fact that approximately 10,000 students have enrolled in charter schools, resulting in many empty seats throughout the district. Estimates indicate that there are between 20,000 and 30,000 available seats, highlighting inefficiencies in APS’s operation.

Matt Sachs, a data analyst for the district, has pointed out the challenges posed by under-enrolled schools, especially regarding staffing needs. L.O. Kimberly Elementary, located in a growing community, is among those schools under consideration for closure.

To ensure community input on this significant decision, APS is planning a series of public meetings throughout September, October, and November. District officials aim to gather feedback, which will inform recommendations for school closures that are expected to be presented in November. A final plan is set to be adopted by December, with district Superintendent Dr. Bryan Johnson stating that no decisions have yet been finalized.

The age of the schools in APS is another factor influencing the decision-making process, with the average age nearing 60 years. A recent survey during the summer garnered about 3,700 responses related to a long-range facilities plan, indicating an engaged community even amidst challenges.

Currently, around 65% of the district’s school seats are occupied. Projections suggest that APS’s enrollment may continue to decline, with forecasts predicting a drop to 48,000 students by the 2028-29 school year. The most significant decreases are expected in elementary schools, where struggles with enrollment are most acute.

In an effort to manage this situation, APS has brought in HPM, a management firm, to guide the redistricting process and long-term planning. Nationally, APS is not alone in facing these challenges, as other districts, such as St. Louis Public Schools, are also contemplating school closures due to similar issues with dwindling enrollment rates. Factors contributing to the overall decline include reduced birth rates and increased competition from charter and private schools.

Key Facts

• Current APS enrollment: ~50,000
• APS capacity: 70,000
• Total APS schools: 87
• Potential school closures: Up to 17
• Estimated empty seats: 20,000 – 30,000
• Projected enrollment by 2028-29: 48,000

Next Steps and Community Engagement

APS encourages community feedback through public meetings and surveys as a part of the decision-making process. Residents are urged to participate to ensure that their voices are heard as the district navigates these challenging waters.

Conclusion

The possible closure of schools in Atlanta Public Schools marks a crucial juncture for the district as it seeks to address under-enrollment and improve efficiency. Continued engagement with the community will be vital as APS works towards a sustainable future for its educational landscape.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
• Atlanta News First
• Google Search: Atlanta Public Schools
• Rough Draft Atlanta
• Google Scholar: Atlanta Public Schools closures
• K-12 Dive
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School Closures
• 11Alive
• Google News: Atlanta Public Schools redistricting

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