Atlanta, GA, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is evaluating the possible closure or repurposing of up to 17 schools due to continued low enrollment and operational inefficiencies. With around 50,000 students currently enrolled and a capacity of 70,000, APS is seeking community feedback as they plan to address the significant budget loss incurred from empty seats. A school board decision is anticipated in December, with community meetings ongoing to gather insights.
Atlanta
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is evaluating the potential closure or repurposing of up to 17 schools due to ongoing low enrollment and the need for greater operational efficiency. Currently, APS operates 87 schools, and closing 17 would represent a reduction of approximately 20%. The school district has the capacity to accommodate 70,000 students; however, current enrollment figures show about 50,000 students enrolled, with roughly 10,000 attending charter schools. This situation leaves approximately 20,000 to 30,000 empty seats across the district.
Many of the APS school buildings are aging, with an average age of nearly 60 years. Schools that are described as “under enrolled,” with only 150 to 200 students, are proving to be increasingly challenging to staff and provide adequate programs, according to data analysis. To address these challenges, community feedback is being actively sought through public meetings that began in late August and will continue through the following months. This feedback process is part of a broader plan to ensure that any changes taken are informed by community insights and needs.
The school board is slated to discuss recommendations in November, with a final vote on the proposed school closures set for December. APS has engaged a firm to assist with planning, and this organization has indicated that the district is losing approximately $350 million annually due to the presence of unfilled student seats in its schools. This financial loss highlights the urgent need for APS to make strategic changes to its school operations.
According to forecasts, enrollment within APS is expected to continue to decline, with estimates suggesting that the number of students could decrease to around 48,000 by the 2028-29 school year. The most significant drop in student numbers is anticipated in elementary schools. This trend mirrors challenges faced by school districts in other regions across the country, including St. Louis Public Schools, which is also considering substantial school closures.
APS aims to redirect funding from closed or repurposed schools to enhance educational programs rather than maintaining facilities that are underutilized. In alignment with this vision, the district is prioritizing a transition plan for families to ensure they are adequately prepared for changes in school placements. This careful approach emphasizes the importance of a thoughtful implementation timeline to minimize disruption for students and their families.
Public input gathered from a recent summer survey, which garnered approximately 3,700 responses regarding a long-range facilities plan, will play a critical role in shaping the direction APS takes in the coming months. As community meetings continue, district officials are keen on engaging stakeholders to foster a collaborative environment for potential school adjustments.
Key Facts
- APS is considering closing or repurposing up to 17 schools.
- Current enrollment is about 50,000, with 10,000 attending charter schools.
- There are between 20,000 to 30,000 empty seats in the district.
- About 350 million dollars are lost annually due to unfilled seats.
- Public meetings to discuss changes will run through November.
- The final decision is expected in December.
Challenges and Outlook
With enrollment projected to decrease further, APS faces a pressing need to re-evaluate its facilities and resource allocation. The district’s plans for the future include not only consolidating schools but also enriching the educational offerings for remaining students by redirecting funds from closed institutions.
Conclusion
The actions taken by Atlanta Public Schools in the coming months will have lasting implications for the district, its students, and the surrounding community. Through community engagement and strategic planning, APS hopes to balance the need for operational efficiency with the importance of providing quality education for all its students.
FAQ Section
What is the primary reason for the potential school closures?
APS is facing low enrollment rates and a need for more efficient operations, with many schools currently underutilized.
How many schools could be affected by the closures?
Up to 17 schools may potentially be closed or repurposed if the proposal is approved.
What is the current enrollment in APS?
APS currently has roughly 50,000 students enrolled, which is significantly below the district’s capacity for 70,000 students.
How can the community provide feedback on the proposed changes?
Community feedback is being collected through a series of public meetings and surveys related to the long-range facilities plan.
When will the final decision on school closures be made?
The school board is expected to make a final vote on the proposed closures in December.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Schools | 87 schools currently operational |
| Potential Closures | Up to 17 schools |
| Current Enrollment | Approximately 50,000 students |
| Capacity | 70,000 students |
| Empty Seats | 20,000 – 30,000 empty seats |
| Estimated Financial Loss | About $350 million annually |
| Public Meeting Duration | August to November |
| Final Decision Date | December |
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Public Schools Considers Closing Up to 17 Schools
- Atlanta News First: APS Seeks Input on Possible School Closures
- 11 Alive: APS Considers School Closures Due to Declining Enrollment
- Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
- K12 Dive: APS Building Closures and Redistricting Plan 2025-2030
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
