Atlanta, September 11, 2025

News Summary

Atlanta Public Schools is contemplating the closure of up to 13 schools due to declining enrollment and facility underutilization. Currently, the district accommodates about 70,000 students but has only 50,000 enrolled. Most schools are operating below capacity, leading to significant funding losses. The district has launched the APS Forward 2040 initiative to tackle these challenges and has begun community engagements to gather feedback on potential school closures, with recommendations expected in November and a school board vote in December.

Atlanta

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is considering closing up to 13 schools due to a significant decline in student enrollment and the underutilization of its facilities. The district currently has the capacity to accommodate around 70,000 students, yet the actual enrollment stands at approximately 50,000, highlighting a stark disparity.

Enrollment figures have remained relatively stable over the past decade, with 49,842 students reported in 2015 compared to 49,660 in 2024. However, a recent facilities assessment revealed that around 42 of the district’s schools are operating at less than 65% of their full capacity. This underutilization is problematic as it impacts the viability of many schools and leads to an estimated loss of $350 million in funding due to several schools not meeting the enrollment threshold required for state support.

In light of these challenges, APS has launched a comprehensive long-range facilities plan named APS Forward 2040. This initiative aims to address building underutilization and declining enrollment trends. A preliminary list identifying schools proposed for closure, reorganization, or rezoning was shared last month, prompting school officials to begin holding public meetings to engage with parents about the potential implications of these cuts. This engagement is particularly focused on parents whose children attend schools on the closure list.

Community Engagement and Proposed Changes

Among the schools under consideration is the Barack and Michelle Obama Academy (BAMO), which APS is contemplating repurposing. In addition to BAMO, various schools, including L.O. Kimberly Elementary, are highlighted in discussions for possible closure, despite some community members labeling it as a successful institution. APS operates a total of 87 schools, with about 10,000 students enrolled in charter schools, adding another layer to the complexity of the planning process.

The district has held community meetings to discuss the situation, focusing on both the Southeast and Central Regions, with plans to continue outreach in the Northwest and Southwest Regions. Feedback from these community interactions will be instrumental in informing the final recommendations that will be made to the Atlanta School Board.

Future Plans and Considerations

Factors influencing school closure and repurposing decisions include consistent enrollment trends, school condition, capacity limits, and student proximity to other educational institutions. In this context, APS aims to refine its proposals based on community feedback, with an anticipated final list expected to be presented to the Atlanta School Board in November. A vote on the comprehensive facilities plan is scheduled for December.

A community survey has been made available for further feedback, which will remain open until September 15. It’s important to note that any significant changes resulting from the plan may take several years to implement as the district works to ensure a smooth transition that considers the needs of all stakeholders involved.

Summary of Key Features

• Current Enrollment: Around 50,000 students.
• Capacity: Schools can accommodate roughly 70,000 students.
• Schools underutilized: Approximately 42 schools below 65% capacity.
• Estimated funding loss: $350 million.
• Community Engagement: Ongoing meetings and feedback collection.
• Action Timeline: Final recommendations by November and school board vote in December.

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First: Atlanta parents question methodology behind proposed school closures
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Atlanta Public Schools considers closing up to 17 schools
• K12 Dive: Atlanta Public Schools building closures and redistricting plan (2025-2030)
• Wikipedia: Atlanta Public Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta

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.