has been named the 2025 Georgia Charter School of the Year. The K-8 Atlanta public charter school received the prestigious award during the 22nd annual Georgia Charter Schools Conference, hosted by the Georgia Charter Schools Association (91吃瓜). This recognition highlights ANCS鈥� dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and student success.
The school was awarded $5,000 for educational use after receiving the highest number of attendee votes following live presentations by school finalists at 91吃瓜鈥檚 conference, held at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria on Wednesday, March 12.
鈥淎t a time when we are expected to conform to a single way of teaching students, this is both a calling and a reminder of the importance of innovation,鈥� said Alastair Pullen, Executive Director of Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School. 鈥淚t highlights the opportunity and privilege we have to do things differently for the sake of all kids because, as we know, not all kids are the same. Many thanks to my team at the elementary and middle school campuses for making this happen.鈥�
ANCS has consistently demonstrated excellence since its founding. This year, the school made significant strides in ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to a high-quality education. For the first time, at least 25% of new students came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, ANCS remains committed to reflecting the demographics of the city of Atlanta within its student body.
The school鈥檚 focus on academic rigor is evident in its College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) data, where student subgroups at both the elementary and middle school campuses consistently outperform those at neighboring schools and within the district by double-digit percentage points.
鈥淎tlanta Neighborhood Charter School exemplifies the creativity, dedication, and excellence that define Georgia鈥檚 charter school movement,鈥� said Dr. Bonnie Holliday, President and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. 鈥淎NCS鈥檚 commitment to academic success, community partnerships, and ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education makes it a model for schools across the state. We are proud to recognize their outstanding work and celebrate their well-deserved achievement as Georgia Charter School of the Year.鈥�
Innovative Programs Driving Success
ANCS attributes its success to several innovative programs:
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Conscious Discipline 鈥� These initiatives create a supportive and structured environment, contributing to some of the lowest infraction and suspension rates in the district.
- Farm and Nutrition Program 鈥� Students engage with the school鈥檚 farm, which produced over 2,000 pounds of food last year鈥攁ll used in the cafeteria.
- Constructivist Learning Approach 鈥� This hands-on, inquiry-based model fosters critical thinking and engagement.
Recognition and Accolades
ANCS鈥檚 impact has been widely recognized:
- Highlighted by Food Tank for its innovative nutrition and farm program.
- Named a Literacy Leader and Math Leader by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).
- Recognized by GaDOE and Atlanta Public Schools (APS) for high academic performance, including a Content Mastery score above 90 (elementary level) and a Closing Gaps score of 100 (middle school level) on the Georgia Milestones Assessments.
- Achieved a 97% teacher retention rate, reflecting a strong and supportive teaching environment.
- Recipient of an APS grant to help traditional schools develop their own farm programs.
Community Partnerships and Advocacy
ANCS thrives on strong community partnerships, working closely with local organizations such as Zoo Atlanta, Alliance Theater, Grant Park Coffeehouse, Scrap Atlanta, ChARM, and Produce鈥檇. This year, the school launched a groundbreaking internship program with Morehouse College to increase the number of Black male educators in its classrooms.
Additionally, ANCS is reshaping the conversation around charter schools by fostering collaboration instead of competition. The school鈥檚 partnership with Humphries Elementary demonstrates this commitment鈥擜NCS helped establish a farm program, while Humphries assisted in developing ANCS鈥檚 hydroponics initiative.
Preparing Students for the Future
ANCS ensures students are prepared for success beyond the classroom. The farm program integrates real-world applications of STEM and business, offering hands-on exposure to agriculture, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
The school also relies on data-driven decision-making to measure success and continuously improve. A recently developed strategic plan utilizes survey data, student performance metrics, and teacher retention rates to guide ANCS鈥檚 growth and outreach efforts.
The Charter School of the Year Award is generously sponsored by the and聽includes a $5,000 prize for educational use.聽ANCS was chosen from a group of outstanding finalists, , a K-12 public charter school open to students who reside within the Atlanta Public Schools district, and , a statewide virtual charter school for students in grades K-12.
