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Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision that shapes their future. If you’re considering Drew Charter School, you’ve already made a great choice! Known for its innovative curriculum, nurturing community, and academic excellence, Drew Charter School has become a top destination for students in Atlanta and beyond.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the Drew Charter School application requirements, enrollment process, and everything you need to know to apply for the 2024-2025 school year. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or reapplying, you’ll find all the necessary information here to navigate the process with ease.
About Drew Charter School
Drew Charter School is a public charter school located in the East Lake neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. Established in 2000 as the Charles R. Drew Charter School, it has grown into a thriving K-12 institution that serves over 1,800 students.
Founded by the East Lake Foundation as part of a community revitalization project, Drew Charter School’s mission is to provide high-quality education to children in one of Atlanta’s most historically underserved neighborhoods. Since its inception, Drew Charter has become a model for urban education, with a focus on academic excellence, community engagement, and college readiness.
See: Oglethorpe Charter School: Application Requirements
Drew Charter School’s Vision & Achievements
Drew Charter School consistently ranks among Georgia’s top schools. In 2021, it was ranked the #2 public high school in Georgia and #1 among charter schools in the state. Some of the standout statistics include:
- 98.4% Graduation Rate (Class of 2022)
- $8 Million+ in Scholarships Earned by students
- 99% College Acceptance Rate
- 65% of students participate in early college programs
- High participation in after-school enrichment programs like R.I.S.E.
Drew Charter has pioneered an educational model that integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), project-based learning, and strong social-emotional learning to prepare students for success in college and beyond.
See: Victory Charter School: Application Requirements
Drew Charter School Enrollment Checklists
When applying to Drew Charter School, it is essential to follow the correct steps to ensure your child is considered for admission.
1. Proof of Residence
To confirm that your child resides within Drew Charter’s enrollment area, you must provide specific documents. These include:
- Photo Identification (valid state-issued ID)
- Deed, mortgage statement, or lease agreement (dated within the last 30 days)
- Georgia Power bill (in your name, dated within the last 30 days)
- Two additional supporting documents (e.g., bank statement, pay stub, utility bill)
If you live in a rental property, ensure the lease agreement includes the names of all enrolling children.
2. Proof of Age
A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate is required to prove their age. This document can be requested online through the Georgia Vital Records Office if necessary.
3. Proof of Economically Disadvantaged Status
If you qualify for the lottery preference as an economically disadvantaged family, you will need to provide documentation such as:
- A federal or state award letter for SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, or other programs
- Most recent IRS tax return
This is a critical part of the lottery system, which prioritizes families from low-income backgrounds to increase diversity and equity in the school.
4. Proof of Legal Guardianship or Custody
If applicable, submit legal documents showing proof of custody or guardianship. This is required if the child is not living with their birth parents, or if custody is shared between parents.
5. Current Cox Pre-K Students Enrolling in Kindergarten
Students transitioning from the Cox Pre-K Program to Kindergarten at Drew Charter School for the 2024-2025 year are not required to resubmit certain documents if they remain on file (e.g., birth certificate, Social Security card, or dental/vision exams). However, updated immunization records may be required.
Drew Charter School: Academic, Arts, and Athletic Achievements
Drew Charter School isn’t just about academics—it’s about developing the whole child. From a strong STEAM focus to award-winning athletic teams and an expansive arts program, Drew Charter fosters creativity, discipline, and teamwork.
Academic Achievements
Drew Charter’s curriculum is built around project-based learning, with a particular emphasis on STEAM education. This unique approach prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world by integrating real-world problem-solving with academic subjects.
- State and National Academic Awards
- High achievement on standardized tests, with students consistently outperforming state and national averages.
Arts Achievements
The school boasts a rich arts program, offering visual arts, theater, and music. Many students participate in regional and national art exhibitions, theater performances, and music competitions.
Athletic Achievements
Drew Charter’s basketball team is a prime example of the school’s commitment to excellence. With multiple state championships and a legacy of producing collegiate athletes, the school offers a variety of sports, including soccer, tennis, and cross-country.
Drew Charter School Website
The Drew Charter School website is an essential tool for prospective students and their families, providing in-depth information about the school’s programs, enrollment process, and community involvement. Whether you’re interested in academics, extracurricular activities, or the unique culture at Drew, the website covers it all. You’ll find details about admissions, upcoming events, faculty achievements, and much more. For more information, visit the official Drew Charter School website.
Drew Charter School Achievements
Drew Charter School has earned a reputation for excellence, consistently exceeding expectations and achieving remarkable success across academic, athletic, and artistic domains. The Class of 2019, for example, boasted a graduation rate of 96.6%—the second-highest in the district—and collectively earned more than $12 million in college scholarships. Drew’s Elementary Academy has been recognized for its outstanding performance, ranking among the top 3% of all schools in the state according to the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).
In addition to its academic accomplishments, Drew Charter School has earned recognition for its dedication to arts and athletics:
- Drew’s Elementary Academy became the first school in Georgia to receive STEAM Certification from the Georgia Department of Education for its integrated approach to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education.
- Drew’s Senior Academy received the fourth-highest CCRPI score among Georgia’s charter high schools.
- Drew’s varsity teams, including the Boys’ Varsity Golf Team, have achieved state championships, and Drew’s athletics program continues to excel in regional competitions.
Academic Achievements
- In 2018, Drew’s Elementary, Junior, and Senior Academies all received the “Beating the Odds” designation, which recognizes schools for exceeding expectations in academic achievement.
- Drew’s Class of 2017 earned over $5 million in scholarships, with 100% of graduates accepted to colleges.
- The 2019 class received recognition for exceptional math achievement, including a state ranking in the 99th percentile for math scores among African American students.
Arts Achievements
- Drew’s Senior Academy Chorus received “Superior” ratings at the Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) in 2018, with accolades for their excellence in sight-reading.
- The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble, which includes more than 70 students, performed at prestigious venues, showcasing the school’s dedication to music education.
- Drew’s Drama Team has also earned accolades, including awards at the regional level in the Georgia High School Association State One-Act Competition.
Athletic Achievements
- The Boys Cross Country team won the Class A Public Division State Championship in 2015.
- Drew’s girls’ tennis team claimed the 2017 Class A Public Division State Championship.
- The Boys Junior Academy Basketball team was crowned the Middle School Basketball Champion for the 2017-2018 season.
Faculty Achievements
- Claudia Fitzwater, an elementary school Spanish teacher, won the Governor’s Office for Student Achievement Innovation in Teaching Competition.
- Drew’s Engineering and Design teacher, Beth White, received the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement Innovation Award for her student-led projects.
Drew Charter School FAQs
Who is eligible to attend Drew Charter School?
To attend Drew Charter School, students must reside in the Atlanta Public Schools District. However, children of Drew Charter Board members and full-time staff members may also apply.
How are applicants selected for enrollment?
Admission to Drew is determined through a lottery system. If there are more applicants than available spaces, students are selected based on Drew’s enrollment priorities. Students not selected are placed on a waitlist.
Does Drew prioritize serving economically disadvantaged students?
Yes, Drew Charter School utilizes a weighted lottery system to give priority to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This aligns with the school’s mission to serve a diverse, mixed-income student body.
How many seats are available in each grade?
The number of available seats varies by grade. Drew Charter School manages enrollment carefully to maintain class sizes that allow for personalized attention and high academic standards.
Whether you’re seeking a school that emphasizes academic rigor, artistic expression, or athletic achievement, Drew Charter School stands out as an ideal choice for families in Atlanta and the surrounding areas. The school’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and community involvement makes it an outstanding option for families who want their children to thrive.
For more information on the application process, academic programs, and campus life, visit the website.