Charles R. Drew Charter School in Atlanta

Category	Rating	Details
Test Scores	9/10	The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement, and using 2025 Georgia Milestones End-of-Grade (EOG) Assessment data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.
Student Growth	8/10	The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement.

Posted: February 1, 2023

My child used to attend. Unfortunately only one of her teachers appeared to care & had a great work ethic. It seemed better in older days when I was a young freshman in college & my sibling attended; there were educators w/ good hearts like Mr. Paul & Mrs. Whitaker then.
It's dissapointing seeing parents who DON'T work for the school & are giving HONEST unbiased feedback express having some of the same issues we had w/ a passive/ indifferent admin team too. It starts from the top; staff will only be as good as their leaders. The nepotism/ favoritism continues to be a part of the culture it appears. The targeting of certain children while excusing those learning how to terrorize others at an early age continues it appears. A minority of the staff would appreciate parents like me who were involved even volunteering in the classroom while others were backwards & at odds with parents who were involved (possibly concerned we'd report their poor performance/ misconduct).
The fact is just like with title 1 schools, many teachers will come just to get their student loans paid. When you have one who truly cares, then appreciate/ honor him/ her, b/c they're far & few between. Most over-police the children they don't value who require more from them (the children who have disabilities that challenge them) so it's just easier to send them to the office for everything never determining if they're reacting to being over-stimulated or some other manifestation of their disability.
My oldest is on the spectrum & didn't receive her accommodations listed on her IEP & specified in greater detail with more on her 504 (yes, I insisted on both). I noticed children like her would be considered distractions when they were most distracted by others, & sent to the office for miniscule things while bullies were running amuck seemingly not being disciplined - it was completely backwards.
So I'd volunteer in the library offering that as a safe haven intervention for overwhelmed teachers to send active students who they believed were a distraction with their work so I could help them in small groups instead of being so quick to just send them to the office for everything. The fact that they'd be calm & listen doing their work quietly was baffling considering their teachers' complaints, so it made me wonder if it was all on the students, or perhaps also the environments their teachers were providing (chaotic spaces b/c they lacked patience & clearly weren't enjoying their jobs.)

Posted: February 1, 2023

The school staff pick and choose sides between the kids because some or the kids in 9th grade have parents that work there they also treat other kids differently whos new attending the school this year in in ninth grade. This school and staff has really changed a lot not to make it better its like the school is getting worse everyday thinking about transferring my kids

Posted: February 1, 2023

Posted: January 10, 2023

Drew Charter School (Junior and Senior Academy) portrays to be this top tier STEM school but the truth is that they are overrun by gangs, children who terrorize, bully and harass other children. There are several fights EVERY week! Parents complain and plead to have the admin team do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!! They are failing parents and children because they dont care. Its sickening! If you are considering please reconsider.

Posted: January 10, 2023

Posted: December 29, 2020

Our first year at Drew Charter has been wonderful. The teachers are enthusiastic, engaging, and they go the extra mile for each and every student. The curriculum is challenging, but there is a ton of learning support made available by the staff. Also, the leadership team communicates early and often -- critical while dealing with the pandemic.

Posted: December 29, 2020

Posted: September 17, 2020

Excellent experience from Pre-K to currently 6. This school program is planned well, teachers are the best. Students from various background work well and study well together. The virtual learning is going wonderfully. This was planned precisely for each students. I feel like my kids are in regular school, busy all day, some homeroom meeting, going to the club, can get 1 on 1 if necessary. This is one amazing school.

Posted: June 12, 2019

They are very focused on giving the student time work on it so it has better quality

Posted: June 12, 2019

I really do love it. It's a really small student body so it feels like a family

Posted: March 29, 2018

3/10
The academics are good, but they arent the best thing Ive ever seen. I would much rather be at a school where I feel comfortable, happy, and feel like I can have a life outside of school without being constantly stressed and suffering with depression that is worsened, it seems, every week.

Posted: March 29, 2018

As a student, I understand the importance of homework but the amounts I have causes me to have immense amounts of stress. Its gotten to the point where my parent is actually concerned for my health because I come home and sometimes just cry once a week because of how stressed out I am.

Posted: March 29, 2018

Some staff members are great! Excellent in fact. However, there is about 60% that are horrible when it comes to being considerate or reasonable for students, especially those with multiple extracurriculars. Some also are obvious with their favoritism and giving more attention to students they like rather than being equal to all students.

Posted: March 29, 2018

The norms are mentioned quite a bit. There are some students who naturally are mature and respectful, but many are not and there is still a lot of bullying and teasing. Also, Ive seen first hand the lack of integrity as students cheat a lot in high school, but at this point they dont even lie to the teachers all the time. Much of the time they do it right in their presence.

Posted: March 29, 2018

The principles are OK, but I dont believe they are effective. Many students dont actually respect them and theyre more like figureheads. However, the Dean of Students for SA is, as some may say, ridiculous. Hes respected to a certain extent, but he gives students detentions or suspensions for being out of uniform, pulling them out of class and causing them to lose instructional time. I believe they need to get their priorities in order like focusing more on what types of behaviors are taking place in the classrooms.

Posted: March 29, 2018

Bullying is definitely at this school, but not everyone notices or cares to do anything about it. Ive heard racial slurs go unaddressed several times and there are students who are clearly excluded from big groups within their grade levels, but the teachers and that big group will constantly say We are the most connected! That is in fact, untrue. Also, there was a personal situation that involved a student feeling tense vibes from me and there was a reason behind it. Honever, the counselor asked me about talking to that student, yet they didnt care to ask why I was tense. It felt as though that favoritism was coming into play again in that the teachers and staff were being one-sided in a situation involving two students.

Posted: February 11, 2017

As a parent and an educator, I disagree with the poster who states that "every child should have homework to keep them engaged." Homework is not a means of keeping students engaged. It is so refreshing to find a school like Drew that realizes that student engagement begins and takes place primarily in the classroom. If students are engaged in the classroom, they will remain engaged. Homework, in most cases,only serves to burn children out and denies them the opportunity to have a love of learning. The students at Drew are engaged in the classroom and after school they have the opportunity to engage in meaningful play and extracurricular activities. This gives them an opportunity to have a well-rounded school experience. Before Drew, my young child was buried in homework and hated school. We couldn't participate in any extracurricular activities due to the extreme amount of homework. It is refreshing to find a school who realizes that if students love learning they will remain engaged.

Posted: August 24, 2016

Our daughters have attended Drew for 4 years and we have no regrets in sending them there through later elementary and Junior Academy. All schools have their negatives and positives - not every teacher can be fabulous and caring - but that's real world. I don't want our children to be coddled. I do, however, want them to learn about hard work and results. They receive this here, along with great guidance from many teachers. If they need extra help they have been comfortable in asking, or going to Ms. Hudson, the guidance counselor.

Posted: August 24, 2016

Posted: March 19, 2016

I absolutely love this school. my daughter went her for 2nd and 3rd grade and her teachers as well as all staff members I came in contact with were amazing. They truly care about out children and helping them achieve greatness. I have been trying to move back in the area only so that my children can attend this school again.

Posted: January 28, 2016

This is our first year at Drew. I have one child in the elementary and another in the jr. academy. Coming from private school, we are extremely happy with the education our children are receiving. The amount of knowledge and resources the teachers have access to only adds to the rich experience all the students receive. Communication can be improved but every school has it's cons, and I can tell they are still working out some kinks. All in all, great school! If you get in through lottery, consider yourself lucky.

Posted: January 28, 2016

Posted: December 17, 2014

I picked Drew due to my little sister thriving while attending. She is now in the 11th Grade. My son has really been struggling his last 2 years at Drew and it seems that most students from single parents households are slowly diminishing from the schools population. Drew's kindergarten program is phenomenal but when your child reaches 2nd grade, the teachers seem to no longer care. I pray things get better and I have faith that our family will beat the politics of what the school is attempting to do.

Posted: September 16, 2014

Do not waste your time on the PreK lottery. The only children that get in are siblings of current students and little ones coming from the feeder daycare program. Big fat waste of time to do their "lottery" - you will not get in!

Posted: September 4, 2014

We have absolutely LOVED our experience at Drew. My son has made so many friends over the years. He has learned to adapt to new situations and work collaboratively with others. The two specials that he has during the day give him exposure to different things that he wouldn't ordinarily have tried. My engineer uncle was amazed that my 7 year old was able to make a perspective drawing at such a young age and is actually using power tools to build things in school. As he gets older I know that he will be fully aware of all of his options in life. The day is about an hour longer than traditional schools but for us it's worth it and honestly my son has never noticed that the day is a bit longer.

Posted: September 3, 2014

The instructional program at Drew Charter Junior Academy is academically rigorous, but at the same time, incredibly supportive and the teachers and staff have created a warm and caring culture. The building and resources at the Junior/Senior Academy are absolutely phenomenal! This is our first year at Drew and we look forward to our son graduating from Drew.

Posted: July 16, 2014

I had my child a Drew last year before we moved to Decatur. If anyone is trying to decide between the two, I found Decatur City Schools to be a better fit for my family. Drew is getting sooo big, which is a negative in my opinion. (Have fun at drop-off and pick-up and don't plan on having any of your kids friends in the same class when there are 7 classes in one grade.) Seriously, Drew is fine, but the long school day, 8-4, is a bit much for younger kids. And while the extra time is spent on extracurricular activities like music or art, I felt like my child was never going to become proficient at any thing since they switch classes a couple times each semester. I'd rather have my child out of school at 2:45 in time to go to lessons, whether swimming, piano, etc., where I know he will actually have time to fully develop his skills. Just my two cents.

Posted: April 16, 2014

challenger elementary school it is a reall great school my child has lots of A's and B's

Posted: November 19, 2013

I am and student and from y perspective Drew is amazing especially with the new high school coming Drew will be academically unstoppable. I love this school and its staff and I plan on never leaving until I graduate from its life changing " Cradle To College Program" By the way so you can marvel at my education I am in 7th grade and am using a laptop from our grant and partnership with Echo.

Posted: September 9, 2013

Drew is a breathe of fresh air. This is our first year and already it's like night and day from where we came from. Both kids are in TAG but have been introduced to some pretty incredible things that expand way beyond. Very pleased and happy to have them as a partner in my childrens education.

Posted: August 14, 2013

I attended Drew Charter from grades 2nd to 8th (2001-2008) and I must say it was a great experience! All of my teachers were very helpful in many different ways. The teachers there encouraged me to move forward and to do my best even if I didn't know what I was doing. Even though I have graduated from there and high school, I still go up to visit my old teachers that are still there because they still care and it shows.

Posted: August 13, 2013

We are in our 4th year at Drew Charter School and I can't say enough great things about the school. We have a very supportive staff and great parents. The kids have been exposed to so many great opportunities that they otherwise would not have experienced. We are very lucky to have found this school.

Posted: August 1, 2013

Drew Charter school is a 5 star school! It is a top notch academic school with concerned faculty and supporting staff. The security team is ever present and my kids are safe. I only wish there was a Drew University.

Posted: April 23, 2013

My daughter started with Drew in Pre-K... I must admit the expectation level academically is above and beyond what I experienced growing up in the City of Decatur School System which was then and now a very good school system. I love the challenge that is placed on the kids to get them to think outside of the box and their own comfort levels. Although this school challenge my child to be her absolute best... at times, I find myself being challenged with science and social studies projects as well. My daughter is now in 3rd grade and I have enjoyed almost all of her teachers with the exception of one up to this point. Overall I think Drew is an excellent school however, I have found it a little perplexing that as the demographics of the area changed so has the schools in this area as all schools educationally should be equal.

Posted: January 30, 2013

Our daughters started Drew six months ago after we relocated from a top performing school in the North. Friends advised that if we were moving to GA, to only consider private or public schools in the suburbs. We're so glad we chose to live in town and most importantly, Drew. So far we have zero regrets. Our experiences have been nothing but positive. Our daughters' teachers are well educated, professional and truly care about their students. The ongoing feedback the parents receive, make it virtually impossible for a student to slip through the cracks. And if a child requires remediation, the resources are there. I'm also impressed that despite the size, the administrators know many students by name. The STEAM curriculum is commended considering that many schools are phasing out art/music enrichment. Moreover, our daughters' friends are much more diverse not only in race, but socioeconomics; something we feel are invaluable. The approved high school is icing on the cake. I used to joke that Drew was the best kept secret, but my husband says the secret is out.

Posted: January 28, 2013

Both of my children are currently at this school. We have been thoroughly impressed. Not only are the teachers and administration thoroughly involved, but the curriculum is truly unique for Atlanta. Furthermore, the after school program is the outstanding.

Posted: January 28, 2013

About 6 months ago we transferred 2 kids from private school to Drew. Obviously we were nervous about what type of education our kids would receive here. Well, so far its been great, far surpassing our expectations. If things continue to go this well we will be here until high school graduation. I m keeping my fingers crossed.

Posted: July 9, 2012

My child just completed his first year at Drew Charter School and I have been impressed. My husband and I have been very involved in the school. We believe that parent involvement is what contributes to a great school. My son's teacher was very enthusiastic about teaching and that translated into a child that is very enthusiastic about learning. Drew Charter School offers many opportunities for enrichment that can't be found at other APS schools and even some private schools. Drew Charter School does a great job of nurturing well-rounded children that excel academically. I look forward to my second child joining the school in a few years.

Posted: May 22, 2012

I don't think this is a bad school at all but I have to agree, the principal does seem very detach from the students but all in all I want to focus on the positive and to me, it is a great school! My son use to go to another school closer to our home and really didn't like school much but when I transfered him over to Drew his entire perspective changed. This is probably because he was around teachers that cared about him and was very concerned with him. He is now at Tech High Charter but I just want to say thank you to the teacher and staff at Drew. Keep up the good work!!

Posted: April 15, 2012

I am horrified by what I've seen of Drew so far. My children do not attend; rather, I am often running on the track at the East Lake YMCA while they are in the gym. I have sometimes been so disgusted by what I've seen occur that I've had to leave the track and go work out in another area so I don't have to be witness to it. This afternoon, I watched as about fifteen students, who looked to be between 8 and 10, were sent to the gym. The teacher yelled at them for speaking too loudly and then left the gym for fifteen minutes. While he was gone, another teacher looked at his record book, not once looking up at the kids or engaging with them. During this whole time, the children were expected to remain silent and seated. I don't know what kind of educational philosophy this is based on, but I'd call it cruel and unusual punishment. The teachers I have seen educate the children in a military- school style, berating them for talking and making them sit still and silently for longer periods of time than is developmentally appropriate. . I always feel terrible for the children after seeing these kinds of things.

Posted: February 7, 2012

THIS IS MY DAUGHTER'S SECOND YEAR AT DREW AND I AM THOROUGHLY SATISFIED WITH IT. THE ACADEMIC STANDARDS ARE AS HIGH, IF NOT HIGHER THAN THE PRIVATE SCHOOL SHE'D ATTENDED. THE TECHNOLOGY SURPASSES HER FORMER SCHOOL BY A LONG SHOT. THE SELECTION OF "SPECIALS" IS UNBELIEVABLE:CHORUS,SWIMMING,GOLF,VIOLIN,ETC...INITIALLY I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT HAVING TO ENROLL HER IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL(COMING FROM PRIVATE SCHOOL) BUT AFTER THE INITIAL INTERVIEW AND TOUR OF DREW, I FELT EXTREMELY CONFIDENT AND BLESSED TO HAVE THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR MY CHILD. I AM EVEN IMPRESSED WITH THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT;IT'S PHENOMENAL!!! I HIGHLY RECCOMEND DREW CHARTER TO ANYONE SEEKING A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE. OH YEAH, PLEASE NOT LET ME FORGET THE STAFF, THEY ARE GREAT AS WELL; FROM THE CUSTODIAL, CAFETERIA, TO THE INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF. THEY ALL ARE EXCEPTIONAL!!! and kudos to the after school program too-its the next best thing to your child being cared for by you or a trusted relative: they cover academics as well as life coping classes and other enrichment courses that otherwise cost a fortune.

Posted: February 1, 2012

The problem with the Drew Charter School is there are too many ignorant people hired to work there . Some of the teachers are loud, nosey and intrusive. It doesn't set a good example for the students, if you yell and scream at them to get your point across. Visit the parking lot in the mornings and you will even see top administrators yelling and screaming at people. One of the people who was hired or acquired to direct traffic in the mornings screamed "shut the f___ up" to one of the parents driving a car and this was right in front of all the students. Not exactly the type of wholesome environment you want to send your kids to every day.

Posted: December 5, 2011

This is by far one of the best schools in the Atlanta area. We have three chrildren that attend Drew. We've had experiences with our children attending another charter school and a Fulton county school. Drew is innovative in its program offerings, and has resources that only private schools might have. Our children are being challenged in the classroom and are excited about learning. Drew is not perfect. No school is. Most of the staff and administrayion have not settled for merely passing, but push our kids to be their very best..

Posted: December 4, 2011

I am so impressed with this school. From the moment you walk in the door the ladies at the front are total on top of every situation. They know most of the kids names and where they are supposed to be. All the staff and teachers are very interactive. They are firm with the rules and have expect ions for their students, which I appreciate. I saw some complaints about the principal not being involved in everyday activities. He is the head principal and there are principals of each "academy" that are very involved. His main job seems to be administration and fundraising...which he seems to be incredible at. I'm thrilled to live in neighborhood where there are two good elementary school options and that both are improving through active community involvement.

Posted: October 10, 2011

The Principal ( Don Doran ) has to be the worse Principal in the world!!!!!! He is only interactive while directing traffic. You should never expect him to resolve any concerns you may have. He is completely oblivious to what goes on in the classrooms at the school and frankly he can careless. He is very similar to a groundskeeper. He only cares about the appearance of the school to it WHITE sponsors. Don Doran is so detached from the daily functions of the school and the students it's ridiculous. This is a terrible SCHOOL. Now that is with all HONESTY!!!!!!!!!

Posted: September 13, 2011

Great School!!! My Nieces take FREE Ballet classes with a lot of these students at The Art of Confidence Performing Arts Alliance in Atlantic Station and they are all GREAT KIDS!

Posted: May 17, 2011

My son is in the Gifted Program, but strangely he was the only Gifted child in his class. The poor quality of teachers far out weigh the cirricular. And there's no accountabilty. Im not sure whose interest the people running the school have, but it certainly wasn't my son's. I would stay with my child the entire day to ensure his safety. This teacher broke his spirit which effected his self esteem and absolutely nothing was done. My son had been physically, emotionally, and verbally abused at this educational institution. Complaints and concerns fell on death ears time and time again. My son has a 95% and a100% average in 2 subjects in Sept, by that Oct on his report card he recieved C's in both these subjects. Naturally I was shocked because grades had drastically changed in a matter of weeks without any notice. I was present at the school on a daily basis. At recess my son was playing football along w 2 other boys,doing the exact samething when only my son was picked out. She did this while I wasright there as if I was going to allow her to single him in my presence. She had a lot of nerve. I saught an explaination from administration, they had none execept she didnt know(cont)

Posted: January 29, 2011

On paper this school is one of the best. But in reality not so much. We moved to Atlanta not knowing any one or anything about the city. We looked at this web site and choose to move to the East Lake area because of the school and what we had read about how great it was. For the first year it was good, His teacher was wonderful 3/4 of the year the school year my son was not looking forward to school and talked about wanting to move to a new school. When a 6 year old is saying things like that its a sign something is not right. I found out he was being bullied. I went to the teachers and principal and was told it was nothing and it had been dealt with. By the end of the school year it was fixed but the damage was done. The start of the new school year was hard as now I had 2 in the school and the eldest really didn't want to go back there. Other issues came up this time with my younger son. I was told that this was not my base school and so they couldn't give my son the help and support he needed. Knowing that I withdrew the boys 3 weeks into the new school year. The lack of understanding and compassion was undeliverable. But I had no choice.

Posted: November 30, 2010

I visited Drew Charter School with the 2010 GPEE (Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education) and I fell in love with the entire concept. I loved what I saw so much that I took my husband (who is a 5th grade teacher) and my sons (ages 11 and 8) back for a tour. They loved it too! We currently live in a rural community and just to see the opportunities available for these students and their parents via a public school is indeed heartwarming and very encouraging. As an educator, my husband was impressed with the overall environment, the projects on display and our observation of the students and the teachers interacting. My sons were impressed with the projects they saw and the plethora of extra curricular activities to choose from. They were excited to know that foreign language, music AND sports are available. Our prayer is that we can move to the Atlanta area so that our sons can be a part of the Drew Academy and if my husband can teach there, he is ready to sign up! God Bless everyone there for what are doing everyday for every student!

Posted: November 14, 2010

I absolutely love Drew Charter School. My child has attended Drew since she was in 6th grade and she LOVES Drew Charter and the teachers. I have found that the teachers have been consistent since she has been there on every grade level. My child has been in regular public school in Atlanta and Dekalb, and out of all the schools I find Drew the best thus far. The teachers care and show an interest in the students excelling. I also like Drew for the extracurricular activities that they provide which in turn will provide a well rounded child. From the chorus performing at different locations, to the band and dance team, the Jr. BETA Club and the bike club. Every school isn't perfect in every area but at Drew Charter I see that they try to work out any issue that arises. So we as the parents of the students shouldn't expect the teachers and staff to raise our kids, we should only expect them to teach them. Drew Charter keep up the good work.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Overall Rating	Distance
1	Garden Hills	Condominium/Townhouse	Atlanta	GA		7.6 mi
2	Heritage Farms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Marietta	GA		23.6 mi

Base	Distance
Fort Gillem	8.5 mi.
Dobbins ARB	17 mi.

Charles R. Drew Charter School

Atlanta, GA 30317

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Charles R. Drew Charter School

Atlanta, GA 30317

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