Bolton Academy

Posted: June 2, 2026

Posted: June 2, 2026

Very positive experience with the preschool program, especially with teacher of the year Ms Billups! Our child graduated Pre-K with a new friends, a huge interest in math, and a head start in reading and writing!

Posted: June 2, 2026

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Posted: May 24, 2024

When we moved we left a good elementary school in Smyrna that was highly rated and regarded. I am so grateful that when we relocated it was to a home that is zoned to a great APS gem- Bolton Academy. Bolton truly feels like a family. The school has amazing and loving teachers, a fantastic DLI program, an involved, engaging, and responsive administrative staff, a wonderfully helpful support staff, a beautifullydiverse group of students, and a bright and welcoming building. I could not have asked for a better place for my child be educated, and as she moves on to middle school, we leave knowing she was loved as she learned and she is well prepared for the next step.

Posted: May 24, 2024

Posted: May 24, 2024

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Posted: May 24, 2024

Posted: June 26, 2023

Posted: June 26, 2023

Posted: June 26, 2023

Posted: June 26, 2023

Posted: June 26, 2023

Posted: June 26, 2023

Posted: June 26, 2023

Posted: June 26, 2023

This school is a 9/10 at least! The new leadership of Principal Mincey is positively magical. She loooooves being a principal, enriching the students lives by supporting special programming and events even outside of the school, and actively/frequently engaging with the parents. The teachers go above and beyond, the school and the area around it are clean, safe, and beautiful. My son attended for two years (Pre-K and Kindergarten) before we moved away but I wish we could've taken the school with us! Ms. Billups, Mrs. Beazer, and Mrs. Bostic are absolute miracle teachers, and Melanie Haley is the best parent liaison any parent could dream of. Ignore the score of this school, it's such a special place and I am forever grateful my oldest son got to attend even for a short time.

Posted: March 8, 2023

Moved to this area for this school. It’s been such a great experience. We love how involved families are and how many fun things the school does outside of just class! Weekend cookouts, school dances, class meet ups at the park. It’s been such a great community. The ib curriculum is awesome and teaching my kids how to be well rounded amazing kids. Bolton is such a wonderful neighborhood school.

Posted: March 8, 2023

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Posted: November 28, 2022

We have loved this school for both of my children. The DLI program has been amazing for them. We love the diversity of the student population and the neighborhood feel of the school.

Posted: November 28, 2022

Posted: November 28, 2022

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Posted: November 28, 2022

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Posted: November 28, 2022

Posted: October 16, 2019

This school could be great, but there are some serious needs. The school needs an exterior makeover- major landscaping, fresh paint, better playground, safety lights. The school is rather depressing. Thank God someone volunteered to be the crossing guard this year. The little angels were without one. It also smells like an absolute “Trash Dump” some mornings. That can’t be healthy for anyone. The school has potential but not sure if it will be realized under current administration. Could say more, but will let those who don’t heed this advice see for themselves...

Posted: October 16, 2019

Posted: October 16, 2019

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Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

It's been a great experience with both of my kids so far. Really love how invested parents, teachers and staff are in supporting and enriching these kids as learners and leaders.

Posted: March 6, 2019

I have 3 students in this school. They use technology and time management to effectively complete weekly homework assignments.

Posted: March 6, 2019

I have 3 students at this school and the experience with each of their teachers has been a great balance. They are challenged and they know their teachers care about them.

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

Posted: March 6, 2019

9. All 3 of my children enjoy school, are challenged and thriving.

Posted: May 19, 2018

Posted: May 19, 2018

they could have more interaction between the principal and the parents and they do coddle the wealthy parents a little more...but the principal is doing a great (overall) job.

Posted: May 19, 2018

Posted: May 19, 2018

they could rev up and create an ANTI Bullying campaign..

Posted: May 19, 2018

Great experience I MOVED to this area because of the great schools.

Posted: May 19, 2018

it is a rigorous academic environment...if your child is NOT studious...go elsewhere

Posted: May 19, 2018

When you need to make a change to the way the teachers interact with your child they are open to it...

Posted: April 16, 2018

Homework assignments are balanced, challenging and structured.

Posted: April 16, 2018

We've had great relationships with all of our teachers at Bolton and they take a vested interest in each and every student.

Posted: April 16, 2018

My kids come home each week with a new song or new message that they are working on for that week/month. The school spends a great deal of time on the emotional intelligence of the students.

Posted: April 16, 2018

The Leaders at Bolton have strong backgrounds and are committed to the school. They have effective leadership styles and create a great environment for learning and fun!

Posted: April 16, 2018

I've witnessed firsthand the teachers and faculty ability to adapt to multiple learning styles and stand behind their ability to manage the classroom while attending to the different learning styles for each student.

Posted: April 16, 2018

Bullying is not taken lightly at Bolton Academy and they spend time proactively educating students, starting in kindergarten on what is/isn't acceptable.....Bolton takes a strong stance on this topic and I've been very pleased with my child's understanding of what bullying is and what to do if they experience or see it taking place.

Posted: April 16, 2018

We've had a great time at Bolton for 4+ years with multiple children. I've visited other Elementary schools that are rated higher in the area and have personally found Bolton to be a more welcoming environment. I predict that test scores and overall ratings will continue to rise as community commitment to Bolton get's stronger each year. The diversity of the students, teachers and level parental involvement at Bolton make it such a great place to grow and learn. The communication that we receive on a DAILY basis is very helpful. The ratings can be a bit deceiving....if you are on the fence, take a look at http://www.soaringowlsfoundation.com/ and schedule a time with the Principal or Vice Principal, visit the school, come to an event and you will see that Bolton should be closer to the 8/9 range.

Posted: February 16, 2017

Posted: February 16, 2017

Posted: February 16, 2017

Posted: February 16, 2017

Posted: February 16, 2017

I have 2 children enrolled at Bolton. First off, the communication between the staff and parents has been excellent. My children love their teachers. The diversity is amazing. My kids are both A students. My daughter made the Principal's list. There are so many activities, book fairs, trips, night out events and more that I can barely keep up, in a good way. I am not sure why the rating is only a 4. When we moved here it was a 3. Our experience has been that of an 8 or 9 and both of us went to some of the best schools in the country back in Philadelphia. Kudos to Bolton! Keep up the great work!

Posted: March 17, 2016

We have spent the last 8 years with Bolton Academy. We have 2 children, one currently at Bolton and the other at Sutton Middle School. In 8 years we have seen the growth and progress this school has made and are very happy with our choice of Bolton Academy over private or charter school. Both my children are in the APS gifted program and Ms. Powell, Bolton's gifted teacher, is incredible. My child at Sutton is in accelerated classes with a straight A average. Bolton's teachers prepare them well to transition to Sutton. The parental and community involvement, support and participation is incredible.

Posted: March 17, 2016

Posted: March 17, 2016

Posted: March 17, 2016

Posted: March 13, 2016

Parent involvement is remarkable! This school deserves much more than a 3 rating! It is one of the best hidden gems in Atlanta. A true blessing to our kids and the community!

Posted: September 28, 2015

Best Atlanta Public School! Diverse with alot of parent involvement. On the rise! Don't let ratings dictate your choice!

Posted: February 4, 2015

For a school that has been around for just over 10 years, the community, IB certification, teachers, administration and learning environment are WONDERFUL! I am constantly impressed with the work that my first grader brings home and the level that they are encouraged to reach. My son's reading and math skills have blossomed, the Gifted program engages and excites him, and all members that we have been able to interact with exceed my expectations. I would expect that Great Schools would have a ranking more in-line with that Bolton really is than just look at test scores on a newly forming teaching team. There is SO MUCH MORE - and we are quite proud to be a part.

Posted: August 4, 2014

Great schools needs to change the ranking algorithm, as a 3 out of 10 is ridiculous given the quality of Bolton Academy. This is a true example of a "great school". The relationship between the teachers and parents continues to provide an exceptional learning environment for our kids. The community continues to rise up and support the school in multiple ways, including with their wallets. We could not be happier w/ the experience our two kids have had at Bolton Academy, and we're looking forward to continuing to see the school grow and prosper.

Posted: May 29, 2014

Another great year at Bolton Academy. We have two sons that will be entering 4th and 2nd grade next year and couldn't be happier w/ their experience and learning environment. I'd put our kids up against anyone public or private school in the city!

Posted: April 28, 2014

Bolton Academy ratings should be through the roof. My son is a 1st grader at Bolton Academy and has been attending since kindergarten they has brought my son so far. The staff show empathy and they really care for their babies. Who doesn't love our principle Ms. Laura Strickling? I LOVE HER and we're very thankful to have you. Bolton Academy should be the top rated school in APS zone.....

Posted: April 20, 2014

Great schools, thank you for all you to do help parents in their quest to make school decisions for their children, but you should consider more than test scores when rating schools. Please consider obtaining more recent demographic data, incorporating reviews, weighing programs such as International Baccalaureate and multiple extracurriculars, community support, etc., as well. The Great Schools score does not paint an accurate picture of the value of this school to our community and the growing impact on our students' educational progress. This school is a perfect model of an urban school that is diverse and growing/thriving. So proud to be a part of this school and to watch my two young children learning, growing, thriving, and having fun. Come join us--we welcome you!

Posted: October 6, 2013

A great school with involved parents. I have two children that attend Bolton and I must say that I have been pleased with there progress, since they came from a private school. The teachers are very dedicated and want to see each child advance in there education.The parents are very involved with the PTA, which helps a lot. This is a great public school in the Atlanta area.

Posted: September 19, 2013

Bolton Academy is a diverse, Title 1, IB School! We are extrodinary in the fact our young school achieved IB status after to being opened only 5 or 6 years from the hard work and tireless efforts from parents,students and faculty. Our neighborhood was determined to make this school successful and a great public school to attend without the stigma of being a Title 1 school.

Posted: September 8, 2013

I have been happy with Bolton so far. I have two children in the program. Both started with the Pre K program.

Posted: August 30, 2013

I have sent three children to Bolton Academy, and we have only had positive experiences with all the teachers and staff.

Posted: August 29, 2013

Our school, Bolton Academy, is a great elementary school! It is getting better each year with the help of the principal, teachers and parents involvment and love for the kids! The PTA is growing every year and we have many activities that involve everyone. The kids at Bolton are very lucky to have the support they have. Thank you!!!

Posted: August 29, 2013

Bolton Academy is a great place to learn! Both our children attend Bolton and are thriving under the great direction of their teachers. I call it the little school that could, it's getting better and better each year with the amazing support of the PTA, teachers, parents and administrators. We are come a long way and it's only going to grow and become stronger with the newly formed Soaring Owls Foundation, Hooty's Nest Egg funds and over all parent participation. We are proud to call Bolton Academy our neighborhood school!

Posted: August 29, 2013

Bolton Academy is becoming one of NW Atlanta's premier public elementary schools. Just just 10 years old, it has grown each year in students and more importantly parent involvement. Over the last 3 years that my family has been a part of the PTA, we have seen tremendous growth in the achievement of our students. The faculty and staff continue to work together with the PTA and our families to build a stronger school and therefore a stronger community. We are a diverse school as well as an IB certified school and our community couldn't be more proud!

Posted: August 29, 2013

This is my grandson s third year at Bolton Academy, and I ve been very impressed with the progress he s made academically and socially. In particular, his reading and problem-solving skills are at a level that I would have expected from much older students. I attribute this success to his teachers ability, his parents involvement, and his eagerness to learn, an eagerness fostered and nurtured by the school s principal, teachers, and staff. Additionally, Bolton offers a healthy variety of educational and cultural experiences and a spirit of inclusiveness that will serve him well all his life.

Posted: August 29, 2013

We couldn't ask for a better community school! I have 2 kids that attend and both have had a wonderful exp. I am completely amazed at how interactive the parents are, and how hands on the teachers are. They really go above and beyond!

Posted: August 28, 2013

We love our neighborhood school! The size feels just right - not too big but not too small. The Principal is 100% dedicated to providing the school with strong leadership to help increase its overall ratings, especially academically. The parent community is also wonderful and committed to making the school an easy choice for those who live in the neighborhood. While we still have room to grow, Bolton Academy gets my vote!

Posted: August 27, 2013

Two children at the school and couldn't be happier. Both children have done well. Strong community between parents and teachers as well. Very pleased.

Posted: August 27, 2013

Bolton Academy is a wonderful school. The school is small, the adminstration is easy to interact with and engaging. The teachers so far have been great. My child loves going to school here every day.

Posted: August 27, 2013

I have volunteered here on several occassions. The staff is invested in the children and the children themselves are polite and eager to learn. The school is well maintained and in a neighborhood that some residents are fortunate enough to walk their children to school.

Posted: August 27, 2013

Bolton Academy is an International Baccalaureate accredited school feeding into an IB middle and IB highschool. It is an incredible part of the North Atlanta cluster. The teachers and administration are very hands on, making each child feel welcomed and valued. I have two sons attending and have been very impressed with their level of education. All stake holders want each child to receive a quality education and become life long learners.

Posted: August 27, 2013

This is our first year and we couldn't be more pleased. Our son loves his teacher and the parent teacher communication has been great.

Posted: August 26, 2013

My son loves Bolton Academy. The teachers and principal really care about improving the school and providing quality education. The PTA is AMAZING. All the parents are very dedicated to helping the school achieve success.

Posted: May 29, 2012

Have two girls in Bolton and it has been a wonderful experience! It has strong parental/community support and has really turned out to be a wonderful neighborhood school! Teachers have been great, feel confident my children are getting a great education and principal has been more than accomodating when have had issues to address. They go over and above with music class instruction and art class after school at no additional charge! The Bolton staff has really gone over and above! We are a hidden gem on the West side of Atlanta!

Posted: December 26, 2011

Great school in most ways. Parents are involved, teachers are personally involved with students. My child loves this school

Posted: November 13, 2011

We love our neighborhood school. Our oldest entered kindergarten five years ago, and at the time we were happy enough with the warm and welcoming environment and with how well he seemed to fit in and thrive. It was a relatively new school, but it was solid. And with every year since then, we've been astonished by the school's upward trajectory. Parent involvement and community support has risen exponentially, and the student demographics steadily diversified to become a really interesting, healthy, and educational mix. Bolton Academy has dedicated teachers, an excellent young Principal, and a healthy feeling about the place. It's not perfect, but then again perfect schools breed kids without resilience. It's honestly hard to recognize the place compared to those early years.

Posted: November 9, 2011

This is yet another example of a farse. Please do believe that this school is like Brandon, E. Rivers, or S. Smith. Bolton is under the administration of an unqualified principal. Hopefully the school board will quickly remidy this situation.

Posted: November 3, 2011

Bolton Academy is a great neighborhood school. At a time when most schools are bursting at the seams, we have right at 500 students. It is a great size. I feel like the teachers and administrators all know my children. I have two children at the school and they are thriving. I appreciate the diversity of the school and like that my kids get to know all different types of people and cultures. There are no security issues. I have never felt that my children have been in danger by any means. They are very independent and manuver through the school with great confidence. We have had a VERY positive experience at the school.

Posted: January 27, 2011

I believe my son was going to receive and award but they chose another kid for some reasons.My son was hurt sitting in that room knowing since 2 or 3 days that he was going to receive an award and now nothing.It would not be a problem if I did not think he deserved it.I agree with the award that my other kids received because it reflected them.There were some signs at the beginning of the year when we had to call APS folks to have my kids put in their right classroom.Bad experience with this school.