Goal:  We ask Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring to retract her recommendation that the Midtown cluster implement a common 4th and 5th grade academy for the entire cluster, and instead develop a plan for the Inman site that does not include cross-cluster grade-specific academies but includes more community engagement for a different solution that helps more families.

Background:  Currently the Midtown Atlanta cluster of schools includes four K-5 elementary schools (Hope Hill, Mary Lin, Morningside, and Springdale Park); one middle school (Howard); and one high school (Midtown, formerly Grady). APS seeks to alleviate future overcrowding at three of the elementary schools, and make use of the Inman site (formerly Inman Middle School). 

APS hired consultants to determine the best use for the Inman site. APS also surveyed parents and community members on their priorities for schools. The consultants recommended the creation of a new K-5 elementary school and parents indicated that walkability was their top priority.  Many neighborhood organizations have already expressed their opposition to the APS 4th/5th recommendation, including the Hope Hill Elementary School PTA, Go Team and Foundation.

Why do we oppose the Inman 4th/5th academy?

• It does not solve the capacity problem! APS’ own projections show that by 2025, a 4th/5th academy would be at capacity. By 2026, it would be overcrowded. This is a short-term solution that does not solve the problem.  And what kind of change or investment would then be needed for Inman?
• It disregards the preferences of parents and community stakeholders. Survey respondents clearly indicated that walkability to elementary schools was their top priority. A 4/5 academy is the least walkable of the options explored - in fact APS says it reduces walkability from 55% to 35%.
• There are no proven academic benefits to a 4th/5th academy.  In fact, research shows students who attend K-5 or K-6 schools outperform (including in reading, math, science and social studies) and have higher standardized test scores than those who complete split schools.  These differences are most evident among students of low socioeconomic status.  
• In addition, APS previously concluded that the model is challenging for academic planning and programming. We have no details on leadership, programs or infrastructure to furthermore ensure parents who will be responsible for their children and how they can have confidence in the program. 
• Educational transitions are bad for children. Research in the field of education demonstrates that too many transitions are associated with negative outcomes, including negative impacts on academic performance, self-esteem, behavior and motivation. This would have lasting effects on the Midtown cluster.
• It will be highly disruptive for students at a time when stability is needed most.  Instead of the comfort of close knit elementary school communities, children will be thrown into a “middle school” environment and will face “middle school” transition issues at a younger age.  They will also lose out on key opportunities in the elementary school setting (e.g., leadership roles).
• It will likely have a negative impact on community engagement.  Community engagement is strongest in elementary schools and tapers off at the middle school and high school levels.  That same trend will likely occur with the introduction of a 4/5 academy. Contributions to school foundations and PTAs will decrease, which will negatively impact all schools in the cluster.
• It will increase disruption to families and increase the burden on working parents.  Families with multiple children at different ages will split across schools earlier and face increased logistical challenges.  This will also put further strain on time for parent involvement in the schools.
• Increased transportation costs and traffic! We are already struggling with bus staffing and the associated costs of more busses will also divert funds from other clusters that desperately need investment.  Fourth and fifth graders would be bussed across some of the busiest roads in the southeast and would increase intown traffic and pollution.  It will also mean increased travel time for students (earlier wake times, longer days, and less time for extracurriculars and exercise, etc.).
• It will lead to greater attrition and hurt property values. Many families choose to live intown because of the schools. If the quality of schools decline and walkability decreases, so will the desirability of the location.