Summary:
Zip code 30314 in Atlanta, Georgia, is home to two public high schools—Kipp Atlanta Collegiate Charter School and Booker T. Washington High School—both serving grades 9-12 within the Atlanta Public Schools district, and both schools serve student populations where 100% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch, reflecting significant economic need in the area.
These two schools offer very different strengths. Kipp Atlanta Collegiate stands out for student retention and completion, boasting a 96.7% graduation rate—nearly 10 points above the state average—and a low 1.9% dropout rate. However, its test scores lag, with proficiency rates in Algebra I (27.9%), Biology (24.7%), and US History (26.5%) all below state averages. In contrast, Booker T. Washington High School has shown a remarkable academic turnaround, jumping from the 8th percentile in state rankings two years ago to the 50th percentile today. Its US History proficiency rate of 48.7% now exceeds the state average by 10 points, and Biology proficiency more than doubled to 33.8% in one year. However, its graduation rate (85.4%) and dropout rate (4.8%) trail both KIPP and state averages.
The most pressing challenge for both schools is chronic absenteeism, which affects 37.6% of KIPP students and a striking 57.4% of Booker T. Washington students—more than triple the state rate. This is particularly concerning given the academic gains at Booker T. Washington, suggesting improvements may not be reaching all students. Notably, KIPP achieves its outcomes while spending $20,374 per student, compared to Booker T. Washington's $28,684. Both schools improved in every tested subject year-over-year, showing positive momentum, though most proficiency rates remain below state benchmarks. For parents, KIPP offers stronger graduation outcomes and efficiency, while Booker T. Washington currently demonstrates the most dramatic academic growth, making attendance the key factor to watch at both schools.
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