Summary:
ZIP code 30318 in Atlanta is served by six elementary schools within Atlanta Public Schools, offering a mix of PK-5 and PK-8 configurations for roughly 3,500 students across a diverse urban landscape.
This area presents a clear two-tier picture. Bolton Academy Elementary is the standout performer, ranking in the 82nd percentile statewide with a 4-star rating, the lowest chronic absenteeism (10.9%), and math and science proficiency rates that exceed state averages by 15-20 points. Westside Atlanta Charter School follows at the 69th percentile, excelling particularly in Algebra I (72.2% proficiency vs. 48.1% statewide) and 8th grade science. The other four schools — William J. Scott Elementary School, Woodson Park Academy School, Bazoline E. Usher/Collier Heights Elementary School, and William M.Boyd Elementary School — all serve 100% free/reduced lunch populations and rank below the 34th percentile, with chronic absenteeism ranging from 21% to over 40%.
The most striking finding is that per-student spending does not predict success. William J. Scott Elementary School spends the most ($35,447 per student) yet ranks 33rd, while Bolton Academy Elementary spends $10,000 less and ranks 82nd. Chronic absenteeism emerges as the strongest correlate with performance — schools below 15% absenteeism rank in the top 30% statewide, while those above 20% all fall below the 34th percentile. Encouragingly, William J. Scott Elementary School improved its ranking from the 7th to 33rd percentile in two years, and several schools show strong 5th grade science scores despite weaker math. For parents, Bolton Academy Elementary and Westside Atlanta Charter School clearly offer the strongest academic environments, while the other schools face significant challenges tied to attendance and poverty that spending alone has not overcome.
Thank you for your feedback!