news
Atlanta Schools Hold Town Hall on Device Policies, Announce STEAM Academy Closure
Atlanta Public Schools plans a town hall on screen time rules while a STEAM academy closure and other regional shifts take shape.
How we reported this

Atlanta Public Schools will hold a town hall meeting to discuss classroom screen time restrictions and electronic device policies. This comes alongside a restructuring plan that includes the closure of George Washington Carver STEAM Academy after the 2026-2027 school year.
Atlanta Public Schools Town Hall Meeting
The town hall will focus on classroom screen time restrictions and electronic device policies. Atlanta Public Schools is preparing the session to gather input on how devices are used during instruction. Residents can expect details on current practices and possible limits that align with broader state efforts.
George Washington Carver STEAM Academy Closure
George Washington Carver STEAM Academy is set to close after the 2026-2027 school year. The decision forms part of an APS restructuring plan aimed at adjusting school offerings. Families connected to the academy will receive information on transition options in the coming months.
Georgia Absenteeism Trends
Chronic absenteeism in Georgia has dropped to 19.5 percent. This marks the lowest rate since before the 2019-20 COVID-19 pandemic. The improvement reflects ongoing work by districts to support regular attendance across the state.
Fulton County Schools Enrollment Program
Fulton County Schools is launching a tuition-based enrollment program for out-of-district students at select high schools. The initiative opens new pathways for families outside district boundaries while generating resources for participating schools.
Cellphone Policy Expansion
Georgia's new ban on cellphones in classrooms may expand to include high schools. House Speaker Jon Burns noted the potential next step for the policy. Districts across the metro area are monitoring how the rule could affect daily operations in upper grades.
These updates reflect coordinated efforts by Atlanta Public Schools and Fulton County Schools to address device use, attendance, and enrollment. Families should check official district websites for town hall dates and transition details as they become available. The changes build on recent state-level guidance without introducing new timelines beyond those already announced.