Atlanta Schools Mandate Daily Math and Reading Under New State Laws

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 1193, the Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026, which requires dedicated literacy coaches in schools, expanded kindergarten offerings and a statewide literacy task force. The Math Matters Act, House Bill 1030, sets at least 60 minutes of core math instruction daily for fourth and fifth graders and introduces advanced math courses starting in sixth grade. Atlanta Public Schools is also implementing its first classroom screen time policy and piloting cellphone limits under House Bill 109, which extends Georgia's personal electronic device ban to high school campuses.

School configuration and policy updates for Atlanta residents

The Atlanta Board of Education unanimously approved the APS Forward 2040 plan to close, merge or repurpose 16 schools beginning in Fall 2026. This step addresses declining enrollment and budget shortfalls across the district. Atlanta families may encounter shifts in school assignments or program locations as a result. APS updated its bullying and internet policies to align with the state's Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act of 2024, adding definitions for cyberbullying and authorizing the Superintendent to develop artificial intelligence guidelines.

These measures apply directly to Atlanta Public Schools students and their households. Parents of younger children will navigate the new screen time limits of 60 minutes daily for pre-K through second grade and 90 minutes for grades 3 through 5, along with rules on consecutive device use. High school students in School Resource Officer districts must use pouches for personal devices, while the district pilots a similar restriction.

Daily classroom structure and next steps

Residents with children in fourth and fifth grades will see the mandated 60 minutes of core math each day, while sixth graders enter advanced courses. Early elementary students gain access to additional literacy support through coaches and expanded kindergarten options under the signed state legislation. The changes affect how Atlanta households plan after-school time and device access at home to match school rules.

Implementation of the APS Forward 2040 plan begins in Fall 2026. The literacy and math requirements and device policies take effect under the timelines set by the state legislation and district actions. Atlanta Public Schools will manage the transition for affected families through existing enrollment and communication channels.