A Capsule History of the Atlanta Public Schools

The most American thing about America is the free common school system. Adlai E. Stephenson, 1965

How did our school system get started? A formal motion to the City Council on September 24,1869, set in motion the process which led to the establishment of the Atlanta Public Schools. The Board of Education members were twelve men elected to the positions by the City Council. A bond issue to support the schools was approved by the citizens of the city; a consensus of the school aged population was taken. There were 3,345 white children and 3,139 black children for a total potential student body of 6,484 for the proposed school system. It is well to mention here that there were already black schools in operation through the efforts of the Freedman's Bureau. In order for black pupils to join in the new Atlanta Public Schools, the buildings had to be turned over to the Board of Education - this was done, and in January, 1872, the first classes were held.

As has been the case many times during the system's history, overcrowding and lack of money were factors with which to contend. When the doors opened in 1872, there were 639 students who could not be accommodated. By 1879 the first double sessions were held. Furthermore, every time money was needed, the Board was forced to go hat-in-hand to the City Council for funds. This situation would continue until 1957 when the City Charter was changed. In spite of obstacles, the Atlanta Public School System has flourished; has been innovative; and has provided exceptional educational experiences for the youth of the city.

In-service training was inaugurated in 1891-it was called "normal classes" - today it is staff development, but the purpose was and is to provide teachers with the latest methods and skills needed in the classrooms.

Night school operated for the first time in 1891, bringing the benefits of education to those who have to work "for their daily bread during school hours."

Kindergartens were added to the schools in 1899.

Pupils needing special education were served by Atlanta in 1909. By 1912 a hearing impaired class was offered.

Using schools as centers for community activity was originated in 1913, first as a cooperative arrangement established between the Parks Department and playgrounds at the schools.

The first of two significant studies of the school system was done in 1914, "Survey of the Atlanta Public Schools." The report was divided into three sections: buildings, equipment and materials, and the Course of Study, Time Limits, and Methods of Teaching. From the report came a long list of recommendations for improvement. The report was the impetus for initiating change in the physical plants, in the organization of the school system and in the methods employed to instruct students and teachers.

Opportunities for learning expanded in Atlanta in 1915 with the addition of summer school.

Federal funds were first used to finance education in 1917 with the passage of the Smith-Hughes Act. (U.S. Senator Hoke Smith had served 17 years on the Atlanta Board of Education and several terms as President of the Board.) These federal dollars funded vocational education.

The second significant study of the school system was done in 1921 when a half century of operation was completed. The Strayer- Enge lh ard t Report consisted of two volumes, each containing approximately 250 pages. The report was far-reaching in its analysis of existing conditions and resulted in many changes in the Atlanta Public Schools.

The first portables were moved onto school grounds in 1921 and the first black supervisor, M. Agnes Jones, was appointed.

Another first occurred in 1922, the Teachers Reference Library was opened-known today as the Professional Library By this time, Atlanta was the second largest school system in the South.

Booker T. Washington High School opened in 1924-for the first time black students were offered educational opportunities beyond the elementary school level.

Radio instruction was originated in 1926. WSB offered their air time and a community benefactor gave receiving sets for each school. Atlanta was the first school system to have radio instruction.

The Depression of the '30s brought great financial woes to the city. Employees were paid in script. Rich's cashed this paper for the teachers. In 1932 the teachers voted to take a 16% salary cut rather than have kindergartens and visual education abolished.

In 1935 "home teaching" for shut-ins began.

By 1940, finances were better and driver education was added to the curriculum.

In keeping with the times, 1947, the system of sexually segregated white high schools ended. Boys High and Tech High became coeducational; Grady High and Girls High became Roosevelt High School.

Big changes for the City and Atlanta Public Schools were the result of the 1952 "Plan of Improvement." Eighty-two square miles were annexed to the city along with 100,000 residents. The school system grew with 39 new schools and 17,221 students from Fulton County.

The first black man to take his seat as a member of the Board of Education was Dr. Rufus E. Clement, President of Atlanta University. He joined the Board in 1954.

Racial segregation came to an end during the sixties... computer instruction in mathematics was introduced in the high schools; planetariums were opened in three Atlanta high schools.

Dr. Benjamin E. Mays became Atlanta's first black President of the Board of Education in the early 70's; Dr. Alonzo A. Crim, Atlanta's first black superintendent arrived shortly thereafter.

Dr. Benjamin O. Canada led the Atlanta Public Schools [from 1994 until 1998], with a Strategic Plan that addresses the mission of the school system in the nineties.

During the past 125 years, the Atlanta Public Schools has provided the youth of the city with the educational tools needed to meet the challenges of society. This legacy will continue..

Source: 1996 APS Information Handbook