Academic improvement doesn’t happen overnight, but one Metro Atlanta charter school is demonstrating what sustained dedication to student success can achieve.
KIPP South Fulton Academy has been named a 2026 Title I Reward School by the Georgia Department of Education, placing it among the top 5% of Title I schools statewide for academic progress. The school was one of 15 Fulton County schools recognized during the Fulton County Schools Board of Education meeting Oct. 22 for significant gains in student achievement.
The distinction, awarded by the Georgia Department of Education’s Office of Federal Programs, recognizes schools demonstrating the greatest improvement in academic performance. Schools are evaluated by comparing content mastery scores from the two most recent years of reported statewide assessment data, highlighting progress in student learning rather than academic performance alone.
The recognition comes less than a year into the leadership of KIPP Atlanta Schools CEO Dr. Michael Cormack Jr., who was named to the position in December 2025 and officially assumed leadership in March 2026.
“This recognition is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when high expectations, excellent instruction and a deep commitment to scholars come together,” Cormack said. “At KIPP Atlanta, we believe every scholar deserves access to an excellent education that prepares them for a future filled with opportunity. KIPP South Fulton Academy’s achievement demonstrates the meaningful progress we’re making toward that promise and reinforces our commitment to academic excellence across our region.”
Founded in 2003, KIPP Atlanta Schools is an open-enrollment network of nine public charter schools serving more than 4,500 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The network emphasizes academic excellence and preparing students for opportunities beyond graduation.
For KIPP South Fulton Academy Principal Brandom Jones, the recognition reflects the collective efforts of students, educators, staff and families who have worked to strengthen academic achievement.
“Being recognized as a Title I Reward School is an incredible honor for our entire school community,” Jones said. “Our scholars have worked tremendously hard, and our teachers and staff have remained intentional about providing the instruction, support and encouragement necessary for every scholar to succeed. This recognition belongs to our entire KIPP South Fulton family, and it motivates us to continue raising the bar for academic excellence.”
The achievement also aligns with KIPP Atlanta Schools’ 2030 Strategic Plan, “Excellent Schools, Expansive Futures,” which outlines goals to improve academic outcomes and expand educational opportunities across the network.
A central objective is to double the percentage of students achieving proficiency or distinction in English language arts from 25% to 50% by 2030. The plan reflects the network’s broader commitment to strengthening classroom instruction and preparing students for long-term success.
That commitment extends beyond high school through KIPP Forward, a program offering college and career counseling, postsecondary guidance and continued support for graduates. The program helps students explore college, technical certification, career and military pathways while assisting more than 2,000 alumni as they navigate higher education and the workforce.
For KIPP South Fulton Academy, the statewide recognition marks a significant academic milestone, but it also underscores the work that remains as the network pursues its long-term goals.
With ambitious targets set for 2030 and new leadership guiding the network, the school’s achievement offers a measure of progress toward a larger promise: ensuring that academic growth in the classroom translates into greater opportunities for students long after graduation.
