Charles R. Drew Charter School

Charles R. Drew Charter School, established in 2000, is Atlanta's first public charter school, serving over 1,800 students from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Located in the East Lake community, the school is a cornerstone of a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization led by the East Lake Foundation.

The school employs an innovative Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach integrated with a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum. This fosters critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.

This educational model has led to impressive academic outcomes, including a 100% graduation rate for its inaugural class in 2017.

Programs and Curriculum

Drew Charter School offers a range of programs to support student development.

The Elementary Academy provides a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy.

The Junior and Senior Academies offer advanced coursework, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and extracurricular activities such as chess, debate, drama, dance, and creative writing.

The school also emphasizes social and emotional learning, with dedicated spaces like the Literacy Center and Math Lab to support students' personal growth.

Facilities and Sustainability

The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including science laboratories, arts spaces, a learning commons, and computer labs, designed to support collaborative and peer-to-peer learning.

Sustainability is a key focus, with the building achieving LEED Gold certification through passive strategies like building orientation and self-shading features.

Community Impact

Drew Charter School is part of the East Lake Foundation's holistic model for community revitalization.

This model includes:

• Mixed-income housing
• Cradle-to-college education
• Community wellness programs

This integrated approach aims to break the cycle of poverty and provide students with the tools to build better lives for themselves and future generations.

Location

• Atlanta, GA, USA

In summary, Charles R. Drew Charter School is a pioneering educational institution in Atlanta, offering a comprehensive, innovative, and community-focused learning environment that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world.