Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Announces Bold Plan to Close Achievement Gap

ATLANTA — Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Herring unveiled a sweeping five-year strategic plan Tuesday aimed at closing the persistent achievement gap between the district's highest and lowest-performing schools.

The plan, called "Every Child, Every Chance," calls for universal pre-K for all four-year-olds in the district, extended school days and years at the 20 lowest-performing schools, a new teacher residency program, and a major expansion of mental health services.

"Every child in Atlanta deserves a world-class education, regardless of their zip code," Herring said.

The plan will cost an estimated $180 million over five years. The achievement gap in Atlanta Public Schools is stark: students at the district's highest-performing schools score in the 75th percentile nationally, while students at the lowest-performing schools score in the 25th percentile.