FAQs

Where is the school located?

Kirkwood Campus

Serves girls in single-gender classrooms in grades K-8

For families living in DeKalb County Schools, Clayton County, South Fulton, and zoned for Atlanta Public Schools
 

1807 Memorial Drive SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30317​

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Is Ivy Preparatory Academy a private school?

No, Ivy Preparatory Academy is a tuition-free public charter school. Enrollment is open to the public, and admissions are determined by lottery if demand exceeds the number of available seats at the school.

 

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a public school that operates according to the terms of a charter, or contract, that has been approved by a local Board of Education and/or the State Board of Education. The charter school may request waivers from provisions of Title 20 of Georgia state law and any state or local rule, regulation, policy, or procedure relating to schools in the school district. In exchange for this flexibility, the charter school is bound by contract to be held accountable for meeting the performance-based objectives specified in the charter.

 

What is the difference between a charter school and a traditional public school?​

A traditional public school is organized according to federal laws, state school laws, State Board of Education rules, and local Board of Education policies. A charter school is organized according to federal laws, applicable state school laws and SBOE rules that cannot be waived, and the terms of the charter contract.

 

What is the difference between a charter school and a private school?

A charter school is a public school that is organized and operated according to the terms of the charter, or contract. A charter school cannot have admissions criteria or charge tuition. A private school is not subject to state school laws, local Board of Education policies, or State Board of Education rules. Private schools may have admissions criteria and charge tuition.​

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Why Single-Gender?

Recently, there have been many national and international endorsements advocating for the implementation of more single-gender schools and classrooms. Research has shown that gender separate classrooms increase student achievement and broadens educational horizons. IPA also believes that girls and boys have different ways of learning, and because of that, a single-gender school can give each the ability to develop and learn in an environment that understands these differences. Ivy Preparatory Academy's environment allows students to become engaged learners and positive risk-takers. Most importantly, the culture of Ivy Preparatory Academy helps students to acquire confidence in themselves and their abilities, learn healthy and virtuous habits, and develop a sense of personal responsibility and a commitment to the larger community. Visit the National Association for Single-Sex Public Education website www.nasspe.org for more information on single-gender education.

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Who can attend a charter school?

Any scholar who resides in the school district in which the charter school is located and who submits a timely application may attend a charter school. If the number of applications exceeds the capacity of the school, all applicants will have an equal chance of being admitted through a random selection process or lottery. Enrollment preference may be given to scholars who reside in the school’s attendance zone, which is defined in the charter contract. A sibling of a resident student currently enrolled in the charter school may also be given enrollment preference. A charter school cannot have admission criteria.

 

How can a student enroll in a Georgia charter school?

If the charter school is located in the school district where the student resides, call the charter school or the local school system to inquire about registration procedures. If the charter school is located in a school district where the student does not live, call the charter school or the local school system to inquire about registration procedures for accepting students out of the district.

 

What is a start-up charter school?

A start-up charter school is a school started by private individuals, private organizations, or state and local public entities that operate the school according to the terms of a charter contract between the charter petitioner, local Board of Education, and the State Board of Education. The school did not exist prior to the petition.

 

What is the difference between a charter school and a magnet or theme school?

The charter school concept is an organization model. The focus is on how the school is organized, governed, and managed. Instructional strategies will vary from one charter school to the next. A charter school cannot have admission criteria. The magnet or theme school is an instructional model. The focus is on the instructional strategy implemented at the school, for example, a focus on technology or performing arts. Some magnet schools have admission criteria.

 

Who may start a charter school in Georgia?

The Charter Schools Act of 1998 provides that existing local schools, private individuals, private organizations, and state and local public entities may organize a charter public school subject to a performance-based contract approved by both the state and local Boards of Education.