Charles R. Drew Charter School

Charles R. Drew Charter School, located in the East Lake neighborhood of Atlanta, is a prominent public charter school serving students from prekindergarten through grade 12. Founded in 2000 as the cornerstone of the East Lake community’s revitalization efforts, it holds the distinction of being the first charter school in the Atlanta Public Schools system. The school is renowned for its "cradle-to-college" pipeline, which emphasizes a rigorous STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum designed to prepare students for success in higher education and the modern workforce.

Beyond its academic focus, Drew Charter is deeply integrated into the surrounding community, operating on a model that prioritizes equity, innovation, and holistic student development. The school’s campus is split into two primary facilities—the Junior Academy and the Senior Academy—both of which are noted for their modern learning environments and commitment to project-based learning. By fostering close partnerships with local organizations and utilizing a personalized approach to instruction, the school aims to break cycles of poverty and provide a high-quality educational pathway for children from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.