Our History

KIPP West Atlanta Young Scholars (WAYS) Academy is one of over fifty college-preparatory KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools operating in low-income urban and rural communities throughout the country. The school's mission is to prepare students for top quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond by instilling in each student a commitment to scholarship, teamwork, integrity, and other "WAYS to success."

KIPP WAYS Academy opened its door in July 2003 with 80 fifth graders, and added a grade each year thereafter. Today, the school is serving approximately 320 students in grades five through eight. Located in the former E.R. Carter Elementary School just blocks from the historic West End area of Atlanta, KIPP WAYS Academy is a public charter school with authorization granted by the Georgia State Board of Education through the Board of Education of Atlanta Public Schools.

Our Mission

It is the mission of WAYS Academy to prepare students for top quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond by instilling in each student a commitment to scholarship, teamwork, integrity, and other “WAYS to success.”

Serving students in 5 th - 8 th grades from the West Side communities of Atlanta, WAYS Academy offers an academically rigorous and structured learning environment that focuses on preparing students for competitive high schools and colleges. With a primary focus on scholarship, students at WAYS Academy are referred to and treated as “scholars,” which sets a clear tone at the school that learning is revered and will not be compromised in any way.

At WAYS Academy, all students are expected to succeed, regardless of their academic history, and this success is realized by a combination of higher expectations and more time on task.

*Scholars at WAYS Academy attend school from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Fridays.

*In addition, at least two Saturdays a month (from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) as well as a mandatory three-week summer session.

*This additional time on task means that students at WAYS Academy spend approximately 64% more time in class than the average Atlanta Public Schools student.

By growing slowly, the school maintains an emphasis on “team and family,” where individual students are valued for their own unique qualities and provided an environment that helps foster their personal growth and academic progress. At WAYS Academy, the staff believes that they are preparing students for life, and as such, seeks to empower students with the skills and experiences necessary to be successful and productive citizens. The school’s focus on character development instills in students the importance of integrity and perseverance, while equipping them with the practical life skills that will set them apart in the competitive world.

In 2007, WAYS Academy’s first group of scholars began high school, and many students were accepted into the best public, private, and parochial college preparatory high schools in the city and state, and beyond with students earning over $800,000 in scholarships to attend these institutions when necessary.

A Community School

KIPP WAYS Academy provides a middle school alternative to students and families in the West Side communities of Atlanta, including the West End, Washington Park, Westview, Mozley Park, Vine City, English Avenue, and Bowen Homes communities. Situated in the center of these historical communities is the Atlanta University Center, which is home to Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark-Atlanta University, and Morris-Brown College. Despite their proximity to such highly regarded institutions, these once thriving communities now face the challenges of poverty, crime, and drug abuse that are plaguing inner city communities around the nation. Students in West Atlanta have proven that they have the potential to achieve at levels comparable to their suburban peers, yet many are not currently on a college track. As a community school, KIPP WAYS Academy is open to any rising fifth grade student in West Atlanta who wishes to embark on an exciting journey to college!