Enrollment Information
Please click the link below to download the necessary application.
The Application Process
Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, KIPP WAYS Academy will implement new enrollment procedures. The process is designed to give priority to families living in the communities surrounding the school.
Who Can Enroll?
Any student zoned to Atlanta Public Schools is eligible for enrollment in KIPP WAYS Academy. KIPP is a four-year program, and therefore students are expected to commit to the school from 5th to 8th grade. Families are encouraged to apply during their child’s 4th grade year (for 5th grade) as slots are very limited in upper grades. There is no academic prerequisite for admission to KIPP WAYS Academy.
Attendance Zones
1. The Primary Attendance Zone is defined as all students residing in the 30314 zip code.
2. The Secondary Attendance Zone includes students residing in the 30310 and 30318 zip codes.
3. The Tertiary Attendance Zone includes all other students zoned to Atlanta Public Schools not within the primary or secondary attendance zones.
Primary Attendance Zone Enrollment Period: January 1 – March 15
Interested families in the primary attendance zone will be able to submit applications beginning January 1 for the following school year. If the number of applicants exceeds capacity during the primary attendance period, a lottery will be held on March 16 (or the following business day if March 16 falls on a weekend). Families who have submitted applications before 5:00 p.m. on March 15 will be considered in the lottery (if March 15 falls on a weekend, applications will be due on the Friday before by 5:00 p.m.).
Secondary Attendance Zone Enrollment Period: March 16 – April 15
Families in the secondary attendance zone will be able to submit applications beginning March 16. If the number of applicants exceeds capacity during the secondary attendance period, a lottery will be held on April 16 (or on the following business day if April 16 falls on a weekend). Families who have submitted applications before 5:00 p.m. on April 15 will be considered in the lottery (if April 16 falls on a weekend, applications will be due on the Friday before by 5:00 p.m.) Families in the primary attendance zone may continue to submit applications during the secondary enrollment period but will not be given preference over secondary attendance zone applicants.
Tertiary Attendance Zone Enrollment Period: April 16 – April 30
Families in the tertiary attendance zone can submit applications beginning April 16. If the number of applicants exceeds capacity at 5:00 p.m. on April 30 (or on the previous Friday if April 30 falls on a weekend), then a lottery will be held on May 1 (or on the following business day if May 1 falls on a weekend).
Process for Lottery
If the number of applicants to KIPP WAYS Academy exceeds capacity, a random selection process will be used for admission, with first preference given to siblings of students already enrolled in the school as well as children of staff and teachers of the school. This lottery will be held on the school day following the application deadlines after which the number of applicants exceeds capacity. For example, if the number of applicants exceeds capacity during the secondary enrollment period, a lottery will be held on April 16, creating a random order of acceptance for all secondary attendance zone applicants. A second lottery would also be held on May 1 following the tertiary enrollment period, with applicants’ names being added to the waiting list from the secondary enrollment period. After April 30, seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Keeping Applications on File for Secondary & Tertiary Zones
Due to the short enrollment window for secondary and tertiary attendance zones, families will be allowed to put their application “on file” with the school until their enrollment period opens. Applications “on file” will not be considered until the appropriate enrollment period opens for that student.
Frequently asked questions
Who Is eligible to attend?
KIPP WAYS Academy is a 5th – 8th grade program. Any 4th grader zoned to Atlanta Public Schools is eligible to apply for 5th grade. The school does not consider grades or test scores.
Because the KIPP experience is based upon a 4-year model, students are expected to commit to KIPP WAYS Academy beginning in 5th grade. In order to make the school available to as many students as possible, KIPP WAYS Academy will continue to admit new students in 6th grade if slots are available.
Where is the school located?
The school is located on Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. across from the Ashby MARTA Station at the former E. R. Carter Elementary School.
What is a charter school?
KIPP WAYS Academy is a free public charter school. The school operates using public tax dollars and its charter is authorized by the Atlanta Board of Education and the Georgia State Board of Education. Students are eligible for the same state and federal programs (including free or reduced lunch) at KIPP WAYS Academy.
Are uniforms required?
Yes, students are required to wear uniforms each day. Uniform shirts are provided by the school for a small fee.
Is transportation provided?
The school is committed to working with families throughout West Atlanta to meet their transportation needs. Families outside the school's designated transportation zone may need to provide their own transportation.
How do I sign my child up?
Applications may be downloaded from this website and faxed to the school at (404)475-1946. Please see the enrollment process section for information on WHEN to submit your application.If you should have additional questions, please contact the school at (404) 475-1941.
