Atlanta Public Schools students in grades three through eight made gains in English Language Arts (ELA) (0.5%), Math (3.4%), Science (5.9%), and Social Studies (0.1%) compared to the 2023-2024 school year results, according to results from the 2024-2025 Georgia Milestones student assessment.
End of Grade Year-Over-Year Gains By Subject (Grade 3-8)
Percent Proficient and Above Change
| State Average Gains | APS Gains | |
| ELA | -1.9 | 0.5 |
| Math | 1.7 | 3.4 |
| Science | 2.5 | 5.9 |
| Social Studies | 1.5 | 0.1 |
According to the report released Aug. 8 by the Georgia Department of Education, year-over-year gains were greater than the state in most assessed areas, and all subgroups (Students with Disabilities, English Learners, Economically Disadvantaged, etc.) showed increases in Math and Science performance.
“We are very encouraged by the progress we see in Math and Science,” Dr. Shakeatha Butler, APS Chief of Teaching & Learning, said in a statement. “We also acknowledge there is continued work to do in literacy. We are laser-focused on implementing standards-aligned training, practices, and resources grounded in the Science of Reading. Additionally, we continue to collaborate with community partners through Literacy & Justice for All and the Rollins Center to leverage expertise in the field.”
Physical Science is not included in the graph above.
“These results affirm that when our leaders create the right conditions for our students to work hard, teachers stay focused, and we return to the basics of great teaching, success follows,” APS Chief of Schools Tommy Usher said in a statement. “Our commitment remains strong; deliver high-quality instruction, set high expectations, and support every teacher and every child along the way.”
According to a press release from APS, the Atlanta Board of Education continues to make investments in teachers, leaders, and staff. This includes a $58.9 million investment that provided an 11% salary increase for teachers last school year, and a $9.3 million investment this year to deliver a 10% raise for custodians, bus drivers, and paraprofessionals.
Board Chair Erika Y. Mitchell expressed pride in the district’s progress, stating, “On behalf of the Atlanta Board of Education, we are proud to celebrate the positive gains our students have made on the Georgia Milestones. These results reflect the hard work of our educators, the dedication of our families, and the resilience of our students. We look forward to continued growth and even greater progress in this year ahead.”