Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Achievement Preparatory Academy
General
Achievement Preparatory Academy (APA) is a K–5 public charter school designed to prepare students to become confident leaders, innovative thinkers, and lifelong learners. APA combines rigorous academics with leadership education, project-based learning, and career exploration to help students understand not only what they are learning, but why it matters.
APA will serve students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade in Year 1. We will add 4th grade Year 2, and 5th grade Year 3.
APA is being developed to serve families in the Gwinnett County community, with a particular focus on families in the Duluth, Norcross, and Meadowcreek areas. Final campus information will be shared as it becomes available.
Yes. APA will be a tuition-free public charter school. As a public charter school, APA will be open to eligible students regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.
No. APA will be a tuition-free public school. Families will not pay tuition to attend APA.
Academics & Learning
APA integrates leadership education, project-based learning, and career awareness into the elementary school experience. Students will have opportunities to apply academic concepts to real-world challenges while developing skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.
Leadership education at APA goes beyond teaching students how to lead others. Students will learn how to:
- Lead Self — develop confidence, responsibility, self-awareness, and strong decision-making skills.
- Lead Others — communicate effectively, collaborate, demonstrate empathy, and positively influence others.
- Lead Change — identify problems, develop solutions, innovate, and make a positive impact in their communities.
Project-based learning allows students to explore meaningful questions and real-world problems through hands-on projects. Instead of simply memorizing information, students have opportunities to research, collaborate, create, present, and reflect on what they have learned.
Yes. APA will provide instruction aligned with Georgia’s academic standards while using innovative approaches to help students master the required content.
Yes. APA will incorporate STEM, entrepreneurship, career awareness, and CTAE-related learning opportunities into the elementary experience. Students will be introduced to careers and industries through age-appropriate, hands-on experiences.
Enrollment
APA will serve eligible elementary-aged students in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Families will be able to complete an enrollment application through APA’s enrollment process. Additional information about application timelines, required documentation, and enrollment procedures will be announced as enrollment opens.
APA is a public charter school and will not use academic testing as an admissions requirement unless specifically permitted under its approved charter and applicable law.
If applications exceed the number of available seats, APA will follow its approved enrollment and lottery procedures. Families will receive additional information about the process when enrollment opens.
Yes. APA will provide services and supports to eligible students with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal and state requirements and the student’s educational needs.
Yes. APA is committed to supporting multilingual learners and creating an inclusive learning environment where students and families from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can thrive.
School Experience
Students can expect a balance of rigorous academic instruction, hands-on learning, leadership development, collaboration, enrichment, and opportunities to apply their learning to real-world situations.
Career education will begin early. Students will be introduced to different careers, industries, and pathways through classroom projects, STEM experiences, entrepreneurship, guest speakers, and other age-appropriate activities.
APA plans to provide opportunities for enrichment and student engagement beyond the core academic program. Specific clubs, activities, athletics, and enrichment opportunities will be announced as the school develops.
Family engagement is an important part of APA’s vision. Families will have opportunities to participate in school events, learning experiences, workshops, volunteer activities, and community partnerships.
Charter School Questions
A charter school is a public school that operates under an approved charter agreement. Charter schools have greater flexibility to design innovative educational programs while remaining accountable for academic, financial, and operational performance.
APA will be governed by an independent Board of Directors and operated by the school’s leadership team. The school will also be accountable to its authorizing body and applicable state requirements.
Families & Community
APA was created in response to the educational needs and opportunities identified within the Gwinnett County community. The school is designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation while developing the leadership, problem-solving, communication, and career-readiness skills they will need for the future.
APA believes leadership begins in elementary school. Students should have opportunities to discover their strengths, develop their voices, solve problems, serve others, and understand that they have the ability to make a difference.
Families and community members can stay connected by following APA’s social media pages, attending community outreach and informational events, and visiting the school’s website for updates.
There are many ways to support APA, including volunteering, sharing information with families, attending outreach events, developing community partnerships, providing resources, and making a financial contribution to help launch the school.
APA welcomes partnerships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, educators, community leaders, colleges and universities, and other organizations that share our commitment to student achievement and leadership development.
Families and community members can contact Achievement Preparatory Academy through the school’s official website and social media channels for the latest information, enrollment updates, events, and partnership opportunities.