Page 41 - Clayton Newcomers Guide 2020

Education

Charter Schools
Utopian Academy for the Arts
Utopian Academy for the Arts is a free,
high-performing, public charter school
network that serves elementary and middle
school students in Clayton County. Utopian’s
theory of change is outlined in their
mission statement: Through a structured
and supportive environment, the Utopian
Academy for the Arts will develop academic
and artistic students to enter and to succeed
in the global society, with proficiency to
Focused on Early Learning enroll in a college, university, or specialty
school of their choice.
programs and M.E. Stilwell School of the locally and beyond. The district continues Utopian Academy for the Arts seeks to
Arts. The PAC boasts a 6,000-square-foot to refine and expand all strategies focused provide a significant educational benefit of
auditorium stage with a seating capacity toward graduating students on time, college serving as the only public school in Clayton
of 1,800. The auditorium features an and career ready. County that uses a gender-based classroom
electrically operated orchestra pit. There Through the re-establishment of instructional approach. Additionally, Utopian
are two performance rooms. Each is the Clayton County Public Schools Academy is the only public middle school
supported with professionally enhanced Foundation, Inc., CCPS is steadily increasing in Georgia to offer a comprehensive
sound and lighting. educational program in the dramatic,
its partnerships with businesses, collegiate media, and culinary arts.
• The district’s School Choice program and community organizations, government
affords parents the opportunity to apply agencies, officials and faith-based entities. In 2018, the Utopian Academy’s middle
to schools that reflect the individual While Foundation funds support numerous school overall performance was higher than
needs, interests, and talents of their 78 percent of Georgia public schools and
children. Some of the programs include: engagement initiatives and activities, its its students’ academic growth outpaced
Dual Immersion [Spanish, French, primary focus is awarding a substantial 99 percent of the state’s schools.
Chinese], Early College and Magnet number of scholarships to graduating CCPS • Utopian Academy for the Arts
programs, Cambridge Assessment seniors. The district also actively engages the 2750 Forest Pkwy.
International Education, etc. community through volunteer and mentoring Ellenwood, GA 30294
• Learning extends into the summer with opportunities and community partnerships. 470-446-1070
the district’s highly acclaimed K-12 For more information about the Clayton utopianacademyforthearts.com
Summer STEM Camps, which include County Public School System and ways 7 Pillars Career Academy
opportunities for summer internships, to volunteer or stay connected to what’s A locally approved, tuition-free public
coding and robotics, programming happening throughout the school district, charter school, 7 Pillars Career Academy
and flying drones, journalism camp, visit the website, www.clayton.k12.ga.us. opened its doors in the fall of 2019. Guided
designing Smart Cities, engaging in • Clayton County Public Schools by the seven principles of Nguzo Saba, the
farm-to-table experiences, etc. 1058 Fifth Ave. charter school serves students in grades
Currently, stakeholders in Clayton Jonesboro, GA 30236 6-12 and seeks to prepare students for
County Public Schools are embarking on a 770-473-2700 global impact by finding value in self through
deep exploration of what high-performing clayton.k12.ga.us perpetual service to the community.
education systems around the world do –
with high intention – to ensure noteworthy
student outcomes. Through this critical
analysis, the district will be redesigning
systems in an effort to (1) increase students’
readiness for early learning, (2) continue to
attract the best and the brightest to lead
and teach in our schools, and (3) ensure high
quality teaching and learning that continue
to produce CCPS graduates who can think
critically, communicate, collaborate and
create in meaningful ways.
In the near future, the district will
construct its first future-ready college and
career academy that will create a work-ready 7 Pillars Career Academy
pipeline to help drive economic growth

Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Community Guide • www.claytonchamber.org • 678-610-4021 37