As August ushers in a new school year, nearly are headed back to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s . How are the state’s schools doing when it comes to preparing kids for work and life? Here are a few key education measures that Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ parents and communities should know about as students return to the classroom. 

Skills in Reading

Results from the latest show that students are still struggling with reading proficiency. A proficient reader can analyze challenging material and think critically about it.

Just 40% of eighth graders reached a level of reading proficiency in 2025. Third graders are even further behind—only 35% were proficient in reading last year. 

Achieving reading proficiency by third grade is a crucial milestone for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s students. Not only is it necessary for , but it’s also an indicator of future stability and economic opportunity. That’s because literacy, like math proficiency, is closely linked to high school completion and participation in the workforce.

Demographic data from the Milestones Assessment also shows that Black and Hispanic third graders are struggling the most when it comes to literacy.

State lawmakers are paying attention to these challenges, and through promising legislation (see the section on new laws below), they’re paving the way for more children to thrive in their academic development and build flourishing futures.

Enrollment Trends

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ public schools have enrolled 1,702,086 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, according to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Department of Education’s spring 2026 . That number marks a drop of 34,644 students from the spring of 2025. 

The decline in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ follows a nationwide trend. The National Center for Education Statistics recently showed that , or almost 1.5 million students, from 2019-2024. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s decrease in enrollment was slightly smaller during that time at 1.4%.

Part of the reason for this drop might be the in the last several years. But Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ has also taken steps to expand education opportunities, and more families are embracing new schooling options to find the best education fit for their kids. , and over applied to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s newest school choice program, the Promise Scholarship, between March and December of 2025.

Chronic Absenteeism Rates

Like many states, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ is battling a crisis of chronic absenteeism. The students involved are missing 10% or more of school days—a situation that and .

Chronic absenteeism rates tend to be among students from low-income families, students of color, and students with disabilities.  

Fortunately, . It dropped to 17.7% during the 2025-2026 school year. That’s down from a peak of 23.9% in 2021-2022. The rate has especially improved for grades K-5 and now stands at 13.5%. Lowering this rate even more will be key to making improvements in reading proficiency in the early grades. 

Public School Spending

On average, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ spends on K-12 education per student. Pre-kindergarten and K-12 education funds account for , making it Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s biggest line item. In 2026, the budget included for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s public schools, approximately a $900 million increase from 2025.

Despite these amounts, state funding is only a portion of overall revenue for public schools. Local taxes are the biggest source of education dollars, and a small percentage comes from federal funding.

New Reading and Math Education Laws

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ lawmakers passed important education-related bills during the most recent legislative session. 

The will help more children read at grade level or above by putting literacy coaches—educators with expertise in teaching reading—in all elementary schools. Students will also be required to go to kindergarten before starting first grade, and their reading skills will be tested early in their academic development. 

In addition to addressing literacy, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ legislators passed the , which calls for an increase in the amount of time children spend on math during the elementary school day, an advanced (compressed and accelerated) math track for qualifying middle and high school students, and new requirements for teacher certifications. 

It’s important to note that qualified students will be automatically enrolled in the advanced classes to make sure all children have equitable access to them. This will help close racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic achievement gaps among young Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵns. 

Improvements to the Classroom Environment

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ lawmakers also recently passed a that will require high schools to ban personal electronic devices like phones and tablets during the school day. A is going into effect for students in elementary and middle school this year. These changes should reduce distractions and help students stay engaged in the classroom.

And in 2025, Governor Brian Kemp signed the into law. Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, every Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ school district will have an anonymous reporting system available. Schools will also provide evidence-based training on both suicide awareness and prevention and youth violence prevention to all students in grades 6-12. Changes like these will help create a safer environment where students can focus on learning and growing.

When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ schools are shifting from asking whether students should use it to teaching them how to use it safely and responsibly. The that help students engage with AI in ethical ways, think critically about the information it provides, and build the skills they’ll need to thrive in an AI-driven workforce.

Next Steps for Education in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s education measures are more than just data. Behind the numbers are real children who will be the next generation of mothers, fathers, business owners, employees, and voters in our state. A top-notch education will give them bright, opportunity-filled futures. 

Additional solutions to boost math and reading proficiency and address chronic absenteeism will not only help kids. They’ll also strengthen Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s public schools and enable them to support students whose best—and sometimes only—education option is the local public school.

At the same time, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ leaders are continuing their work to remove financial and social barriers to quality education and to empower students and families to access the school of their choice. Prioritizing a range of options will open more doors for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s kids and give them new opportunities to flourish as they grow.

Image Credit: Canva

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Exciting News for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Families and Students 

Students zoned for one of 506 elementary, middle, and high schools across Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ can apply for the state’s Promise Scholarship program to attend an educational alternative.

This scholarship program offers students a chance to access education opportunities best suited to their needs. Recipients can use the funds for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, tutoring, or other approved education costs.

The total amount of scholarships is capped at for the upcoming school year. That will cover around 15,000 students.

Several application periods are open throughout the year. Families can learn more at the .

If your student goes to a school on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship school list, your family meets the attendance zone requirement to apply.Ìý

Does Your Family Qualify for the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship? 

Parents can quickly determine their child’s eligibility by taking a short .

Eligibility Criteria:

To apply, a student must:

1. Be zoned for one of the 506 eligible public schools. 
2. Have been enrolled in a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ public school for two consecutive semesters, or be a rising kindergarten student. 
3. Be part of a family in which the parents have lived in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military families.
4. Not be a recipient of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Special Needs Scholarship or any state scholarship program administered through a Student Scholarship Organization. 

The program prioritizes returning students and siblings of currently participating students. Children whose families have household incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $132,000 for a family of four) will also receive higher priority in the selection process. 

Opportunities Like the Promise Scholarship Give Families a Brighter Future

The creation of the Promise Scholarship has been a crucial step forward for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ families. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 8,400 students received a scholarship last year, and lawmakers are continuing to invest state funds in the program and encourage more families to apply.

Education is the foundation for a thriving life. For families feeling limited by their current school options, the Promise Scholarship provides the hope of access to a better fit for their child’s unique needs. Whether it’s finding the right private school, funding homeschooling expenses, or acquiring other learning resources, this program empowers parents to make the best decision possible for their children.

Additional Resources

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Thousands of families now have greater access to flexible education options through the .

Education is a vital pathway to opportunity, and every child deserves the chance to succeed. Unfortunately, many Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students remain stuck in underperforming schools without access to better alternatives. The Promise Scholarship aims to change that by expanding access to diverse, high-quality education opportunities. 

What Are Promise Scholarships?Ìý

is a state-funded initiative designed to give families more control over their children’s education. Through this program, qualifying students will receive up to $6,500 annually* to cover a range of education-related expenses. Unlike traditional vouchers, which are limited to school tuition, Promise Scholarships provide greater flexibility.

Funds can be used for approved expenses such as: 

• Private school tuition and fees 
• Tutoring services 
• Textbooks and curriculum 
• Education therapies 
• Education-related technology 
• Transportation costs 

With this comprehensive approach, Promise Scholarships aim to help families create a personalized education path that meets their unique needs.

Who Can Apply?

Promise Scholarships are targeted to empower families with the fewest resources and the greatest need. There are specific eligibility criteria to qualify for the program, including:

• Enrolled in eligible public schools: Students must be attending one of the bottom 25% of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s public schools (as ranked by the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement) during the 2025-2026 school year or be entering kindergarten.
• Residency requirement: Parents must have lived in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military personnel.
• Income priority: If the number of applicants exceeds available funding, families with household incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (around $130,000 for a family of four) will be prioritized. 

Funding is available for up to 20,000 students, creating access to resources and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.

Key Dates to Remember

Student applications will open four times in 2026:

• March 1— March 31, 2026 
• May 1—May 31, 2026 
• August 1—August 31, 2026 
• November 1—November 30, 2026

Families are encouraged to start preparing now by gathering necessary documentation and confirming eligibility to apply as soon as possible.

What Can Parents Do Now?

Parents can take steps today to prepare for the Promise Scholarship application windows. Here’s how you can get started: 

Check for eligibility: Ensure your child qualifies by reviewing the criteria. This includes confirming their enrollment in a qualifying school or kindergarten for the 2025-2026 school year.

Prepare documentation: Gather residency proof and any other information that may be required for the application.

Start exploring education options: While the list of eligible schools hasn’t been released yet, it’s a good idea to consider the types of educational settings or services that could best meet your child’s needs. A list of participating private schools is available here.

Learn more about education choices: For additional guidance, consult the Parents’ Guide to Education in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ to better understand the options available to you and your family.

The post Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarships: Here’s What Families and Communities Need to Know appeared first on For Opportunity.

The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship is a state-supported form of financial aid for students leaving public school in search of a better educational setting. Under the proposed legislation, Senate Bill 233, eligible students would have $6,500—funds that the state would have spent on their public school education—set aside in an account. Parents then could direct that money to pay for educational expenses, including private school tuition, books, uniforms, and even transportation. 

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ already has two scholarship-based programs: 

• The , which allows students with special education needs to choose the public or private school best suited for their situation. In the event that families choose a private school, the state provides a scholarship equal to the amount the student would have received for state-based education services.Ìý
  
• The , which expands access to private schools for families who otherwise could not afford that option.Ìý

Adding another scholarship program to Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s menu of education options naturally raises questions about what Promise Scholarships would do and who would be affected. For Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s private schools, these questions are top-of-mind as they seek to understand how Promise Scholarships would impact the Tax Credit Scholarship Program and potentially put other requirements on private schools.

Join the movement to give every child in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ the education they deserve! Visit Everykid.info to learn how you can make a difference and learn valuable information for parents on how you can help provide quality education for all Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ kids. Don’t wait – visit now!

Promise Scholarship (SB 233) FAQs for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Private SchoolsÌý

Which students would be eligible for a Promise Scholarship?

Students currently attending public schools that are ranked in the bottom 25% of all public schools in academic performance. In 2024, the House of Representatives introduced changes to SB 233 that further narrow eligibility:

The bill now gives first priority to students from families below 400% of the federal poverty level—around $120,000 a year for a family of four. Students above that threshold will be allowed to participate if funds are left over after the lower-income students are served.

A funding cap was also put on the program. Funding for Promise Scholarships cannot exceed 1% of public school funding. Even if parent demand maxes out the program, this amount would only cover an estimated 22,000 kids.Ìý

Are Promise Scholarship dollars limited solely to tuition and expenses related to private school education?

No. Unlike existing school choice programs in the state such as the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Special Needs Scholarship and the Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship Program, the resources students receive from the Promise Scholarship are more flexible. In addition to private school tuition, allowable expenses could include tutoring and therapies—even offered outside of the private school setting—as well as curriculum and materials for homeschooling.Ìý

What is required by the state of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ for a private school to accept students using Promise Scholarship dollars?

The requirements for private schools under the Promise Scholarship program substantially mirror the requirements for private schools already participating in either the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Special Needs Scholarship Program or the Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship Program. If you already participate in either or both programs, there will be very few (if any) new requirements.

In order to serve students with a Promise Scholarship, private schools must:

• Have been in operation for one school year.
• Submit aggregate data of Promise Scholarship Students’ attendance rates and course completion rates.*
• Report on-time graduation rates of Promise Scholarship Students.*Ìý
• Comply with the anti-discrimination provisions of 42 U.S.C. Section 2000d.
• Comply with state laws applicable to private schools.
• Be physically located in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.
• Administer to Promise Scholarship Students at least one norm-referenced test that measures academic progress in math and language arts per year.*

*Requirement is unique to the Promise Scholarship program and not currently required by the Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

Would the creation of the Promise Scholarship program negatively impact existing school choice programs, such as the Tax Credit Scholarship Program?

No. The programs should be viewed as complementary to one another, allowing for a greater pool of financial aid for prospective private school families.Ìý

Students would be prohibited from receiving both a Promise Scholarship and a scholarship from an SSO under the Tuition Tax Credit Scholarship Program. However, the Promise Scholarship program gives each participating student $6,500 directly from the state—a higher value than the average scholarships awarded by SSOs under the tax credit program.Ìý

The Tax Credit Scholarship Program could continue to serve students who are not eligible for a Promise Scholarship.Ìý

Are there any protections for private schools, particularly faith-based schools, against state regulation as a result of accepting Promise Scholarship students and dollars?

Yes. Modeled after similar provisions in other states, there is explicit language in the bill prohibiting the state from requiring a private school or other participating provider to alter the creed, practices, admissions and employment policies, or curricula.Ìý

What’s the key takeaway for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s private schools?

The Promise Scholarship Program and the Tax Credit Scholarship Program would be complementary to one another. Together, these two programs diversify the sources and types of aid available to families and can broaden the potential applicant pool for private schools without creating additional fundraising burdens.

Additional Resources

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Across the country and in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, parents have been calling for more choice and flexibility in K-12 education. In 2024, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ took a major step forward by passing the state’s first-ever education savings account program, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship.

The program started during the 2025-2026 school year, and it gives eligible families up to $6,500 per year to access the education opportunity best suited to their child’s needs.  

What Is the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship?Ìý

The Promise Scholarship gives families financial support to access education opportunities outside the public school system. Families can receive up to $6,500 per year for approved education expenses. This type of program is also known as an education savings account.

How Does the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship Work?

The state sets aside the scholarship amount in an account that the parent can direct. Parents can use these funds to choose the education environment that supports their child’s unique learning needs.

When Does the Promise Scholarship Program Open?Ìý

There are two remaining application periods for families in 2026:

• August 1-31
• November 1-30

Families accepted into the program during these windows will receive funding for the spring 2027 semester.ÌýSee the for more details.

What Can Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Families Use Promise Scholarships For?Ìý

Families can use the funds for a variety of educational expenses, giving them flexibility to choose the best education for their child’s needs. Approved expenses include: 

• Private school tuition and fees 
• Tutoring services 
• Textbooks and curriculums 
• Education therapies 
• Education-related technology 
• Transportation costs

Who Can Apply for a Promise Scholarship?Ìý

To be eligible, families and students must meet the following criteria:

• Parents must have lived in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ for at least one year, with exceptions for active-duty military families.
• The student must be zoned for an eligible public school (one included on the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement’s list of the bottom 25% of public schools based on performance). 
• The student must have been enrolled in a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ public school for two consecutive semesters or be a rising kindergarten student.
• The student can’t be enrolled in a local school system, charter school, or state charter school while participating in the scholarship program.

The program prioritizes lower-income Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ families. If applications exceed available slots, priority goes to families with household incomes below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (roughly $132,000 for a family of four).

Parents must agree to use the accounts only for qualifying educational expenses. Once a child receives a scholarship, they remain eligible through 12th grade, until they enroll in a public school, or until they leave Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.

How Is the Promise Scholarship Amount Determined?

Amounts have been set at $6,500, which is approximately the average per-pupil amount the state sends to local school districts based on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s current student funding formula.

Who Does the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship Help?

Parents: Parents know better than anyone that children are unique and that a one-size-fits-all education approach doesn’t work for most kids. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Promise Scholarship gives parents financial support to access other education opportunities when the local public school isn’t the best fit.

Students: For families seeking alternatives to under-performing public schools, Promise Scholarships provide an opportunity for students to access other school options, including those that may not be available or affordable otherwise. 

Public Schools:ÌýStates with robust education choice programs see better outcomes for all students, includingÌýthose in the public school system. Education savings account programs, in particular, have a track record of empowering public schools toÌýÌýand increase student achievement.

Are Promise Scholarships the Same Thing as School Vouchers?

No, they’re two different types of programs.  allow parents to use public education dollars for private school tuition only. Parents can use the Promise Scholarship for a wider range of education expenses, offering families more flexibility. 

Are Promise Scholarships the Same Thing as 529 Plans?

No. With a , parents are responsible for contributing money to an account to save for their child’s education expenses. Promise Scholarships are state-funded and don’t require parents to contribute any of their own money. Parents can choose to use a Promise Scholarship account for education savings because up to 50% of unused funds can be carried forward to the next school year, but the account doesn’t have the same tax benefits that 529 plans do.

Do Promise Scholarships Take Money Away from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Public Schools?Ìý

No. The Promise Scholarship is funded separately from the money allocated to public schools.

Will Promise Scholarships Help Low-Income Families?Ìý

Yes. Programs like the Promise Scholarship are some of the most equitable education pathways for students. They give low-income families  that are often only available to families with greater financial resources.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Promise Scholarship is also set up to give lower-income families priority if applications exceed the number of slots available.  

Does the Promise Scholarship Hurt Homeschooling Families?Ìý

No. There are no provisions in the proposed law that would prevent homeschooling families from continuing down that education path. 

In fact, Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s Promise Scholarship could make homeschooling an even more feasible option. Eligible families can use the funds to pay for curriculums, courses, tutoring, or other education resources needed to homeschool.

Resources for Families

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship Program Family Handbook

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship Program Family Information Sheet

List of Eligible Public Schools

Resources for Schools and Service Providers

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship Program Private School Handbook

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship Program Service Provider Handbook

The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship: What Private Schools Need to KnowÌý

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Promise Scholarship in the News

(Fox 5 Atlanta)

Ìý(Washington Examiner)

Ìý(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

(Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Public Policy Foundation)

(Atlanta News First)

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