KIPP Soul Primary School and KIPP Soul Academy will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year following Board-approved charter changes.
The Board also authorized continued review of the timing to ensure we could maintain the high level of education our scholars deserve. Based on that review, board members met earlier this week and made the tough decision to close KIPP Soul Primary School and KIPP Soul Academy at the end of this school year.
This was a difficult and painful decision made with the best interests of our scholars and staff in mind. The Board conducted a rigorous assessment of our ability to maintain high academic standards and the level of staffing our scholars need to succeed every day and determined closing at the end of this school year is the best way to prioritize the well-being of our scholars, families, and staff.
We recognize this decision may raise questions. Please know we are fully committed to answering every question you may have. We are deeply grateful for the educators, staff members, families, scholars, and community partners who have supported KIPP Soul and contributed to its mission over the years.
Our regional leaders will remain closely engaged with families, staff, and partners to provide updates and ensure clear, coordinated communication throughout the remainder of the school year.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our scholars and to the KIPP Soul community. We remain focused on navigating this transition with transparency, dignity, and care.
We were concerned about the emotional, academic, and cultural toll of prolonged uncertainty. After a thoughtful assessment of our ability to maintain academic continuity and the level of staffing our scholars need to succeed every day and determined closing at the end of this school year is the best way to prioritize the well-being of our scholars, families and staff. Providing clarity was determined to be more respectful and supportive than extending the timeline.
No. This decision is not a reflection of leadership changes.
No. This decision is not a reflection of anyone’s work or commitment.
All feedback should be addressed to the KIPP Atlanta School Board in writing at board@kippatl.org.
KIPP Atlanta Schools is committed to following an equitable process to ensure KIPP Soul staff have priority status to interview for other opportunities. KIPP Soul employees will receive individualized outreach from our Talent Team to discuss that process and other support.
We will share any additional updates as they become available here.
No. Soul will remain open through the end of this current school year (2025-2026).
KIPP Atlanta Schools is committed to supporting KIPP Soul families through a thoughtful transition process. Families will receive guidance to help them understand their school placement options, enrollment steps, and available resources. Our team will be available to answer questions and provide ongoing support to ensure families feel informed and supported throughout the transition.
Yes. The KIPP Atlanta application is open for the 2026-27 school year and Soul families interested in attending another KIPP school should submit an application. More details about how to apply, key deadlines/dates, and the lottery process can be found at https://kippatl.org/enroll/. Families may also submit questions about the enrollment process through the chat option of the website or email us at enroll@kippatl.org.
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is a committed partner, and as such, any scholar currently attending KIPP Soul Primary School or KIPP Soul Academy who resides within the City of Atlanta is eligible to enroll in their assigned home school. For more details about the enrollment process, please visit the Atlanta Public Schools website at this link.
Additionally, APS has created an application portal for families who wish to attend other charter schools within APS. To learn more about how to apply to attend an APS Charter School and the key dates, and requirements visit this link from the Atlanta Public Schools website.
Many committed organizations to public education are offering opportunities for families to learn about seat availability at various schools across metro Atlanta. We encourage our families to attend and below are two upcoming events.
Most roles outside of KIPP Soul will continue as planned. As part of our routine staffing practices, during the we review our staffing levels across the region and announce those changes prior to the upcoming school year – that process will continue.
Families know their scholars best, and we want to honor their role in guiding these conversations. When speaking with scholars we encourage adults to lead in a calm manner with clarity, and empathy. Use age-appropriate language, share only what is known, and avoid speculation or unnecessary detail. Reassure scholars that the adults in their lives are working together to support them and that they will not be navigating this change alone. Center the conversation on how scholars will be supported—academically, emotionally, and through next steps—rather than on the reasons for the closure. Acknowledge that feelings like confusion, sadness, or worry are normal, and make space for questions, even if the answer is simply, “We’ll share more when we know more.” Most importantly, reinforce stability in the present: school continues, routines remain, and trusted adults are here for them now and through the transition. The school will also have regularly scheduled time throughout the remainder of the school year to talk with scholars in small-group settings, where questions and feelings can be addressed thoughtfully and with care.
Please send all news media requests to Andrew@cookerly.com. Please follow our blogs and news for additional KIPP Atlanta Schools announcements.
