Elementary Academy

Dear Elementary Academy Family,

Welcome to an exciting and historic year at Drew Charter School’s Elementary Academy (EA)!

This 2025-2026 school year marks our school's 25th anniversary of fulfilling Drew’s mission to help students “achieve their full potential as part of an exemplary, innovative, and equity-centered community.” We are Atlanta’s first public charter school, and I am honored to begin my 10th year as your principal and to celebrate Drew’s 25th Anniversary (Drew25) with our exceptional teachers and staff, who foster an environment where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Throughout the year, we will celebrate all our accomplishments over the past 25 years while looking ahead to the future.

Drew launches our new strategic plan this month, and it will guide us for the next five years in our unwavering commitment to educational innovation. We will build upon our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and Project-Based Learning (PBL) approaches, which continue to set us apart. In 2022, Drew became Georgia’s first K-12 STEAM-certified school, reflecting our commitment to real-world problem solving, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. This year, the EA will continue the STEAM re-certification process to ensure our students continue to excel and grow.

Over the years, EA students have consistently demonstrated outstanding achievement and growth, including several recent accomplishments that reflect the strength of our instructional program and school community:

  • EA students continue to score above national norms on the MAP assessments in both reading and math.
     
  • Our students demonstrated a notable increase in Science proficiency on the Georgia Milestones Assessment System.
     
  • The Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Team placed 2nd at the District Competition and 6th at the Regional Competition.
     
  • More than 120 students and 50 staff members engaged in the Drew Elementary Mentoring Program, building meaningful relationships that foster personal and academic growth.
     
  • The Drew Elite Cheer Team proudly represented our school in multiple parades and competitions throughout the year.
     
  • Our student-led Mass Communications Club played a vital role in keeping our community connected, producing and delivering daily live-streamed announcements with professionalism and creativity.
     
  • Students showcased their remarkable talents through a variety of performances, including Band, Dance, Orchestra, and Chorus concerts, Broadway on Eva Davis Way, and even an Atlanta Hawks pre-game performance.

These accomplishments are only a snapshot of the excellence that defines the Elementary Academy.

Drew wants to ensure every family can participate fully in extracurriculars that enhance their student’s overall learning experience. Therefore, starting this school year, families will not be charged for activities, clubs, sports, and other enrichment opportunities the way they have been in the past.  We are initiating a new way to fund student activities that addresses gaps in student participation and disparities in accessing the full Drew experience.  We are implementing Drew CARES (formerly the Drew Opportunity Fund), a cost equity initiative and an annual fundraising initiative. Instead of paying fees, families will be encouraged to give tax-deductible donations if and when they’re able. In the coming weeks, you will hear more about Drew CARES and how you can support its longevity.

As we embark on this milestone year together, we are deeply grateful for your partnership. Your support and involvement are essential to our shared mission of helping every student thrive both academically and personally. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We are excited for all that lies ahead and confident that, together, we will make this a truly extraordinary school year.

#25YearsOfDrew   #EaglesInspire   #Drew25

Be Well,
Monishae O'Neill 
Elementary Academy Principal