Empowering parents to disrupt inequities in education
In 2016, parents at Thomasville Heights Elementary learned their school had been struggling for 25 years, and no one told them. Instead of staying quiet, they knocked on doors, talked with neighbors, and made sure families knew what was happening.
Their efforts grew into a movement. By 2018, they named it Atlanta Thrive, and by 2021, it became a nonprofit dedicated to giving parents across Atlanta, and beyond, a voice in education.
A MOVEMENT FOR ATLANTA’S CHILDREN
Atlanta Thrive helps parents and families speak up and work together to hold schools accountable. We use five steps to build leadership and advocacy skills so families can push for better outcomes for kids.
MISSION
Atlanta Thrive is a nonprofit organization that empowers parents to disrupt the inequities in education. We believe the most effective solutions come from those directly impacted by the issue. In response, we work to assist parents in understanding the workings of the school system and equip them with the knowledge and skills to support and advocate for their children effectively.
VISION
We envision a world where students experience a world-class education, are empowered, have options, and can lean on adults, family, and educators to guide and support in choosing their own paths aligned with their strengths and interests.
OUR IMPACT
Atlanta Thrive has a track record of pushing for change and winning. Together with parents and partners, we’ve secured real results for families in Atlanta Public Schools:
OUR WINS
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We fought for the Goals and Guardrails policy, which the Atlanta Board of Education unanimously approved in 2021.
This policy gives parents, families, and community members a clear tool to measure how well the Board is serving students.
It took three years of writing op-eds, meeting with board members, and speaking out at meetings—but parents won.
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Partnered with the Latino Association for Parents of Public Schools to secure a $100,000 grant.
Redistributed $50,000 directly to families facing COVID-19 hardships.
Supported 474 children across 61 schools in 15 zip codes, with grants up to $599 per family.
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Secured options for families: the right to choose face-to-face or at-home learning during the pandemic.
Pushed for individualized learning plans to address learning loss caused by school closures.
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Launched the Don’t Dis the Ability campaign, collecting more than 700 signatures for a special education audit.
In 2024, APS released its first audit of special education services; in 2025, a second audit covered charter and partner schools.
In April 2025, Atlanta Thrive received the Family Engagement Community Champion Award from APS’s Office of Family Engagement.
These wins prove what’s possible when parents speak up and stay united.
About the Executive Director
Kimberly Dukes, co-founder of Atlanta Thrive, is both a graduate of Atlanta Public Schools and a mother of 10 children in the district. After discovering her children were attending one of the lowest-performing schools, she began organizing parents to demand better. Since then, she has led efforts across Atlanta to make sure families have a seat at the table and a voice in decisions that affect their children.
