• ATLANTA –  APS remains committed to promoting student focus and well-being, as well as academic success by minimizing distractions and fostering meaningful classroom engagement. Together, we can ensure our schools remain safe, respectful, and conducive to learning. 

    In an effort to maintain a focused and safe educational environment, Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is reinforcing its previously approved Personal Electronic Device (PED) policy for all students across the district, effective with the start of the 2025-2026 school year, Monday, Aug. 4. More information about the PED policy may be found here (Board Policy) and here (Regulation). 

    The use of mobile telephones and other PEDs is considered a privilege – one that is granted to students with prior consent from a parent or guardian. This privilege applies only before and after the official school day. 

    While individual schools will be given a measure of autonomy in the manner in which the policy is implemented, during the official school day – including lunch periods – all PEDs must be turned off and kept out of sight unless specifically approved by school administration. Students will be granted access to their phones by school administrators for personal emergencies and other special circumstances.