Photos: It’s back to school for metro Atlanta students in 2017

Education

Photos: Metro Atlanta students head back to school

Here's how kids in Atlanta, DeKalb and Gwinnett started their new school years.

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; âSISTERLY LOVEâ Katelyn Burton, 7, hugs her younger sister Kamryn Howe, 5, goodbye after walking her to her kindergarten class for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School after arriving on the bus on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Jason Heflin tells his five-year-old son Jason Heflin II goodbye after walking him to Jennifer Byronâs kindergarten class and introducing him to the teacher on the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Gabrielle Reeves, 7, gets a hug goodbye from her 3-year-old sister Rmya Walker as she arrives at her second grade class for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Latonya Davis gives her daughter Nailah Ruffin, 10, a hug goodbye at her fifth grade classroom on the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; DeKalb Schools Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green shares a laugh with K through 5th grade teacher Dr. Thomasina Goodgame during the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Atlanta, GA - Meria Carstarphen (right) gets a photo with John Lewis and school board member Courtney English. Lewis and Carstarphen were on hand for the first day of school at the new John Lewis Invictus Academy. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

At the end of the program John Lewis spent time with students for hugs and taking photos, including Hugo Hernandez-Cruz. Lewis was on hand, along with Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen for the first day at the new John Lewis Invictus Academy. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

At the end of the program John Lewis spent time with school members and students giving hugs and taking photos. Lewis was on hand, along with Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen for the first day of school at the new John Lewis Invictus Academy. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance as the first day of school starts with a program in the gymnasium. Congressman John Lewis was on hand, along with Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Meria Carstarphen for the first day of school at the new John Lewis Invictus Academy. BOB ANDRES /BANDRES@AJC.COM

1/19

August 7, 2017 Lithonia; Fifth grade student Isaiah Brown, 10, enjoys the freedom of an open hallway as he is the first student to arrive for the first day of school at Edward L Bouie Elementary School on Monday, August 7, 2017, in Lithonia. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Today's Gallery Headlines

Pelicans vs Hawks game

PHOTOS: Hawks defeat Pelicans

25m ago

Pelicans vs Hawks game

PHOTOS: Trae Young reportedly traded to Wizards

1h ago

aajc 010626 tech syracuse basketball

PHOTOS: Georgia Tech's comeback falls short in loss to Syracuse in ACC basketball

Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints

PHOTOS: Falcons defeat Saints to win season finale

More Galleries

Red carpet for students.

PHOTOS: Metro Atlanta students start school

First day of school standalone photo assignment

PHOTOS: School starts for Decatur students

Back to School Presser

PHOTOS: New Fulton school prepares for school year

Berry College sunset

PHOTOS: Georgia campuses among Travel & Leisure's most beautiful