The Atlanta school board voted Monday evening to reject applications from three new charter schools looking to open in the city, including one with ties to the rapper Pitbull.

The schools include SLAM Academy, part of a growing network of charter schools focused on sports supported by Pitbull; Atlanta Schools of the Arts; and Harriet Tubman School of Science and Technology, which would focus on computer science.

In recommending the denial of the applications, district officials cited various issues including insufficient knowledge of charter school laws and, in the case of SLAM Academy, an over-reliance on an outside management company.

SLAM Academy board chair Charlene Ellis said the school planned to appeal the denial to the state.

>> Read more about what’s next for the proposed charter schools on myAJC.com.

In other Education news:

Trump's education secretary's plans for reforming U.S. education revolve around charter schools and vouchers.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A Georgia student warned friends about a shooting threat. He was expelled for it. (Abbey Edmonson/AJC)

Credit: Abbey Edmonson

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC