Symbolically, bridges represent connection and access to places that are otherwise difficult to reach.
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruption to education — interrupting instruction, deepening achievement gaps, and challenging districts to rethink teaching — Fulton County Schools responded with a focused and strategic effort to support student recovery. This effort took shape as the Bridge to Success, an ambitious, multi-year initiative aimed at overcoming academic setbacks and driving lasting, systemic improvement. Through the Bridge to Success, students were able to bridge the educational gaps created by the pandemic.
In full implementation from 2021 to 2023, the Bridge to Success focused on student health, academic recovery, and operational stability. It was supported by over $168 million in federal American Rescue Plan (ARP ESSER) funding and encompassed seven major initiatives targeting literacy, student engagement, leadership development, and more.
What began as an educational crisis, became a transformation due to the Bridge to Success' bold investments, community collaboration, and clear vision. Fulton County Schools not only recovered from the pandemic’s impact, it redefined its future.
In recent years FCS has achieved its highest-ever graduation rate, improved standardized test scores, and attained higher satisfaction among students, staff, and families. As the federal funding period concluded, FCS integrated the most impactful strategies into its new strategic framework, ensuring continued growth in literacy, equity, leadership, and school safety.
Record-Breaking Academic Results
The Bridge to Success plan yielded significant achievements across Fulton County Schools, demonstrating the district’s commitment to academic recovery and long-term improvement. Through targeted investments in literacy and math instruction, expanded tutoring programs, enhanced summer learning opportunities, and increased support for students' mental health and well-being, the plan helped students regain momentum and make measurable progress.
More details on these achievements are found in the End-of-Year report and in the Key Initiatives and Outcomes section.
