The Charles R. Drew Charter School (Drew), opened in 2000, was the first charter school in the Atlanta Public School system. The school is ranked first academically within the Atlanta Public School system and serves more than 1,000 students from pre-K through grade 8. Founded by the East Lake Foundation, a member of the Purpose Built Communities network, the school was launched to serve as the anchor for revitalization in the East Lake neighborhood. When Drew was founded, only 5% of 5th graders met the state’s minimum math standards. Now, over 98% of its 5th grade students meet or exceed state standards in reading, math and social sciences.

NMTC financing from CAHEC, Low Income Investment Fund, PNC, Truist, Urban Action Community Development helped finance the construction of the new 200,000 sq. ft. educational facility. The new Charles R. Drew Junior and Senior Academy doubles student population, enabling Drew to educate 2,000 students in pre-K through 12th grade. The LEED-Gold certified building features 14 science labs, a 500 seat performance space, a full-size outdoor track field, two gymnasiums and an outdoor amphitheater.