Campus Development

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Fast?

The Fulton Academy of Science and Technology (FAST) is a charter school attended by 560 elementary school students in Roswell, Georgia.  FAST opened in August 2016. FAST is focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) preparatory skills so that our students may enter high school programs offered elsewhere with exceptional capabilities.  FAST serves children in grades K-8 who reside in the Fulton County School District and apply to the school via a lottery. There are no academic requirements or entrance exams to attend FAST.

Why do parents choose FAST?

Parents know that a STEM based education is a requirement for future success.  The school concept for FAST goes beyond STEM. FAST students have an additional four hours of school each week for a class called Innovation where students invent and build using design thinking principles from Stanford.  FAST students take computer science and learn coding starting in kindergarten. FAST students learn by doing team-based projects which mimic the real world of work. FAST uses innovative curriculum such as Singapore Math and FOSS Science. The innovative concepts that FAST offers are above and beyond what is offered in traditional public schools.  FAST feels these are the key differentiators that will define the future success of our students.

Is FAST a private school?

No.  FAST is a public school that is free-of-charge for all of its students.  FAST operates under a state- and county-sponsored charter that defines certain operational and curriculum parameters.  It is therefore called a “charter school”. The charter was written by a pioneering group of parents who wanted their students to get more science, technology, engineering and math skills in 2015.  FAST operates under the leadership of Principal Mary H Miller who reports to the Governing Board. The school is required to follow all guidelines outlined by Fulton County Schools and the Georgia Department of Education.  

Who pays for FAST to operate?

Our Charter agreement with Fulton County Schools and the Georgia Department of Education provides funding as determined by a funding formula that may be found here.  Note that charter schools do not receive any funding toward facility costs while regular public schools do have their facilities paid for by the state and county.  To be able to afford our programs, charter schools must operate very efficiently. 

Is FAST a good school? 

FAST scored an overall 89.7 on the 2022 Milestones exam administered to all public schools. The elementary school (grades K-5) scored 91 and the middle grades (6-8) scored 88.3.  Scores for other local schools may be found here

How does FAST manage traffic?

FAST works closely with the city of Roswell and traffic engineering firms to ensure that our impact on surrounding traffic is as contained as possible.  FAST has developed a carpool dismissal process that involves both technology and staff resources to ensure students are released quickly and safely to prevent traffic back ups on Crabapple Rd. or in the surrounding neighborhoods. 

How can I find out more?

The FAST governing board holds public meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 6pm at the FAST facility.  These meetings include the opportunity for anyone to address the governing board. In addition, the FAST administration can be contacted at the school campus.