Our School:

SPECIAL SERVICES

ESOL — English Language Support

FAST's ESOL program supports English learners in developing the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills they need to thrive — both socially and academically. Academic English is a long journey, and our program provides daily direct instruction to help students get there.

New students are screened using the WIDA assessment to determine eligibility. If your child qualifies, you'll be notified and services begin right away.

K–3 students receive one 45-minute ESOL class daily; students in grades 4 and up receive one or two 50-minute sessions depending on proficiency level and other factors. Progress is measured annually through the ACCESS for ELLs assessment (tested January/February, results in May).

When students demonstrate strong English proficiency, they transition out of the program and are monitored for two years to ensure a smooth adjustment to general education — with accommodations available as needed.

Questions? Reach out to our ESOL Coordinator, Tara Burns at tara.burns@fastk8.org

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Intervention

Every student deserves to reach their potential. FAST's Intervention program supports students in grades K–8 who need extra help reaching or maintaining grade-level performance in reading and/or math — and we work to get them there as efficiently as possible.

Using the Georgia Tiered System of Support, we identify students through screenings and progress monitoring, then provide targeted, research-based instruction in small groups (typically 2–6 students) or one-on-one sessions of about 20 minutes. Instruction is closely coordinated with classroom teachers to reinforce and build on what students are already learning. Parents are kept in the loop throughout the process.

For more information, contact our Academic Interventionists.

Talented & Gifted (TAG)

FAST's TAG program blends academic acceleration with enrichment — pushing gifted students to do work that's meaningful, challenging, and authentically theirs.

We use the same eligibility process as Fulton County Schools, with MAP scores accepted as the achievement measure. Gifted learners are supported through differentiated instruction across all subjects, and programs like Innovation and Genius Hour give students the freedom to pursue their passions and go as far as their curiosity takes them.

Fulton County's Implementation of Georgia's Eligibility Rule
State Board of Education Rule 160-4-2-.38 

  • Data shall be gathered in each of the four assessment categories.

  • At least one of the criteria must be met by a score on a nationally normed test.

  • Any data used to establish eligibility in one category shall not be used to establish eligibility in another category.

  • If a rating scale is used to evaluate motivation, a rating scale may not be used to evaluate creativity.

  • Any test score used to establish eligibility shall be current within two years.

  • The Talented and Gifted Program will only administer each specific standardized test once every two calendar years.

  • Data gathered and analyzed by a private licensed psychologist shall be used only in the mental ability category for Option B.  It shall be supported by two of the three remaining categories.  One of the three remaining categories must be a nationally normed test administered by a school.  

Questions about TAG or your child's eligibility? Contact TAG Coordinator

Special Education

At FAST, every student belongs — and every student is supported. For students identified as eligible through the IEP process, we provide specialized instruction and services tailored to individual needs, always within the least restrictive environment alongside their peers.

Inclusion is woven into the fabric of our classrooms. All students have full access to the general education curriculum and grade-level standards, with the added support and specially designed instruction that sets each child up to succeed.

Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal civil rights law ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to education. Put simply, it levels the playing field — making sure every student can fully participate in school life, regardless of the nature or severity of their disability.

At FAST, 504 plans provide individually designed accommodations so that students with disabilities receive the same quality of education as their peers.

A student may qualify for a 504 plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (including learning and behavior), have a record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having one.

If you think your child may benefit from a 504 plan, please reach out to our 504 Coordinator.