Our School

Our mission is through an inclusive culture of equity, collaboration, and excellence, all students will be empowered to be innovators and responsive citizens.

The vision of David T. Howard Middle School is an engaging and inclusive community that ensures all students reach their individual academic potential and develop critical thinking skills so they can navigate a rapidly changing world. We are comprised of a diverse population of 1140 students and 120 staff members.

David T. Howard was a former slave who became a successful Atlanta business owner and the founder of the city's first African American owned bank. Mr. Howard was a noted philanthropist and supporter of education. One of his many donations was the 7.5-acre campus that became the location for an elementary school that was named after him. 
 
One of our inspirational alumni, Martin Luther King Jr., attended the school from 1936 until 1940. Howard became a high school in 1948 and closed in 1976.  For over 40 years, the building sat empty while the neighborhoods around the school were growing. 

At the end of 2016, APS announced that the abandoned school would be revived and renovated as the future location of Inman Middle School, meeting the demand of our cluster's growing population. For the past 2 years, we have followed along as the school was transformed into the amazing facility that exists today. In early 2020, the school and community voted to honor the school's historical name, and the David T. Howard Middle School replaced Inman, serving grades 6-8. in the Grady Cluster. This transition will honor the important past of the school and will create new legacies in support of each of our students. Throughout the year we will continue to share its story and the stories of the students who came before us. Here are a few to get you started. 

Inman Middle School students and faculty transitioned to the newly renovated, historic school building for the 2020-21 school year. Along with a new name, the David T. Howard Middle School, officially opened their doors to the community in August 2020. Despite the challenges our world has faced due to COVID-19, this exciting transition is a celebration of the historic accomplishments and a wish for the future.

Academics are the primary emphasis at Howard. The core curriculum focuses on math, science, social studies, and language arts with the goal of academic excellence and personal character development. This curriculum is enhanced by instruction in art, drama, band, orchestra, chorus, Spanish, French, physical education, health, and more. Howard's gifted and remedial programs offer strong tutorial support, and the school is praised for its excellent after-school programs.

Contributing to Howard's success are strong administrative leadership, dedicated teachers, active parents, and neighborhood and corporate volunteers.