A towering iron fence. A bulletproof security vestibule. AI-powered metal detectors. Welcome to high school, 2025. Today’s elementary, middle, and high school students face the sad, unfortunate reality that the very places meant to nurture and protect them are not always immune to outside danger. In response, North Atlanta High School (NAHS), along with Atlanta Public Schools (APS), has worked tirelessly to ensure students can learn in the safest possible environment.
For high school students in the U.S., it is a sobering reality that a rite-of-passage educational site of geometry classes, hall passes, and socializing at lunch can also be a site of unspeakable violence. In 2024, there were 83 school shootings in the United States; this year, there have been 53. In the face of this, North Atlanta has taken initiative to strengthen physical security across campus. Among the new measures are LED lighting in the parking lot by the football field to maximize visibility at night and two new fences: one blocking the courtyard from the bus loop, funded with $12,000 from the school’s own budget, and another near the parking garage, paid for by APS. Both barriers prevent strangers from easily entering the school. Districtwide, APS has implemented bulletproof security vestibules that require visitors to pass through numerous security measures before entering the facility. The funding for these security changes comes from the school, which receives state funding specifically for security, and the district, which allows for investment in safety without major financial trade-offs. “Students should never feel overwhelmed with the mentality of feeling unsafe or uneasy about being in school,” said School Resource Officer Jeanelle Nicolas. “These security measures should help students feel comfortable about coming to school to get their education for their future.”
On top of the physical changes, North Atlanta has also introduced advanced technological systems designed to provide a safe learning environment. In January 2023, APS announced its partnership with Evolv Technology and quickly installed their metal detectors in several schools. North Atlanta began using Evolv metal detectors last school year because they provide a safer, more accurate threat detection at exceptional speeds. The Evolv scanners use powerful sensors and artificial intelligence to distinguish everyday items, like keys and cellphones, from potential threats, allowing students to efficiently enter the school building. North Atlanta also uses the Centigix Security Platform, which gives all staff members a button on the back of their badges that can be pressed in the case of an emergency. Once pressed, administrators and first responders are rapidly alerted to the exact location of the emergency, creating a swift response time. “It’s so reassuring to know that our school is equipped with the most advanced security systems to keep us, as students, as safe as possible,” said junior Mia Yoo.
North Atlanta is headed by an administrative team whose number one priority, according to Assistant Principal Byron Barns, is student safety. The school employs three state-certified law enforcement officers, known as Student Resource Officers (SROs), who are stationed throughout the school. Their primary responsibilities are to protect students and staff, respond to emergencies, uphold safety protocols, and ensure that every student returns home safely at the end of the day. Along with the SROs, administrators and staff care deeply about the safety of each individual student at North Atlanta and will do everything in their power to safeguard the campus. “It is unfortunate that we live in a world where there are regular news reports about horrible events on school campuses,” said Assistant Principal Barnes. “Safety is always the number one priority because we do not want to end up on the news.”
While the world beyond the campus is filled with uncertainty, North Atlanta does all it can to make security a promise, rather than a question. Strengthened facilities, new technology, and a dedicated staff create a learning environment that fosters growth while prioritizing safety.
