School History

In the early 1970’s, Atlanta Public Schools was experiencing tremendous growth. The school district was in need of a new middle school to house the students from Garden Hills, E. Rivers, Warren T. Jackson, Sarah Smith, and Morris Brandon Elementary Schools. The decision was made to transition one of the high schools to a middle school. In 1972, William Franklin Dykes High School, located on Powers Ferry Road in the Buckhead neighborhood, was changed to Willis A. Sutton Middle School, named for the 8th superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools.

Dr. Willis Anderson Sutton began his career with Atlanta Public Schools in 1913. In 1914, Dr. Sutton became head of the Department of Languages at Tech High School, and later became principal in 1917. In 1921, Dr. Sutton became the 8th superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools.

Throughout his career, Dr. Sutton was always seeking ways to improve the method of educating children. In 1930, he traveled to Chicago, Illinois and to several other states, meeting with other educators to discuss their methodology. Always thinking of his teachers and students, he wrote them a letter during his trip, encouraging them to ‘study hard, play fairly and be happy.’ Nine years later, Dr. Sutton traveled to Tuskegee University to celebrate the birthday of Dr. George W. Carver, noted scientist, educator and humanitarian. Dr. Sutton had lunch and visited with Dr. Carver inquiring about his philosophical approach to diversity and his holistic approach to acquiring knowledge. Dr. Carver explained that if we as a society act on the belief in a common humanity, which binds us together despite our differences of race, nationality and culture, only then can we reunite ethical and technical reasoning.

Dr. Sutton took Dr. Carver’s ideas, as well as the several other educators’ and put many into practice. He believed that fitting the child for life through education and shaping the personality and the mind as an integral whole, would create well-rounded adults who could cope with life. His three objectives for students of Atlanta Public Schools were focused on health, scholarship, and character. His distinctive approach to education attracted nationwide attention and that of leading educators.

Throughout its history, Sutton Middle School has reflected the philosophy of its namesake. Sutton has a reputation of having the top teachers in the district including world famous artist, James Adair who taught art; Reginald Colbert who taught band, and his wife Natalie Colbert who still teaches orchestra; Ina Gottelieb, renowned drama coach and many of the fine teachers who are presently on the faculty today.

Sutton is also the alma mater of many successful professionals including NASA engineer Heather Paul; Grammy Award-Winning Rapper, composer, producer and actor, Andre Benjamin of OUTKAST; actor, producer, and former P. Diddy sidekick, Derrick Watkins a.k.a. Farnsworth Bentley; Ivy-League graduate and Olympic Bronze Medalist, Tora Harris; former NFL wide receiver, Sam Graddy; and many more successful attorneys, doctors, educators, business professionals and community leaders.

Sutton continues to excel in the areas of academia, performing arts, sports and many competitive extra-curricular activities, winning numerous awards in all areas. Students today are privileged to take part in the International Baccalaureate program, a program that promotes active lifelong learning through interdisciplinary planning and focuses on five themes:

In the fall of 2006, over 30 years after the doors of Sutton Middle School first opened, students entered a totally renovated campus. Sutton now boasts a state-of-the-art facility that includes a conference and meeting center; a new media center; an arts complex, which houses the school’s award-winning band and orchestra; art and drama departments; and the newly added chorale department, nine science labs, five computer labs, and a performing arts theatre. Also, because we were selected to participate in the LINUX program, Sutton faculty and students are now enjoying the use of 400 supplemental computer terminals.

This year’s 6th grade class is the largest in Sutton’s history. In addition to being the first class to attend the beautiful new campus, they are also the first class to have the privilege of entering the school during the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.

Since its beginning in 1972, Sutton Middle School has provided Atlanta students with a solid foundation in education offering instruction from many of the finest educators in the district. We will strive to continue in our tradition of high achievement and pride, making milestones and producing tomorrow’s leaders.