Frederick Douglass High School

Established in 1968, Frederick Douglass High School stands as a testament to the pursuit of education and equality. It was built to address the overcrowding at nearby schools like Harper, Turner, and West Fulton High Schools. These schools, along with the now-defunct Archer High School, eventually became part of Frederick Douglass High School. The school’s motto, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress,” embodies the spirit of its namesake, the renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass High School has deep roots in the local community. It serves the historic Collier Heights, Peyton Forest, Cascade Heights, and Center Hill neighborhoods. The school underwent significant renovations from 2002 to 2004. These renovations modernized the main building and added a new gymnasium and auditorium. These spaces are named in honor of former principals Lester W. Butts and Samuel L. Hill. In 2009, Frederick Douglass High School earned a place in the National Historic Registry as part of the “Collier Heights Historic District: Atlanta’s Premier African American Suburb.” Frederick Douglass High School is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a hub of academic and extracurricular activities. It offers several Small Learning Communities. These include the Center for Engineering and Applied Technology, Communications and Journalism, the Center for Hospitality, Tourism, and Marketing, and the Center for Business and Entrepreneurship. There’s also a 9th Grade STEAM Academy. The school feeds into several elementary schools, including Harper-Archer Elementary, Usher-Collier Elementary, Scott Elementary, Boyd Elementary, FL Stanton Elementary, Woodson Park Academy, and John Lewis Invictus Academy Middle Schools. Frederick Douglass High School boasts a rich athletic tradition. The Astros compete in the Georgia High School Association Region 6, the state’s second-highest classification of 4A. The school colors are black and old gold. The boys’ basketball team has a history of success, reaching the final four numerous times and winning the state championship in 1984. The girls’ basketball team also shines, with two state championship titles under their belt. The football team has made it to the state finals and consistently sends athletes to college on scholarships. Beyond sports, Frederick Douglass High School excels in other areas. In 2010, the school’s team won the National Championship in the Stock Market Game, a testament to their academic prowess. The Marching Astros Band is a source of pride, performing in local and national events, including parades and halftime shows.