From Student to Teacher: How City School Atlanta Shaped Jabrialle’s Journey

When Jabrialle walked through the doors of City School Atlanta as a sophomore, she never imagined she’d return years later—as a teacher.

Jabrialle grew up in an apartment complex just a few miles away from City of Refuge and would often visit campus as a kid. But it wasn’t until 10th grade that she started attending City School. There, she found an engaging, faith-centered environment unlike her previous public school experience. “Here, the teachers were engaged with us, and they were relatable,” she recalls. She thrived in the school’s close-knit, supportive atmosphere, ultimately graduating as valedictorian.

After high school, she pursued dual degrees in IT and Finance at Georgia Southern University, but after graduating during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, job opportunities were scarce. She initially worked as a substitute at City School Atlanta before landing a full-time logistics job—only to be laid off. Then, on that very same day, the school called again. “I was like, ‘This is so crazy. I don’t know if it’s God calling me back to this place,’” she said.

Coming Full Circle

Jabrialle now teaches middle and high school math, bringing a unique perspective to the classroom as a former student. “I feel like I was once in their shoes,” she says. “So I can explain to them why the rules are in place. At their age, I didn’t understand either, but now I do.”

Beyond academics, she appreciates how the school remains grounded in faith. “I love that they keep God at the center,” she says. “That foundation helped me when I was stressed in college, and I carried it with me.”

For Jabrialle, teaching at City School Atlanta isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “The kids like knowing I was once in their place. I tell them, ‘You’ll be fine—see, I turned out fine!’” she laughs. “That’s my favorite part—helping them navigate through it.”

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