Since that time, the facility served a variety of purposes for the school system, including an alternative school for high school students. Dr. Frannie Tart, former Executive Director of Elementary Education for Dekalb County Schools, was the driving force behind the theme school concept. In the spring of 1998, Mr. Mike Kelly, DeKalb County School Board member, made the recommendation that Robert Shaw School be reopened as a Traditional Theme School. Within three short months the school was renovated and reopened on August 21, 1998. In accordance with the Traditional Theme School concept, Robert Shaw Traditional Theme School offers students from Pre-K through sixth grade a very comprehensive, interdisciplinary educational program in a highly structured setting.
Students are active participants in challenging learning experiences.
Emphasis is placed on high academic standards and strict code of conduct. School uniforms are required and contractual parental involvement is a major component to the school's program. A full time parent volunteer coordinator works closely with the PTA and staffs the Parent Center which is located in the school facility. The Parent Center's primary objective is to re-connect family, children, school, and community. The students that attend Robert Shaw come from a diverse4 social, cultural, economic, and academic backgrounds.