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Homeowner seeks permit to operate 10-student micro-school at 2956 Hogan Road
Summary
Ashley McFarland requested a special use permit with four concurrent variances to operate a home-based micro-school (Academic Pods of Georgia) in the finished basement at 2956 Hogan Road, with a max enrollment of 10, staggered drop-off, no new construction and coordination with the fire department on evacuation plans.
Ashley McFarland, owner of 2956 Hogan Road and applicant for cases P2026U-002-07 and P2026VC-001-07, told the City of East Point’s July 14 virtual meeting she plans to operate a small, home-based micro-school under the name Academic Pods of Georgia.
McFarland said the school would use the finished basement and backyard of her single-family home with no new construction or exterior expansion. She described an operational model capped at 10 students (initially K–1), classes Tuesday through Thursday 8 a.m.–1 p.m. with an enrichment period on Wednesdays to 2 p.m., two administrators on site, staggered arrival and dismissal windows to limit traffic, and supervised indoor programming with limited outdoor time.
During public questions, McFarland said recruitment will be primarily by word-of-mouth; she reported six families have expressed interest so far. When asked whether enrollment would be limited to residents of East Point, she said it would not be restricted but she expects most families will be local. She confirmed the home will remain her residence, said instructors will use the driveway and that parents would generally be discouraged from parking on site; the primary drop-off route would use a gate on the Dogwood side leading to a basement entrance.
On safety, McFarland said there are three points of egress (two main-level exits to Hogan Road and a basement exit to Dogwood) and that she is coordinating an evacuation plan with the local fire department. She said no overnight events or large gatherings are planned and that the operation will comply with applicable health, safety and fire codes.
Smith reminded the public that use-permit applications with concurrent variances proceed through the Planning Commission and then City Council, with final decisions in this review cycle scheduled for City Council on Sept. 21. The meeting record includes residents’ questions about parking, access, signage and enrollment, which the applicant addressed during the session.
