Sutton Middle School was created in 1972 as a result of the increased growth in students from Garden Hills, E. Rivers, Warren T. Jackson, Sarah Smith and Morris Brandon Elementary Schools. William Franklin Dykes High School, located at the corner of Powers Ferry Road and Jett Road in the Chastain community, was converted to a middle school and named as Willis A. Sutton Middle School after the 8th superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, who was known as always seeking ways to improve the method of educating children. Beginning in the 2013-2014 school year, Sutton Middle School relocated to the old North Atlanta High School Campus on Northside Drive. The former location on Powers Ferry Road became the 6th Grade Campus for Sutton Middle School in August 2015, giving Sutton 2 campus locations: 6th Grade Campus (Powers Ferry/Jett Road) & Grades 7-8 (Northside Drive). Sutton Middle School has been recognized as an IB World School since July 2008.