Ralph Bunche is the largest middle school in southwest Atlanta; it bears the name of a distinguished political scientist, Dr. Ralph Bunche, who was instrumental in forming the United Nations and the first African-American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1950.
Bunche Middle School is composed of three academies: Math and Science, Health Sciences and Engineering, and Law and Government. In addition to completing core classes, students take courses in subjects related to their respective academy. Students decide which academy to attend, and remain there until they graduate.
There is a mandatory uniform policy at Bunche. All students are allowed to wear khaki, blue, or black bottoms; shirt color varies according to grade level.
Bunche offers a range of extracurricular activities, including football, girls and boys basketball, and debate. There is a Saturday school and tutorial sessions for students who desire extra help.