Education - July 2026

July Special Section

2 | July 2026 | AppenMedia.com

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

PROVIDED

An exceptional start to an unstoppable future Brought to you by - The Davis Academy The years from Kindergarten Prep through 8th Grade are special, consequential, and deserving of intentional focus. These are the years when children are most open to exploring: as students, athletes, artists, friends, and leaders. It’s when students begin to set great expectations, and when they discover their inner self is as important as their academic development. It’s when children recognize their critical role within their family, their community, and the greater world.

These are the formative years, and at The Davis Academy, they mean everything. As both a highly academic independent school and a Reform Jewish Day School, we are intentional about giving children an exceptional start to their school experience, providing students with individualized learning, well-rounded opportunities, and a loving community rooted in inclusive values.

We believe that when children are given an exceptional start to their school experience, they grow up to become: • Undeterred by academic challenge and confident in their abilities.

• Understood and valued for both who they are and how they learn.

• Unafraid to explore their purpose, try new things, develop their voice, advocate for themselves, and speak up for what is right.

• United as part of a strong community built on L.O.V.E.—living our values every day.

Our families say we’re a school with a soul. That’s because we’re not just a place for the child but for the generations. When your family joins Davis, you begin a life-changing journey together and find a support system for life.

Welcome to The Davis Academy Kindergarten Prep - 8th Grade 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta 30350 770-671-0085 davisacademy.org

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Change lives, change the world Brought to you by – Wesleyan School Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves.

A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-of-the-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts.

Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,210 students in grades K-12 for the 2024-2025 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate.

The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640 https://www.wesleyanschool.org/

PROVIDED

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive

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E X P L O R E W E S L E YA N AT W W W. W E S L E YA N S C H O O L . O R G / A D M I S S I O N S

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Best Afterschool Winner 2025 Brought to you by – The Goddard School Alpharetta (Windward) The Goddard School Alpharetta (Windward) is proud to be a premier, award-winning, family-owned and operated preschool serving children from infancy through 5th grade. For more than a decade, our family has been dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, loved and inspired to learn.

Our school combines the trusted Goddard approach with a passion for nurturing the whole child through play-based, inquiry-driven learning. From our youngest infants to our after-school and summer camp students, every child benefits from engaging experiences that build confidence, creativity, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning. Our experienced teachers partner closely with families to ensure each child receives individualized support and encouragement throughout every stage of development.

As an award-winning school, we are honored to be recognized by our community for excellence in early childhood education, outstanding family partnerships and an unwavering commitment to quality. We believe that every child deserves exceptional care and meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for success.

At Goddard Windward, we are more than a preschool - we are a family. We are committed to providing a safe, joyful and enriching environment where children thrive, families feel supported and lifelong memories are created every day.

PROVIDED

2025

4875 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 770-663-4155

Specializing in Unique Whole-Child Education • Academic-intellectual growth • Emotional development • Socialization skill building • Strengthening gross motor skill in a diverse environment

Celebrates all students and all families We encourage multiple learning methods to reach all students.

Would you like your school/business included in the next Education Section?

Best After-School Program

Reach affluent North Atlanta communities with a

circulation of 114,000 the third week of each month.

Call us today or visit us at www.goddardschool.com CONNECT WITH US

To learn more, call 770-442-3278 or email: mike@appenmedia.com

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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Education solutions for every mind, every age Brought to you by – Eaton Academy Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world.

Academic programs The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 studentto-teacher ratio allows instructors to address the individual learning styles of both neuro-typical and neuro-diverse students. Using STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students of all abilities achieve academic and personal success. The collegeprep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment.

For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma.

The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables students who need a more flexible approach, such as aspiring athletes and performers, to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic

work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility in time or delivery. Sessions can be in person or online.

Post-graduate programs LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training at local businesses and life skill development in our model apartment.

The LIFE program works with young adults living in their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each week for support in areas such as meal-prep, budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping.

Supported employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job. A job coach serves as a liaison between the participant and job sites.

The College Foundations Program (CFP) is designed for individuals who completed high school but are not ready for college or to live on their own. CFP enhances students’ abilities in academics, social settings, independent living, and employment. Students receive onthe-job experience and academic enrichment to enable them to enter college and live independently.

Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.

EATON ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING A Challenging Approach to Education that Features: • Programs for Neurotypical & Neurodivergent Learners • Attention to Individual Needs • Customized College-Prep Programs for K-12 • 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio • Independent Study Classes • Supportive, Nurturing Environment • Post-Graduate Options Available

CALL 770.645.2673 OR VISIT EATONACADEMY.ORG PHOTOS PROVIDED

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

6 | July 2026 | AppenMedia.com

Local LEGO® fun awaits Brought to you by – Bricks & Minifigs Did you know there’s a local LEGO® shopping experience right here in the Johns Creek and Alpharetta area for kids, families, collectors, and LEGO® lovers of all ages?

Bricks & Minifigs Johns Creek on Jones Bridge Road is the place to explore, imagine, shop, celebrate, and experience the fun of LEGO® together.

Kids can dig into mountains of LEGO® in our bulk tables, parents can enjoy a screen-free outing, and lifelong fans can hunt for hard to find pieces, retired favorites, and collectible minifigs. Builders can also stop by the Build-A-Fig table to mix and match their own custom LEGO® minifig!

Whether your family is planning a weekend visit, birthday celebration, camp day, school club and scout outing, or other special group activity, our shop offers a fun local experience that brings people together through building.

We also love to partner with schools, teachers, homeschool groups, youth programs, and community organizations for creative events and team-building activities. Email or call us anytime; we're happy to customize an option to

PHOTOS PROVIDED

suit your needs. You're welcome to bring your group in store or we can bring the LEGO® fun to you!

And when you are done with your LEGO®, bring it in! Turn your bricks, sets, and minifigs into cash or trade them for something new to build. Come support your local LEGO® shop and build something awesome close to home!

Your North Atlanta Authorized LEGO® Destination

BUY • SELL • TRADE LEGO®

New, Used & Retired Sets • Bulk LEGO® • Build-A-Fig Birthday Parties • Events • Camps Owned & operated by a local Johns Creek family 9945 Jones Bridge Rd, Ste. 205, Johns Creek, GA, 30022 johnscreek@bricksandminifigs.com 678-825-2976 Bring in this ad, make a purchase & join loyalty program for a FREE build-a-fig!

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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

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PROVIDED

A commitment to excellence!

Brought to you by – Dunwoody United Methodist Preschool and Kindergarten Dunwoody UMC Preschool and Kindergarten earned the prestigious “Accredited with Merit” status from Cognia, a global school improvement organization. This top-tier designation recognizes early childhood education programs that exceed standard requirements by demonstrating highly effective leadership, consistent teaching practices, and strong learning cultures.

Serving local families for over 60 years, the school continues its tradition of providing trusted early childhood education in the Dunwoody community. During the rigorous evaluation, Cognia reviewers observed classrooms, gathered feedback from families, and evaluated the learning environment. Evaluators highlighted the school’s joyful atmosphere, strong community relationships, and commitment to age-appropriate instruction.

The program serves children from toddlers through kindergarten.

Its curriculum prioritizes academic readiness alongside social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Key components

of the experience include: • Low student-teacher ratios: Classrooms are intentionally structured to ensure individual attention and tailored early instruction.

• Play-based & academic curriculum: To foster a love of learning, the multisensory curriculum blends structured academics with creative play to build language, math, and motor skills.

• Comprehensive Kindergarten preparation: The specialized, half-day program ensures smooth transitions to local public or private elementary schools.

• Flexible extended day programs: Families can utilize early drop-off and afternoon extensions to accommodate busy schedules.

“This honor reflects the dedication of our teachers and the meaningful partnership between our families and church,” said Director Amy Rohan.

“It affirms that our school is a safe, enriching environment and a true benchmark of educational quality for our preschool and kindergarten students.”

For registration inquiries, visit www.dumcp.org or contact the administration team at preschool@ dunwoodyumc.org or (770) 394-2555.

8 | July 2026 | AppenMedia.com

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

A strong start in faith and learning Brought to you by – Dunwoody Baptist Preschool For over 57 years, Dunwoody Baptist Preschool’s vision has been to inspire the love of learning by nurturing each child within a Christ-centered environment.

We are committed to encouraging our early learners to thrive academically, but even more importantly, we want them to grow spiritually. We, as teachers and staff, care deeply that all of our students know who God is and that He loves them unconditionally. We are an Accredited with Merit preschool through COGNIA. At Dunwoody Baptist Preschool, we offer 2, 3 ,4 and 5-day classes for children ages 6 months to 2 years and 5-day classes for children in 3’s, 4’s Pre-K and our unique Young 5’s class.

Early Morning drop-off, Extended Day and Enrichment classes in cooking, art, phonics, science, Spanish, dance and piano are also offered.

All children at DBP not only learn and explore within the classroom, they enjoy music, science, gym and Chapel classes as well as daily playground time.

Please visit our Admissions section on our website at dbc.org/ weekdayschool to register your child for the 2026-2027 school year. Please

PHOTOS PROVIDED

email Lesley Kammerer, Director at lkammerer@dbc.org for information on school tours. To see all of the fun we are having, check out our Instagram or Facebook @dunwoodybaptistpreschool!

EDUCATION • Sponsored Section

Appen Media Wins 2026 Georgia Press Association General Excellence Bringing Journalistic Excellence to North Atlanta 1st Place

Page One – Staff Layout & Design – Staff Education Writing – Jim Bass Serious Column – Carl Appen

2nd Place

Local News Coverage – Staff Business Writing – Staff, Dan Whisenhunt, Dean Hesse, Jim Bass Education Writing – Jim Bass and Zoe Seiler Feature Photograph – Dean Hesse Serious Column – King Williams Humorous Column – Pat Fox Feature Writing – Dan Whisenhunt

3rd Place

Page One – Dionna Williams Layout & Design – Dionna Williams Local News Coverage – Staff Serious Column – Pat Fox Feature Column – Steve Hudson Feature Writing – Jim Bass Newspaper Website – Decaturish.com

ADVERTISING 1st Place

Health Care Ad – David Brown Food Ad – David Brown Home Furnishings/Appliances Ad – David Brown Classified Section/Page – Staff Signature Page – David Brown

2nd Place

Food Ad – David Brown Service/Institutional Ad – David Brown Non-Traditional Ad – David Brown

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