Education Focus, October 2014

Appen Media Group

EDUCATION FOCUS

October Special Section

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2014

Sponsored Section

AppenMediaGroup.com | October 2014

Montessori Kids Academy Montessori Kids Academy is located at 3034 Old Atlanta Road in Cumming, next to the Publix shopping center. We are a SACS/CASI accredited school and a member of the American Montessori Society.

We pride ourselves on having highly qualified, experienced teachers who are passionate about the Montessori philosophy and guiding children along their journey of learning. We currently participate in the Georgia Student Scholarship Program, a tax-savings program created to enable parents to use their money tax-free for education.

Montessori Kids Academy offers a traditional Montessori student-focused constructivist teaching style. Our growing school teaches children from 18 months to 3 years of age in our pre-primary classroom, 3 years to 6 years of age in our primary classrooms, and 6 to 12 years of age in our elementary classrooms. We strive

to maintain a low student to teacher ratio in each classroom.

The school is housed in a 20,000 square foot, state-ofthe-art building complete with a children’s garden, outdoor classroom, spacious library, learning kitchen, computer lab, indoor café, outside picnic patio, two music rooms, and traditional Montessori furnishings.The following daily enrichments are offered as part of our Montessori curriculum at no additional cost: Spanish, Music, Art, Cooking, Physical Education, Tai Chi and Organic Gardening. We also provide Chinese and Chess for our elementary students. Even our Pre-Primary students participate in Physical Education, art and Spanish. Transportation to and from regular field trips is provided by the new Montessori Kids Academy school bus.

In addition to regular field trips that are off-site, we have many different visitors such as the

Forsyth County firefighters, police and K-9 unit, Recycling Center, the Reptile Man and many other people who help complement our curriculum.

Students enjoy daily yoga and journal writing in their classrooms as well as the computer lab.

Montessori Kids Academy uses the program Montessori Compass. This is a website that gives the parents a snapshot of their child’s day, lets them track their child’s progress, shares pictures, and provides general information about the Montessori philosophy and the purpose of each lesson. It also educates the parents on the importance of providing their children with a strong foundation to build all future learning and how a Montessori education helps build this foundation.

Montessori Kids Academy also offers an academic summer camp where students can learn while having fun.

While at camp, the students will continue with Montessori Language Arts and Mathematics materials and lessons. The students will also participate in weekly field trips, either in-house for our youngest campers or off-site for the older students. Every day has an exciting new activity and each week’s theme will bring new excitement to the students

as they learn about the world around them as well as tap into their creativity and imagination.

We invite you to our Open House Saturday, January 10th from 11:00-2:00, or you can call to schedule a tour to see our traditional Montessori School that makes a difference around the world as well as at home.

October 2014

education focus • Sponsored Section

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Montessori Kids Academy 3034 Old Atlanta Road 678-208-0774

www.montessoricumming.com

Montessori Kids Academy provides a carefully prepared environment and experienced teachers to lay a strong educational foundation for your child.

• SACS/CASI Accreditation • Montessori Certified / College Educated Teachers • Traditional Montessori Student Focused Curriculum • Constructivist Model of Educating • Member of the American Montessori Society • Spacious Classrooms • Low Student to Teacher Ratio • Weekly Progress Reports on Montessori Compass.com • Regular Field Trips • Indoor Cafe • Two Music Rooms and Learning Kitchen • School Library • Pre-Primary Includes: Spanish, Art and P.E. • Primary Includes: Spanish, Music, Art, Cooking, Gardening, Tai Chi and P.E. • Elementary Includes: Spanish, Music, Art, Cooking, Gardening, Tai Chi, P.E. and Chess

Bring in this ad and receive

FREE registration

until January 30, 2015

• Offering Pre-Primary (ages 18 months – 3 years), Primary (ages 3 – 6), Elementary Classes (1st – 3rd grade), (4th – 6th grade)

TOURS DAILY

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At Rivers Academy, students exceed academic requirements and pursue their passions without sacrificing either If you find your child in a position where they require more balance between their schooling and their extra-curricular activities, we have an excellent program available for your family. As opposed to homeschooling or on-line, we offer an excellent real school experience where your student can thrive.

Celebrating our 7th year, we have a proven track record of our graduates getting into their first choice colleges or beginning their professional careers in the arts and athletics. In the class of 2014, we boasted two National Merit Scholarship recipients. Students are taking their involvement in the National Honor Society and service projects into their college life and succeeding as great leaders and problem solvers. Our alumni association began this year to connect and support the Rivers’ Family as they enter the market place.

Whether it’s performing arts, athletics or academic endeavors many students are pursuing a passion outside of school. Rivers Academy gives them the first rate, college prep academics they need and deserve with the freedom and flexibility of a condensed school week. We offer the sought after positive peer interaction, social activities, caring teachers and small class sizes that create an optimal learning

environment. Students develop superior writing and critical thinking skills while taking ownership of learning.

Your student will receive fully accredited transcripts featuring honors and AP curriculum. In addition, we offer full science labs and enrichment classes such as chess, painting,video production, computer graphics, and a multitude of other options helping children discover their gifts.

Our Staff consists of 24 teachers, 2 parent liaisons, a principal, an academic dean, and a director. Our faculty and staff are some of the most devoted, highly educated and inspirational in their field. All of our teachers are degreed in field, and most hold masters degrees. The Rivers Academy staff works together with parents to develop the whole child through mutual respect and character-driven expectations.

At Rivers Academy, students find others who are very much like themselves. students around other students who are happy and passionate about their lives and pursuits can provide the ultimate inspiration. Many of our families put a premium on their time together, and very simply want to create more of it. Some also want the flexibility of traveling with their kids, and enriching their educational experience without conforming to the stringent

absentee policies of traditional schools.

Vision Statement Rivers Academy will continue to create a path for our students to develop into confident, independent thinkers, able to face the future with personal success. Our highest priority is to provide a balance between being a child and excelling in both their academics

and their chosen passions. We will encourage our students to become lifelong learners by modeling academic curiosity, respect for peers and accountability to core values.

To tour the facility and explore our incredible program, please call 770.475.0081, or visit our website at riversacademy.com

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October 2014

education focus • Sponsored Section

If your child could have the quality of a college prep education and the flexibility of home schooling, what would that look like? ✔ Accredited Transcripts ✔ Nationally Recognized Curriculum ✔ Superior, Qualified Teachers ✔ Advanced Science Labs ✔ Critical Thinking and Writing Skills ✔ Condensed School Week ✔ Support When Traveling ✔ Positive Peer Interaction ✔ Complete school environment ✔ Graduation, Prom, Field trips, Yearbooks..... ✔ Happy, Balanced and Successful Students

It would look like Rivers Academy Pursue Your Passion Without Academic Compromise

38 North Main Street ∙ Alpharetta, GA 30009

770-475-0081 www.riversacademy.com

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2014

PRIVATE NON-PAROCHIAL PRESCHOOL

Infants - Pre-Kindergarten

ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL Kindergarten - 8th Grade

Private Non-Parochial Education • GAC, SACS & NAEYC Accredited • Challenging Hands-on Academics, STEM • Low Student/Teacher Ratio • Advanced Technologies • Foreign Language/Music, Band, Chorus/Physical Education, Health

• Outdoor Classroom, Cafe and Wooded Trails • Monthly Field Trips • Afterschool Clubs • Competitive Teams, Robotics Club and Drama • New Gym and Middle School opened in 2014!

Open House Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Nov. 12, Feb. 11, March 11 Dates: Saturday, January 24, 2015 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

“Inspiring students with the passion to excel”

McGinnis Woods Country Day School McGinnis Woods Country Day School, established in 1999, is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Education. The beautiful school campus which is located in Alpharetta on the border of Forsyth and North Fulton counties, dedicated a state of the art Middle School and Gym in August of 2014. The Preschool accepts children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary/Middle School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade.

McGinnis Woods Country Day School has top accreditations, including GAC, SACS, and NAEYC. The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the passion to excel. This is accomplished by providing superior hands-on, minds-on academics which foster knowledge and self-confidence and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Superior educational

resources are implemented to maximize the learning experience of our diverse student population. Class sizes are small with low studentteacher ratios, allowing frequent one-to-one learning. The students learn through a variety of groupings including class lessons, small group activities, hands-on STEM activities and “buddy” classes which encourage multi-age groupings. Frequent guest speakers, monthly field trips which reinforce classroom learning, and community service round out the curriculum. Drama Club, Competitive Sports and Robotics teams train year round.

After school programs and Specialty Clubs are also available.

Please visit www.mcginniswoods. org or call 770.664.7764 to set up a tour at 5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Experience the McGinnis Woods difference!

Tours welcome by appointment

770-664-7764

5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia

Visit us online at www.mcginniswoods.org

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia 6450 East Johns Crossing • Johns Creek, GA 30097 Sowing the seeds of organic learning

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia • Multi-age, vibrant learning communities with uninterrupted blocks of work time that inspire organic learning • Montessori certified teachers in every classroom • School leadership team with advanced academic degrees • Flexible academic program schedules • Nutritious lunch, organic milk, and healthy snacks offered daily • Scientifically designed, hands-on, multi-sensory learning materials • Community environment that fosters non-competitive, collaborative student relationships • Extracurricular activities including art, music, ballet and sports offered in school

Facebook | JCMSOG.org

770-814-8001

Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment.

Each of JCMSOG’S vibrant classroom communities is outfitted with high quality Montessori materials designed to meet each child’s individual developmental needs, so that no matter a child’s learning style or pace, the right equipment is on hand to give him exactly what he needs.

Our JCMSOG teachers or Community guides all have one to two years

of Montessori studies and certification from a MACTE-accredited organization.

They are trained to work with each child individually, guiding them to the lessons or activities best suited for that child’s particular developmental needs.

The multi-age groupings in our classroom communities allow for noncompetitive, mutually beneficial relationships between children.

The younger children learn by observing the older children. The older children test their learning by repeating lessons for their younger friends.

The Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia difference is best experienced in person. Please schedule a time to observe the “Montessori Magic” by calling 770-814-8001 or email at info@jcmsog.org.

October 2014

education focus • Sponsored Section

Riverside Military Academy For over 107 years Riverside Military Academy has produced young men of purpose, integrity, and character. We offer a traditional, American-style education where personal values, honor, and love of country still matter. Riverside is not owned or operated by any particular religious denomination, but supports the spiritual and educational goals of all families.

Upon graduation, a Riverside cadet has experienced the challenges of the military model of education and is completely prepared for the rigors of college. He is poised, polite, and confident in any social environment. Riverside cadets stand tall, offer a firm handshake, respect authority, and display a level of confidence that parents may not have observed previously. Cadets of Riverside Military Academy attend grades 7 through 12 and benefit from a small class size and a 15:1 student teacher ratio. Our entire educational program centers around the way young men learn best.

Riverside’s College Center assists cadets in preparing for and placing their college applications each year. The graduating class 2014 consisted of 86 cadets who were admitted to over 105 universities across the world and earned over $4.2 million in collegiate scholarships not including HOPE scholarship. Two graduating seniors were appointed to the U.S. Military Academy –West Point and the United States Air Force Academy, an educational value of over $450,000 each. Riverside Military Academy holds dual accreditation in SACS and SAIS. Our comprehensive program of rigorous academics, athletics and leadership development sets the stage for a lifetime of success.

Riverside Military Academy is located on 206 acres on the shores of Lake Lanier in Gainesville, GA. For more information please visit our web site at www.riversidemilitary.com or contact our admissions office at 770-538-2938.

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2014

Keeping children safe By: Inge Robb Franchise Owner, Primrose School at Steeplechase SafeKids Worldwide, an organization dedicated to preventing injuries in children, says nearly nine million children a year are treated for preventable injuries in ERs. As children grow and explore, so does the list of potential hazards.

Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician, mother, and author, suggests implementing several prevention techniques. Pas-

sive prevention are things we can do, or install that keep children safe without adults running to the rescue, such as outlet covers, corner protectors and pool fences.

However, all of these precautions do not take the place of supervision. Thus, equally important is active prevention; being in arm’s reach of a child near a pool or buckling them in the car are two examples.

Take into consideration both active and passive prevention strategies.

Room profiling. Scanning

rooms to look for potential hazards.

• Are windows locked?

• Are outlets covered?

• Are medicines and chemicals stored safely out of reach?

• Is the floor clear of choking hazards?

Outside the house.

Whether at school, in the car or at grandma’s make sure they are safe in other places where they spend time.

Think through which items are potentially dangerous, and may vary depending on the child’s age. SafeKids lists

Infants – Private Pre-K & After School

Thank you for voting us BEST! Primrose School at Steeplechase thanks our Community for voting us the Best of the Best in 2014! We are grateful!

TOUR OUR SCHOOL TO LEARN MORE. Primrose School at Steeplechase

5745 Steeplechase Blvd | Cumming, GA 30040 678.455.6008 | PrimroseSteeplechase.com Each Primrose School is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2014 Primrose School Franchising Company. All rights reserved. See primroseschools.com for ‘fact’ source and curriculum detail.

potential hazards for infant to 12-month-olds and 1 to 4-yrolds.

Out of sight, out of mind. If young children don’t see something, they’re less likely to want it. Whether it is sharp objects, poisonous chemicals, or medications, have them in their original safety-proof containers, locked, and out of reach and sight.

Simply put, no amount of safety proofing eliminates the need for ageappropriate adult supervision.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a list on their website to help you identify concerns.

Primrose School at Steeplechase, call (678) 4556008 or visit primrosesteeplechase.com.

October 2014

education focus • Sponsored Section

C2 Education wrote the book on the new SAT When the College Board released details about big changes to the SAT, one of two college admission assessments taken by millions of students each year, C2 Education began developing a new instructional program intended to help students maximize their scores on the revised SAT. Although much of the coverage of the new SAT has suggested that the test is getting easier, C2 Education’s academic experts have found that while the updated test may seem less complex, it also requires a greater variety of fundamental skills. The math section will include trigonometry, precalculus, and complex word problems. The redesigned reading and writing sections will require extensive critical reading and analysis, understanding of the nuances of language, and the ability to interpret data presented through graphics.

The new test will debut in Spring of 2016 and will affect students graduating in 2017 and beyond. Because the redesigned test is so in-depth, these

students must begin preparing well in advance.

On October 6, 2014 C2 Education will release its first program for the new SAT. The program includes a new SAT practice test to assess students’ current strengths and weaknesses, a new full-length assessment each month, and preparation in math, reading, writing, and essay writing. C2 Education will continue to reevaluate and revise materials for the new SAT as additional information is released.

In October and November, students who take the initial new SAT practice test with C2 Education will receive a copy of C2 Education’s Redesigned 2016 Blue Math textbook. Those who enroll in the new program will receive a copy of the entire C2 Education Redesigned 2016 Blue Belt system, including books for math, reading, writing, and essay. This offer is only good as long as supplies last, so don’t miss your opportunity to take advantage of this unique offer.

School Of Rock – Johns Creek We believe the best way to learn music is to play music. We take students from the lesson room to the stage, developing both their confidence and musicianship with programs designed for all skill levels. School of Rock teaches guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards, drums and combines weekly private music lessons and group rehearsals to prepare students to take the stage in front of live audiences in

an authentic concert setting. We have programs suited for all ages. From our classroom based programs, Little Wing® (for Pre-K students), and Rookies® (ages 5-7) to our performance based programs - Rock 101, Performance and now featuring Grad School for adults. Now Enrolling! For more information and a free 30 minute lesson contact us at 678-580-1882 or email us at johnscreek@schoolofrock.com.

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2014

Bridgeway prepares for New Media Center ALPHARETTA, Ga. – In January 2015, Bridgeway Christian Academy will open a new, state-of-theart Media Center. The Alpharetta school decided to expand its library last year. The PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) designated funds for the project, and a plan was developed. As they researched their options, it became clear they needed to think beyond a simple expansion, and commit to building a new media center that meets their students’ needs today — and tomorrow. The new Media Center will include a media scape collaboration area that will allow for large groups of students to share ideas across multiple monitors with just a click of a button. Dozens of laptops and tablets will be available for students and class use. Web based media center software will enable students to browse the library inventory and reserve books from home. The new Media Center will benefit the entire Bridgeway community providing:

A technologically enhanced environment for ultimate student collaboration and learning. Presentation and meeting space for BCA teachers and administration. A distinctive differentiator for marketing the school.

Before the carpet was installed, current eighth grade students wrote their favorite Bible verses on the concrete floor of the Media Center, so the new space will forever be built on God’s Word.

The goal is to raise $100,000 and complete the project debt free. To make this goal a reality, Bridgeway families, alumni, and community friends are invited to purchase commemorative bricks engraved with personal sentiments. Each brick will be added to the Media Center for future generations to see.

To find out more about Bridgeway, visit www. bridgewayca.org, or attend our Open House planned for Saturday, November 8, from 9-11 am.

Why an orthodontist for orthodontics You trust your heart to a cardiologist, your skin to a dermatologist, and your knees to an orthopedist.

Like these medical professionals who specialize after medical school, orthodontists also complete a residency after dental school to specialize in orthodontics.

Only a graduate of one of these accredited programs can call themselves an orthodontist. And like medical specialists, orthodontists limit their practices to their area of expertise.

As a result, you can expect to get the best care available because that’s all we do!

Whether you or your children are

considering treatment, orthodontists are uniquely qualified to diagnose and treatment plan the problem.

Orthodontics today is about function and facial esthetics. To an orthodontist, your teeth and jaws are like a three-dimensionjordan al puzzle.

Utilizing their education, experience, and expertise, the origin of the orthodontic problem and the proper solution can be determined.

Professional Result s ... that give our patients something to smile about. boout.

Braces • Invisalign • Retainers rss

North Point Pkwy.

GA 400

Old Milton Pkwy.

Come and see why our patients voted us Best Orthodontics!

Call 770-751-1240 for a Complimentary Consultation.

4205 North Point Pkwy., Bldg. B Alpharetta, GA 30022

(770) 751-1240 | www.JWJordan.com

The treatment options today are numerous! Orthodontists today utilize clear aligners, clear, metal, or lingual braces, and even orthognathic jaw surgery to treat patients.

One or more of these options might be best for you. So trust your smile to a board certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, an orthodontist!

Dr. Jeffrey Jordan 4205 North Point Pkwy., Bldg. B, Alpharetta, GA 30022 P: (770) 751-1240 www.JWJordan.com

Cupcakes & Classrooms An Interactive Open House for rising preschool – 1st grade students

Saturday, November 8th from 9 to 11 a.m.

Please join us and meet our teachers, tour the facilities, decorate cupcakes, and experience Bridgeway.

4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30005 | 770.751.1972

www.bridgewayca.org

October 2014

education focus • Sponsored Section

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OPEN HOUSE ~ Jan 24th ~ 11-1

BEYOND YOUR REACH?

THINK AGAIN.

Pinecrest Academy, 2014 Blue Ribbon School Pinecrest Academy is a PreK3 through 12th grade, college preparatory Catholic school, located in Cumming, Georgia.

The school provides an atmosphere of academic rigor and critical thinking, while offering personalized attention in a Christ-centered environment of faith and reason.

Pinecrest prepares students to become committed Christian leaders, eager to transform a global society.

This mission is accomplished in a gender specific environment on a co-ed campus.

Following the educational philosophy of the Legionaries of Christ, Pinecrest implements Integral Formation to develop the spiritual, intellectual, human, and apostolic dimensions

of the whole person. Students are challenged to identify and use their gifts in service to others.

Recognizing the parent as the primary educator of the child, the school’s mission embraces the entire family.

Pinecrest provides a safe, moral, and spiritual environment which leads to positive peer groups and joyful, caring and confident students. Pinecrest serves the Archdiocese of Atlanta, local parishes, and local Christian and civic communities.

The school also serves international students, their families, and others who embrace its educational philosophy. For more information, visit www.pinecrestacademy.org or call 770-888-4477.

Hey PTA’s shop local for spiritwear By: Adam Danish Owner Upon graduation from GCSU in 2010, Adam Danish found himself in the not-so-unique position of having a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, an MBA, and no job. But he did have a vision, and this led to the opening of 92 Threads, a custom apparel store located on Highway 92 in Roswell.

In an environment where custom tee shirts and embroidery were being sourced online, the timing was great to move back to a one-on-one customer focus, where real people doing quality work locally could support the community needs. Adam says, “Our commercial grade equipment and experienced staff assures our customers of the highest quality personalization they can get – better still, they actually get to see and feel the shirts they want and match logo colors with the threads being selected (or tee shirt images being produced).

One of the challenges faced by PTAs and Booster Clubs is the need for high quality spirit wear at prices that support their fundraising needs, without having to order large quantities that can’t sell. That’s where 92 Threads comes in, by producing small orders with short turnaround time. Our best customers are the ones that have a vision of what they need and the

Announcing the new Mount Pisgah Honors Scholarship Program.

Mount Pisgah Honors Scholarships reward highlymotivated students, providing an opportunity for them to attend one of Atlanta’s premier Christcentered college-preparatory schools. Ideal candidates demonstrate academic excellence, outstanding character, and a commitment to servant leadership.

Students entering 6th – 9th grades may apply at experiencepisgah.org.

Reach out today!

Contact Tammy Mozingo, Director of Admission at:

678.336.3443 www.experiencepisgah.org

Education Answer Book The Education Answer Book provides a packaged guide containing the most important information needed by current and new residents who make decisions about day care, pre-schools, private schools, tutoring, coaching, child development and related services.

desire to see it done right.

As a past PTA president at a local elementary school, Anne Danish knows what it is like to get parental buy-in. Parents are very proud of their children and committed to their school and booster clubs. They also want to make sure that the clothes bought to support school spirit are of a quality and style consistent with the balance of their wardrobe. 92 Threads strives to fulfill this need in our community.

92 Threads 770-645-1390 www.92Threads.com

ADvertising deadline February 12, 2015

Call your account executive TODAY - 770.442.3278

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2014

Don't miss the boat!

Advertising Deadline for the 2015 Summer Camp Special Section:

February 24, 2015 Call your account executive or 770.442.3278 TODAY to reserve your spot