Education Focus, October 2016

Appen Media Group

EDUCATION FOCUS

October Special Section

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2016

Sponsored Section

Cornerstone Christian Academy Cornerstone Christian Academy partners with parents by providing quality academic education designed to develop students who will follow Christ, embrace Biblical truth and live lives that glorify God. Our goal as a school is to infuse Christ into everything we do.

Cornerstone partners with The Church and parents to educate the whole child: “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken� (Ecc. 4:12).

Nestled in beautiful Peachtree Corners, Cornerstone serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Highly experienced, certified educators provide a nurturing but challenging environment where each child is lovingly accepted and valued as an individual.

At Cornerstone, Biblical worldview integration connects a Biblical framework to all aspects of life that leads to understanding and wisdom. The Bible is not just taught in Bible class.

Cornerstone takes a holistic approach to education that includes everything

from technology classes to competitive sports programs, to providing students ample opportunities to serve in the local community as well as weekly chapel services and discipleship groups.

Cornerstone firmly believes that the total learning experience must be rooted not just in a rigorous math and science curriculum, but also in the development of writing skills and analytical thinking.

At Cornerstone, we are building a bridge between reading and writing. We focus on reading strategies that develop a master of decoding and comprehension skills. By using a systematic approach to phonics, our students develop word knowledge which moves them toward conventional spelling. Students are taught the process or craft of writing.

From developing ideas to celebrating and publishing their final drafts, they encounter new lenses to explore their awareness of the world and a passion

for writing. Analytically, our students love STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

The focus of the program is to get students to think outside the box and

use their God-given talents to solve real world problems.

For more information, call (770) 441-9222 or visit online at www.cornerstonecougars.org.

October 2016

education focus • Sponsored Section

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SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOLS Providing an exceptional college preparatory program

SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOL OFFERS: S.A.I.S. / S.A.C.S. Accredited No Religious Affiliation SB 10 Eligible Challenging College Preparatory Curriculum AP, Honors, Traditional, and Support Courses Small Class Size Low Student/Teacher Ratio Study and Organizational Skills Wilson Reading System® Intensive Reading and

ROSWELL CAMPUS Grades 1 - 8 (770) 641-8257 x51

Ms. Ellen Brown, Director of Admissions ebrown@sfschools.net UPCOMING TOURS Grades 1 - 5 Grades 6 - 8 November 9 November 8 December 5 December 6

Writing Approach S.T.E.A.M., Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering, Broadcasting, and Video Production Google Apps for Education Laptops Required After School Homework Hour GHSA Sports Program including Football and Equestrian Bus Service Available

MILTON CAMPUS Grades 9 - 12 (678) 339-9989 x33

Mr. Brandon Bryan, Admissions Coordinator bbryan@sfschools.net

UPCOMING TOURS December 1 January 12 February 9

Saint Francis Elementary and Middle Schools | 9375 Willeo Road | Roswell, GA 30075 Saint Francis High School | 13440 Cogburn Road | Milton, GA 30004 www.saintfrancisschools.com

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2016

Saint Francis School Saint Francis School is an independent, not for profit, nonsectarian, college preparatory school founded in 1976. Grades 1 through 8 are located on the 24-acre Roswell Campus while the High School is located on the 47acre Milton campus. Our mission is to provide a college preparatory program that is challenging, yet supportive for students with diverse academic abilities. Throughout Saint Francis the development of strong organizational and study skills is an integral part of our learning and teaching philosophy. To accommodate different academic ability levels within our student body, we offer rigorous Advanced Placement, Honors, Traditional and Support courses in each curriculum. Our graduates receive a College Prep Diploma, but for those students striving for a more challenging course load, we offer a College Prep with Distinction Diploma. With a 100% acceptance rate to college and the majority of graduates qualifying for the Hope Scholarship, Saint Francis alumni attend a wide variety of programs ranging from Ivy League schools, small private colleges to prestigious Art Institutes.

Development of basic skills begins early in elementary and middle school grades where students receive intensive instruction in reading, math and writing skills. Major emphasis is placed on reading comprehension, phonics (Fundations®), and vocabulary development. We recognize students have different styles of learning; therefore, we present and teach in a multi-modal fashion. Math is reviewed and enriched through school licensed, web-based

programs. Reading and writing instruction for all students in grades 3–5 is enhanced through the use of computer based programs such as Read and Write Gold®. For students who struggle in reading we offer the Wilson Reading System® (Gr. 4 – 5) and Just Words® (Gr. 6 – 7) taught by Wilson certified teachers. Additional offerings (Gr. 1 – 8) include Science, Social Studies, Technology, Physical Education, Guidance, Art, Music, Drama, Band (Gr. 6 – 12), S.T.E.A.M. electives, and clubs. Each teacher offers a Homework Hour at the end of the school day (Gr. 1 – 12), where students are given the opportunity to clarify areas of concern, prepare for upcoming tests and quizzes, and begin that night’s homework.

Saint Francis is a Google Apps for Education school with all students, grades 6 – 12 required to bring their own laptops. Grades 4 – 5 are provided laptops for uniformity while Grades 1 – 3 use classroom sets of iPads for skill reinforcement.

Sports are offered at both the middle and high school (GHSA) including football, soccer, baseball, track, swimming, wrestling, softball, volleyball, cheerleading, and equestrian. Early morning drop-off and extended day are available for grades 1 – 8. Bus transportation is available from Buckhead, Sandy Spring, Dunwoody, Johns Creek and Milton. Shuttle Buses run between both campuses.

For more information call Special Section 770.641.8257 Ext. 51 (Grades 1– 8) and 678.339.9989 Ext. 33 (Grades 9 – 12) or visit our website: www.saintfrancisschools.com.

Education Focus Advertising DEADLINE: January 11, 2016 5 of the top 10 wealthiest communities in Georgia are in our distribution area. With our Education Focus special sections you reach the targeted communities of your choice.

Call to reserve your advertising now.

770-442-3278

Engineering a school of the future, today Fulton Science Academy Private School (FSAPS) serves advanced and gifted students using a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum. Now enjoying its fifth year as a private school and its second year at a beautiful new campus in Alpharetta, FSAPS proudly represented the state of Georgia in five national and international academic competitions in 2016. This year, the school was recognized as a finalist in two categories of the prestigious STEM Education Awards (hosted by the Technology Association of Georgia) and was recognized as the Best Private School (K-12) and Best Private Primary School

by Appen Media.

Fulton Science Academy began with 101 students in 2012 and today enjoys 455 students in Pre-K through high school.

The study body is diverse and reflects award-winning academic teams, competitive athletes, personal entrepreneurs, professional working actors, and award-winning critical thinkers.

There is no “one size fits all” mentality at FSAPS. The school has a diverse student body where every individual’s uniqueness is treasured. Every child is different. Every teacher is different. Every subject is different. Uniqueness is embraced and small class sizes (limited to no more than 20 students) ensure a level of individualized attention and care that students and faculty have come to know and love. In addition to rigorous classes, FSAPS also provides students beginning in Pre-K with

courses in physical education, music, robotics, computer science, art, and foreign language.

While academics are very important at FSAPS, the school also places great emphasis on the development of the whole child. During the school day, free time is achieved through daily 30-minute recess periods that provide crucial time for students to run, play, socialize, exercise, or just relax.

Teachers enjoy the beautiful new campus grounds and can be seen bringing students outdoors to apply lessons learned inside the classroom.

Additionally, students have a chance to support the greater community through several collaborations the school enjoys with nonprofits in the greater Atlanta area.

At FSA, every child is considered a gift, and their words matter.

Said one elementary student this fall, “I like FSA because they care about all their students. FSA takes learning seriously but they make it fun! When you come to FSA it feels like a family. I love challenges and FSA is one of those challenges. FSA is very peaceful and playful. You can make so many friends easily because everyone is so kind.

That's why I love FSA.” And FSA loves their students as well! Built upon core values of excellence, innovation, and character, FSAPS has engineered a school of the future, today.

For additional information, including admissions information, please visit http://www.fultonscienceacademy.org

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Excellence.

Innovation.

Character.

Fulton Science Academy embraces an innovative, STEAM-based curriculum.

Our growing student body is diverse and reflects award-winning academic teams, competitive athletes, personal entrepreneurs, professional working actors, and award-winning critical thinkers. Built upon core values of excellence, innovation, and character, FSAPS is shattering industry stereotypes by building strong students and great human beings.

Award-winning Academic Teams

Pre-K Through High School Alpharetta, GA Call (678) 366-2555 or email admissions@fultonscienceacademy.org

fultonscienceacademy.org

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2016

Woodward North embraces tradition and innovation With more than 25 years of proven success, Woodward North—the satellite campus of Woodward Academy—continues its strong traditions of excellence while embracing innovative programs for students in Pre-K through sixth grade. Its convenient location is in Johns Creek, on a 33-acre wooded campus with a nature trail.

STEM Woodward North has a dedicated learning space that serves as the center for STEM programming and design thinking. Learning labs, MakerSpaces, computers, and the latest in studentcentered learning tools and applications are utilized to challenge students and prepare them for real-world experiences in college and life.

Students in Pre-K through grade three enjoy weekly classes where they are taught foundational skills in technology, robotics, coding, and general computer skills. Students in fourth through sixth grades take advanced classes in these subjects, with additional emphasis on engineering, design thinking, research, media production, and life skills to encourage and inspire critical thinking, problem-solving, and engaged collaboration.

Wise Guidance

With a student-teacher ratio average of only 8:1, students receive wise guidance at every step, discover their greatest strengths, and build life-shaping qualities of good character. In addition to its rigorous academic program for mainstream students, Woodward North also offers its acclaimed Transition Program for students with diagnosed learning disabilities in third through sixth grades.

Prolific Opportunities to Try and Triumph The school offers a wide range of clubs, arts opportunities, and intramural sports. Students also can choose from horseback riding, fencing, golf, tap class, jump rope club, and a competitive chess club. The Odyssey of the Mind program has reached the World Championships multiple times.

Deep Respect for Difference Students at Woodward North develop a deep respect for difference in a community where diversity is more than skin deep. Peers from a broad array of religious and ethnic backgrounds come together to find opportunities to explore and excel at every level. At Woodward North, students not only are educated about other cultures but experience them daily in their interac-

Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel

• Private non-parochial education for infants through 8th grade • Nurturing environment featuring small class sizes, hands-on academics, STEM, and monthly field trips • Middle School building • After school, competitive sports, and robotics teams SACS, GAC and NAEYC accredited Join us on Wednesday Nov. 9th, 9:30–10:30am for an Open House.

5380 Faircroft Dr., Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.McGinnisWoods.com • 770-664-7764

tions with friends.

Discover the Woodward Difference The majority of Woodward North students continue their education at Woodward’s Main Campus in College Park beginning in seventh grade, where they join peers from 23 metro Atlanta counties. The Academy provides bus transportation, and many students choose to ride MARTA, in designated

Woodward cars with assigned security officers. A typical Woodward Academy graduating class attends more than 100 different colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service projects, and earns more than $13 million in scholarship awards.

We invite you to visit us at woodward.edu and Discover the Woodward Difference today.

McGinnis Woods Country Day School McGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, non-parochial school which offers a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Education. The beautiful school campus located in Alpharetta includes a Middle School and full court Gym. The Preschool enrolls children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary/Middle School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School holds top accreditations, including GAC, SACS, and NAEYC and provides students with an exceptional learning environment.

The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the passion to excel. This is accomplished through hands-on, minds-on academics which foster self-confidence and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios and individualized attention is a priority at McGinnis Woods. Students learn through a variety of engaging teaching techniques and technologies, emphasis is placed on differentiated groupings, STEM curriculum and unique projects which make each day memorable.

Engaging guest speakers, monthly field trips, community service, and

leadership opportunities round out the curriculum. Drama, Science Olympiad, Competitive Sports, and Robotics teams train year round. After school programs and Specialty Clubs are also available.

Please visit www.mcginniswoods.org to learn more. Private tours and Open Houses are also available. Experience the McGinnis Woods difference!

October 2016

education focus • Sponsored Section

Big School Opportunities, Small School Feel Challenging STEM Programs

75 Yearly Arts Performances and 14 Art Studios

25 AP Classes

18 Varsity Sports and 13 Intramurals

86 Student Clubs and Service Organizations

8:1 Faculty: Student Ratio

Global Connections

Success Beyond Woodward

Travel Abroad Experiences in 23 Countries

100% Acceptance to Colleges and Universities

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At Woodward Academy, students of all learning styles come together from every religious, ethnic, and cultural background, making our school a microcosm of the world.

Discover the Woodward Difference at woodward.edu.

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2016

Your decision today will influence the next decade By: Kids ‘R’ Kids Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, located at 3036 Old Atlanta Road in Cumming, is an excellent quality childcare facility that combines learning with playing.

At every stage of your child’s journey, Kids ‘R’ Kids develops new and challenging ways to open the mind and expand the imagination – it’s what we call Smart Fun. Our foundation of love and trust is accompanied every step of the way by our teachers, parents and peers.

Kids ‘R’ Kids has been educating children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years for the past 10 years.

Brain Development the Kids ‘R’ Kids Way Our philosophy is “Hug First, Then Teach” as we understand that secure and safe emotional attachment is vital for the growth and development of your child’s brain. Our classrooms are filled with stimulating materials that allow teachers to facilitate children’s exploration through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch as these sensory experiences send information directly to the brain and form the platform for healthy brain

growth.

We understand that each child is unique, so our teachers cater to different interests and learning styles. From infancy, your child will be exposed to many forms of language (including sign-language), and immersed in an environment rich in language and literacy. Our learning stations are filled with math manipulatives, science elements, and stimulating visuals that support brain pathways for cognitive development. Problem solving is considered one of the best ways to support brain development, so our teachers conduct activities to help children explore cause and effect and employ questioning strategies that promote higher level thinking.

Technology and the Brain Technology is everywhere, so children need healthy exposure to be prepared for life in the 21st century.

Research shows, however, that hours of exposure to digital technology can lead to over stimulation of the brain, fatigue, and irritability. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we take a balanced approach to technology.

Our curriculum has been integrated with ABCmouse, one of the latest early childhood technology tools, to enhance

BRIDGEWAY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE | Saturday, Nov. 5th from 9–11am

PreSchool to 8th Grade • Christ-Centered Program • ACSI and SACS Accredited • Small Class Sizes • Multi-Day Preschool Options • Half Day and Full Day Kindergarten Classes • Conveniently Located

678.942.1126 or bridgewayca.org

learning. With the guidance of a teacher, children engage in digital activities that build language, math, science, and fine motor skills.

Maximizing your Child’s Mental Capacity We believe in a nurturing learning environment, hands-on play, and novel experiences that ignite your child’s curiosity. With our exclusive Brain Waves™ curriculum and quality teachers, our goal is to provide stimulating experiences that support brain development and maximize your child’s mental capacity.

From the well-trained staff members to the innovative school, children are given the opportunity to explore the world around them, establishing the basis for their future learning experiences. Infants through school

age children can learn and play in the spacious school which includes: a cafeteria, playgrounds with age appropriate equipment, computer lab, library, water park, large covered patio, smart board technology, and much more! We have both a Jr. and Senior aftercare program. We service 6 local Elementary Schools. We are proud to support Toys for Tots, Wounded Worriers, St. Joseph's Food Pantry, and Dawsonville No kill Animal Shelter.

We are open for care from 6am to 6:30pm. Please feel free to stop by for a complimentary tour between the hours of 9am to 11am and 2:30pm to 4:30pm, Feel free to call us and schedule a tour.

Regardless of your need, whether full time, part time, after school care, or seasonal camps, Kids ‘R’ Kids is the place for your child.

Equipping students to know, grow, and go!

Bridgeway Christian Academy (BCA) has been providing excellence in Christcentered education for almost 20 years, equipping students to know, grow and go. Our Christ-centered learning environment encourages parent involvement and reinforces the beliefs and values taught in the Christian home.

Offering preschool through eighth grade, BCA is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and Advanc-ED/SACS. A proven curriculum challenges students while emphasizing a biblical worldview. Smartboards are utilized in every classroom, and middle school students may bring their own devices for note taking and e-books. Character development and community service are emphasized with opportunities for all grades and a quarterly requirement for middle school students. Weekly chapel, Spanish class, physical education, and a rich fine arts program (art, drama, and music) round out the BCA student’s experience.

Students in grades fourth – eighth participate in a wide range of inter-

scholastic sports including basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, track and field, golf, swimming, and cross country. The Bridgeway Lions currently reign as the NAML- A Boys’ Soccer Champions.

Please join us for our Open House on Saturday, November 5th from 9-11am. For additional information, or to schedule an individual tour, contact BCA Admissions at 678.942.1126, or www.bridgewayca.org.

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Smarter Choice.

Smarter Child.

“Kids ‘R’ Kids Brain Waves is a omprehensive program that maximizes your child’s learning potential through experiential opportunity in a variety of age-appropriate contexts. It represents a method for developing skills that provides the basis for an individual to reach autonomy and self-actualization.”

Learn more about Our Brain Waves™ Exclusive Curriculum The first five years of your child’s life is a critical time when their brain is developing and brain cells are forming connections for learning and future success in school.

During these early years, the experiences and interactions your child has will determine which brain cells are activated and which ones are pruned away from lack of stimulation.

Your child’s learning environment has tremendous impact on brain development.

At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we use strategies from our Brain Waves™ curriculum to support neural pathways for language, social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development during these critical years.

• Accredited Program • Interactive Technology • Regular Assessments • First Class™ Core Curriculum • Brain Waves™ Curriculum • STEAM AHEAD™ Continuous Curriculum • Our Brain Waves™ Exclusive Curriculum

Winner for past 9 years for Business Excellence

6:00am - 6:30pm M-F • 3036 Old Atlanta Road • Cumming, GA 30041 • www.krk52.com • 678-648-3175

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2016

Were YOU a PPP Preppie?

P Stop by the FALL LF FESTIVAL Oct 2 28 nd d get et your our 20th Anniversar Anniversary TEE TE and TEE!

Friday, November 11 will be a national day to wear your “I WAS A PREPPIE” tee.

Get yours NOW and send us your photo!

Infants – Toddlers–PREPPIES–Kindergarten–Scholars Club

Happy 20th Anniversary – Loving to Learn at PPP

www.PeachtreeParkPrep.com

Loving to learn for 20 YEARS Peachtree Park Prep is celebrating the end of their 20th Year of Loving to Learn with a Fall Festival Celebration for the current families and Alumni families October 28th and will have the 1st ANNUAL “I WAS A PREPPIE” national tee shirt Day, November 11th.

During this 20th year Alumni students have visited and enjoyed roaming the halls of PPP ~ most of them reconnecting with teachers that have been a part of the PPP Faculty & Family for more than 15 years and taught these alumni many years ago. Alumni preschoolers, PREPPIES, are attending high schools from Westminster, Pace Academy, Lovett, Woodward, Weslyan, Kings Ridge, Greater Atlanta Christian, Johns Creek, Northview, Alpharetta, and Norcross. PPP Alumni are currently attending or have earned degrees from Harvard, Howard, Clemson, Georgia Tech, UGA, North Carolina, Duke, Lehigh, Emory, LSU, SCAD, and many more, with one PPP graduate currently working on a PhD in Physics. Graduates from PPP are elite high school and college athletes, some of them already participating in the NFL and MLB, as well as a PPP graduate in training as a hopeful Olympic competitor. A recent PPP graduate has had photos published in a luxury Atlanta magazine, and the PPP community is following a former

graduate “super model” on the international stage. PPP has had a Scholar Alumni enroll their child at PPP, and during Summer Camp of 2016 PPP was honored to hire 3 college PPP Alumni as Camp Counselors, reconnecting with their preschool roots.

The point being two-fold…..the importance of early education and a solid foundation founded and fostered in “Loving to Learn” cannot be over-stated or under appreciated. Second, the importance of retaining a fabulous faculty with years of dedication and enthusiastic service to students’ early education shows in the successful education of students achieving the Love of Learning that will last them a life-time. These two concepts cannot be separated.

Peachtree Park Prep has received many accolades through the years, but no award is more important and meaningful than hearing about the accomplishments of the students, past and present, and their parents attributing an important part of their success to the early foundation of Loving to Learn that they received at Peachtree Park Prep. Every award the school receives and every achievement of the students is celebrated and honored by the PPP Family.

Here’s to the next 20 years of Loving to Learn ~

October 2016

education focus • Sponsored Section

The Davis Academy From four-year olds through 8th grade, The Davis Academy provides a challenging and enriching education based on an innovative, studentcentric curriculum. The learning and the "ahas" happen not only in classrooms, but also in our state-of-the-art science labs, outdoor nature sanctuary, creativity-driving idea labs and in global videoconferences. The Davis Academy program includes projectbased learning, integrated technology, accelerated math, fine arts, athletics, world languages, community service, student government, overnight trips, after-school programs, and parent (and grandparent) learning opportunities.

Thanks to the generosity of our families and supporters, Davis Academy students and our greater community will benefit from beautiful new campus facilities scheduled for completion in January 2017. The project includes a 600+ seat performing arts center, a spiritual/community gathering space, several new adaptable classrooms and a state-of-the-art dining hall and kitchen featuring healthy, delicious

meals prepared on site.

The Davis Academy is a welcoming community that appreciates diversity and encourages family participation. We teach life skills, instill Jewish values, and provide a wide variety of experiences so that our students become wellbalanced and self-confident individuals.

The strong foundation they receive at The Davis Academy enables our graduates to succeed at the high schools and colleges of their choice, with exemplary academic and leadership skills. The Davis Academy is recognized as the largest Reform Jewish Day School in the country and one of the largest K-8 academic organizations in Georgia.

Named a Top Workplace by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution for two years in a row, an honor received by survey feedback from the school’s own employees, Davis Academy’s excellence is a direct reflection of the commitment of its exceptional faculty, who use expertise and experience to nurture the development of each child’s unique talents. We invite you to see for yourself.

Please call 678-527-3300 for a tour.

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2016

Getting high school seniors ready for college (NAPSI)—Nearly 17 million high school seniors graduate each year, the U.S. Department of Education estimates, and many plan to attend college. But are they all really college-ready?

Data suggests the answer is a resounding “no.” According to the 2015 “Condition of College & Career Readiness” report from American College Testing (ACT), 31 percent of the ACTtested graduating class is not meeting any of the four subject benchmarks: reading, English, science and mathematics.

These low-readiness test scores coincide with college dropout figures that top 29 million, making the number of Americans who have dropped out of college greater than the number of American adults who have not obtained their high school degrees.

“While test scores provide a benchmark for high school seniors, college readiness is an important issue for everyone headed to college, whether they are a new high school graduate or an adult learner returning to the classroom,” said Jennifer Fletcher, Ph.D., program dean for general education at University of Phoenix. “Being prepared for the challenge can help ensure

students aren’t forced to take remedial course work and are able to stay motivated and on top of their workloads, ultimately resulting in a successful collegiate experience.”

The pressure to earn a college degree is higher than ever. The White House has set an ambitious goal of producing a higher share of college graduates than any other nation by 2020.

The plan is to return the United States to the top-ranked nation after dropping into twelfth place.

“More and more, employers are seeking college graduates for jobs that previously required a high school diploma or other subbaccalaureate training,” Dr. Fletcher said. “For the nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults who do not have a bachelor’s degree or higher, this can create barriers to career growth, unless they are able to pursue higher education.”

She offers the following advice to high school seniors and adult learners heading off to college: • Use summer months to take courses in English and mathematics to refresh high school level skills. Courses can be taken at community colleges or via online professional development

resources such as University of Phoenix’s continuing education programs, Udemy, StraighterLine and Lynda.com.

• Don’t overburden your first semester course load. There are always opportunities to add courses deeper into your college career or over summer and winter intersessions.

• Team up with your college adviser your first semester. College advisers are available to discuss your goals and a graduation timeline and can offer guidance on the best ways to manage coursework.

• Attend skills center sessions for assistance in coursework and free proofreading.

• Organize study groups with peers

to work together on complex materials and to gain different perspectives to approaching assignments.

• Take advantage of college tools and resources. Computers, Internet access, office hours and a study location free of distractions are all things students can access that affect student success.

When you couple this with healthy organizational and study habits, students can improve their chances of having a positive academic journey.

Learn More To learn more about University of Phoenix College of Humanities and Sciences, visit www.phoenix.edu/colleges_ divisions/humanities-sciences.html.

purposefully plan curriculum units that can be brought outdoors each day, opening up a new world for learning, alongside a healthy dose of fresh air.

With hands-on activities, playing sports and caring for nature, children at LSP explore with all their senses! The LSP facility features an outdoor nature

center, tricycle track, activity tables and a safe, one-of-a-kind tree house for kiddos to explore! … And that is just the exterior!

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse 770.545.6160. www.littlesunshine.com Proudly serving infants through prekindergarten.

The sky’s the limit Little Sunshine’s Playhouse (LSP) is expected to open early this fall on Morris Road (corner North Point Parkway) in Alpharetta.

You’ve probably seen the construction site – the new preschool building really does look like a castle! But it is not just for looks. The exterior plays an integral role in the curriculum which is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach and uses the environment as the “third teacher.” The LSP facility was thought-

fully designed in accordance with the philosophy that “Children learn best and develop to their fullest potential through active participation in a variety of activities which take place in a safe, nurturing and creative environment.”

Many of those activities are experienced outside of the classroom!

LSP has customized playgrounds designed to stimulate children’s imagination, creativity, engagement and sense of wonder. LSP educators

Now Enrolling Infants through Pre-K! Distinctive services including:

Kiddie Cams™ • Red Carpet Service™ • LuvNotes™

12385 Morris Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005

www.LittleSunshine.com • 770.545.6160

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education focus • Sponsored Section

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Riverside Military Academy For over 109 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 2016 consisted of 130 cadets who were admitted to over 100 universities across the world

and earned over $4 million in collegiate scholarships not including HOPE scholarship. Two graduating seniors were appointed to the U.S. Military Academy –West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Riverside Military Academy holds dual accreditation in SACS and SAIS. Our comprehensive program of rigor-

ous 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.

Riverside Military Academy The Best in Boys Education Since 1907!

For over 109 years Riverside Military Academy has remained one of the nation’s preeminent college preparatory academies educating young men in grades 7-12.

The 2016-17 Corps of Cadets consists of over 500 cadets from 22 countries and 30 states. Call today to schedule your personal tour of our beautiful 206acre campus.

Join us at our next campus open house!

December 2

www.cadet.com

Gainesville, Georgia

770.538.2938

Ask about our expanded Day Cadet program!

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Sponsored Section • education focus October 2016

MAKE YOUR CAMP ENROLLMENT

SOAR Tell our readers about your camp in the

2017 Summer Camp Special Section Quarter page and larger ads include editorial and photo

Reserve your space today Advertising Deadline: March 1, 2017

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