Education Guide 2016

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

Education Guide

Thest Be ool Sch ide Gu

Tune in to your child’s education: Take the quiz

Early Education

Private

Public

Special Needs

Field Trips

Up to 90% of Tuition Up to 80% of Tuition

Sandy Springs/ Lawrenceville-Suwanee

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EDUCATION Guide | 2016

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Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

Education Guide 8

On Top Of Your Child’s Education?

Take our fun quiz to find out how you score.

The Secret Weapon: Preschool Enrolling your child in a quality preschool sets him up for success in school and in life.

A Path to Excel in the Classroom Instill a love of learning in your child.

How to Apply to Private School Know what steps to take and the process will feel less daunting.

A Private Choice Our at-a-glance private school directory

Going Public Profiles of metro area public schools

Special Needs Understanding the Individualized Education Program Applying for a Georgia Special Needs Scholarship

Music? Art? Sports?

Help your children choose an activity right for each one of them.

12 18 20 33 45 50 54

Spotlights: (Special Advertising Profiles) n n

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Early Education / 16 Private Schools / 23

n n

Special Needs / 53 Field Trips / 58

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Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

Education Guide Publisher Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com Associate Publisher Laura Powell lpowell@atlantaparent.com Advertising Sales Director Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com Account Executives Amy Smith Carolyn Haushalter Candy Stirling Jordan Lisvosky Editorial Art Director Sheri Taylor-Emery Contributing Editor Amanda Miller Allen Editorial Staff Felicia Barman Hayley Markowitz Production Robin Mintz Operations Manager Caroline Ward

Sign Up For Our e-Newsletter at AtlantaParent.com Like Us on FACEBOOK

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How to Reach Us Telephone: 770-454-7599 Fax: 770-454-7699 E-Mail: LWhite@atlantaparent.com Website: atlantaparent.com Mail: 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341

The Education Guide can also be read online at atlantaparent.com.

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Are You Tuned In to

Your Child’s Education?

We think we’re on top of things, doing the best we can. But a whole lot of information and updates come at us daily. Just for fun, we’ve prepared this Pop Quiz for Atlanta metro parents who have school-age kids.

Full disclosure: This was not a quiz prepared by educational professionals, nor is it scientific. It’s fully subjective and just for grins.

– Julie Bookman and Caroline Ward

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EDUCATION Guide | 2016

ild’s y of your ch 1. How man e? m a n you teachers can

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’s school ck your child nline? e ch u yo o D o 7. d report card progress an possible.

at was even realize th a) No, I didn’t t couldn’t te the websi bu on go to ed gave up. b) I tri to use it, so I es figure out how y child’s grad st to review m a week. be y m do I c) at least once n’t and progress ent who does a steady stud him. on up ng d) My child is ki tantly chec need me cons

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d n school is in a) That’s whe the weekdays in a year an t of en t rc en pe rc 50 pe r 50 he “off” for the ot students have year. in a of weekdays rsity among s excellent dive ha at th ol ho b) A sc d faculty. its students an as many days ent is absent ud st a n he W c) t. as he is presen ar-round ople refer to ye pe ay w d) It’s one schools.

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bout go to learn a s u yo n ca re e gulation 11. Wh rules and re , m lu u ic rr cu hools? r Georgia sc and more fo l.

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ools neral, do sch 9. Why, in ge des? have dress co opriately

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ou Score? estion.

How Did Y s to each qu score ts for answer l

0 to 3 poin te your tota We assigned on page 57, and compu s er w ns A See the u did. ” on each of to see how yo u scored a “3 own a parent Yo e! or sc ct rfe er kn 33 Points: Pe e’ve never, ev . Amazing! W 11 questions rfect. pe re on top to be entirely because you’ ation. t a gold star, uc ge ed u ’s Yo ild : ch ts 22-32 Poin mes to your uff when it co ks a little st in th of ty ho w en pl nt of creative pare a ! e at ar th u r Yo fo : 11-21 Points Give yourself a gold star ent x. for improvem e outside the bo a little room us be ca be ay m ar e st er er lv : Th 0-10 Points to details, but you get a si s you care! ow es iz – which sh when it com to take our qu you bothered

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Choose a Montessori Education for Your Child Imagine a School Like No Other!

Our schools offer individual instruction and foster a joy of learning.

Serving infants, toddlers, pre-school, elementary and middle school students.

We are the largest Montessori community in the United States.

Choose a school in your neighborhood.

Cobb

Forsyth

Covered Bridge Montessori School .......... 770-434-3181 ...... www.coveredbridgemontessori.com Noble World Montessori School ............... 770-509-1775 ...... www.nobleworldmontessori.com Riverstone Montessori Academy .............. 770-422-9194 ...... www.riverstonemontessori.com

Ivy League Montessori School........................770-781-5586 ....www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Children’s House of N. Forsyth ....404-862-5437 ....www.mchnf.org Montessori School of Cumming......................770-205-6773 ....www.montessorischoolofcumming.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs ........770-205-6277 ....www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Montessori at Vickery ......................................770-777-9131 ....www.montessorivickery.com Stepping Stone Montessori School.................770-205-0317 ....www.steppingstonemontessori.com

DeKalb Arbor Montessori School........................... 404-321-9304 ...... www.arbormontessori.org Atlanta Montessori International School ... 404-325-6777 ...... www.amischool.com Montessori School of Dunwoody .....................770-804-1444 ........www.montessorischoolofdunwoody.com Montessori School at Emory ..................... 404-634-5777 ...... www.montessorischoolatemory.com Northwoods Montessori School ............... 770-457-7261 ...... www.northwoodsmontessori.org

Fayette Counterpane Montessori School .............. 770-461-2304 ...... www.counterpane.org Fayette Montessori School ....................... 770-460-6790 ...... www.fayettemontessori.com

Fulton Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead .....404-949-0053........www.carlislemontessori.com Crabapple Montessori School.......................770-569-5200........www.crabapplemontessori.com Cross of Life Christian Montessori School....770-475-3812........www.colmontessori.com Montessori Scholars Academy .....................770-754-0777........www.montessorischolars.com Springmont ....................................................404-252-3910........www.springmont.com Village Montessori School ............................770-552-0834........www.vmschool.com

South Fulton The Children’s House at Serenbe............770-463-0081 ....... www.thechildrenshouseatserenbe.com Discovery Montessori Academy ..............404-767-5005 ....... www.discoverymontessoriacademy.com

Gwinnett Country Brook Montessori School ...........770-446-2397 ....... www.countrybrookmontessori.com Duluth Montessori School ........................770-476-9307 ....... www.duluthmontessori.com Four Seasons Montessori School............404-444-1995 ....... www.4seasonsmontessori.com Harbour Oaks Montessori School............770-979-8900 ....... www.harbouroaks.org Johns Creek Montessori School of GA....770-814-8001 ....... www.jcmsog.com Meadowbrook Montessori School ...........770-982-3950 ....... www.meadowbrookmontessorischool.com Oak Meadow Montessori School .............770-963-8303 ....... www.oakmeadowmontessori.com Stepping Stone Montessori School..........770-614-4310 ....... www.steppingstonemontessori.com

Outside Metro Atlanta Montessori School of Macon ...................478-757-8927 ....... www.montessoriofmacon.org Oak Grove Montessori School .................770-214-0112 ....... www.oakgrovemontessori.com Pleasant Hills Montessori School ............706-636-3354 ....... www.ellijaymontessori.com

Visit www.montessori-mag.org for more information.

Five Steps to Success in Preschool

by Sandra Gordon

A

ttending preschool prepares children for kindergarten, and for success in elementary school, high school and beyond.

“Research supports that a person’s most significant brain development occurs in the first five years of his or her life,” says Amy M. Jacobs, commissioner of Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). “I believe the foundation for learning that can be laid in the life of a child in a high-quality childcare setting is priceless.”

A quality preschool provides early education. Children get the basics that prepare them for school – reading and math, language development and social skills such as sharing and taking turns. They learn to listen and follow directions, when quiet time is appropriate or when it’s OK to speak up.

A recent study by researchers at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill found that students enrolled in Georgia’s Pre-K Program improved in reading, math and general knowledge, and in readiness for school, compared with students who did not attend pre-K. To help your child prepare for preschool and reinforce the lessons he learns there, here’s the homework you can do:

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Read, read, read to your child.

Study after study has found that being read to, and reading, are reliable predictors of academic success. Read to your preschooler for 20 minutes every night at bedtime. While you’re at it, stop every so often and ask your child a question about the story before turning the page, such as: “Gosh, why do you think she was sad?” or “What do you think it going to happen next?” Making reading more interactive makes it more fun and helps build your child’s comprehension skills.

Help your child learn to follow directions. To help your preschooler get the hang of following directions, practice at home by giving simple commands, such as “Please help me pick up your toys and put them in the toy box.” Then, encourage your child to follow through by offering an incentive to do whatever it is you’re asking. Tell your child that he can play outside once he’s finished putting his toys away. An incentive helps him understand that following directions makes other fun activities possible. If he doesn’t follow your directions, calmly explain that he won’t be able to play with those toys for the rest of the day or go to the park. Keep it positive by focusing on how clean the playroom will look when you’re done. Then praise him when he’s successful. “You followed my directions so well. Thank you for helping me put your toys in the toy box like I asked you to!”

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Help your child master sharing and turn taking. From age 3 to 5,

children tend to hoard coveted toys and objects. They’re not really ready to grasp the concept of sharing yet. But you can help your youngster practice by having him “take turns” with toys and catching him when he shares on his own. To help him develop the empathy that sharing requires, state what he did and how it makes others feel, such as: “Thank you for sharing. It makes your sister feel good when you share the ball.” Your child should be able to “own” special or new toys, though, so keep them out of sight on play dates or in his room away from siblings.

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Help your child make friends. If you get the sense your

toddler or preschooler needs a little help in the social department, try hosting play dates with others your child likes or with whom she has common interests. Play dates offer an opportunity to break away from the group and foster individual friendships. You might begin by asking your preschooler: “How about a play date with Grace? I notice that she likes to draw, too.” If you’re not sure who to invite over, ask your child’s preschool teacher if there’s anyone in the classroom who might be a good match for your child. Then, feel free to make the rounds so that your child gets the chance to know several children better.

To help your child play host, let him pick the snack and ask him beforehand what games and activities his friend might like to do. On the play date, stay close by to make sure everyone stays safe, but give the children the chance to play on their own. To help things go smoothly, keep play dates to two hours; children start to get tired after that. And keep it simple by inviting just one child over at a time.

Hone your child’s listening skills. At the dinner table

and during car rides, help your preschooler hone her listening skills by asking her to wait to speak until her brother has finished his sentence.

When it’s her turn, remind her, “Now it’s your turn to talk. Thank you for being patient and for being such a good listener while your brother was talking.” Explain that being a good listener shows respect for the speaker, whether it’s her brother or her teacher and the other students at school who are trying to hear what the teacher has to say. Mention that it’s a two-way street: When she’s a good listener, she’s showing the same kind of respect that she gets when others listen to her. If she continues to interrupt, keep reminding her that she’ll get the chance to talk. Becoming a good listener, like many things, can take lots of practice.

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Enroll today at your local Atlanta KinderCare and see the difference our learning centers make.

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Spotlight on Early Education MJCCA Preschools

M

The Suzuki School

arcus JCC of Atlanta Preschools offer full- and half-day options for children ages six weeks – Pre-K at two convenient Atlanta locations: Dunwoody and East Cobb.

Our facilities are like none other and students have the opportunity to explore our campuses and enjoy swimming and other sports, drama, art, and more, as they challenge and enrich their growing minds.

Through an exceptional NAEYC-accredited program (National Association for the Education of Young Children) – a distinction awarded only to the top 7% of preschools nationwide – your children are given a solid foundation upon which to build a lifetime of learning. Our preschoolers are immersed in a safe and loving environment focused on an innovative, secular preschool curriculum that’s infused with traditional Jewish learning and core values such as honesty, respect, and honor. In order to prepare children to excel in future educational settings, the MJCCA’s Early Childhood Services department has enhanced its already enriching curriculum to include several additional kindergarten-readiness programs.

Graduates take with them the tools necessary for success as they move on to elementary schools of their choice. The MJCCA Sunshine School is also a 3-Star Quality Rated School – and the Weinstein School is newly SACS accredited.

For information about the MJCCA and our early childhood offerings, please visit atlantajcc.org/preschool or call 678-812-3833.

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he Suzuki School, located at three campuses in Atlanta, is a SACS-accredited private preschool for children between 3 months and 6 years of age. Founded in 1976, The Suzuki School is based on the philosophy and teaching methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki and Maria Montessori, whose work in the education of young children is internationally recognized. The Suzuki philosophy affirms that learning begins at birth. The school’s mission is to develop in young children a lifelong love of learning by nurturing each child’s natural talent and ability in partnership with the parents. A low student/teacher ratio assures that each child receives focused attention from degreed teachers in a collaborative setting. Because the physical environment is so important in both of these teaching philosophies, the school’s three facilities, designed by nationally-known architectural firms, utilize color, art, nature, and music to stimulate young minds, while the inside of the classroom is designed to stimulate the independence and growth of each child.

Applications are accepted throughout the year. For more detailed information about the Suzuki School, please visit the website at www.suzukischool.com, or contact the Admissions Director at 404-869-1042.

Special Advertising Section

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Preschool Checklist Finding the right preschool for your child takes research. After you’ve come up with a list to schools close enough to your home or work, check their websites. Then set up a time to visit your top two or three schools. n Is the school accredited? The gold standard for accreditation is the National Association for the Education of Young Children. n What is the admissions policy? n What is the curriculum?

What is the daily routine at the school? n Do you have extended hours or after-school hours if needed? n What is the school’s policy on illness? n What is the ratio of adult teachers and teaching assistants to children? n How many children are in each class? n How are parents involved in the school?

Is there an active parent association? n How does the school handle discipline? n Do parents and teachers confer regularly?

When visiting, pay attention to these factors: n Is the facility clean and safe? n Is the outdoor play area well-kept?

How often do children play during the day? n Does the classroom have several activity areas, such as one for reading, one for art or puzzles or a place to nap? Do you see ageappropriate toys and books in good condition? n How does the teacher interact with the kids? Are kids engaged and happy to be there? n Does the school cover all areas of child development, from cognitive to social, emotional and physical development? n Are parents always welcome unannounced to visit the facility?

Weinberg Early Learning Center The Weinberg Early Learning Center blends secular and Judaic studies to provide a balanced educational environment for your child 15 months – Preschool.

• • • •

Secular and Judaic Curricula Engaged Parents & Dedicated Teachers Child-Centered & Experiential-Based Learning Involved Community

Flexible options ...

Full or half Day Programs 2-5 Day Weeks Early & Extended Day Available Enrichment Classes

1589 Peachtree Street NE • Atlanta, GA 30309

404-872-8668 www.the-temple.org

Buckhead | Northside | Ponce City Market Contact Kelly Perryman for more information kperryman@suzukischool.com or 404-841-3939

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Dental Staff School

Help Your Child Excel in School It is important for children to feel successful in school at a young age. When children become frustrated, their confidence plummets and so does their motivation to succeed in school.

These tips, from the team of moms and teachers behind Smart Playrooms, will get kids off to a good start. n Instill a love for learning in your children.

Showing your children the value of life long learning as early as possible will encourage a better attitude about school as they grow older. Children can see the fun in learning and exploring if you encourage open-ended and creative activities.

Family Friendly Hours

n Follow a routine.

Set a specific time window for your child to tackle homework and study.

During this time, turn off distractions so that your child can concentrate. Be sure to designate productive breaks and encourage your child to play outside or head to the art table. n Stay on

top of your child’s attendance.

Graduate in 10 weeks!

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All graduates receive: Job Placement Assistance Radiology Certificate CPR Certificate Dental Assisting Certification

"I was self assured and ready from day one to work!"

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Dental Staff School dentalstaffschool.com

Call today for a tour!

678-819-3919

Many parents think missing a few consecutive days from elementary school won’t have much of an impact, but school curriculums are not that forgiving.

Missing just a few days can put a child far behind. n Engage with your child’s teacher.

Having an open dialogue with your child’s teacher could be the difference between a passing and failing grade. The teacher is likely to stay on top of your child’s individual progress and test performance if he knows you are invested as a parent, and contact will help you to know what’s important to study at home. n Don’t stress your child out about tests.

Many parents unknowingly cause anxiety in their children when it comes to exams. Adding pressure to an already stressful event can hurt your child’s confidence. Introduce positive reinforcement tactics such as praise for progress in school leading up the examination date. n Don’t ignore your child’s weakness.

Be proactive about tackling areas where your child falls short academically. If your child struggles with multiplication, take extra measures to give that subject attention at home. If your child is constantly struggling, be sure to get involved and make a plan with the school to help your child be tested and diagnosed. Children whose different learning styles are recognized at an early age are able to overcome academic hurdles easier, and students whose parents are involved with their school are proven to perform better on exams.

Smart Playrooms offers a “Playroom in a Box” to help parents design an educational play area for children in a room at home; find out more at smartplayrooms.com.

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Applying to Private School (in 6 Not-So-Painful Steps) Narrowing down the best options for your child’s education can be a stressful process. Public, private, charter school? The answer is as individual at the child. But once you’ve settled on private schooling, applying for admission doesn’t have to be an ordeal.

Atlanta has an abundance of private schools – more than 150, including 70 schools that hold membership in the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS). There’s one that’s right for your child. However, the process can involve a lot of paperwork, school tours and testing. These tips will make the process not quite so daunting. n Start Early. Starting a year in advance is not too soon – you’ll have more time to visit the campuses, get to know the staff and talk with parents of students already enrolled.

Attend a football or basketball game to see if the schools on your list have a culture your child would be comfortable with. n Meet Deadlines. If testing is required, for instance, make sure tests are done well in advance of enrollment deadlines. If financial aid is needed, apply early. n Don’t Pay for Formal Test Prep. A dozen schools in the AAAIS use the Joint Admissions Testing Program (JATP) for applicants in preschool through fifth grade. The Galloway School in Atlanta is the rotating JATP Chair through 2017. Since the JATP is a cognitive test, given in a one-on-one session with a licensed child psychologist, there is no way to prepare for it. Schedule a follow-up session with the psychologist to go over the results. For grades 6-12, most schools require the standardized, Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). Instead of taking formal test prep, just get your child familiar with the test, the format and the directions by looking at the practice tests on the SSAT website. n Apply to More Than One School. Go into the application process as if the application were for college – not everyone gets into their first-choice private school, just as not everyone gets into top-tier colleges. Apply to three or four schools that you would be happy for your child to attend.

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A rejection usually happens because the applicant isn’t a good fit or isn’t ready for the academic rigors of a school. However, there is nothing wrong with contacting the school a few weeks later to get feedback.

If you’re put on the wait-list, contact the admissions office to express your continued interest. The second round will occur approximately two weeks later when offers are accepted or declined. Even after the second round and throughout the summer, spots typically open as families change plans or move away.

– Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

Resources Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools: AAAIS.org

n Keep Your Own Counsel. Talking to other parents applying to the same school only serves to ramp up anxiety about whether you’ve done enough to help your child through the application process. Know that you’ve done what you need to do.

Georgia Department of Education: doe.k12.ga.us

n Trust the Process. Admissions offices discuss applicant files and weigh many factors including test scores, teacher recommendations and observations. Admission officers are experienced in screening children and can be fairly certain whether a child will be successful at their school.

Decision letters are typically sent the first weekend of April.

Joint Admissions Testing Program: JATP.org

EDUCATION Guide | 2016

Georgia Independent School Association: gisaschools.org

Secondary School Admission Test: SSAT.org

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Spotlight on Private Schools Academe of the Oaks

Arbor Montessori School

he world is exciting, complicated, and changing fast.

At Academe of the Oaks, this global reality inspires a radical and relevant educational approach, emphasizing active involvement, experiential learning, imagination and creative consideration. Learning at Academe is centered on lived experience.

The r ig or ous W a l do r f h i g h s c h o o l c u r r i c ul um immerses students in the sciences, in mathematics, and in the humanities. Students learn from the original writings of great thinkers and leaders, writing and illustrating their own textbooks that incorporate material from a variety of classic and contemporary sources. Students learn to think and to connect academic work to real world issues. Art, music, physical education, gardening, extensive trips, and community service balance academic work. A diverse student body, a vibrant foreign exchange program, interfacing with schools in other countries and extracurricular activities like Model U.N. contribute to the strong international atmosphere of our high school. At Academe, students become well rounded human beings who care about others and the world.

Located just east of downtown Decatur, Academe of the Oaks serves students in grades nine through twelve. Please call to schedule a visit or see the website for more information. www.academeatlanta.org

ounded in 1970, Arbor is one of the largest and oldest Montessori schools in the Southeast, serving 300 students from ages 18 months to 14 years. Arbor is one of only two Montessori schools in Georgia accredited

by AMI, SACS and SAIS. For over 100 years, the hallmarks of a Montessori education have been creativity and innovation; critical thinking and problem-solving; communication; collaboration; and focus on character. These are the same core competencies being advocated in today’s education arena as the necessary “21st Century Learning Skills” for students to meet the challenges of a changing world. Montessori is the originator of project-based learning.

An Arbor Montessori education cultivates concentration, motivation, self-discipline and love of learning in every child.

This is accomplished through specially designed sensorial materials, multi-age classrooms, and teachers who are specifically trained to put the child in touch with exactly what he or she needs at that very moment to learn. In addition to an outstanding academic curriculum, Arbor offers art; music; Spanish; a before and after-school program; clubs and teams; and a close-knit community of families.

Register for an information session/tour November-February at 404-321-9304. Open House is January 23. Application deadline is February 15. Visit www.ArborMontessori.org.

T

F

Atlanta Girls’ School

The Cottage School

tlanta Girls’ School offers girls in grades 6 through 12 a college-preparatory curriculum of the highest standards.

Graduates attend Ivy League schools, prestigious liberal arts colleges, leading southeastern universities, and respected research institutes. Atlanta Girls’ School was custom-built for one purpose: girls’ achievement and success. Girls attending AGS learn to take appropriate risks, be courageous leaders, give back to their communities, and project personal confidence and competence in all they do.

Through their classrooms, sports, stage, and community involvement, AGS leverages the legacy and experience of girls’ schools all across the country, preparing girls to be respected leaders in every field. With access to real-world experiences, AGS students complete two customized internships with local, national, or global organizations.

These unique internships are unmatched opportunities that—combined with the school’s signature Winterim minisemester, community service projects at every grade level, and global travel program – fuel extracurricular learning that culminates in each student’s Senior Speech to the entire school.

For girls entering grades 1 through 9, AGS also offers SMART Girls Summer Camp. This weeklong day camp offers courses in science, math, art, and real technology. For more information, call 404-845-0900 or visit www.atlantagirlsschool.org.

he Cottage School’s 2015-2016 school year marks its 31st year of providing a comprehensive educational program for middle and high school students with learning differences and Attention Deficit Disorders. The school’s 23-acre campus in Roswell includes a state of the art media center, computer and science labs, a multi-purpose athletic and performing arts facility, outdoor classrooms, and trails for mountain biking and cross-country. AdvancEd accredited for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Southern Association of Independent Schools, TCS provides an academic college preparatory curriculum that meets Georgia high school graduation standards and HOPE scholarship requirements. Experiential classes and clubs include drama, forensics, horticulture, computer literacy, yoga, chess, photography, journalism/yearbook, Interact, and culinary skills.

Ten-to-one student/teacher class sizes accommodate various learning styles. Students participate in community service projects and various activities that broaden their knowledge base and assist them in unlocking their talents. TCS’ athletic program offers a wide range of sports and provides opportunities to develop a positive competitive spirit, learn self-discipline, and foster teamwork and sportsmanship. TCS offers an after school study and activities program as well as summer academic programs and sports camps.

Visit www.cottageschool.org for more information.

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Spotlight on Private Schools Covenant Christian School

Greater Atlanta Christian School

stablished in 1975, Covenant Christian School (CCS) in Smyrna celebrates a long history of Christian education. CCS is committed to partnering with Christian families in the nurture and education of their children by providing a distinctly classical and Christ-centered academic program. Our teaching is intentionally founded upon biblical truth, and our methodology is based upon the Trivium of a classical liberal arts education: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. CCS serves students from K4-8th grade.

The experienced faculty and staff bring many years of committed Christian teaching to our students every day. They are personally devoted to applying Christian principles in all areas of teaching as they lead students to grow in knowledge, understanding, wisdom, and virtue.

CCS students also have opportunities to broaden interests outside the classroom by offerings in athletics, music, drama, dance, and various clubs. Service opportunities are also a part of the CCS experience.

CCS invites Christian parents to come see the benefits of a Covenant education by attending an Open House January 12 at 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.ccssmyrna.org or call Barbara Hines at 770435-1596.

reater Atlanta Christian School offers a dynamic educational experience to 1,800 students in grades K3-12. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, GAC is being more intentional than ever about adopting new learning strategies and programs to better prepare students for a distinguished, promising future.

Children at GAC experience unmatched academic learning daily and have on-campus access to opportunities such as dance classes, music lessons, drama groups, 74 athletic teams from youth to varsity level, in-school swim lessons, more than 20 annual mission trips, an Environmental Center, 3 international study abroad programs, 22 AP classes, and 21 Honors classes.

The 88-acre campus provides vast resources and unlimited opportunities, including state-of-the-art facilities, new programs for all ages, and project-based learning initiatives.

Your child can have a full educational and extra-curricular experience on one campus. See why kids come from 90 zip codes to be at GAC. Contact Mary Helen Bryant at 770-2432274 or mbryant@greateratlantachristian.org. Learn more at www.greateratlantachristian.org. 1575 Indian Trail Road, Norcross GA 30093.

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Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Holy Spirit Preparatory School

t Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, students aren’t scholars or athletes or artists or servant leaders. They are all of these things and more. Through a broad, diverse, and rigorous curriculum, they become empathetic and openminded learners, ready to serve as catalysts for change in the world.

With every step of their journey, Holy Innocents’ students take chances, seek out challenges, and strive for excellence in all that they do. Because of an open-minded attitude, consistent encouragement and collaboration, and myriad extracurricular opportunities, students discover talents, passions, and aptitudes they never knew they had.

Located on Mount Vernon Highway in Sandy Springs, the school is easily accessible from all parts of Metro Atlanta. Campus spans 43 acres, with a brand new, stateof-the-art STEM building, stand alone Primary, Lower, Middle, and Upper School facilities, a fine arts building, two modern gymnasiums, and four sprawling regulation athletic fields. To learn more, please call 404-255-4026 or visit their website at www.hies.org.

f you’ll excuse the cliché, Holy Spirit Preparatory School is a hidden gem in Atlanta. The young but accomplished school is one of the few independent Catholic schools in the Atlanta metro area.

It serves students from ages 2 all the way through 12th grade, so they’re perfect for families. Its high school keeps getting named one of the top Catholic high schools in the country by the Catholic Education Honor Roll.

Their AP scores are way above state and national averages (in the hardest AP tests, like Chemistry and Calculus, their students average over a 4 out of 5, which is incredible), and their alumni get accepted to Ivy League schools, military academies, top 25 schools, and universities across the world.

But, really, it’s all about fit. Because they maintain a smaller enrollment than most independent schools, they find the right place for each student - channeling them to the right club, the right gifted classes, the right team - and the right college fit after HSP. This school is all about personalized learning, small class sizes, and forming students in “mind, body, and soul” in a family of faith and learning. For more information, you can visit www.holyspiritprep.org or call or text them at 678-761-7992.

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Spotlight on Private Schools McGinnis Woods Country Day School

Montessori School at Emory

cGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Education. The school is located in Alpharetta on the border of Forsyth and North Fulton counties. The Preschool accepts children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School has top accreditations, including GAC, SACS and NAEYC. It is also a member of the Georgia Independent School Association.

The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the Passion to excel. This goal is accomplished by providing superior hands-on academics fostering self-confidence, self-esteem, and inspiring a love of learning. Classes with low student-teacher ratios, provide for frequent one-on-one learning. Excellent educational resources are implemented to maximize the classroom experience of our diverse student population. Frequent guest speakers, monthly field trips and community service round out the curriculum. Use of Interactive technologies, an emphasis on STEM and hands-on learning activities bring the rigorous curriculum to life. Competitive Sports and Robotics teams train year round. After school programs and clubs are also available.

Please visit www.mcginniswoods.org to learn more. Tours are available upon request.

ontessori School at Emory was founded over 22 years ago becoming accredited as a Montessori School in 1993. With over 175 students, from 15 months through 14 years, the Montessori School at Emory supports the whole child and prepares them for life through accredited, authentic quality Montessori programs. Children are given one-on-one instruction from their teacher which creates an individualized program that engages their interests and skill levels.

Montessori School at Emory offers several options.

Full day, half day, 10 month or year round formats are available. Afternoon enrichment programs are also offered from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., in which children enjoy experiences in the creative arts and sciences such as music, art and foreign language. Also, early morning drop-off is available at 7 a.m. For more information about the Montessori School at Emory, call 404-634-5777 or visit www.MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com.

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Mount Vernon Presbyterian School

The SAE School

stablished in 1972, Mount Vernon Presbyterian School serves students in preschool through grade 12. Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, MVPS is a school of inquiry, innovation and impact. Grounded in Christian values, Mount Vernon prepares all students to be college ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders.

With innovation at the forefront, Mount Vernon leads the national conversation around systemically integrating design thinking into learning. By identifying real world issues, collaborating through research, and testing their results, students produce prototypes to impact the world.

Additionally, Upper School students are given an opportunity to fully immerse their studies in design thinking by earning an Innovation Diploma.

Demonstrating the School’s commitment to inquiry, the Upper School offers a dynamic opportunity unique to Atlanta independent schools called Interim Term. Students travel through cultural arts trips, national college tours, mission trips, as well as participate in internships.

As engaged citizen leaders, our students make an impact throughout the Atlanta area. Each year MVPS students perform more than 10,000 hours of community service. Rounding out the Mount Vernon experience, 90% of students in grades 5-12 participate in one more of the School’s 51 sports teams.

For more information, visit www.mountvernonschool.org or call 404-252-3448.

t The SAE School, teachers lead each student on their own personal journey of self-discovery. It is not enough to simply teach. Their educational vision is the discovery of the individual and the nurturing of unique strengths and interests, the tailoring of a journey that will take the student further than even they could have imagined. Their mission and their responsibility are to make sure they are ready when they get there. The SAE School is an independent, nonprofit school in southern Cobb County providing Georgia’s only true Project Based Learning approach. The SAE School is different because it was created, and is managed, governed and led by South Cobb educators, parents and residents. As a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, they are solely focused on the education and development of your children with powerful advantages such as Academic Families that preserve teacher-student alliances across multiple years, martial arts integrated into the curriculum, and a yearround, 200-day learning calendar. Come and explore the many unique aspects that fulfill their mission to be the most exceptionally Safe, Innovative and Rigorous school in Georgia. They are currently accepting applications for Preschool - 10th grade for the 2015-16 school year, and through 11th grade for 2016-17. Call 678-239-3200 or visit saeschool.org for more information.

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Spotlight on Private Schools The Waldorf School of Atlanta

The Westminster Schools

hildhood First.

The Waldorf School of Atlanta offers a revolutionary notion – that in the midst of a high-speed world, children should be provided a timeless space to do their sacred work.

The school nurtures within students the will to become life-long learners by fostering their ability to think with clarity, feel with compassion, and act with purpose in the world.

The Waldorf curriculum is rich in every branch of academics and enlivened with the arts and practical skills. As such, it honors children at each stage of their development, nurturing their current capacities and preparing them for new learning to come.

Located in Decatur, with a satellite location in Inman Park, The Waldorf School of Atlanta serves children from age 2 through 8th grade. Aligned with the ideals of Waldorf education – a century-old approach to learning, carried on by 1,000 schools worldwide – TheWaldorf School invites you to learn more at www.waldorfatlanta.org!

ounded in 1951, Westminster is a K-12 Christian preparatory school that serves 1,862 students on a 180-acre campus in the heart of metro Atlanta. The School prepares students to serve and lead in a rapidly changing world, helping them tap into innate talents in a vibrant and personal learning environment.

Westminster is committed to developing the whole student by offering not only carefully designed academic instruction, but also a wealth of engaging extracurricular opportunities, including unique service learning projects that partner with nonprofit organizations locally and abroad; a dynamic performing arts program that includes music, visual arts, and drama; a nationally recognized athletic program with more than 84 teams across 17 sports; and interdisciplinary global programs in more than eight countries. Westminster students are encouraged to deeply investigate and explore their passions while being nurtured and guided by gifted faculty, who know them well and support them on their Westminster journey.

To learn more about Westminster’s academics, faculty, and extracurricular activities, or for more information about the admissions process, please visit www.westminster.net

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Woodward Academy

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oodward Academy is the largest independent school in the continental U.S., with 2,700 students spanning two campuses on 133 acres in metro ­Atlanta.

With an average class size of only 16, teachers, coaches, and counselors provide wise, individual guidance at every step, mentoring students in life­-shaping qualities of good character, and helping them reach their fullest potential.

Students develop a deep respect for difference as they collaborate with peers from more than 20 metro­-Atlanta counties and a broad array of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Woodward offers prolific opportunities to try and triumph, including 20 AP courses, a Transition Program for students with mild learning differences in grades two through eight, and a wide range of clubs, arts opportunities, and athletic options.

The Global Connections Program offers extensive international study abroad programs.

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 $14 million in collegiate scholarship awards.

Discover the Woodward Difference today at woodward.edu. atlantaparent.com

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Reserve space now for the 2017 edition of Atlanta Parent’s Education Guide Brought to you by the experts at Atlanta Parent magazine

Call 770-454-7599 for advertising information.

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imagine Your Child?

What do you want for

IMAGINE A SCHOOL WHERE YOUR CHILD LEARNS…

• By Individual Instruction An • A Love of Learning Authentic • To Think Outside the Box AMI Accredited Montessori • Independence School • Respect for Others • A Solid Foundation • Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening and More HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

E MIDDL L O O H SC EN

OP NOAW ccepting

ons applicati

Montessori School at Emory

3021 N. Decatur Road • Decatur, GA 30033 MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com 404-634-5777

Now enrolling children ages 15 months – 12 years

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Private Schools

At-A-Glance

Our comprehensive directory of the largest metro Atlanta private schools lists schools that have a minimum of 150 students enrolled through at least third grade. Montessori schools on our list have 100 students or more, while special needs schools may be smaller. We also have included our advertisers that go through third grade.

400

2

1 4

3 5

6 This map has been divided into color-coded zones. In our directory, each school listing has a corresponding color to help you easily locate private schools in relation to your neighborhood. Schools are listed alphabetically.

Region

Location/Neighborhoods

1

Acworth, Austell, Canton, Cartersville, Douglasville, Kennesaw, Lithia Springs, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Woodstock

4

Auburn, Buford, Conyers, Covington, Dacula, Decatur, Gainesville, Grayson, Hoschton, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Lithonia, Loganville, Monroe, Norcross, Snellville, Stone Mountain, Sugar Hill, Tucker

2

Alpharetta, Cumming, Duluth, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Milton, Norcross, Roswell

5

College Park, East Point, Fairburn, Fayetteville, Hapeville, Newnan, Peachtree City, Sharpsburg, Tyrone

3

Atlanta, Buckhead, Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Vinings

6

Forest Park, Griffin, Hampton, Jonesboro, Locust Grove, Lovejoy, McDonough, Monticello, Morrow, Riverdale, Stockbridge

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Location/Neighborhoods

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Need-to-Know Information About Metro Atlanta’s Private Schools

Schools At-A-Glance School Information

Zone

Phone

2016 Directory Ages/Grades

Students

Annual Tuition

Affiliation

Academe of the Oaks 146 New St., Decatur (DeKalb) academeatlanta.org

4

404-405-2173

9th-12th

97

$17,250/yr.

Alexsander Academy 1090 Powers Place, Alpharetta (Fulton) alexsanderacademy.org

2

770-777-0475

K-12th

35

$11,000-$16,500/yr.

Learning issues

Alpharetta Christian Academy 44 Academy St., Alpharetta (Fulton) alpharettachristianacademy.com

2

770-475-5762

18 mos.-6th

350

$180-450/mo-$8,000/yr.

Baptist

Annunciation Day School 2500 Clairmont Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb) annunciationdayschool.org

3

404-565-2850

18 mos.-7th

107

$1,890-$9,450/yr.

Christian

Arbor Montessori School 2998 Lavista Rd., Decatur (DeKalb) arbormontessori.org

4

404-321-9304

18 mos.-14yrs.

293

$9,060-$18,100/yr.

Montessori

Arlington Christian School 4500 Ridge Rd., Fairburn (Fulton) arlingtonchristian.org

5

770-964-9871

K4-12th

225

$5,500-$9,000/yr.

Christian

The Atlanta Academy 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell (Fulton) atlantaacademy.com

2

678-461-6102

PK2-8th

300

$3,000-$13,350/yr.

non-denominational Christian

Atlanta Girls’ School 3254 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta (Fulton) atlantagirlsschool.org

3

404-845-0900

6th-12th

235

$21,950/yr.

Atlanta International School 2890 N. Fulton Dr., Atlanta (Fulton) aischool.org

3

404-841-3840

K3-12th

1,160

$20,647-$23,570/yr.

Atlanta Jewish Academy of Atlanta 5200 Northland Dr. and 3120 Raymond Dr., Atlanta (Fulton) and (DeKalb) atljewishacademy.org

3

404-843-9900

Infants-12th

500

$14,835-$22,767/yr.

Jewish

Atlanta Montessori International School 1970 Cliff Valley Way, Atlanta (DeKalb) amischool.com

3

404-325-6777

8wks.-15yrs.

200

$11,000 - $17,000/yr.

Montessori

Atlanta Speech School 3160 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta (Fulton) atlantaspeechschool.org

3

404-233-5332

2yrs.-6th

363

$13,781-$34,454/yr.

Learning disabilities, special needs and typically developing children

Bedford School 5665 Milam Rd., Fairburn (Fulton) thebedfordschool.org

5

770-774-8001

1st-9th

153

$18,250/yr.

Learning disabilities

Berean Christian Junior Academy 401 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr., Atlanta (Fulton) bcjaschool.org

3

404-799-0337

PreK-12th

127

$5,150-$7,250/yr.

Christian

Bible Baptist Christian School 2780 Mount Carmel Rd., Hampton (Henry) biblebaptistministries.com

6

770-946-4700

K4-12th

170

$3,500-$6,400/yr.

Baptist

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School 11320 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton) btcatholic.org

2

678-277-9083

9th-12th

970

$11,850/yr.

Catholic

Brandon Hall School 1701 Brandon Hall Dr., Dunwoody (Fulton) brandonhall.org

3

770-394-8177

6th-12th

200

$31,940-$39,220/yr.

Bridgeway Christian Academy 4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton) bcalions.com

2

770-751-1972

K3-8th

200

$2,350-$10,900/yr.

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Schools At-A-Glance School Information

Zone

Phone

2016 Directory Ages/Grades

Students

Annual Tuition

Affiliation

Brookwood Christian School 4728 Wood St., Acworth (Cobb) brookwoodchristian.com

1

678-401-5855

1st-12th

55

$13,000/yr.

Cambridge Academy 2780 Flat Shoals Rd., Decatur (DeKalb) acambridgeacademy.com

4

404-241-1321

2 yrs.-8th

225

$7,280-$8,000/yr.

Casa Montessori 150 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta (Cobb) casamontessori.com

1

770-973-2731

18 mos.-6th

150

$8,500-$10,500/yr.

Montessori

Center Academy 3499 South Cobb Dr., Smyrna (Cobb) centeracademy.com

1

770-333-1616

4th-12th

50

$16,295/yr.

Learning disabilities

Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School 3075 Trickum Rd., Woodstock (Cherokee) cherokeechristian.org

1

678-494-5464

K-12th

380

$6,500-$12,200/yr.

non-denominational Christian

The Children’s House at Serenbe 10636 Serenbe Ln., Palmetto (Fulton) thechildrenshouseatserenbe.com

5

770-463-0081

3yrs - 7th

46

$5,600-$8,100/yr.

Montessori

The Children’s School 345 Tenth St., Atlanta (Fulton) thechildrensschool.com

3

404-873-6985

3yrs.-6th

400

$19,550/yr.

Christ the King School 46 Peachtree Way, Atlanta (Fulton) christking.org

3

404-233-0383

K-8th

560

$8,750-$12,060/yr.

Cliff Valley School 2426 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb) cliffvalleyschool.org

3

678-302-1302

3yrs.-8th

321

$6,975-$17,490/yr.

Collins Hill Christian School 1612 Collins Hill Rd., Lawrenceville (Gwinnett) chcscrusaders.org

4

770-962-0642

K4-8th

200

$2,000-4,300/yr.

Baptist

Colonial Hills Christian School 7131 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs (Douglas) chrams.org

1

770-941-6342

K3-12th

245

$6,395-$8,020/yr.

Christian

Community Christian School 2001 West Jodeco Rd., Stockbridge (Henry) communitychristianschool.net

6

678-432-0191

Nursery-12th

900

$4,600-$8,300/yr.

Christian

Cornerstone Christian Academy 5295 Triangle Parkway, Norcross (Gwinnett) cornerstonecougars.org

4

770-441-9222

K-8th

320

$9,450-$10,915/yr.

Christian

Cornerstone Schools 4888 Browns Bridge Rd., Cumming (Forsyth) cornerstonesch.com

2

770-205-8202

PreK-10th

350

$8,000-$11,000/yr.

The Cottage School 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell (Fulton) cottageschool.org

2

770-641-8688

6th-12th

156

$24,200-$24,950/yr.

Learning differences

Counterpane Montessori 839 Highway 314, Fayetteville (Fayette) counterpane.org

5

770-461-2304

3 yrs.-12th

100

$11,500/yr.

Montessori

Country Brook Montessori School 2175 N. Norcross-Tucker Rd., Norcross (Gwinnett) countrybrookmontessori.com

4

770-446-2397

18 mos.-3rd

75

$6,750-$9,950/yr.

Montessori

Covenant Christian Academy 6905 Post Rd., Cumming (Forsyth) covenantrams.org

2

770-674-2990

K4-12th

260

$7,500/yr.

Christian

Covenant Christian Academy 3425 Hwy. 20, Loganville (Gwinnett) covenant-cougars.org

4

770-466-7890

K3-12th

235

$7,000-$8,000/yr.

Christian

Covenant Christian School 3130 Atlanta Rd., Smyrna. (Cobb) ccssmyrna.org

1

770-435-1596

K4-8th

200

$5,000 - $8,100/yr.

Christian

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Learning disabilities / Christian

Catholic

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Schools At-A-Glance School Information

Zone

Phone

2016 Directory Ages/Grades

Students

Annual Tuition

Affiliation

1

770-801-8292

3yrs-5th.

100

$6,200-$10,500/yr.

Montessori

Crabapple Montessori School 12387 Crabapple Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton) crabapplemontessori.com

3

770-569-5200

18mos-12yrs.

160

$7,000-$12,000/yr.

Montessori

Creekside Christian Academy 175 Foster Dr., McDonough (Henry) creeksideacademy.org

6

770-961-9300

K3-12th

705

$3,800-$5,800/yr.

Christian

Cumberland Academy of Georgia 650A Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta (Fulton) cumberlandacademy.org

3

404-835-9000

4th-12th, post grad. program.

100

$22,100-$21,500/yr.

Asperger, high-functioning Autism

Cumberland Christian Academy 2356 Clay Rd., Austell (Cobb) cumberlandchristian.org

1

770-819-6443

PreK3-12th

485

$3,790-$7,680/yr.

Christian

The Davis Academy 8105 Roberts Dr., Atlanta (Fulton) davisacademy.org

3

770-671-0085

Kprep 1-8th

560

$17,778-$21,255/yr.

Jewish

Discovery Montessori Academy 1453 East Cleveland Ave., East Point (Fulton) discoverymontessoriacademy.com

5

404-767-5005

2mos.-12yrs.

115

$6,100-10,020/yr.

Montessori

The Duluth Montessori School 1768 Old Peachtree Rd., Duluth (Gwinnett) duluthmontessori.com

2

770-476-9307

14 mos.-15yrs.

140

$7,963-$12,662/yr.

Montessori

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy 2400 Hwy. 42 North, McDonough (Henry) elcaonline.org

6

770-957-2927

K3-12th

1,100

$3,312-$11,064/yr.

Christian

Eastside Christian School 2450 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta (Cobb) eastsidechristianschool.com

1

770-971-2332

K-8th

358

$5,900-$8,613/yr.

Christian

Eaton Academy 1000 Old Roswell Lakes Pkwy., Roswell (Fulton) eatonacademy.org

2

770-645-2673

K-12th

150

$12,000-$22,000/yr.

The Epstein School 335 Colewood Way, NW., Sandy Springs (Fulton) epsteinatlanta.org

3

404-250-5600

18mos.-8th

550

$6,195-$20,850/yr.

Jewish

Excel Christian Academy 325 Old Mill Rd., Cartersville (Bartow) excelacademy.cc

1

770-382-9488

K-12th

275

$9,180-$9,840/yr.

Christian

Faith Lutheran School 2111 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta (Cobb) faithlcms.org

1

770-973-8921

18mos.-8th

200

$3,400-$7,435/yr.

Lutheran

Fayette Montessori School 190 Weatherly Dr., Fayetteville (Fayette) fayettemontessori.com

5

770-460-6790

20mos.-6th

70

$2,624-$8,160/yr.

Montessori

Fellowship Christian School 10965 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton) fellowshipchristianschool.org

2

770-993-1650

K4-12th

863

$3,570-$14,610/yr.

Christian

First Baptist Christian School 2958 N. Main St., Kennesaw (Cobb) fbcskennesaw.com

1

770-422-3254

2yrs.-8th

140

$1,965-$6,150/yr.

Baptist

Foundations for the Future 1500 Stanley Rd., Kennesaw (Cobb) foundationscorp.com

1

770-429-4799

6wks.-6th

202

$7,200-$9,800/yr.

The Friends School of Atlanta 862 Columbia Dr., Decatur (DeKalb) friendsschoolatlanta.org

4

404-373-8746

PreK-8th

173

$16,900-$20,300/yr.

Galloway School 215 W. Wieuca Rd., Atlanta (Fulton) gallowayschool.org

3

404-252-8389

K3-12th

750

$11,400-$23,900/yr.

Covered Bridge Academy 488 Hurt Rd., Smyrna (Cobb) coveredbridgeacademy.com

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Quaker

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Schools At-A-Glance School Information

Zone

Phone

2016 Directory Ages/Grades

Students

Annual Tuition

Affiliation

1

678-709-6634

1st-8th

50

$20,500/yr.

Dyslexia/Christian

Grace Christian Academy 355 McDonough Rd., Fayetteville (Fayette) gracechristian.info

5

770-461-0137

K3-12th

189

$4,765-$6,701/yr.

Christian

Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy 401 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr. NW, Atlanta (Fulton) gaaaschool.org

3

404-799-0337

9th-12th

125

$6,600-$7,250/yr.

Adventist

Greater Atlanta Christian School 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross (Gwinnett) greateratlantachristian.org

4

770-243-2000

K3-12th

1,800

$12,070-$20,205/yr.

Christian

Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy Center 3250 Rainbow Dr., Decatur (DeKalb) greenforestacademy.org

4

404-486-6737

K-12th

223

$6,790-8,390/yr.

Baptist

Harbour Oaks Montessori 1741 Athens Hwy., Grayson (Gwinnett) harbouroaks.org

4

770-979-8900

18mos.-12th

130

$6,600-$9,000/yr.

Montessori

Harvester Christian Academy 4241 Central Church Rd., Douglasville (Douglas) harvesteracademy.com

1

770-942-1583

K4-12th

385

$4,277-$7,574/yr.

Christian

Heart of Hope Academy at the Elaine Clark Center 5130 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Chamblee (DeKalb) elaineclarkcenter.org

3

770-458-3251

6-22yrs.

70

$18,000/yr.

Special needs

Hebron Christian Academy 2975 Old Peachtree Rd. and 775 Dacula Rd., Dacula (Gwinnett) hebronlions.org

4

770-962-5423

K-12th

900

$6,500-$8,125/yr.

Christian

The Heritage School 2093 Hwy. 29 N, Newnan (Coweta) heritagehawks.org

5

770-253-9898

4yrs.-12th

434

$7,500-$14,950/yr.

High Meadows School 1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell (Fulton) highmeadows.org

2

770-993-2940

3yrs.-8th

400

$5,860-$18,070/yr.

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School 805 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Atlanta (Fulton) hies.org

3

404-255-4026

3yrs.-12th

1,374

$9,380-$24,300/yr.

Episcopalian

Holy Redeemer Catholic School 3380 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek (Fulton) hrcatholicschool.org

2

770-410-4056

K-8th

484

$7,750/yr.

Catholic

Holy Spirit Preparatory School 4465 and 4449 Northside Dr.; 4820 Long Island Dr., Atlanta (Fulton) holyspiritprep.org

3

678-904-2811

PreK2-12th

575

$6,005-$22,465/yr.

Catholic

Horizon Christian Academy 1270 Sawney Dr., Cumming (Forsyth) horizonchristian.org

2

678-947-3583

K-12th

203

$8,750-$9,950/yr.

Christian

The Howard School 1192 Foster St., Atlanta (Fulton) howardschool.org

3

404-377-7436

K-12th

246

$28,000-$30,000/yr.

Learning disabilities

Immaculate Heart of Mary 2855 Briarcliff Rd. NE Atlanta (DeKalb) ihmschool.org

3

404-636-4488

K-8th

500

$7,135-$9,490/yr.

Catholic

Intown Community School 2059 Lavista Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb) intownschool.org

3

404-633-8081

K-8th

235

$4,500-$9,000/yr.

Christian

Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center 407 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell (Fulton) jacobsladdercenter.com

2

770-998-1017

PreK-12th

90

$29,600/yr.

Special needs

Gracepoint School 2005 Stilesboro Rd., Kennesaw (Cobb) gracepointschool.org

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2016 | EDUCATION Guide

37

Schools At-A-Glance School Information

Zone

Phone

2016 Directory Ages/Grades

Students

Annual Tuition

Affiliation

1

678-784-5231

K-12.

340

$4,300/yr.

Christian

Killian Hill Christian School 151 Arcado Rd., Lilburn (Gwinnett) khcs.org

4

770-921-3224

K5-12th

370

$6,125-$10,225/yr.

Baptist

King’s Ridge Christian School 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta (Fulton) kingsridgecs.org

2

770-754-5738

PreK-12th

850

$6,500; $18,094/yr.

Christian

Lakeview Academy 796 Lakeview Dr., Gainesville (Hall) lakeviewacademy.com

2

770-532-4383

PreK3-12th

575

$6,300-$15,244/yr.

Landmark Christian School 777 Robinson Rd. and 50 SE Broad St., Peachtree City and Fairburn (Fayette) and (Fulton) landmarkchristianschool.org

5

770-306-0647

K4-12th

805

$4,760-$14,975/yr.

Christian

Loganville Christian Academy 2575 Hwy. 81, Loganville (Walton) lcalions.com

4

770-554-9888

PreK-12th

570

$3,725-$9,500/yr.

Christian

Lovett School 4075 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton) lovett.org

3

404-262-3032

K-12th

1,665

$21,650-$25,630/yr.

Marist School 3790 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb) marist.com

3

770-457-7201

7th-12th

1,081

$18,100/yr.

McGinnis Woods Country Day School 5380 Faircroft Drive., Alpharetta (Forsyth) mcginniswoods.org

2

770-664-7764

Infant-8th

400

$9,150-$12,600/yr.

MDE School 1517 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta (Cobb) www.mdeschool.com

1

770-971-4633

K-8th, educate 9-12 w. vocational rehab program.

31

$17,000/yr.

Autism, sensory processing and communications disorders

Midway Covenant Christian School 4635 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs (Cobb) midwayschool.org

1

770-590-1866

K3-8th

300

$2,800-$5,500/yr.

Christian

Mill Springs Academy 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton) millsprings.org

2

770-360-1336

1st-12th

340

$22,151/yr.

Learning disabilities

Mohammed Schools 735 Fayetteville Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb) mohammedschools.org

3

404-378-4219

PreK3-12th

150

$5,000-$12,000/yr.

Muslim

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Rd., Cumming (Forsyth) montessoriacademygeorgia.com

2

770-205-6277

18mos.-15yrs.

220

$6,000-$10,500/yr.

Montessori

Montessori Academy at Vickery 6285 Post Rd., Cumming (Forsyth) montessorivickery.com

2

770-777-9131

18mos.- 9yrs.

150

$7,000-$11,000/yr.

Montessori

Montessori Children’s House of North Fulton 7395 Brown’s Bridge Road, Gainesville (Forsyth) mchnf.org

2

404-862-5437

2.5yrs.-3rd

45

$5,100-7,500/yr.

Montessori

Montessori In Town 678 Moreland Ave. NE, Atlanta (Fulton) montessoriintown.com

2

404-784-1038

14mos.-9yrs.

100

$9,000-$11,500/yr.

Montessori

Montessori Scholars Academy 13100 Morris Rd, Milton (Fulton) montessorischolars.com

2

770-754-0777

18mos.-12 yrs.

70

$12,000-14,000/yr.

Montessori

Montessori School at Emory 3021 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur (DeKalb) montessorischoolatemory.com

4

404-634-5777

15mos.-14yrs.

150

$883-$1,475/mo.

Montessori

Montessori School of Cumming 4601 Post Rd., Cumming (Forsyth) montessorischoolofcumming.com

2

770-205-6773

15mos.-12yrs.

60

$4,450-$10,700/yr.

Montessori

Johnson Ferry Christian Academy 955 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta (Cobb) jfca.org

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EDUCATION Guide | 2016

Catholic

atlantaparent.com

Schools At-A-Glance School Information

Zone

Phone

2016 Directory Ages/Grades

Students

Annual Tuition

Affiliation

4

770-279-8443

K4-8th

140

$6,900-$7,950/yr.

Christian

Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Rd., Kennesaw (Cobb) mtparanschool.com

1

770-578-0182

K3-12th

1,190

$3,090-16,095/yr.

Christian

Mount Pisgah Christian School 9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek (Fulton) experiencepisgah.org

2

678-336-3443

6wks.-12th

1,000

$14,400-$18,980/yr.

Christian

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School 471 and 510 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Atlanta (Fulton) mountvernonschool.org

3

404-252-3448

6wks.-12th

932

$7,650-$19,975/yr.

Presbyterian

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy 4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta; 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Marietta (Cobb) mtbethelchristian.org

1

770-971-0245

PreK-12th

600

$9,900-$14,500/yr.

Methodist

North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Dr., Kennesaw (Cobb) ncchristian.org

1

770-975-0252

K3-12th

925

$4,325-$13,360/yr.

Christian

Northwoods Montessori School 3340 Chestnut Dr., Atlanta (DeKalb) northwoodsmontessori.com

3

770-457-7261

12mos.-12yrs.

100

$7,935-$14,890/yr.

Montessori

Notre Dame Academy 4635 River Green Pkwy., Duluth (Gwinnett) ndacademy.org

2

678-387-9385

PreK3-9th

564

$2,450-$13,950/yr.

Catholic

Oak Meadow Montessori School 2145 Collins Hill Rd., Lawrenceville (Gwinnett) oakmeadowmontessori.com

4

770-963-8303

15mos.-5th

130

$6,000-$9,500/yr.

Montessori

Old Peachtree Montessori 33 Hills Shop Rd., Hwy. 324, Auburn (Gwinnett) opmontessori.com

4

770-963-3052

8wks.-8th

100

$2,900-$7,600/yr.

Montessori

Old Suwanee Christian School 4118 Old Suwanee Rd., Buford (Gwinnett) oldsuwanee.org

4

770-945-5451

K4-12th

169

$5,750-$6,000/yr.

Baptist

Omni International School 3940 Cascade Rd., Atlanta (Fulton) omnischoolatl.com

3

404-865-1463

PreK2-5th

50

$9,000-$12,800/yr.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School Hwy. 279, Fayetteville (Fayette) olmbobcats.org

5

770-461-2202

9th-12th

400

$11,600/yr.

Catholic

Our Lady of the Assumption School 1320 Hearst Dr., Atlanta (DeKalb) olaschool.org

3

404-364-1902

PreK4-8th

500

$8,155-$9,655/yr.

Catholic

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School 211 Kirkley Rd., Tyrone (Fayette) olvpatriots.org

5

770-306-9026

K-8th

225

$8,423/yr.

Catholic

Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta (Fulton) paceacademy.org

3

404-262-1345

Pre1-12th

1,102

$21,800-$25,100/yr.

The Paideia School 1509 S. Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta (DeKalb) paideiaschool.org

3

404-377-3491

3yrs.-12th

1,005

$12,507-$22,521/yr.

Peachtree Academy Private School 1801 Ellington Rd., 1760 Ebenezer Rd., and 14101 Hwy. 278, Conyers and Covington (Rockdale) and (Newton) peachtreeacademy.com

4

770-860-8900

PreK-12th

450

$5,000-$7,150/yr.

Peoples Baptist Academy 850 Mill Rd., McDonough (Henry) peoplesbaptistacademy.org

6

770-914-7388

K3-12th

215

$4,200-$5,100/yr.

Baptist

Perimeter Christian School 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Duluth (Fulton) perimeterschool.org

2

678-405-2300

K-8th

562

$5,493-$10,461/yr.

Christian

Mount Carmel Christian School 6015 Old Stone Mnt. Rd., Stone Mountain (DeKalb) mccsch.org

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2016 | EDUCATION Guide

39

Schools At-A-Glance School Information

Zone

Phone

2016 Directory Ages/Grades

Students

Annual Tuition

Piedmont Academy 126 Hwy. 212, Monticello (Jasper) piedmontacademy.com

6

The Piedmont School of Atlanta 1330 North Druid Hills Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb) thepiedmontschoolofatlanta.org

3

404-382-8200

K-6th

12

$23,000/yr.

Pinecrest Academy 955 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming (Forsyth) pinecrestacademy.org

2

770-888-4477

PreK3-12th

808

$6,500-$15,345/yr.

Catholic

Porter Academy 200 Cox Rd., Roswell (Fulton) porteracademy.org

2

770-594-1313

PreK-8th

72

$18,000-$19,000/yr.

Speech and language, occupational therapy

Providence Christian Academy 4575 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lilburn (Gwinnett) providencechristianacademy.org

4

770-279-7200

K-12th

667

$9,870-$14,670/yr.

Christian

Queen of Angels Catholic School 11340 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton) qaschool.org

2

770-518-1804

K-8th

504

$7,450/yr.

Catholic

Riverstone Montessori Academy 455 Casteel Rd., Marietta (Cobb) riverstonemontessori.com

1

770-422-9194

2.5yrs.-9th

120

$8,462-$16,570/yr.

Montessori

Saint Francis Schools 13440 Cogburn Rd. and 9375 Willeo Rd., Milton and Roswell (Fulton) saintfrancisschools.com

2

678-339-9989

K-12th

800

$16,000-$21,000/yr.

The Schenck School 282 Mt. Paran Rd., Atlanta (Fulton) schenck.org

3

404-252-2591

K-6th

250

$30,235/yr.

Dyslexia

Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Rd., Kennesaw (Cobb) shilohhills.com

1

770-926-7729

K3-12th

212

$3,400-$8,400/yr.

Baptist

The SAE School 6688 Mableton Pkwy., Mableton (Cobb) SAEschool.org

1

678-239-3200

2yrs.-11th

375

$8,750-$10,500/yr.

Solid Rock Academy 106 Commerce St., Fayetteville (Fayette) solidrockacademy.com

5

770-997-9744

Preschool-12th

125

$6,880-$8,250/yr.

Christian

Sophia Academy 2880 Dresden Dr., Atlanta (DeKalb) sophiaacademy.org

3

404-303-8722

K-12th

100

$15,000-$22,000/yr.

Learning differences/ Christian

Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy 3911 Campbellton Rd., Atlanta (Fulton) sacanet.com

3

404-346-2080

Preschool-12th

200

$6,850-$10,000/yr.

Christian

Springmont 5750 Long Island Dr., Atlanta (Fulton) springmont.com

3

404-252-3910

18mos.-14yrs.

260

$9,010-19,980/yr.

Montessori

St. Benedict’s Episcopal Day School 2160 Cooper Lake Rd., Smyrna (Cobb) stbenedictsdayschool.org

1

678-279-4300

Preschool-8th

440

$6,800-$10,300/yr.

Episcopalian

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School 1618 Ben King Rd., Kennesaw (Cobb) scsiena.org

1

770-419-8601

K-8th

228

$7,350/yr.

Catholic

St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School 791 Tom Smith Rd., Lilburn (Gwinnett) sjnrcs.org

4

770-381-0557

K-8th

305

$7,440-$9,700/yr.

Catholic

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School 240 Arnold St., Hapeville (Fulton) sjecs.org

5

404-767-4312

PreK-8th

315

$7,200-$8,600/yr.

Catholic

St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy St., Marietta (Cobb) stjosephschool.org

1

770-428-3328

K-8th

480

$6,329-$8,229/yr.

Catholic

40

EDUCATION Guide | 2016

K4-12th

295

$4,780-$6,660/yr.

Affiliation

706-468-8818

atlantaparent.com

Schools At-A-Glance School Information

Zone

Phone

2016 Directory Ages/Grades

Students

Annual Tuition

Affiliation

St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School 7171 Glenridge Dr., Atlanta (Fulton) saintjude.net

3

770-394-2880

K-8th

506

$7,935-$9,590/yr.

Catholic

St. Martin’s Episcopal School 3110-A Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb) www.stmartinschool.org

3

404-237-4260

PreK3-8th

635

$11,250-$18,900/yr.

Episcopalian

St. Paul Lutheran School 700 Ardenlee Pkwy., Peachtree City (Fayette) stpaulptc.org

5

770-486-3545

12 mos.-8th

190

$1,525-$6,600/yr.

Lutheran

St. Pius X Catholic High School 2674 Johnson Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb) spx.org

3

404-636-3023

9th-12th

1,100

$13,500/yr.

Catholic

St. Thomas Moore Catholic School 630 W. Ponce de Leon Ave. Decatur (DeKalb) stmga.org

4

404-373-8456

K-8th

464

$7,340-$10,100/yr.

Catholic

Strong Rock Christian School 4200 Strong Rock Pkwy., Locust Grove (Henry) strongrockchristianschool.com

6

678-833-1200

PreK3-12th

813

$5,605-$11,305/yr.

Christian

Sugar Hill Christian Academy 4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill (Gwinnett) sugarhillchristian.org

4

678-745-4121

K4-8th

370

$2,400-$8,032/yr.

Christian

The Swift School 300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell (Fulton) swiftschool.com

2

678-205-4988

1st-8th

270

$24,820-$25,220/yr.

Dyslexia and language based learning differences

Tabula Rasa Language Academy 5855 Riverside Dr., Atlanta (Fulton) trlanguages.com

3

404-409-0827

Preschool-5th

150

$7,000-$15,000/yr.

Torah Day School of Atlanta 1985 Lavista Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb) torahday.org

3

404-982-0800

K-8th

325

$12,000-$14,000/yr.

Trinity School 4301 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta (Fulton) trinityatl.org

3

404-231-8100

3yrs.-6th

636

$15,750-$22,298/yr.

Village Montessori 1610 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton) vmschool.com

2

770-552-0834

18mos.-8th

150

$5,100-$14,000/yr.

The Waldorf School of Atlanta 827 Kirk Rd., Decatur (DeKalb) waldorfatlanta.org

4

404-377-1315

2yrs.-8th

240

$3,500-$15,300/yr.

The Walker School 700 Cobb Pkwy., Marietta (Cobb) thewalkerschool.org

1

770-427-2689

3yrs.-12th

952

$9,110-$20,950/yr.

The Weber School 6751 Roswell Rd., Atlanta (Fulton) weberschool.org

3

404-917-2500

9th-12th

224

$25,675/yr.

Transdenominational / Jewish

Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Dr., Norcross (Gwinnett) wesleyanschool.org

4

770-448-7640

K-12th

1,132

$15,975-$21,770/yr.

Christian

Westminster Schools 1424 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta (Fulton) westminster.net

3

404-609-6202

Prew1st-12th

1,862

$22,125-$25,660/yr.

Christian

Whitefield Academy 1 Whitefield Dr., Mableton (Cobb) whitefieldacademy.com

1

678-305-3000

PreK4-12th

780

$10,530-$21,390/yr.

Christian

The Wood Acres School 1772 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta (Cobb) woodacresschool.org

1

770-971-1880

2yrs.-8th

500

$3,700-$10,200/yr.

Woodward Academy 1662 Rugby Ave. and 6565 Boles Rd., College Park and Johns Creek (Fulton) and (Gwinnett) woodward.edu

2

404-765-4000

PreK-12th

2,700

$15,100-$24,800/yr.

Jewish

Montessori

5 While every effort has been made to provide accurate, up-to-date data, please confirm information when contacting schools.

atlantaparent.com

2016 | EDUCATION Guide

41

Get the Most from Open House Open houses are the time for parents to learn critical information about a child’s potential school. Attend your next open house equipped with what to expect and a list of questions.

Expect to hear a brief history of the school, an overview of educational philosophy, a mission statement and perhaps a list of extracurricular activities.

This overview period is a good time for parents to ask about the bus schedule, school lunches, dress code and other general information.

42

EDUCATION Guide | 2016

atlantaparent.com

Most schools offer a guided tour of the campus. If your child is already enrolled, you may meet with your child’s future teacher.

Look past the terms that schools use to describe themselves. Ask for evidence to support the school’s claims – SAT scores, attendance records, grade-point averages.

Good questions to ask:

1 2 3 4 5

How much ongoing training do teachers receive?

How can parents be involved in the classroom?

If students are put on ability tracks, how is that decided?

What is the main emphasis of the curriculum?

Does the school offer free tutoring?

Go Beyond the Open House Call the prospective school and schedule a time to observe a class in session. This will give you a good idea of the teaching style and classroom setting.

Talk to other parents about the school.

Look at the big picture. Although your child may be entering Pre-K, you may be hoping to stay with the system through high school, so research graduation and college placement rates and scholarship recipients.

This information is usually found on the school’s website.

– Alexi Wilbourn atlantaparent.com

GRACEPOINT School Serving students with dyslexia in a quality Christian environment

We offer a comprehensive, high quality education program that combines remediation with enrichment and acceleration.

Please contact the office of admissions at 678-756-8897 to schedule a tour.

2005 Stilesboro Road | Kennesaw, GA 30152 678-709-6634 | www.gracepointschool.org 2016 | EDUCATION Guide

43

Public School Profiles At your fingertips: A glimpse at the school systems in the metro area.

Atlanta Public Schools 404-802-3500 www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Atlanta Public Schools is the sixth largest school system in Georgia with 50,754 students. There are 3,674 teachers, of which 34 percent have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 98 learning sites and programs; 47 elementary (3 primary campuses); 10 middle; 2 single-gender; 14 high schools; 4 non-traditional; 2 evening schools; 17 charter schools. n Pupil to teacher ratios: Kindergarten, 25 to 1; Grades 1-3, 26 to 1; Grades 4-5, 33 to 1; Middle, 33 to 1; High, 33 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $12,585 Bartow County School System 770-606-5800 www.bartow.k12.ga.us There are 14,000 students attending Bartow County’s 20 schools, with 67 percent of 1,069 teachers holding advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 12 elementary; 4 middle; 3 high schools; 1 college and career academy n Pupil to teacher ratio: 18 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,650 Buford City Schools 770-945-5035 www.bufordcityschools.org There are 4,300 students enrolled in Buford City Schools. 77 percent of the 273 teachers have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 2 elementary; 1 middle; 1 high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $10,008 Cherokee County School District 770-479-1871 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Cherokee County has 41,180 students attending 44 schools. There are 2,600 teachers in the county, of which 73 percent have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 24 elementary; 7 middle; 6 high schools; 3 alternative schools; 3 pre-K centers; 1 special services center. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,691

DeKalb County School System

Clayton County Public Schools 770-473-2700 www.clayton.k12.ga.us Clayton County has the fifth largest school system in Georgia with approximately 54,400 students. Of the district’s 3,372 teachers, 64 percent have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 2 primary; 33 elementary; 14 middle; 9 high schools; 1 K-8 school; 2 LEA charters; 1 alternative education center; 3 psychological education centers; 1 multi-purpose education center; 3 magnet schools. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,168 Cont’d on page 46

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2016 | EDUCATION Guide

45

Public School Profiles Cobb County School District 770-426-3300 www.cobbk12.org Cobb County has more than 111,460 students attending 114 schools. There are 8,100 certified employees with 61 percent having advanced degrees. There are also 46 National Board Certified teachers. n Number of Schools: 67 elementary; 25 middle; 16 high schools; 1 special education centers; 1 adult education center; 2 virtual academies; 1 performance learning center, 1 international welcome center, 2 independent charter schools. n Pupil to teacher ratio: Varies by school.

Meets or is lower than state mandated numbers. n Per pupil expenditure: $8,455 Coweta County School System 770-254-2800 www.cowetaschools.net Coweta County has 22,300 students and about 2,950 employees, 55 percent of whom are certified teaching employees. 60 percent of Coweta’s teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools:19 elementary, 6 middle, 3 high schools; 1 College and Career Academy charter school (serving grades 8-12 with a traditional and nontraditional learning models); and the school system’s Centre for Performing and Visual Arts. n Pupil to teacher ratios: Kindergarten: 20 to 1 with paraprofessional; Grades 1-3: 21 to 1; Grades 4-5: 24 to 1; Grades 6-8: 29 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,900 City Schools of Decatur 404-371-3601 www.csdecatur.net City Schools of Decatur have 4,667 students attending nine schools. Of the district’s 363 teachers, over 70 percent hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 9 total; 1 pre-K; 5 Kindergarten-third; 1 fourth-fifth; 1 middle; 1 high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 13 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $12,574 DeKalb County School System 678-676-1200 www.dekalb.k12.ga.us DeKalb County School District is the third largest school system with 102,000 students.

More than 6,000 teachers in the system, about 65 percent hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 77 elementary; 19 middle; 22 high schools; 1 alternative school; 9 centers, special education and alternative schools; 10 start-up charters; 5 conversion charters. n Pupil to teacher ratios: General: 27 to 1; Gifted: 16 to 1; CTAE: 24 to 1. n Per pupil expenditure: $8,500

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Buford City Schools

Douglas County School System 770-651-2000 www.douglas.k12.ga.us There are approximately 26,082 students attending Douglas County’s 33 schools. 70 percent of the 1,931 certified employees have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary, 8 middle, 5 high schools; 1 performance learning center; 1 college and career institute. n Pupil to teacher ratio: Meets or is lower than state mandated standards. n Per pupil expenditure: $8,419

Fulton County Schools 470-254-3600 www.fultonschools.org Fulton County has more than 96,000 students and 7,000 certified staff members at 101 schools.

Approximately 37 percent of the teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 58 elementary (with pre-K programs); 19 middle; 17 high schools (2 with open campuses); 8 charter schools. n Pupil to teacher ratios: Kindergarten, 22 to 1; with paraprofessional; Grades 1-3, 23 to 1; Grades 4-5, 30 to 1; Middle, 30 to 1; High, 32 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,111

Fayette County Public Schools 770-460-3535 www.fcboe.org Fayette County School System has 20,095 students. More than half of the 1,346 teachers have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 14 elementary; 5 middle; 5 high schools; 1 alternative school; 1 open campus high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 13 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $8,064 (FY ‘14)

Gainesville City School 770-536-5275 www.gcssk12.net 8,036 students attend Gainesville City’s 8 schools.

485 teachers are employed by the system, and 64 percent of them have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 5 elementary; 1 middle; 1 high school; 1 alternative learning academy, 1 non-traditional high school. n Pupil to teacher ratios: PreK: 22 to 1; Grades K-5: 15 to 1; Grades 6-8: 16 to 1; Grades 9-12: 18 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,969

Forsyth County Schools 770-887-2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Close to 44,300 students attend Forsyth County’s 35 schools. There are over 3,000 certified employees in the system, of which 75 percent have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary; 9 middle; 5 high schools and 1 6-12 virtual school (open to out-of-county students). n Pupil to teacher ratios 20 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,249

Gwinnett County Public Schools 678-301-6000 www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us With more than 175,800 students attending 136 educational facilities, Gwinnett County is the largest school system in Georgia. The average GCPS teacher holds a Master’s degree and has 14 years experience. n Number of Schools: 79 elementary; 28 middle; 21 high schools; 8 other educational facilities. n Pupil to teacher ratio: Varies by classroom, per Investing in Education (IE2) contract. n Per pupil expenditure: $8,215

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Public School Profiles Hall County Schools 770-534-1080 www.hallco.org There are 27,268 students and 2,018 certified staff at Hall County’s 33 schools. 65 percent of the teachers have obtained Master’s degrees and 20 percent have achieved Specialist or Doctorate degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary; 6 middle; 6 high schools; 1 evening school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,639

Private Non-Parochial Education GAC, SACS & NAEYC Accredited MIDDLE GRADES 6th-8th grades

ELEMENTARY GRADES Kindergarten – 5th

PRESCHOOL Infants – Pre-Kindergarten

Tours Welcome By Appointment: 5380 Faircroft Drive Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

Henry County Schools 770-957-6601 www.henry.k12.ga.us There are 42,000 students and 2,960 certified teachers in Henry County Schools.

75 percent of the certified employees have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 26 elementary; 2 conversion charter elementary schools; 11 middle; 10 high schools; 1 alternative school; 1 charter college and career academy; 1 6-12 online school w(Impact Academy). n Pupil to teacher ratios: Kindergarten, 24 to1; Grades 1-3, 25 to 1; Grades 4-8, 32 to 1; Grades 9-12, 34 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,547

Paulding County School District 770-443-8000 www.paulding.k12.ga.us The Paulding County School District has 33 schools, 28,301 students and 1,945 classroom teachers. 61 percent of the teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 19 elementary; 9 middle; 5 high schools. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 23 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,528

Marietta City Schools 770-422-3500 www.marietta-city.org Some 8,800 students attend Marietta City’s 11 schools, 1200 certified employees with 73 percent of certified staff holding a Master’s degree or higher. n Number of Schools: 8 elementary (one is grades 3-5 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Magnet school); 1 6th grade academy; 1 middle; 1 high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 20 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,242

Rockdale County Public Schools 770-483-4713 www.rockdale.k12.ga.us There are 16,605 students attending Rockdale County Public Schools. Approximately 71 percent of the 1,295 certified personnel hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 11 elementary; 4 middle; 3 high schools; 1 career/vocational academy; 1 alpha school; 1 open campus; 1 magnet school; 10 school choice programs. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 15 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $8,394

Marietta City Schools

770-664-7764

www.mcginniswoods.org

www.SugarHillChristian.org NOW ENROLLING FOR THE 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR

Helping your child grow in character and faith while being successful in the modern world • ITBS scores in the top 2% nationwide • K4-8th Grade • Extended Care • ACSI & SACS Accredited • Low Student / Teacher Ratio • Mother’s Morning Out, Preschool

678-745-4121

Gainesville City Schools

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4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill, GA 30518

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Educating the Leaders of Tomorrow

CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY A Child’s Campus

Enrolling now for ages 2 years to 7th grade 2780 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur

(404) 241-1321

www.acambridgeacademy.com

ACCREDITED BY THE GEORGIA ACCREDITING COMMISSION

Orthodox Christian environment that welcomes all children reflecting the cultural diversity of our entire city. u Low student/teacher ratio u Lessons in Greek language u Serve students 18 months - 7th grade

ANNUNCIATION DAY SCHOOL

Quality Rated

FIND OPEN HOUSE DATES IN OUR

404-565-2850 • annunciationdayschool.org 2500 Clairmont Road, NE • Atlanta, Georgia 30329

Located off I-85 with close proximity to Emory and the CDC u Member of GISA, AAAIS u Accredited with Quality through the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC)

OPEN HOUSE VISIT

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EDUCATION Guide | 2016

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1-12 Coed - Small Classes Competitive Athletic Programs College Preparatory Laptop Program Athletic Programs Extended Day Program Art, Band, Chorus, Drama Summer Programs SACS/SAIS Accredited

2016 Open House - Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.

January 20, February 10, March 9, April 13, May 11

770.360.1336 www.millsprings.org/visitus “I’ve always believed that if a student can’t learn the way we teach ... we should teach the way a student can learn.”

Tweetie L. Moore, Founder

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What is an IEP?

Below are some tips from the Georgia Advocacy Office on how to make your IEP meeting productive and successful.

At the Meeting

If you have a child with special needs, there’s no doubt you’ve heard the term IEP. If you’re a bit foggy on exactly what it means, here’s what you need to know: IEP stands for Individualized Education Program. Its purpose is to develop goals and objectives for a child who receives special education. The U.S. Department of Education says each child who receives special education instruction must have an IEP, which lists details of the services and aid that school systems provide to each special needs student.

An IEP is developed in a meeting by a team that often includes the child and his teachers, parents, therapists and school faculty. They work to design an education plan that will help the student excel in the general curriculum. Both medical and educational records are helpful references that can guide the preparation of an IEP. Each student’s IEP is frequently revisited and, if necessary, revised to ensure that goals are being met and the student is achieving his potential.

n Keep the meeting positive. Remember to focus on gifts, strengths and

progress of your child.

n Bring someone with you. Another parent, friend or neighbor can take notes

and support you. You may want to use an audio recorder during the meeting.

Be sure to inform the school of your plans. n If your child is old enough and capable of being involved, bring him.

n Make sure that the IEP goals for your child are reasonable and measurable; a

child should make one year’s progress each year. Identify strategies to achieve the goals. n Discuss modifications, disciplinary programs, non-academic activities,

transitions or supplemental services. The IEP should be established according to your child’s needs, not according to available resources. If your child needs a program or therapy that is not offered, ask for it. n Make sure everything is written down and a parent-school communication

plan is established.

After the Meeting n Explain any changes to your child. n Communicate regularly with your child’s teachers and therapists. n Stay involved by visiting the school regularly and observing who is

doing what with your child.

n Make sure progress is being achieved throughout the year. Don’t wait until

the next IEP meeting to see if objectives are being met. You can call an IEP review meeting any time.

Integrating

academics • social & life skills for bright children with autism and related issues

Dually certified teachers offer differentiated and communitybased instruction. Children complete a regular ed curriculum including: • PE • Art • Culinary Arts • and Foreign Language Instruction

Today for a Personalized Tour.

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EDUCATION Guide | 2016

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(2016-17 Grades K-9)

DM

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Fully Accredited/SB-10 approved

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Currently Grades K-6 • Rolling Admission

THE P I

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ATLANT

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The

PIEDMONT SCHOOL ATLANTA

of

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The Bedford School accepts students in grades one through nine. Students receive proper academic remediation in a small class setting, as well as specific help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. The Bedford School also offers Squirrel Hollow Camp, a remedial summer camp program.

770-774-8001 5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn, Georgia 30213 www.thebedfordschool.org The Bedford School maintains a non-discriminatory policy concerning admissions, scholarships, use of facilities and employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or creed.

&

For more information, call Dept. of Special Education at 404.802.1690 or 404.802.1699

AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

Embracing Strengthening

Metro Atlanta Families since 1983

College prep academics and vocational academy designed for grades 4-12 and postgraduate students with high functioning Autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD and other learning differences.

770-234-9111 www.focus-ga.org atlantaparent.com

650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE • Atlanta 30328 www.cumberlandacademy.org 404-835-9000

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Children’s Special Services, LLC G

OPTIMIZE LEARNIN POTENTIAL! Developmental Screenings!

Handwriting and Homework Skill Specialist

The Adaptive Learning Center Building Communities Through The Inclusion of Children With Special Needs & Their Families

ADD, ADHD, ASD, Autism, Sensory Integration, Dyslexia, Dyspraphia, LD ...and more

Individual & Group therapy sessions available

Comprehensive Evaluations Addressing Sensory Motor • Visual Motor • Coordination Visual Processing • Handwriting • Autism Organizational Skills • ADD • ADHD • PDD OCD • Behavior Disorders • Sensory Integration

Susan N. Schriber Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA Director, Occupational Therapy

• Over 35 years experience • 2006 Georgia OT of the Year

770-394-9791

www.childrens-services.com

Porter Academy www.porteracademy.org 770-594-1313

Enabling children with learning differences to succeed

Inclusive Preschool ALC offers an inclusive preschool program in partnership with 9 Community Preschools around the Atlanta area.

Atlanta • Buckhead • Dunwoody • Druid Hills Marietta • Roswell • Sandy Springs

www.adaptivelearningcenter.org

770.509.3909

Scholarships Available For Special Needs Students Parents of children with disabilities should consider the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) Program, a school choice program available for special needs students served under an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

If a student is eligible for the GSNS Program, a parent or guardian has the right to request a transfer from a student’s current public school to another public school within or outside their school district, to one of the three state schools for the blind or deaf or to a private school authorized to participate in the GSNS Program.

To qualify, families must meet all of these requirements: n A student have must a parent/ guardian who lives in Georgia and has been a resident for at least one calendar year. n A student was enrolled and completed the previous school year in a Georgia public school in grades kindergarten through 12.

Creative. Nurturing. Unpretentious.

For students who need extra help in reading GAC Accredited GA Special Needs Scholarship

n A student was reported as attending a Georgia public school by a school district during mandatory student counts in October and March.

SMALL CLASSES

n A student must have received special education services at some point during the previous school year through an IEP but does not have to be covered by an IEP for the entire school year. A student must be reported by a school district in either the October or March student counts or in the final student record as a student receiving special education services.

Find out more from the Georgia Department of Education, at gadoe.org.

• 1st - 12th Grade • College or Tech Prep • Wilson Reading Program

Email or call today to schedule your personal tour

678-401-5855

Kim.Wigington@BrookwoodChristian.com

4728 Wood Street • Acworth 30101 At the corner of North Main St. and Wood Street, north of the Hwy 92 overpass

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EDUCATION Guide | 2016

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Spotlight on Special Needs The Bedford School

Porter Academy

he Bedford School is located on Milam Road in Fairburn, Georgia. The school serves children with learning disabilities in grades1-9. Students are grouped by skill levels in classes of 12 or less. At Bedford, students receive the proper academic remediation,as well as specific remedial help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. Students must be diagnosed professionally as having specific learning disabilities.

The Bedford School is based on the idea that every human being should have the opportunity to become the very best person possible. For the child with the learning disability, this is difficult without proper intervention. The goal of the school is to help each child maximize his potential through a combination of teamwork, structured materials, organized activities and a dedicated staff. Extracurricular activities include basketball, soccer, volleyball and track and field. A four-week summer program is available through Squirrel Hollow, where children can receive tutoring in the areas of Language Arts, Math and written expression in a camp-like setting. The summer program is open to students in grades 1-9 who need an academic boost.

For more information, call Betsy Box at 770-774-8001 or visit the website at www.thebedfordschool.org.

orter Academy is dedicated to educating children Pre-K through 8th grade by utilizing individualized programs that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level and learning style. If one technique is not proving effective for a particular child, then the teachers will try alternative techniques until they find one that works. The team of teachers, therapists, and administrators work together to develop academic abilities, foundational abilities (e.g, processing skills, attention, motor skills), and self-esteem.

Porter Academy utilizes 1) small homerooms grouped by socialdevelopmental level, 2) assessments to determine academic and developmental level, 3) individualized academic programs, 4) small group instruction of core academics to ensure comprehension, 5) integration of project based learning, multi-sensory techniques, and well established academic programs to engage students and enhance learning efficiency, 6) social guidance and intentional character development, and 7) therapeutic support (speech/ language therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy) within a group setting.

“This is the first environment which has enabled my daughter to be successful in so many ways. She knows herself that she is learning and improving academically.” – Porter Academy Parent For more information, call 770-594-1313 or visit the website www.porteracademy.org.

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Children’s Special Services

S

ince 1990 Children’s Special Services, LLC has been serving children with developmental needs. Complete evaluations and screening services, seminars, consultations and IEP assistance are available.

Children’s Special Services, LLC works with children experiencing Autism, PDD, ADD, ADHD, Dysgraphia, motor and sensory integrative issues, behavioral concerns, academic performance issues and more.

Recently she has teamed with Learning on the Log to participate in a Developmental Preschool Program serving children ages 3-6 in a sensory-based programs so that they can (eventually) transition into typical preschools. And, she is honored to be celebrating her 10+ years with Goddard Crabapple School.

Her summer therapy camps are renown, having children come from as far away as Singapore, The UAE, and Curacao. The camps atlantaparent.com

are held throughout greater Atlanta. They specialize in motor, sensory, social and academic skills in a fun non-competitive environment. Her US Trademarked programs include WIN™ (Write Incredibly Now™) Handwriting Program is used in over 15 states and her social skills program POP™ (Personal Options and Preferences™) utilizes Music Therapy to help children interact and respond in novel situations.

Susan N. Schriber Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA, Director, a former resource teacher has been an OTR for over 39 years and is the author of the book, “Learning Re-Enabled”.

Call 770-394-9791 or visit www.childrensservices.com

Special Advertising Section

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Music? Art? Sports?

How to Help Your Child Choose an Activity The metro area offers a variety of enriching opportunities for every child, from arts, music and museums to sports, clubs and volunteering. But how do you know which program is the right fit?

Here are some tips to help you begin your search. n What

interests your child?

Younger children should be exposed to a variety of activities to develop interests, while older kids can be given options. Be careful not to push your own hobbies – parents can unintentionally hamper a child’s ability to discover unique talents and interests. n What

options are available?

Say your child is fascinated by musical instruments. Maybe he’ll want to join the school band, or maybe individual instruction is best.

Whatever the interest, you’ll need to check instructors’ qualifications and their history of working with children, and note whether they are licensed or certified. If a daughter wants to learn about technology, you’ll need to check out classes or camps to learn how many kids are enrolled in each class, and what the student-to-teacher ratio is. Ask for references, and find out what the parent and child liked best and least about the program. n What

are the costs?

Make sure you understand what the finances are up front. Determine the length and cost of each class, and what is covered by the cost. Questions to ask before enrolling include whether the teacher has a cancellation or withdrawal fee, or if members must sign a long-term agreement. Consider extra expenses such as costumes, gear or instruments – are they provided or available to rent?

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n What

about previewing an activity?

One of the best ways to determine whether a program is a good fit for your child is to visit with the instructor and watch a class or practice session. Things to notice include whether the teacher gives adequate individual attention to each student.

Make sure you know what level of involvement is required for parents, as some activities need parents to organize events and assist the coach or instructor. n What

else can you learn before enrolling?

Find out how students are evaluated, and ask whether the teacher will give a free lesson or evaluation before classes start to make sure your child is properly placed. If students must audition or be assessed before enrolling, ensure that movement between levels is possible if your child is placed at the wrong level initially.

Most importantly, be thorough. Don’t settle for a teacher or program just because they are geographically close. Keep in mind that activities are more than just fun for your child – they stimulate creativity, build self esteem and provide educational benefits.

atlantaparent.com

It’s history, agriculture, nutrition, science, technology, research & development, entertainment & art.

They’re all combined in one fun tour to delight visitors of all ages.

•Relax in our theater and enjoy a short video history of Mayfield Dairy.

•Find out about our famous yellow jugs.

•Discover how we process our milk and package it.

•Learn about all the quality testing of our products.

•Milk “Bella” our incredible mechanical milking cow •Browse our gift shop •Purchase a generous scoop of “The World's Best Ice Cream” at our ice cream parlor.

Please call for admission prices & tour times!

1.888.298.0396 ext 228

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FIELD TRIP!

Exploring a Subject up Close, on a Family or School Outing, Sparks Curiosity and Learning Plan Ahead n Pick a destination that fits the area of interest you plan to explore. n Schedule the trip as far in advance as you can. Some venues offer group discounts, so ask how many you need in a group to qualify. For popular destinations, visits made early in the week will be less crowded. n If you’re taking a group, talk with your guide in advance to tailor the visit to your group’s interests.

Center for Civil and Human Rights

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n Make sure you have enough chaperones for your group – a good ratio is one adult per five children – and make sure the chaperones know the itinerary, have a list of each child’s name and a list of the items each child should see, and they know where and when to meet if the group splits up.

atlantaparent.com

The Georgia Aquarium

n If taking a large group, outfitting the kids in their school shirts or fluorescent T-shirts will help chaperones keep track. n Before the field trip, gather information from the destination’s website, read books, watch videos or take virtual field trips. Make sure the kids have a good basic knowledge of the place they’ll be visiting and why they’ll be there.

One week ahead Call the location and confirm the trip.

Make sure of the directions, and ask if there are directions that will avoid traffic snarls. Be sure you know where to park, particularly if you’ll be arriving by bus. Set some ground rules for behavior for your group, and make sure everyone knows them – and the consequences of acting out. Decide how you’ll do lunch – you’ll need to make reservations in advance with the venue or a restaurant for a large group, or you might ask each child to pack a sack lunch.

– Sue Price and Amanda Miller Allen Cont’d from page 9

Are You Tuned In to

Your Child’s Education?

Quiz Answers: 1. a=1, b=3, c=0, d=2 2. a=0, b-3, c=2, d=1 3. a=1, b=0, c=2, d=3 4. a=0, b=1, c=2, d=3 5. a=0, b=1, c=3, d=2 6. a=0, b=3, c=2, d=o 7. a=1, b=0, c=3, d=2 8. a=0, b=0, c=1, d=3 9. a=3, b=2, c=0, d-1 10. a=0, b=1, c=3, d=2 11. a=1, b=2, c=0, d=3

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Spotlight on Enrichment The Center for Civil and Human Rights

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids!

he Center for Civil and Human Rights is located in the heart of Atlanta. This immersive experience features engaging storytelling along with historic documents and one-of-kind artifacts.

School programs at The Center include tours, supplemental activities and teacher resources to engage and empower students and teachers, grades 3–12. Exhibition selfguides for grades 3 – 5 and 6 – 8 lead students on a 90 minute exploration of The Center. High School experiences are facilitated by our exhibit interpreters and last approximately 90 minutes.

As a companion to your field trip experience, comprehensive Teacher’s Guides for Grades 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12 are available for download and use before, during, and after your visit. The Center also has a family guide, “Across Generations,” that provides visitors who come with children age-appropriate tools to enhance the family experience and foster multigenerational dialogue.

Schedule your next field trip at The Center! 100 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30313, next to the World of Coca Cola.

678-999-8990. www.civilandhumanrights.org

nteractive Neighborhood for Kids is one of the best places in Northeast Georgia for a child’s educational experience or event!

There are several different opportunities offered to fit everyone’s needs. Call today for field trip or birthday party needs.

What better place to learn and celebrate than at INK where guests can truly become the figments of their imagination. Children can role play and learn through practical experiences about being a banker, grocery store clerk, doctor, pilot and much more. All exhibits are designed to provide a unique hands-on learning environment, to actively engage young minds while having lots of fun. Everyone is a kid at INK as adults are encouraged to join in the fun for inter-generational learning.

INK is open to the general public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays. There is also a gift shop, annual family memberships and Paint Your Own Pottery Studio available. Group rates are available with advance reservations.

Call 770-536-1900 or visit the website www.inkfun.org to book your next event!

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Special Advertising Section

Pine Mountain Gold Museum & Scenic Railroad 1881 Stockmar Rd; Villa Rica 770.459.8455-866.514.6536 www.PineMountainGoldMuseum.com

Come Experience History!

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! * 4800 sq. ft. Museum * Theater w/Local History Film * Picnic Areas * Pavilion for Large Groups * Panning for Gold or Gemstones * Pine Mountain Scenic Railroad * Walking Trails w/Historic Exhibits * Self-Guided Tours * Last Panning & Train at 3:30 pm * MONTHLY EVENTS * GROUP RATES AVAILABLE

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Atlanta Parent Magazine’s

Education Guide

The Westminster Schools.................................. 24 Whitefield Academy.......................................... 28 Woodward Academy........................................ 32

Boarding Schools Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School....................... 49

Charter Schools Charter Schools USA........................................ 44

Special Needs The Adaptive Learning Center.......................... 52 Atlanta Public Schools Child Find......................51 The Bedford School...........................................51 Brookwood Christian Language School........... 52 Center Academy............................................... 52 Children’s Special Services.............................. 52 Circus Arts Therapy.......................................... 52 Cumberland Academy of Georgia.....................51 Families of Children Under Stress.....................51

Advertiser Index Early Education Arbor Montessori School.................................. 15 Carlisle Montessori School................................17 Cresco Montessori School................................ 63 Kids 'R' Kids...................................................... 10 KinderCare Learning Centers........................... 14 MJCCA Preschools........................................... 15

Gracepoint School............................................ 43 Porter Academy................................................ 52 The Piedmont School of Atlanta........................ 50

High Meadows School.......................................21

Enrichment/Field Trips

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.................... 42

Atlanta Ballet Center for Dance Education........57

Holy Spirit Preparatory School............................ 3

Center for Civil and Human Rights................... 56

Johnson Ferry Christian Academy.................... 22

Center for Puppetry Arts................................... 59

McGinnis Woods Country Day School..............47

Club SciKidz...................................................... 55

Mill Springs Academy....................................... 49

College Football Hall of Fame.......................... 59

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs...........61

Dynamo Swim School....................................... 54

Montessori Administrators of Georgia...............11

G.A.S. Arts & Gifts............................................. 54

Montessori at Vickery.........................................61

Georgia Aquarium............................................. 58

Montessori School at Emory..............................31

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta..............................7

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School.................. 32

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre..................................... 54

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy.......................... 62

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation................ 55

North Cobb Christian School............................ 63

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids.................... 62

Private Schools

Omni International School.................................. 4

Legoland Discovery Center...............................57

Academe of the Oaks....................................... 26

Pace Academy.................................................. 26

Mayfield Dairy................................................... 55

Arbor Montessori School.................................. 24

Pinecrest Academy........................................... 28

Annunciation Day School.................................. 48

The SAE School..................................................21

Pine Mountain Gold Museum & Scenic Railroad.............................................. 58

Atlanta Girls’ School............................................ 6

Sophia Academy................................................31

Atlanta Montessori International School............61

Springmont Montessori..................................... 48

Cambridge Academy........................................ 48

Strong Rock Christian School........................... 62

The Cottage School.......................................... 42

Sugar Hill Christian Academy............................47

Covenant Christian School............................... 49

Swift School...................................................... 63

Dental Staff School........................................... 18

The Davis Academy.......................................... 43

Tabula Rasa – The Language Academy............. 4

Georgetown Pediatrics....................................... 6

The Friends School of Atlanta............................47

The Waldorf School of Atlanta........................... 22

Georgia Lottery................................................. 19

Greater Atlanta Christian School....................... 30

The Weber School............................................. 30

Pay it Forward Scholarships............................... 2

Primrose Schools.............................................. 13 Quality Care for Children................................... 10 Stepping Stone Montessori.............................. 16 The Suzuki School..............................................17 Weinberg Early Learning Center........................17

60

EDUCATION Guide | 2016

SkyView Atlanta................................................. 64 Tiny Towne......................................................... 63

Additional Resources

atlantaparent.com

GAC ACCREDITED ESTABLISHED 2002

G FR A P EE re K

• Year-round open enrollment Infants - 12 Years • M-F 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM • Certified and Experienced Montessori Teachers • Fully Equipped Montessori Classrooms • Full Service Childcare • Summer Camp, Field Trips, ASP • Ballet, Karate, Music, Piano, Spanish, Chinese • Full & Part Time, Mother’s Morning Out

Scholarships for 4/5 Years Old Available!

Call Us Today for Details!

Franchising Opportunity Available

www.CrescoMontessori.com

FIELD TRIPS!

2-5 Hour Programs Pre-K - High School

Aspiring drivers learn: • Traffic Rules • Road Signs & Safety • And then put their knowledge to the test in a simulator or high tech car Restaurant • 36,000 sq. ft. Indoor Park • Driving School Norcross 470-545-7227 www.tinytowne.com

OBSERVE • DISCUSS • EXPERIMENT • PRACTICE

skyview atlanta

field trips Fly 20 Stories above Atlanta!

Educating students in the physics, geometry and aerodynamics involved in the building and operating of SkyView Atlanta •Behind the Scenes VIP Tour •Interactive Learning Tools •Narrated Flight •Unparalleled Views •Chick-fil-A Lunches Available 678-949-9023 events@skyviewatlanta.com