Atlanta School Guide | Summer/Fall 2012

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Plus!

Exploring Single-Gender Education Learning a New Language Important Dates, Terms & Trends

TEACHING and TECHNOLOGY How Computers are Changing the Way Our Children Learn

COVERING:

Independent | Boarding | Public | Charter | Early Education | Summer Camps | Field Trips and More

Contents

summer/fall 2012

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Features

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In Every Issue

Teaching and Technology At metro Atlanta schools, advances in computer technology are changing the way our children learn.

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Learning a New Language Why a multilingual child has a better chance of success in life—and why they should start instruction now.

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Exploring Single-Gender Schools How boys and girls learn differently, and can benefit from a segregated approach.

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Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

6 How to Use This Guide 10 Critical Communication 20 Headmaster’s Corner

Jerri King of First Montessori School of Atlanta.

36 Independent School Guide 77 Boarding School Directory 87 Public Schools by County 94 Educational Resources Early education, tutors, summer camps, field trips and more.

106 Advertiser Index

How To

Use This Guide

AT L A N TA

GUIDE

Atlanta’s Education Resource

We graciously thank our advertisers for their support of the Atlanta School Guide.

Publisher/Editor In Chief Patrick Killam Editor Kevin Forest Moreau

Find an Independent School in

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1

Easy Steps!

Metro Atlanta Area Map To search for independent schools by region or neighborhood, turn to page 34 and use the color-coded map to direct you to each region’s page number.

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Education At-a-Glance

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Region Maps and Listings

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Once you’ve selected your region of interest, the charts beginning on page 36 include a comparison of features for each school in that region, along with the page number for each school’s ad.

Divided into regions of Atlanta, the color-coded maps beginning on page 40 provide each school’s location and page number for their ad.

Advertiser Index To find a school or resource by name, turn to the advertiser index on page 106 to find the appropriate page number.

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

Marketing & Promotions Jeff Thompson Account Director Lacey James Contributing Writers Daniel Beauregard, Susan Flowers, Cady Schulman

TO ADVERTISE CALL

770-992-0273 Space closing for Winter/Spring 2013 issue: October 19, 2012 Atlanta School Guide, Summer/Fall 2012, Volume 7, Issue 2. Published bi-annually by Killam Publishing, Inc., 200 Market Place, Suite 230, Roswell, GA 30075. Atlanta School Guide assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions.

Information may have changed since press time, so please verify all information when contacting a school or educational resource.

Reproduction in whole or in part of any elements of this publication is strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. © 2012 Killam Publishing, Inc. For additional copies, further information or advertising, please contact:

KILLAM PUBLISHING, INC. P: 770-992-0273 F: 770-649-7463 pkillam@killampublishing.com www.atlantaschoolguide.com

Critical Communication

Timeline for Finding a School Prepare for enrolling your child in school KEY: I = INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, P = PUBLIC SCHOOL

6-10

5 MONTHS AWAY

4 MONTHS AWAY

3 MONTHS AWAY

2 WEEKS AWAY

1 WEEK AWAY

MONTHS AWAY • Determine your child’s needs and expectations. I,P • Research open house dates. I,P • Inquire about each school’s admissions process. I

• Schedule any required health tests or immunizations. I,P • To determine your school zone, use the county’s Web site or call the System directly. P

• Narrow down your choices. I,P • Submit application and fees by the deadline. I

• Find out what documentation is required for registration. P • Complete registration forms and file with school. P

OF 1ST DAY CLASS • Prepare your child by making sure he or she gets a good night’s sleep, adheres to the dress code and is on time. I,P

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Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

• Make a final decision and send in your acceptance to the school of your choice. I

• Attend registration or orientation. P

Critical Communication

Important Dates Dates subject to change. Please check with your local school district for updates.

T = Traditional Calendar Y = Year-round Calendar

JULYAUG

sepoct

Public Schools First Day of School July 10 Atlanta (Y) July 30 Rockdale Aug. 1 Cherokee, Paulding, Decatur Aug. 3 Buford Aug. 6 Coweta, Douglas, Gwinnett, Henry, Atlanta (T) Aug. 9 Forsyth, Marietta Aug. 10 Hall Aug. 13 Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fayette, Fulton,

Griffin-Spalding FALL BREAK Sep. 10-14 Decatur Sep. 17-21 Cherokee Sep. 24-28 Henry, Paulding,

Atlanta (Y) Oct. 4-5 Clayton Oct. 8 DeKalb, Fayette,

Gwinnett, Marietta

Oct. 8-9 Oct. 8-12

Oct. 12-15 Oct. 15 Oct. 19

Atlanta (T), Coweta Douglas, GriffinSpalding, Rockdale Hall Buford, Fulton Forsyth

All others, not applicable

Nov

OctMAR OctDec 12

THANKSGIVING BREAK November 19-23 Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb,

Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Griffin-Spalding,

Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding, Rockdale, Atlanta (T,

Y), Buford, Decatur, Marietta November 21-23 Fulton, Hall

Independent Schools Open Houses Application Deadlines

Testing DateS

Oct. to Mar., in general Late Jan. to late Feb., in general

SAT Dates apply to both public Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and independent schools. For and Dec. 1 registration deadlines, visit the appropriate websites. www.collegeboard.org

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

SSAT Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 www.ssat.org

At Andrew College, we believe that success starts with a strong academic foundation. As a private two-year college related to The United Methodist Church, Andrew offers four academic divisions and 40 different challenging programs of study:

• Fine Arts (art, drama/theatre and music programs)

• Humanities

• Math and Science

• Social Sciences

Visit us in person!

Join us for one of our Campus Visitation Days.

Call for more information.

Andrew College Office of Admissions and Financial Aid 501 College St. • Cuthbert, GA 39840

800-664-9250 • www.andrewcollege.edu

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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Critical Communication

Trends and Happenings in Georgia Education What you need to know to stay up to date with Atlanta and Georgia education Early Learning Center to Open in Fall Atlanta International School is currently constructing an Early Learning Center at its Buckhead campus. The center will offer full-immersion language instruction in French, German and Spanish for 3- and 4-year-old students, and is scheduled to open in August 2012.

Atlanta Public Schools Announces Closures After a two-year determination process, Atlanta Public Schools has targeted seven schools for closure. Capitol View Elementary, White Elementary, Cook Elementary, East Lake Elementary and Herndon Elementary were expected to close at the end of the 2011-2012 school year. Kennedy Middle School and Parks Middle School will close at the end of the 2013-2014 school year.

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Atlanta School Guide

Gas Company Gives to Atlanta Schools Georgia Natural Gas donated $1.1 million to metro Atlanta schools recently as part of True Blue Schools, a program launched in 2008 to provide help to local schools.

Atlanta Colleges, Charters Pair Up Morehouse and Spelman Colleges will reserve spots for graduates of KIPP charter schools across the country. Each school will set aside 15 slots in 20132014 and 20 spaces for each year after that.

Cristo Rey Plans Atlanta High School The Cristo Rey Network, which has opened 24 independent Catholic schools for underprivileged youth in the last decade, plans to open an Atlanta high school on the grounds of St. Paul of the Cross Church, slated to open in fall 2013.

Summer/Fall 2012

Georgia Schools Win Environmental Award Atlanta’s Springdale Park Elementary, Lithonia’s Arabia Mountain High School and Savannah Country Day School were among the 78 schools nationwide named as the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools in April. The schools were chosen for their dedication to health and environmental issues.

Gov. Deal Unveils NeedsBased Scholarship Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal in February announced a privately funded, needs-based scholarship program with the purpose of preparing low-income students for college. To receive $2,500 a year for up to four years, participating students must sign a contract in middle school that they will stay out of trouble and maintain a high school GPA of 2.5.

Provost Partners with Magic Johnson Provost Academy Georgia, a free public online high school slated for a 2012 launch, recently announced a partnership with Magic Johnson Bridgescape Learning Centers, which will offer additional help for students at locations across the state.

Wildwood Christian Names Shelnutt New Head of School Bill Shelnutt has been named new Head of School for Wildwood Christian Academy effec-

tive June 1, 2012. Shelnutt has held leadership positions at Brandon Hall School, Holy Spirit Preparatory School, and Mount Pisgah Christian School.

Atlanta Retires “Small Schools” Concept Atlanta Public Schools will consolidate 14 small high schools into four large schools by fall 2012. The move affects Carver, Washington, South Atlanta and Therrell High Schools, each of which is currently broken into four smaller schools, which focus on career skills in such areas as criminal justice and banking.

Greater Atlanta Christian Plans Sister School The Rwandan government has affirmed a land grant to Greater Atlanta Christian School, with plans to open a sister school in Kigali. The school’s focus will share similarities with GAC’s emphasis on academics, character, faith and digital skills.

“Education Nation” Comes to Atlanta “Education Nation,” NBC News’ education initiative, visited Atlanta in May. The week-long event included discussion panels and town hall meetings.

Fulton County Schools

Preschool Special Education Services

Serving all eligible Students ages 3-5 with disabilities.

Parents must live within the Fulton County Schools District.

Ĵ Diagnostic & Evaluation Services Ĵ Speech/Language Therapy Ĵ Specialized Community & School Based Special Education It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity or service.

Call 404-763-5600 www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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Critical Communication

Education 101

Terms to know in your search for the right educational experience for your child Charter School A tax-supported public school that is independently run, allowing for greater educational choice for a school community.

Experiential Learning An educational approach using applied, hands-on methods of learning.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) A specifically designed comprehensive academic program emphasizing traditional disciplines while encouraging an international perspective.

Magnet School A public school that offers a specific or enhanced curriculum designed for students of special interest or ability.

Montessori A school following the principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori focusing on the unique individuality, self-reliance and independence of children.

Special Needs School A school or program for children who have mild-to-moderate learning differences. It usually features smaller class sizes, individualized attention and multi-sensory learning methods.

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Accreditation Official certification that guarantees a school provides an education of a reasonably high quality.

Schools must prove levels of quality and maintain continuous standards of improvement.

ACT An alternative to the SAT, this national college admissions examination consists of subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science, with an optional 30minute writing test.

Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) A measure of year-to-year student achievement on statewide assessments as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.

Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) Tests designed to measure how well students in grades one through eight acquire the skills and knowledge described in the Georgia Performance Standards.

Early Childhood Education Education that applies to children from birth to age eight, focusing specifically on their development, including physical, emotional, sensory, communicative, cognitive and social needs.

GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION TESTS (GHSGT) All students seeking a Georgia high school diploma must pass four content areas as well as the Georgia High School Writing Assessment.

Georgia Performance Standards Statewide standards of academic content for all subjects K-12, to which every school must adhere and on which students are annually tested.

HOPE Scholarship (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) A scholarship in Georgia, funded by the Georgia Lottery, that rewards academically achieving students with financial assistance to attend eligible public and private Georgia colleges and universities.

Did You Know: More than 1,417,000 students to date have received HOPE scholarships totaling $6.4 billion.

Mission/Philosophy A statement outlining the guidelines a school follows to achieve its goals or maintain performance standards.

No Child Left Behind Act A federal law passed in 2001 designed to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and meet state academic standards of proficiency.

Notification Deadline The date by which an independent school notifies families of the acceptance of a child for enrollment to the school.

Open House An event held at a school, at which parents can learn more about the school and its offerings.

PSAT A standardized test that offers students practice for the SAT Reasoning Test and allows them to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Reply Deadline The date by which parents must notify an accepting school of their commitment to enroll their child.

SAT This standardized test measures the critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills of students planning to attend college.

Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT) The admissions test that many independent schools require students to take in order to be considered for enrollment.

Summer Camp A common destination for children and teenagers during the summer, at which they can participate in a variety of activities or classes. www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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Critical Communication

Deciphering Associations and Organizations Many local and national organizations work to bring out the best in summer camps and public, private and boarding schools by setting policies, serving as advocates, researching educational advancements, identifying schools that meet certain standards through accreditation or by offering services to the educational communities both in Atlanta and in Georgia. The following are just some of the organizations you should know in your search for the best educational experience for your child.

American Camp Association (ACA) www.acacamps.org Accredits camps that meet industry-accepted and government-recognized standards, educates,and establishes guidelines.

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) www.boardingschools.com This organization of nearly 300 boarding schools serves the professional 18

Atlanta School Guide

development needs of boarding schools and provides information to potential students and their families.

Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) www.acsi.org ACSI strives to enable Christian educators and schools worldwide to effectively teach using Christ-centered curricula and programs.

Summer/Fall 2012

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) www.montessori-ami.org Founded in 1929, AMI recognizes schools that strongly adhere to Montessori principles and practices.

Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) aaais.org Although not an accrediting agency, AAAIS is an affiliation of independent schools and operates under analogous principles and a common code of ethics.

Department of Education (DOE) www.doe.k12.ga.us A statewide, policy-driven organization governing the public school system of education in Georgia for K-12, the DOE operates under the direction of the State Superintendent of Schools.

Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) www.coe.uga.edu/gac GAC offers four levels of approval: preparation status, provisional accreditation, accreditation and accreditation with quality.

Georgia Association of Christian Schools (GACS) www.gacs.org Uses generally accepted indicators of quality, voluntary self-improvement and peer review to measure schools.

Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) www.gael.org This statewide umbrella organization of six professional associations provides unity among school leadership organizations.

Georgia Association for Private Schools for Exceptional Children (GAPSEC) www.gapsec.org This state organization is for schools that serve students with learning issues.

Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) www.gisa-schools.org Association of private, independent and parochial schools whose mission is to advance excellence and collaboration among independent schools.

Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) www.gpee.org This non-profit organization of business, education, community and government leaders aims to shape policy and reform public education in the state.

Georgia Private School Accreditation Council (GAPSAC) www.gapsac.org Association of K-12 private schools whose students are recognized and ap-

proved by the Georgia DOE for transferring credits to public schools on the same basis as students from public schools.

Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) www.gapsc.com A state organization responsible for setting and applying high standards for the preparation, certification, and continued licensing of Georgia public educators. Preparation and conduct of public school teachers and staff.

Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) www.gsba.com Representing Georgia’s 180 elected boards of education, GSBA provides leadership and services to local boards of education.

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) www.naeyc.org The NAEYC focuses on the quality of educational and developmental services for children, from birth to age eight, including daycare and Pre-K centers.

It is a national network of over 300 local, state, and regional affiliates.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) www.nais.org The association values and works to maintain the independent nature of each member school by promoting high standards of educational quality and ethical behavior.

National Christian School Association (NCSA) www.nationalchristian.org Administrators from accredited schools, university educators and public schools preside over the accreditation process for NCSA. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) www.sacs.org Member schools meet research-based standards and maintain continuous school improvement and quality assurance. Its mission is the improvement of education in the South through accreditation.

Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) www.sais.org Members meet quality standards, receive peer evaluation and implement a school plan focused on strategic improvement.

For more information about these and other organizations and associations that ensure quality education among camps and schools, visit the websites of the Georgia Department of Education (www.k12.ga.us) or the U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov). www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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Headmaster’s Corner

Jerri King Head of School, First Montessori School of Atlanta Now in her sixth year as Head of School, Jerri King is devoted to First Montessori’s mission to provide an educational experience crafted to each stage of development. She also speaks on education-related topics at schools and conferences, drawing on her years as a teacher and director of admissions for the Southeast’s oldest Montessori school.

What is your educational philosophy?

I believe education that serves a student over his or her lifetime is about more than learning “stuff.” To thrive, students should have a learning adventure that feeds their curiosity, their work ethic, their sense of responsibility and their character.

What do you love most about your job?

I love talking with our students about their most recent discovery and what interests them.

How can parents best contribute to the education process?

Parents are key to creating a partnership that is supportive to their child’s overall development. It is important that parents have confidence in the experience and professionalism the school’s faculty and staff have to offer.

How is the field of education changing?

Education is embracing the science of brain development and matching student 20

Atlanta School Guide

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opportunities to those discoveries. Today, we see skill instruction balanced more often with context and creativity.

What advice would you offer parents about their children’s education?

Embrace the life lessons children learn in the struggles and challenges that naturally occur over the course of growing up. A student’s ability to rise above disappointments in high school and college is predicated on the experience of navigating minor disappointments earlier in life.

The Essentials: FIRST MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF ATLANTA Emphasis: Activitybased learning experiences that support the development of the person in addition to academic skills.

Year Founded: 1963 Grades: Toddler through middle school Students: 240

Avg. Class Size: Varies Tuition Range: $4,910 - $15,710 Accreditations or Affiliations: SACS, SAIS, AMI Location: Sandy Springs Contact: 404-252-3910, www.firstmontessori.org

Siz zling Summer

Family Fun in and around ound Sandy Springs,, GA!

YOUNG CHEFS ACADEMY

The tastiest place in Metro Atlanta,Young Chefs Academy in Sandy Springs offers weekly cooking classes for children, teens, and adults, too! Host a party, schedule a teambuilding

this quality cooking facility.

5TH ANNUAL CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER SUMMER SPLASH Make a big splash at the coolest event this summer on Saturday, July 28, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Float from Morgan Falls Dam to Powers Island in a kayak, canoe, or raft down the Chattahoochee River. music, crafts, and self-guided hikes at Powers Island.

ANNE FRANK IN THE WORLD EXHIBIT Visit our Anne Frank in the World Exhibit located right above the Sandy Springs Welcome Center. More than 600 photographs chronicle Frank’s life from 1920s Germany all the way to her death in a Nazi conentration camp. p

Call for a FREE Fun Guide!

866-511-7742 www.visitsandysprings.org

TEACHING

AND

TECHNOLOGY HOW THE DIGITAL AGE IS CHANGING EDUCATION

BY DANIEL BEAUREGARD

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R

apid technological advancements are changing the way that people interact, communicate and access information. And more and more, educators are incorporating those advancements into the classroom. By using an array of accessible computer devices and programs, they create interactive learning environments, while also offering students a greater understanding of the technology they use every day.

21st Century Classrooms As textbooks and chalkboards give way to laptops and interactive whiteboards, the traditional classroom model is getting a 21st-century update. Technology is no longer reserved for the computer lab. Instead, students interact with technological devices on a regular basis throughout the school day.

“Textbooks themselves are becoming a thing of the past. Everything is becoming digital,” says Steve Swells, technology instructor at McGinnis Woods Country Day School in Alpharetta.

After investing in an extensive collection of Apple products like MacBooks, iPads and iPod touches, Notre Dame Academy in Duluth did away with its traditional computer labs altogether, placing its computer equipment on carts to make it easier for students to access, says Ken Lemons, director of technology and education technology coordinator. In addition, there are enough iPads for every eighth-grader. The students use the computers in place of textbooks, and return them at the end of the year. While the devices are more expensive than books, they don’t receive as much wear and tear, Lemons says, making them more costeffective in the long run.

At Victory World Christian School in Norcross, every student from kindergarten through fifth grade is equipped with a Neo 2 laptop computer, which stays onsite at the end of the day, says Irene Prue, the school’s principal.

McGinnis Woods currently has close to 125 laptops, about one for every two students. At Trinity Chapel Academy www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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in Powder Springs, all middle and high school students are issued a MacBook, and at Wesleyan School in Norcross, every student in grades 5 through 12 is provided a tablet computer. This year, every third through fifth grade student at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross was provided with an iPad. The amount of computers and other devices such as smart boards differs from school to school. That’s especially true of public school systems. Every school in the DeKalb County Schools system is different, says Chief Information Officer Gary Brantley, “because every school has different needs.”

For example, schools that receive Title I funds (federal money made available to schools with a large number of students from low-income families) receive more funding for technology than other public schools.

Currently, Brantley says, all Title I schools in DeKalb County have smart 24

ATLANTA School SCHOOL Guide GUIDE Atlanta

Summer/Fall 2012

boards, and some also may have accessories, such as devices that allow wireless communication with the board.

As a result of a recently passed special-purpose local option sales tax, all DeKalb County schools “will have … some type of smart board,” Brantley says.

Plans call for every school to have wireless connectivity as well, which Brantley estimates will roll out sometime early next year.

Changes in Teaching and Learning Utilizing technology as an educational tool has had a profound impact on the ways both teachers and students function within the classroom.

Technology is a part of students’ daily lives outside of the classroom, so utilizing it as a teaching aid is a logical step. “The students need this,” Lemons says. “They grow up with digital technology. The traditional stand-and-deliver style of teaching where the teacher is writing things on the board and reciting the things the students need to learn just doesn’t work as well as it once did.”

At Victory World Christian School, the Neo 2 laptops allow teachers to tailor lessons to each student’s needs—for example, creating individual math worksheets for each child. “The responses are automatically scored so the teacher can see what areas each child needs help with,” says Prue. “The old-fashioned way, a day later the teacher would be correcting the worksheets and giving feedback. … It gives child and teacher immediate feedback so you can give a kind of individualized instruction.”

More than just a tool for teachers, contemporary technology is changing the way students learn and interact with their instructors. Instead of simply writing a report on something they’ve studied, Notre Dame students are required to “do some sort of presentation—creating movies or [recording] a podcast to give their impressions of what they’ve just learned,” says Lemons.

After completing a project, McGinnis Woods students create a presentation to show their classmates how to do what they just did. In that way, the students become teachers themselves.

Teachers, of course, aren’t the only ones excited about the educational ad-

vances offered by technology. Swells, with McGinnis Woods, says there’s “a quantum leap in their engagement and how much more they absorb the content.”

Swells believes that using technology in the classroom is more than a means of encouraging students to get excited about learning; it’s an obligation.

“They seem to learn more in a shorter period of time and seem to retain more,” he says. “The studies out there show that the test scores go up when they [participate in] this style of learning. So we, as responsible teachers, can’t ignore that.

Because of these tools, we have more engaged learners.”

But don’t expect to see computers running a classroom any time soon, says Prue of Victory World Christian.

“We firmly believe that technology will never replace the teacher because kids, particularly at the elementary level, they really need that [face-to-face] contact,” she says. “But it sure does enhance instruction.”

TODAY’S TEACHING TOOLS Smart boards: Interactive white boards that act as large touch screens are replacing chalkboards. Students can use them to participate in hands-on activities, dropping and dragging animated items and using a pen to highlight different words.

Laptops and tablet computers: Textbooks are being replaced by compact computers and tablet devices such as the iPad. Devices such as the Neo 2 laptop developed by Renaissance Learning allow teachers to instantly test students’ reading comprehension and create individualized instruction. Students can also use them to collaborate with each other.

Software and applications: Students at McGinnis Woods use Microsoft PowerPoint to give presentations, while Notre Dame Academy students report on what they’ve learned via movies or podcasts. Students at Victory World Christian School use Rosetta Stone software to learn Spanish.

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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Learning a New

LANGUAGE THE BENEFITS OF IMMERSION, AND WHY YOU SHOULD START NOW

BY SUSAN FLOWERS

W

ith changing demographic trends at home and a world economy driven by international businesses, proficiency in a second or even a third language is increasingly

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Atlanta SCHOOL School GUIDE Guide ATLANTA

Summer/Fall 2012

considered a crucial component of success in business, education and other areas of life. As students prepare to compete in the global marketplace, parents and experts are placing more emphasis

on language instruction that begins at an early age.

“The ability to communicate, understand and empathize with people is going to be important in the global economy,” says Dr. Dell Giles, dual language coordinator at the Unidos Dual Language Charter School.

Being able to speak and read a second language also offers a number of educational benefits that go beyond the economic, say educators at metro Atlanta-area schools.

“Bilingually trained brains have more neural connections to draw on, which promotes a higher cognitive skill set in all of our students’ other academic and co-curricular endeavors,” says Kevin Glass, headmaster of the Atlanta One of the most popular International School (AIS), a methods of learning another K-12 independent school.

Besa Tarazhi, owner of Talanguage is immersion. bula Rasa, cites a recent study that says the process helps the brain to go to the country where the language is develop even in areas unrelated to lan- spoken,” says Minako Ahearn, principal guage, aiding with present-day problem- of Seigakuin Atlanta International School. solving and possibly helping to protect “Therefore, we find the best method is to immerse the children, so they can experithe brain against Alzheimer’s later in life. ence live language.”

At Seigakuin, “The students spend Language Immersion One of the most popular methods of time with English-speaking teachers … learning another language is immersion, for part of the day,” she says. The rest of in which teachers and students speak pri- the day, they are instructed in the Japamarily in the language being taught. The nese language.

Two-way immersion, says Giles, emapproach can be one-way, with lessons conducted entirely in a second language, powers parents as much as their children. or two-way, alternating between English Spanish-speaking parents “are able to understand the work that students are and the other language.

“Foreign-language teachers will tell bringing home” and participate in the you the best way to become fluent is to process, she says. X www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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Learning a new language is a life-long commitment and is most beneficial when started as early as possible.

Starting Early Learning a new language doesn’t end when the student leaves school. It’s a lifelong commitment, and is most beneficial when started as early as possible.

“All the research shows us the benefits of beginning as early as possible to capture the child’s natural motivation, cognitive vocabulary skills and innate grasp of grammar and pronunciation,” says Kevin Glass of AIS. “Young children learn languages naturally, like they learn skipping rope and riding a tricycle.”

Little Linguists Preschool admits babies as young as six weeks, says director Raquel Paulino, although the school prefers to begin with infants closer to six to eight months. Tabula Rasa will accept a child at two months of age. And this fall, AIS will open a full-immersion early learning center for children ages 3-5.

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Educators say the language learned is less important than the learning process itself, which primes the brain for proficiency later on.

“It’s really not important what language the kids learn, so long as they learn one,” says Tarazhi.

Other Options Schools that offer full immersion aren’t a parent’s only option, however. Atlanta Public Schools’ middle and high schools offer French and Spanish courses.

Many independent schools offer some foreign language instruction as well. Students at McGinnis Woods Country Day School in Alpharetta can learn Spanish through speech, music and special projects, while Gerard Preparatory School teaches Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Chinese and Latin.

Of course, it’s never too late to learn a new language as an adult. Schools like the Language Institute of Atlanta and the Language Institute of Georgia offer convenient night classes for working adults.

Little Voyages in Sandy Springs offers instruction for children and adults, from day care to child-and-parent classes as well as night and weekend courses.

For those with tight schedules or who work better one-on-one, tutoring is another option. WyzAnt (www.wyzant.com) is an online resource that allows visitors to search a database of pre-screened, tested tutors in more than 200 subjects, including foreign language instruction.

Whatever level of instruction you’re looking for, ask lots of questions and be sure to ask for references. And remember that the work you do now will pay off in the long run.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Atlanta International School French, German, Spanish www.aischool.org Language Institute of Atlanta More than 50 languages www.atlantalanguage.com Language Institute of Georgia French, German www.languageinga.com Little Linguists International Preschool French, Spanish www.littlelinguistspreschool.com Little Voyages Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish www.littlevoyages.com Seigakuin Atlanta International School Japanese www.seig.ac.jp/english/atlanta/index.htm Tabula Rasa The Language Academy French, Spanish www.trlanguages.com Unidos Dual Language Charter School Spanish www.clayton.k12.ga.us/facilities/schools/198.asp

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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Exploring the Advantages of

Single-Gender

SCHOOLS

How Boys and Girls Learn Differently

BY CADY SCHULMAN

T

he differences between boys and girls are well-established, and are evident from an early age. Not surprisingly, studies have shown that those differences extend to the way boys and girls learn. For instance, girls are stronger when it comes to vocabulary and writing,

30

Atlanta SCHOOL School GUIDE Guide Summer/Fall Summer/Fall2012 2012 ATLANTA

while boys tend to absorb information more visually and respond well to images and movement Because of those differences in the way boys and girls process information, many educators and researchers find that students are able to learn more ef-

fectively in a single-gender environment, where the curriculum is tailored to their strengths and they are free from the distractions that come with a coed setting.

Learning Differences Educators at single-gender schools in the Atlanta area and the Southeast say that students at these schools perform better on tests and post higher grades than those at coed schools.

Research tends to back that conclusion: A four-year study conducted by Stetson University in Florida found that 85 percent of boys in single-gender classrooms scored proficient on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, compared to 55 percent of boys in coed classes that taught the same curriculum.

Teachers at all-boy and all-girl schools say they are able to tailor their work to the ways each gender learns. Pinney Allen,

head of school at Atlanta Girls School, an independent school for girls, says that girls like to work where they can see faces and interact, such as around a table, while boys work better side-by-side.

“Those are the kinds of things you can structure a classroom around when there are only girls,” she says.

At Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, classes are shorter—40 to 50 minutes—to accommodate the fact that boys have shorter attention spans.

“An hour and 40 minute class is very difficult,” says Lt. Col. Kevin Jarrard, the school’s commandant. “I can’t imagine trying to contain a teenage boy for 1 hour and 40 minutes.”

Boys also need more breaks for activity. At Brechmans Academy, an all-boys boarding school in Louisiana, the boys run two laps before school. “It’s important for them to get rid of some of that

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

31

Educators at single-gender schools say their students perform better on tests and post higher grades than coed students. energy before they start their day,” says Sister Lynne Lieux, headmistress of Brechmans and Academy of the Sacred Heart, its all-girl counterpart.

Fewer Distractions, More Focus Another advantage of a single-gender education is a lack of distraction from the opposite sex.

“There is no distraction in a singlegender environment—you know, the female distraction,” says Jerry Parker, principal at B.E.S.T. Academy, an all-male school on the campus of Ben Carson High School.

The same is true for all-girl schools.

“From my point of view for girls, especially in the middle school area when their bodies are changing and their minds are changing, when you’re in a coed environment, you don’t do your best,” says Victoria Hudson, dean of students at Ivy 32

Atlanta SCHOOL School GUIDE Guide ATLANTA

Summer/Fall 2012

Preparatory Academy for Girls, a singlegender charter school in Norcross.

Sharon Hawkins Gay, academy leader for the all-girls Dorothy Height Leadership Academy at Ben E. Mays High School, says that her students are more focused.

“Girls don’t want to answer questions if boys are around,” she says. “Instead, they’re trying to capture their attention through their looks instead of their brains. With this academy, the girls are really focused. They’re all business.”

As a result, students are more engaged, says Hudson, a former math teacher at a coed school. At Ivy, “girls aren’t afraid to engage in lessons and ask questions.”

What’s more, Sacred Heart’s boarding school environment creates a sense of unity and purpose between students as they live and work together.

A Growing Trend Although single-gender schools aren’t as widespread as co-educational schools, there are signs that the trend is growing.

Ivy Preparatory Academy, for instance, recently opened both a second all-girls school and an all-boys school.

The nation saw a decline in singlegender schools during the 1950s and ’60s, says Allen of Atlanta Girls School, likely due in part to the women’s liberation movement. But at least 15 new girls’ schools have opened in the United States in the last 15 years, she says, a trend she hopes will continue.

“I hope they continue to grow,” she says. “It’s a very tried and true format.

The more we learn about how learning takes place, the more we’re going to appreciate having single-gender alternatives.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION Academy of the Sacred Heart www.sshcoteau.org/academy Atlanta Girls School www.atlantagirlsschool.org B.E.S.T. Academy www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Domain/2724 Berchmans Academy www.sshcoteau.org/berchmans Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Page/12900 Dorothy Height Leadership Academy www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Page/15307 Eagle Leadership Academy www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/domain/3373 Ivy Preparatory Academy for Girls www.ivyprepacademy.org Riverside Military Academy www.riversidemilitary.com

No memorization.

No standardized tests.

®

Learn more about how the Montessori philosophy of joyful learning helps to develop every child’s natural interests in a safe, supportive environment.

BROOKSTONE MONTESSORI 1680 Brookstone Walk NW Acworth 770.426.5245 Ages: 2 1/2 - 6 years

MEDLOCK BRIDGE MONTESSORI 5815 Medlock Bridge Pkwy.

Johns Creek 770.623.1965 Ages: 18 months - 6 years

NESBIT FERRY MONTESSORI 9330 Nesbit Ferry Rd. Alpharetta 770.552.8454 Ages: 2 - 9 years

PRESTON RIDGE MONTESSORI 3800 North Point Pkwy.

Alpharetta 770.751.9510 Ages: 2 1/2 - 6 years

SUGARLOAF MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2270 Meadow Church Rd. Duluth 678.473.0079 Ages 14 months - 6 years

www.atlantaschoolguide.com www.atlantaschoolguide.com

33

34

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

5

1

For features of independent schools, turn to Education At-a-Glance on pg. 36. For public school system information by county, turn to pg. 87.

2 3

REGIONS FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

metro atlanta area map

N

Alpharetta, Buford/Sugar Hill, Gainesville, Norcross, North Fulton, Northeast Atlanta, North Metro Atlanta, Sandy Springs

Ansley Park, Athens, Dacula, Decatur, Lilburn, Midtown, Monroe, Morningside, Stone Mtn.

p.56 REGION 3: Atlanta East

p.49 REGION 2: Atlanta North/Northeast

Alpharetta, Buckhead, Marietta, North Fulton, North Metro Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs

p.40 REGION 1: Atlanta North/Northwest

Page | Region | Neighborhoods

Atlanta South, College Park, Eagle’s Landing, East Point, Fairburn, Lithonia, Newnan

Buckhead North, Kennesaw, Lithia Springs, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna

p.72 REGION 5: Atlanta West

p.64 R EGION 4: Atlanta South/ Southeast/Southwest

4

Early Education, Tutoring & Learning Resources, Summer Camps, Field Trips & Outreach Programs

p.94 Educational Resources

p.87 Public School County Guide

Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina Southeastern States, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia

p.77 Boarding Schools

Additional Education Sections

S

Education At-a-Glance This information reflects the latest available data at publication time. Please confirm with each individual school.

Open House Begins

Application Deadline

Uniform

AP/iB COURSES

6

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMs

Avg. Class Size

15

Religious Affiliation*

# Students

4

Appt.

Call

Dec.

Call

REGION 1: ATLANTA NORTH/NORTHWEST

41

Alexsander Academy

404-839-5910

42

Atlanta International School

45

Chrysalis Experiential Academy

770-649-7077

46

Creative Career Academy K-12

770- 354-6535

55

Cresco Montessori School Cross of Life Christian Montessori School Cumberland Academy of Georgia

46 48

404-841-3840

770-992-8031 770-475-3812 404-835-9000

43

Eastside Christian School

770-971-2332

47

Eaton Academy

770-645-2673

44

Faith Lutheran School

770-973-8921

47

Fellowship Christian School

770-993-1650

48

First Montessori School of Atlanta

404-252-3910

43

The Heiskell School

404-262-2233

3

High Meadows School

770-993-2940

41

Mill Springs Academy

770-360-1336

44

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy

770-971-0245

45

Saint Francis Schools

770-641-8257

49

Before/After Care

Phone

Kindergarten

School

# Teachers

40

Preschool

PAGE

Grades/AGES

*KEY: Religious Affiliation: B = Baptist C = Christian CC = Catholic CG = Church of God E = Episcopal L = Lutheran M = Methodist ND = Non-denominational P = Presbyterian Q = Quaker SDA = Seventh Day Adventist

ANNUAL TUITION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

•

$17,500 7-21y $19,080$21,780 $17,000$20,000 $4,500$12,500 Free$11,000 $4,225$7,825

3K-12th

•

•

•

10

50

8-10

•

•

8

12

3-8

•

•

•

50

220

15

•

•

•

2

21

12

•

9

75

8

•

•

50

350

14

•

•

30

150

5

•

•

•

19

230

15

•

•

•

54

752

22

•

•

•

19

260 Varies

•

•

•

29

300

14

•

•

•

50

400

28

•

50

300

9

•

•

39

497

18

•

•

95

735

14

•

•

29

160

6

6-12th K-12th

Infant12y 15mo6y 4-12th, $20,900 PG $5,874K5-8th $8,283 $5,000K-12th $22,000 $4,3002y-8th $6,300 $3,250K4-12th $12,980 $10,260- 18mo$17,750 8th $4,5752y-8th $13,200 $5,240PK-8th $16,030 $20,5701-12th $21,860 $9,380K-8th $10,650 $9,500PK-12th $17,250

•

•

•

150 1,079 16

• •

C

Appt. Rolling

•

June

Call

Appt. Rolling C

Appt. Rolling

•

•

•

•

• •

C

•

Appt.

Call

Appt. Rolling

•

L

Appt. Rolling

•

Dec. Rolling Nov. Rolling Oct. Rolling

•

ND

• •

Appt. Rolling Nov. Rolling

•

Sept. Rolling

•

Nov. Rolling

•

•

Oct. Rolling

•

•

•

Appt. Rolling

•

•

•

C

REGION 2: ATLANTA NORTH/NORTHEAST

54

Brandon Hall School

770-394-8177

50

Bridgeway Christian Academy

770-751-1972

55

Cresco Montessori School

770-992-8031

51

Crimson Academy

678-482-5678

52

Lakeview Academy

770-531-2602

50

McGinnis Woods Country Day School

770-664-7764

54

Mount Pisgah Christian School

678-336-3443

52

North Georgia Christian School

770-534-1081

53

Seigakuin Atlanta International School

770-730-0045

51

Sugar Hill Christian Academy

678-745-4121

36

Atlanta School Guide

$26,095$54,995 $3,800$10,600 Free$11,000 $640$660 mo. $170wk$15,345 $8,500$11,500 $14,675$16,635 $8,000

6-12th, PG K3-8th

•

•

•

30

205 14-22 ND

Infant12y

•

•

•

50

220

15

6wks-K

•

•

•

12

40

10

K3-12th

•

•

•

75

550

15

•

Infant8th

•

•

•

65

400

18

•

PK-12th

•

•

• Varies 657

18

ND

PK412th

•

•

23

206

15

C

•

•

16

100

11

ND

31

277

15

C

$7,000PK3-6th $9,000 $6,746K-8th $7,028

Summer/Fall 2012

•

•

Appt. Rolling Appt. Rolling

C

•

•

Appt. Rolling

•

Appt. Rolling

•

Appt. Rolling

•

•

Appt.

•

•

Appt. Rolling

Call

Oct. Rolling

•

Appt. Rolling

Education At-a-Glance This information reflects the latest available data at publication time. Please confirm with each individual school.

The Friends School of Atlanta

404-373-8746

62

George Walton Academy

770-267-7578

61 Greater Atlanta Christian School 58 57 58

Hebron Christian Academy Heritage Preparatory School of Georgia Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School

770-243-2000 770-963-9250 404-815-7711 706-433-0223

•

•

71

400 20-24

Nov.

3/1

•

•

45

250

18

Nov.

Feb.

PK-8th

•

•

30

178

9:1

K4-12th

900

15

• •

Grades/AGES

$17,250 3y-6th $4,050$15,630 $15,800$17,000 $3,500$8,950 $10,540$15,490 $5,891$7,580 $4,750$14,325 $9,300

2y-7th

K3-12th

Q

•

•

•

•

•

224 1,835 1:13

•

98

965 20-25

•

•

22

133

10

C

17

127

10

CC

150

15

C

•

673

17

C

•

9-12th

$4,310- PK3$8,150 8th $8,940K-12th $13,260

•

•

•

20

•

•

109

C

Mount Carmel Christian School

770-279-8443

61

Providence Christian Academy

770-279-7200

64

REGION 4: ATLANTA SOUTH/SOUTHEAST/SOUTHWEST Arlington Christian School

770-964-9871

$5,800$10,200

K412th

68

The Bedford School

770-774-8001

$16,350

1-9th

69 66 107

Cornerstone Leadership Academy Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy

770-987-4400 770-957-2927

Eastminster School

770-785-6780

70

The Heritage School

770-253-9898

66

Landmark Christian School

770-306-0647

67

Romar Academy

404-761-3388

9

Woodward Academy

404-765-4001

71

Yes-U-Can Academy

404-564-9831

72 73 76

$9,600$13,600 $2,790$10,344 $8,758$11,679 $7,205$13,640 $4,225$13,500 $603$850 mo. $10,000$21,950 $9,200$13,800

•

•

•

52

280

16

•

21

135

10

150

10

PK-8th

•

•

•

15

K3-12th

•

•

•

104 1,120 20

•

•

22

160

K-11th

•

Oct.

Call

Dec.

Jan. Jan.

•

•

•

•

Nov. Rolling

• •

•

•

Jan. Rolling

•

Oct. Rolling

•

Nov. Rolling

•

Jan.

•

Oct. Rolling

Call

•

Appt. Rolling

•

•

Feb.

•

•

Appt. Rolling

•

•

Jan. Rolling

•

•

Appt. Rolling

C

C

Oct. Rolling

Sept.

•

63

68

•

10

80

K-12th PK4-8th

•

Application Deadline

Jan. Rolling

•

•

Open House Begins

77

•

•

Uniform

14

•

$5,858PK4-5th $5,967

AP/iB COURSES

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMs

60

Religious Affiliation*

678-302-1302

Avg. Class Size

404-873-6985

Cliff Valley School

# Students

The Children’s School

•

Before/After Care

62 59

•

Jan. Rolling

Kindergarten

404-522-5659

19

180 Varies

Preschool

Canterbury School

935

14

•

REGION 3: ATLANTA EAST

63

130

•

56

Atlanta Montessori International 404-325-6777 School

•

•

678-684-2030

60

ND

$7,525K3-12th $15,600 $9,015- 8wks$16,980 15y $10,620- Infant$15,000 6th

Phone

Victory World Christian School

706-549-9225

15

•

School

53

Athens Academy

120

•

PAGE

57

12

•

ANNUAL TUITION

*KEY: Religious Affiliation: B = Baptist C = Christian CC = Catholic CG = Church of God E = Episcopal L = Lutheran M = Methodist ND = Non-denominational P = Presbyterian Q = Quaker SDA = Seventh Day Adventist

# Teachers

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

•

12

Call

3y-12th

•

•

•

55

435 Varies

•

•

Appt.

Call

K4-12th

•

•

•

72

809

15

ND

•

•

Jan.

Call

18mo6th

•

•

•

20

170

15

ND

•

•

Appt. Rolling

•

•

265 2,670 16

•

•

Jan.

•

•

3

•

Appt. Rolling

•

Oct. Rolling

•

Appt. Rolling

PK-12th PK-8th

•

5

4-6

• C

•

Call

REGION 5: ATLANTA WEST Atlanta Girls’ School Center Academy

404-845-0900

$19,800 6-12th

•

25

220 12-15

770-333-1616

$5,0005-12th $14,680

•

6

48

16

• C

•

•

Education At-a-Glance Continued on Page 38 u

Education At-a-Glance This information reflects the latest available data at publication time. Please confirm with each individual school.

75

Praise Academy

770-943-2484

74

St. Joseph Catholic School

770-428-3328

76

Trinity Chapel Academy

678-831-1062

77

B

25

310

17

P

•

•

Jan. Rolling

•

Appt.

•

Nov. Rolling

K3-12th

•

•

PK312th

•

•

•

99 1,200 18-20 ND

•

K3-12th

•

•

•

20

281

15

M

•

•

•

47

485

26

CC

•

•

31

300

20

C

12

50

8

9-12th

36

275

13

6-12th

150 1,050 12

•

•

25

90

5

•

•

•

•

K4-8th

K-8th K-12th

•

•

Application Deadline

20

Open House Begins

300

Uniform

26

AP/iB COURSES

•

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMs

770-578-0182

Religious Affiliation*

Mount Paran Christian School

Avg. Class Size

770-590-1866

73

# Students

75

Midway Covenant Christian School

$6,395$8,020 $2,075$5,580 $2,857$13,220 $2,800$4,800 $5,878$7,641 $6,800$8,900

# Teachers

770-941-6342

Before/After Care

Phone

Colonial Hills Christian School

Kindergarten

School

74

Preschool

PAGE

Grades/AGES

*KEY: Religious Affiliation: B = Baptist C = Christian CC = Catholic CG = Church of God E = Episcopal L = Lutheran M = Methodist ND = Non-denominational P = Presbyterian Q = Quaker SDA = Seventh Day Adventist

ANNUAL TUITION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

•

Call

•

Appt. Rolling

•

Jan.

•

Nov. Rolling

•

Appt. Rolling

Call

boarding schools

81

American Boychoir School

888-269-2464

$22,370$24,700 $24,385$43,800 $20,000$45,000 $39,600$64,900

4-8th

84

Asheville School

828-254-6345

85

Baylor School

423-267-5902

80

Brehm Preparatory School

618-457-0371

82

The Gow School

716-652-3450

$54,500 7-12th

47

140

4

85

Marine Military Academy

956-423-6006

$36,300 8-12th

26

250

12

82

New York Military Academy

845-534-3710

81

The Piney Woods School

601-845-2214

78

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

706-746-7467

$15,0007-12th $36,000 $7,5009-12th $22,500 $16,1506-12th $40,850

78

The Rectory School

860-928-1328

79

Riverside Military Academy

800-462-2338

86

St. Margaret’s School

804-443-3357

83

The Stony Brook School

631-751-1800

$41,500 7-12th

80

Tallulah Falls School

706-754-0400

$8,7506-12th $20,500

38

Atlanta School Guide

•

6-12th

$45,000

K-9th

$17,1507-12th $28,600 $17,2008-12th $44,500

Summer/Fall 2012

•

•

• •

22

125

12

•

20

150

10

C

•

49

340

16

P

•

•

ND

Appt.

•

2/1

Appt. Rolling Appt. Rolling

•

Call

•

Appt. Rolling

Rolling

•

Appt. Rolling

•

Appt.

Call

•

•

Appt.

Call

•

• •

75

220

10

50

450

16

Appt. Rolling

35

120

7

E

•

44

314

14

C

•

40

365

12

•

July Rolling Call

2/15

July Rolling

•

Oct.

2/1

Wishing a genie will bring you success this year?

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Call today for more information or to reserve your space!

770.992.0273 www.atlantaschoolguide.com

39

ATLANTA NORTH • NORTHWEST

55

1 gion Re

41

45 46

47 41 45 47 46 3 55 44

43

44

45

48 48 42 43

Independent Schools Schools Page Alexsander Academy 41 Atlanta International School 42 Chrysalis Experiental Academy 45 Creative Career Academy K-12 46 Cresco Montessori School 55 Cross of Life Christian Montessori School 46 Cumberland Academy of Georgia 48 Eastside Christian School 43 Eaton Academy 47

Faith Lutheran School Fellowship Christian School First Montessori School of Atlanta The Heiskell School High Meadows School Mill Springs Academy Mount Bethel Christian Academy Saint Francis School (2 locations)

44 47 48 43 3 41 44 45

Neighborhoods of Note Alpharetta Once a small farming community, Alpharetta’s growth has exploded in recent years and is now one of Atlanta’s most affluent neighborhoods, creating the perfect mix of country living and city amenities.

40

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

Buckhead A development group is currently creating what is being referred to as the Rodeo Drive of the South, where luxury retailers and high-end restaurants will be the feature. Luxury condos offer residents city living at its finest.

alpharetta www.atlantaschoolguide.com

41

buckhead

BUCKHEAD • marietta

The Heiskell School The Heiskell School’s accelerated academic program and its focus on building Godly character have had a life-changing impact in the lives of children for more than 60 years.

OPEN HOUSE Wed., August 8, 2012 Friday, October 19, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Campus Tour and Orientation Meeting

2 Years - 8th Grade 3260 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30305

ČĈČŖĊĎĊŖĊĊċċ Ĵ 444Ķ%"&0("))Ķ+"1

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

43

MARIETTA 44

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

NORTH FULTON • ROSWELL www.atlantaschoolguide.com

45

ROSWELL Serving children ages 15 months - Kindergarten since 1994 Now enrolling for 2012-13

770-475-3812 | colmontessori.com 1000 Hembre Road | Roswell, GA 30076 46

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

ROSWELL www.atlantaschoolguide.com

47

SANDY SPRINGS 48

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

52

51 51

50

ATLANTA NORTH • NORTHeast

50

52

55

55

54

2 gion Re

54 53 53

Independent Schools Schools Page Brandon Hall School 54 Bridgeway Christian Academy 50 Cresco Montessori School 55 Crimson Academy 51 Lakeview Academy 52

McGinnis Woods Country Day School Mount Pisgah Christian School North Georgia Christian School Seigakuin Atlanta International School Sugar Hill Christian Academy Victory World Christian School

50 54 52 53 51 53

Neighborhoods of Note Duluth A successful mix of small-town charm and booming economic growth, Duluth plays host to many major corporations and is also home to numerous golf clubs, private tennis clubs and parks. The city prides itself on accommodating a growing, diverse population.

Dunwoody A popular community among young and established professionals alike, Dunwoody is often referred to as the “tennis set” neighborhood because of its numerous recreational outlets. Its location provides suburban living close enough to the city. www.atlantaschoolguide.com

49

ALPHARETTA

Come See What Other Families Have Discovered INSPIRING STUDENTS WITH THE PASSION TO EXCEL

We strive to help children reach their highest potential, while developing a life-long love of learning in a warm and nurturing environment where students matter most. p Private non-parochial Preschool, Elementary and Middle Grades p Challenging Hands On Academics p SACS, GAC and NAEYC accredited Learn More, visit www.McGinnisWoods.org -C'INNIS &ERRY 2OAD !LPHARETTA '! p 770-664-7764

50

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

BUFORD • SUGAR HILL

Crimson Academy Building Minds, Growing Futures

Crimson Academy is a Christian School providing early childhood education for ages 6wks-kindergarten.

Ĵ "#,/" +! <"/0 %,,) /" Ĵ 2**"/ *- #,/ $"0 čŖĉĊ Ĵ & ( 2- +! !/,- ,8 1, /" 0 %,,)0 1400 Buford Highway Bldg T-3 Sugar Hill, GA 30518

678-482-5678 | www.crimsonacademy.com

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

51

GAINESVILLE 52

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

norcross â&#x20AC;˘ NORTHEAST ATLANTA

Victory World Christian School is a multicultural community of learners committed to Christian discipleship, academic excellence & world transformation.

1 Pre-K (4) through 5th grade elementary program 1 High curriculum standards & creative learning environments 1 Interactive Technology in every classroom (whiteboards & laptops) 1 Rosetta Stone Spanish in all classes 1 Extracurricular Activities (ballet, jazz, chorus, drama, Tai-Kwon-do, piano)

5905 BROOK HOLLOW PARKWAY, NORCROSS, GA 30071

Phone: 678.684.2030 Fax: 678.684.2031 www.vwcs.org www.atlantaschoolguide.com

53

SANDY SPRINGS â&#x20AC;˘ north fulton 54

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

NORTH METRO ATLANTA

ATLANTA EAST

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60

58 ATHENS 57

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63

59

monroe

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57

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Independent Schools Schools Page Athens Academy 57 Atlanta Montessori International School 60 Canterbury School 63 The Children’s School 62 Cliff Valley School 59 The Friends School of Atlanta 60 George Walton Academy 62

Greater Atlanta Christian School 61 Hebron Christian Academy 58 Heritage Preparatory School of Georgia 57 Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School 58 Mount Carmel Christian School 63 Providence Christian Academy 61

Neighborhoods of Note Decatur The county seat of DeKalb County, Decatur’s small-town charm revolves around the Courthouse Square, which features trendy restaurants and shopping, entertainment options and special events, including its annual summer beach bash.

56

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

Lawrenceville Located in the heart of Gwinnett County and known as “Crepe Myrtle City,” Lawrenceville is Atlanta’s second oldest city. Its historic downtown square, which has been revitalized, is home to a variety of shops, restaurants and community events.

ansley park â&#x20AC;˘ athens www.atlantaschoolguide.com

57

dacula â&#x20AC;˘ athens 58

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

decatur

decatur 60

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

LILBURN www.atlantaschoolguide.com

61

monroe â&#x20AC;˘ MIDTOWN 62

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

morningside â&#x20AC;˘ stone mountain

s for accuracy of content and general display. This proof is printed at a reduced resolution. Color, while representative of approximate, as is the size of the ad which may appear larger or smaller than in the final publication.

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

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ATLANTA SOUTH • SOUTHEAST • SOUTHWEST

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DEKALB 69 107

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Independent Schools Schools Page Arlington Christian School 68 The Bedford School 68 Cornerstone Leadership Academy 69 Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy 66 Eastminster School 107

The Heritage School 70 Landmark Christian School (2 locations) 66 Romar Academy 67 Woodward Academy 9 Yes-U-Can Academy 71

Neighborhoods of Note McDonough One of the fastest-growing neighborhoods South of Atlanta, McDonough is the county seat of Henry County and features many historic structures around its town square. The city has ample green space and is a favorite destination for antique shoppers.

64

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

Peachtree City A master-planned city comprised of several smaller villages, Peachtree City’s many amenities include golf courses, lakes and an amphitheater. The city is renowned for its network of golf paths connecting its neighborhoods.

COLLEGE PARK

eagle’s landing • ATLANTA SOUTH

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Where Excellence and Faithfulness Meet

It would be our pleasure to share with you the magnitude of a Landmark Christian School education.

To apply, visit landmarkchristianschool.org.

Call 770-306-0647 for admission questions, appointments, or tours.

Every student prepared to impact the world for Jesus Christ

FAIRBURN 50 SE Broad Street, Fairburn, Georgia 30213 PEACHTREE CITY 777 Robinson Road, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 770.306.0647 | landmarkchristianschool.org

UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL

IN YOUR CHILD Call to schedule your visit.

2400 Hwy 42 N, McDonough, GA 30253

770-957-2927 www.elcaonline.org 66

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

Scan to Experience ELCA now!

EAST POINT www.atlantaschoolguide.com

67

FAIRBURN

Arlington

Christian School

Changing the world for Christâ&#x20AC;¦one child at a time.

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68

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

Our school was designed with a mission to give students a chance to learn about their global community in order to become leaders that will make a positive difference in the world.

WE EXPERIE

NCE

Our field trips are not just in our backyard. Each year, upper grade students and teachers, along with parents, have an opportunity to travel across the globe.

WE CARE

WE LEAD

WE SHARE

WE LEARN

We create ambassadors for the world...

3800 Big Miller Grove Way Ĵ Lithonia, GA 30038 (770) 987-4400 WE ENJOY

www.claschool.org

LITHONIA

CORNERSTONE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

NEWNAN

THE HERITAGE SCHOOL

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There are more effective ways to promote your business.

Advertise in Atlanta School Guide and get results.

Call today for more information or to reserve your space!

770-992-0273 www.atlantaschoolguide.com

71

BARTOW

atlanta west

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73 74

75

76 76

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FULTON

Independent Schools Schools Page Atlanta Girls’ School 73 Center Academy 76 Colonial Hills Christian School 74 Midway Covenant Christian School 75

Mount Paran Christian School Praise Academy St. Joseph Catholic School Trinity Chapel Academy

73 75 74 76

Neighborhoods of Note Kennesaw Home to the popular Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, the city of Kennesaw takes pride in its excellent recreation opportunities and parks, rich history and thriving downtown. Kennesaw State University, the third largest university in Georgia, is well known for academic programs in business, education, and nursing.

72

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

Smyrna With its unique charm, solid government and city services, the city of Smyrna offers many fresh, trendy lifestyle options, and the Market Village plays host to numerous restaurants, bars and upscale shops. Known as the “Jonquil City,” because of the thousands of jonquils that flourish in gardens and along the streets in early spring.

Buckhead North â&#x20AC;˘ kennesaw www.atlantaschoolguide.com

73

marietta â&#x20AC;˘ Lithia Springs 74

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

powder springs

Celebrating 30 Years of Christian Education

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770-943-2484 www.PraiseAcademy.com 4052 Hiram Lithia Springs Rd., Powder Springs, GA 30127

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

75

smyrna • powder springs

Grades K5 – 12 After School Care Program Laptop Program Athletic Program Art, Music, Spanish, PE, Computer Financial Aid Available Accredited by SACS and GAC Low Student/Teacher Ratios

Trinity Chapel Academy “EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION WITH A KINGDOM FOCUS”

76

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

4665 Macland Road Powder Springs, GA 30127

678-831-1062

www.trinitychapelacademy.com

BOARDING SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Boarding School Directory

TA ATLAN E’S L GUID SCHOO

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Asheville, North Carolina

T

BOARDING SCHOOL DIRECTORY

here are many benefits of a boarding school education. Boarding schools are an option for students seeking a more independent learning experience. Because students generally live on campus, learning takes place in and out of the classroom almost on a 24-hour basis.

When selecting a boarding school, it is important to visit the school campus, but representatives from many boarding schools visit Metro Atlanta throughout the year—contact each school for specific dates. u

Boarding School Schools Schools Page Schools Page American BoychoirAcademy School 74 81 Admiral Farragut Asheville School 84 The American Boychoir School 79 Baylor School 85 Baylor School 82 Brehm Preparatory School 80 Brehm Preparatory School 78 The Gow School

82 Eckerd Academy of the Blue Ridge 75 Marine Military Academy 85 Garrison Forest School 78 New York Military Academy 82 The Gow School 79 The Piney Woods 81 Lyman Ward Military Academy 73 Marine Military Academy 82 72

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2012

New York Military Academy 80 Rabun 78 RabunGap-Nacoochee Gab-Nacoochee School 76 The Rectory School 78 Randolph-Macon Academy 83 Riverside Military Academy 79 The Rectory School 73 Southeastern Boarding Schools (SABS) 77 83 R St. Margaret’sBoarding School 86 Southeastern Schools (SABS) 81 The Stony Brook School 83 St. Margaret’s School 83 Tallulah Falls School 80 The Stony Brook School 81 Tallulah Falls School 74 www.atlantaschoolguide.com

77

GEORGIA â&#x20AC;˘ Connecticut 78

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

georgia

For over 100 years Riverside Military Academy has produced young men of purpose, integrity, and character. As one of the nation’s leading military academies, we prepare young men for success in premier colleges, universities, and

★ Educating young men in grades 7-12 ★ Four week summer academic program ★ 420+ cadets from 25 states and 16 countries ★ Visual & performing arts programs ★ Day and boarding opportunities ★ Aviation education program ★ AP and honors courses ★ 12 varsity athletic teams ★ SAIS/SACS accredited ★ ESL programs Riverside Military Academy admits students of any race, religion and national or ethnic origin, and is committed to the enrollment of a widely diverse student body.

770-538-2938 www.riversidemilitary.com .com 2001 Riverside Drive Gainesville,, GA 30501

For over 100 years, Riverside Military Academy has produced young men of purpose, integrity, and character. As one of the nation’s leading milRiverside Military Academy admits students of any race, religion and national or ethnic

Illinois â&#x20AC;˘ GEORGIA 80

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

mississippi â&#x20AC;˘ new jersey www.atlantaschoolguide.com

81

new york 82

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

new york â&#x20AC;˘ southeastern states

83

www.atlantaschoolguide.com

north carolina

tennessee â&#x20AC;˘ texas www.atlantaschoolguide.com

85

virginia 86

Atlanta School Guide

Summer/Fall 2012

public school county guide

Spotlight on Metro Atlanta’s School Systems

A

variety of improvements and innovative programs in Georgia’s public school systems have resulted in many stellar elementary, middle and high schools across the Metro area. Different school systems feature specialized programs and academic opportunities, such as magnet, charter, vocational or alternative schools to suit their respective students, parents and communities. However, despite variations in programming and academic offerings, all public schools must offer the core curriculum as determined by the Georgia Board of Education.

Here is a county-by-county guide to Metro Atlanta’s public school systems. For more information about the Georgia Department of Education, call 404-656-2800 or visit www.gadoe.org. u www.atlantaschoolguide.com

87

PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

Cherokee CHEROKEE

Number of Schools Elementary Intermediate Middle High Alternative Evening Centers

23 1 7 6 1 1 1

Total # of Students: 38,293 Spending per Student: $12,393

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 853.23 (M) 846.82 5th: (R) 843.14 (M) 846.39 8th: (R) 844.49 (M) 837.84 2011 Average SAT: 1559 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Etowa High 1608 Creekview High 1586 Cherokee High 1559 Sequoyah High 1542 Woodstock High 1529

Board of Education 770-479-1871 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us

What’s New Five Cherokee high schools were named AP Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Schools for the second year in a row.

Clayton

Number of Schools Elementary 36 Middle 14 High 10 Alternative 1 Open Campus 1 Charter Schools 2 Special Education Centers 3 Centers for Learning 1 Magnet Schools 1

CLAYTON

Total # of Students: 50,204 Spending per Student: $11,602

Board of Education 770-473-2700 www.clayton.k12.ga.us

Cobb

COBB

Number of Schools Elementary 68 Middle 25 High 15 Magnet 6 Charter 6 Special Education Centers 2 Virtual Academies 2

Spending per Student: $10,068

88

Atlanta School Guide

2011 Average SAT: 1258 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Mount Zion High 1315 Lovejoy High 1274 North Clayton High 1273 Mundy’s Mill High 1241 Morrow High 1205

What’s New Shekema Silveri, a teacher at Mount Zion High, was named Georgia’s 2011 National Milken Educator of the Year by the Milken Family Foundation. Silveri won a cash prize of $25,000.

Total # of Students: 107,245

Board of Education 770-426-3300 www.cobb.k12.ga.us

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 829.59 (M) 823.79 5th: (R) 823.20 (M) 825.79 8th: (R) 830.12 (M) 815.76

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 845.07 (M) 842.52 5th: (R) 839.17 (M) 850.31 8th: (R) 842.68 (M) 834.91 2011 Average SAT: 1522 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Walton High 1725 Pope High 1676 Lassiter High 1634 Wheeler High 1620 Harrison High 1578

What’s New Cobb County eighth-graders outperformed their peers on the 2012 Eighth Grade Writing Assessment. The average scale score of 220 is four points higher than the state score of 216.

Summer/Fall 2012

COWETA

Number of Schools Elementary 20 Middle 7 High 3 Central Education Center 1 Alternative 1

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 842.74 (M) 841.53 5th: (R) 834.18 (M) 836.97 8th: (R) 841.02 (M) 830.35

Total # of Students: 22,560

Top 3 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Northgate High 1524 Newnan High 1508 East Coweta High 1478

Spending per Student: $9,535

Board of Education 770-254-2800 www.coweta.k12.ga.us

dekalb

What’s New Three Coweta County elementary schools—Ruth Hill, Western and White Oak—will undergo renovations totaling more than $7.4 million. The renovations will be completed in July 2012.

Number of Schools Elementary 77 Middle 19 High 20 Center, Special Education and Alternative 13 Start-up Charter Schools 7 Total # of Students: 98,592

DEKALB

Board of Education 678-676-1200 www.dekalb.k12.ga.us

douglas

Spending per Student: $7,859

Board of Education 770-651-2000 www.douglas.k12.ga.us

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 832.10 (M) 822.45 5th: (R) 828.27 (M) 827.11 8th: (R) 831.57 (M) 813.75 2011 Average SAT: 1334 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Chamblee High 1626 Lakeside High 1609 DeKalb School of the Arts 1555 Dunwoody High 1515 Druid Hills High 1415

What’s New The DeKalb County School District appointed a new chief financial officer in March. Michael Perrone will be in charge of all school district finances and budgeting.

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Centers Total # of Students: 24,951

DOUGLAS

2011 Average SAT: 1485

Spending per Student: $10,964

20 8 5 2

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 838.80 (M) 839.13 5th: (R) 832.64 (M) 834.85 8th: (R) 837.76 (M) 815.48 2011 Average SAT: 1352 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Robert S. Alexander Comprehensive High 1406 Douglas County High 1406 Chapel Hill High 1325 Lithia Springs High 1260 New Manchester High 1248

What’s New Jaslyn Dukes of Stewart Middle School was named one of 10 Georgia Teacher of the Year finalists. The winner was to be announced on June 1 at the Georgia Teacher of the Year banquet at the Georgia International Convention Center. www.atlantaschoolguide.com

89

PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

COWeta

PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

Fayette FAYETTE

Number of Schools Elementary Intermediate Primary Middle High Alternative Open

16 1 1 6 5 1 1

Total # of Students: 21,727 Spending per Student: $9,937

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 858.37 (M) 861.02 5th: (R) 850.89 (M) 863.95 8th: (R) 847.81 (M) 845.10 2011 Average SAT: 1550 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score McIntosh High 1630 Starr’s Mill High 1611 Whitewater High 1506 Fayette County High 1491 Sandy Creek High 1423

Board of Education 770-460-3535 www.fcboe.org

What’s New Alyson Pitzer, a second grade teacher at North Fayette Elementary, is one of 50 Horace Mann Fellowship recipients.

Forsyth

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Alternative Charter Virtual

FORSYTH

20 9 5 1 1 1

Total # of Students: 21,727 Spending per Student: $9,937

Board of Education 770-887-2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us

FULTON

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Charter Centers

Spending per Student: $12,603

Board of Education 404-768-3600 www.fultonschools.org

90

Atlanta School Guide

2011 Average SAT: 1562 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score South Forsyth High 1639 Lambert High 1594 West Forsyth High 1564 North Forsyth High 1518 Forsyth Central 1515

What’s New Forsyth County Schools leads metro area districts in having the highest graduation percentage: 86.27 percent. In other news, Forsyth County Schools’ 20th elementary school, Kelly Mill Elementary, opens in August 2012.

Total # of Students: 90,399

FULTON

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 861.44 (M) 856.05 5th: (R) 853.26 (M) 874.67 8th: (R) 851.26 (M) 855.30

58 19 17 9 2

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 846.43 (M) 853.56 5th: (R) 840.07 (M) 852.84 8th: (R) 842.99 (M) 840.80 2011 Average SAT: 1560 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Northview High 1751 Chattahoochee High 1694 Alpharetta High 1679 Milton High 1659 Riverwood International Charter School 1652

What’s New Five Fulton County seniors have been named winners in the 48th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program, a competition for African-American students. Each won a $2,500 cash prize or an equivalent scholarship.

Summer/Fall 2012

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Alternative Center

11 4 2 2 1

Spending per Student: $10,659

Gwinnett

GWINNETT

What’s New The Griffin-Spalding Partners in Education board of directors has awarded almost $20,000 in grants to Griffin-Spalding.

Thirty-eight projects were funded with amounts ranging from $75.95 to $1,000.

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Alternative Charter Special Education Virtual School Open Campus

77 26 18 2 3 4 1 1

Total # of Students: 159,296 Spending per Student: $11,928

Board of Education 678-301-6000 www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us

HALL HALL

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 844.87 (M) 849.33 5th: (R) 838.84 (M) 852.44 8th: (R) 842.04 (M) 838.40 2011 Average SAT: 1511 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology 1914 Brookwood High 1610 Parkview High 1596 North Gwinnett High 1557 Collins Hill High 1547

What’s New Fifteen Gwinnett County students from the Class of 2012 were among the 800 African-American students named as recipients of the National Achievement Scholarship, awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Competition.

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Charter Career Academy Total # of Students: 25,777 Spending per Student: $10,576

Board of Education 770-534-1080 www.hallco.org

2011 Average SAT: 1328 Top 2 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Spalding High 1372 Griffin High 1284

Total # of Students: 10,860

Board of Education 770-229-3700 www.spalding.k12.ga.us

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 834.60 (M) 831.90 5th: (R) 827.51 (M) 833.01 8th: (R) 830.25 (M) 812.38

19 7 6 1 1

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 837.47 (M) 838.31 5th: (R) 831.08 (M) 833.87 8th: (R) 835.21 (M) 820.90 2011 Average SAT: 1442 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score North Hall High 1615 Chestatee High 1451 West Hall High 1442 Flowery Branch High 1438 Johnson High 1364

What’s New The Georgia State Board of Education has approved charter petitions from Chestnut Mountain Elementary, Mount Vernon Elementary and Flowery Branch High to become charter schools beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year. www.atlantaschoolguide.com

91

PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

GriffinSpalding

29 11 9 2 1

Board of Education 770-957-6601 www.henry.k12.ga.us

Paulding PAULDING

CK

DA LE

Rockdale

Board of Education 770-483-4713 www.rockdale.k12.ga.us

92

Atlanta School Guide

2011 Average SAT: 1374

What’s New Stockbridge Elementary is one of only 13 Georgia schools to receive the 2011 School of Excellence Award for greatest gains in test scores.

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Alternative

20 9 5 2

Total # of Students: 28,444

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 844.05 (M) 844.88 5th: (R) 836.89 (M) 840.40 8th: (R) 836.63 (M) 820.25 2011 Average SAT: 1347 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score North Paulding High 1380 East Paulding High 1367 Hiram High 1361 South Paulding High 1321 Paulding County High 1281

Spending per Student: $11,133

Board of Education 770-443-8000 www.paulding.k12.ga.us

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 843.35 (M) 840.66 5th: (R) 836.98 (M) 837.48 8th: (R) 839.84 (M) 825.00

Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Union Grove High 1516 Eagle’s Landing High 1481 Ola High 1415 Dutchtown High 1379 Patrick Henry High 1379

Total # of Students: 40,951 Spending per Student: $11,159

RO

PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

HENRY

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Alternative Virtual

What’s New Students and staff at Burnt Hickory Elementary and Shelton Elementary were recognized for bringing in the most canned food—more than 5,200 pounds—during a recent food drive sponsored by Helping Hands.

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Alternative Charter Magnet Open Campus Virtual School

11 4 3 1 1 1 1 1

Total # of Students: 15,777 Spending per Student: $10,985

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 840.89 (M) 842.91 5th: (R) 834.40 (M) 841.90 8th: (R) 837.81 (M) 822.51 2011 Average SAT: 1349 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology 1733 Rockdale Career Academy 1447 Heritage High 1400 Salem High 1328 Rockdale County High 1286

What’s New Heritage, Rockdale County and Salem high schools, along with the Rockdale Career Academy, were named 2012 Advanced Placement Honor Schools.

Summer/Fall 2012

City Public Schools

Henry

Board of Education 404-802-3500 www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Charter

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 833.48 (M) 827.33 5th: (R) 827.09 (M) 829.93 8th: (R) 830.16 (M) 814.97

50 15 23 13

Total # of Students: 48,909 Spending per Student: $17,595

2011 Average SAT: 1269 Top 5 Schools by Average 2011 SAT Score Henry W. Grady High 1455 North Atlanta High 1439 Carver Early College 1398 Mays High 1354 South Atlanta Law High 1271

What’s New The Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education recently approved the closing of seven schools and the repurposing of several others throughout the district, starting with the 2012-2013 school year. The seven schools are Capitol View Elementary, White Elementary, Cook Elementary, East Lake Elementary, Herndon Elementary, Kennedy Middle School and Parks Middle School.

Buford City Board of Education 770-945-5035 www.bufordcityschools.org

Total # of Students: 3,077 Spending per Student: $15,166

Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Academies

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 846.39 (M) 853.72 5th: (R) 833.32 (M) 847.39 8th: (R) 845.00 (M) 844.78

1 1 1 1

2011 Average SAT: 1570

What’s New Buford Elementary has been recognized as a Georgia Title I Distinguished School for meeting adequate yearly progress standards for the seventh consecutive year. It has also been recognized as a Georgia School of Excellence.

Decatur City Board of Education 404-370-4400 www.csdecatur.net Number of Schools Elementary Middle High Intermediate (4/5) Career Academy Early Learning Center

Total # of Students: 2,875 Spending per Student: $19,157 4 1 1 1 1 1

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 857.84 (M) 852.43 5th: (R) 846.35 (M) 854.36 8th: (R) 853.01 (M) 850.18 2011 Average SAT: 1518

What’s New Teachers Maleea Carnes March and Martina Baerman were nationally recognized by the Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning as demonstrating exemplary models of effective classroom interactions.

Marietta City Board of Education 770-422-3500 www.marietta-city.org

Total # of Students: 7,852 Spending per Student: $12,091

Number of Schools Elementary 7 Middle 1 High 1 Alternative 1 Sixth Grade 1 Elementary (3-5) Magnet 1

2011 Average CRCT Scores 3rd: (R) 840.02 (M) 842.47 5th: (R) 833.49 (M) 838.35 8th: (R) 833.00 (M) 811.68 2011 Average SAT: 1482

What’s New For the sixth consecutive year, Marietta City Schools placed in the Top Ten U.S. School Districts Honored for Technology Know-How. Marietta High School was named one of the nation’s best high schools in 2012 by U.S. News & World Report. www.atlantaschoolguide.com

93

City Public Schools

Atlanta City

Educational Resources

Educational Resources Ways to enhance your child’s or student’s learning

Index 94

Atlanta School Guide

Early Education 95 Tutoring & Learning Resources 96 Summer Camps

97 Field Trips & Outreach Programs 100

Summer/Fall 2012

early education www.atlantaschoolguide.com

95

TUTORING & learning resources

Why Tutor in One Subject,

Our Methods Teach You to Learn for LIFE! A Subsidiary of Camp Academia, Inc.

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AT L A N TA

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Atlanta School Guide

LAGRANGE Summer/Fall 2012

summer camps

Summer Camps

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Atlanta School Guide

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Field Trips & Outreach Programs

ADVERTISER INDEX Boarding Schools

American Boychoir School............................................ 81 Asheville School . .......................................................... 84 Baylor School................................................................. 85 Brehm Preparatory School............................................ 80 The Gow School............................................................ 82 Marine Military Academy.............................................. 85 New York Military Academy.......................................... 82 The Piney Woods School.............................................. 81 Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.................................... 78 Riverside Military Academy ......................................... 79 Southeastern Association of Boarding Schools............83 St. Margaret’s School . .................................................. 86 The Rectory School....................................................... 78 The Stony Brook School................................................ 83 Tallulah Falls School ..................................................... 80

Early Education

Bright Horizons Family Solutions................................. 95 Kids ‘R’ Kids.................................................................... 95 Montessori Unlimited.................................................... 33

Field Trips and Outreach Programs

Atlanta Cyclorama....................................................... 103 Biltmore Estate............................................................ 105 Cherokee Historical Association................................ 103 DeSoto Caverns........................................................... 100 The Foxfire Museum.................................................... 104 Georgia Aquarium....................................................... 101 Interactive Neighborhood for Kids ........................... 104 Lookout Mountain Attractions.................................... 101 Pine Mountain Gold Museum.................................... 102 Sandy Springs Hospitality and Tourism....................... 21 The Southern Museum................................................ 104 Spivey Hall Education.................................................. 102 Young Audiences, Woodruff Arts Center ................. 104 Zoo Atlanta ................................................................. 103

Higher Education

Andrew College............................................................. 13 Atlanta Metropolitan College....................................... 13 Lanier Technical College............................................... 11 Piedmont College......................................................... 15

Independent Schools

Alexsander Academy.................................................... 41 Arlington Christian School ....................................... 5, 68 Athens Academy .......................................................... 57 Atlanta Girls’ School...................................................... 73 Atlanta International School ........................................ 42 Atlanta Montessori International School..................... 60 The Bedford School ..................................................... 68 Brandon Hall School . ................................................... 54 Bridgeway Christian Academy..................................... 50 Brookstone Montessori................................................. 33 Canterbury School......................................................... 63 Center Academy . ......................................................... 76 The Children’s School . ................................................. 62 Chrysalis Experiential Academy .................................. 45 Cliff Valley School ......................................................... 59 Colonial Hills Christian School..................................... 74 Cornerstone Leadership Academy.............................. 69 Creative Career Academy K-12.................................... 46 Cresco Montessori School............................................ 55 Crimson Academy......................................................... 51 Cross of Life Christian Montessori School................... 46

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Cumberland Academy of Georgia............................... 48 Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy............................. 66 Eastminster School .............................Inside Back Cover Eastside Christian School ............................................ 43 Eaton Academy ............................................................ 47 Faith Lutheran School .................................................. 44 Fellowship Christian School . ....................................... 47 First Montessori School of Atlanta .............................. 48 The Friends School of Atlanta...................................... 60 George Walton Academy ............................................ 62 Greater Atlanta Christian School.................................. 61 Hebron Christian Academy ......................................... 58 The Heiskell School ...................................................... 43 Heritage Preparatory School of Georgia..................... 57 The Heritage School .................................................... 70 High Meadows School ................................................... 3 Lakeview Academy........................................................ 52 Landmark Christian School........................................... 66 McGinnis Woods Country Day School ....................... 50 Medlock Bridge Montessori......................................... 33 Midway Covenant Christian School............................. 75 Mill Springs Academy .................................................. 41 Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School................. 58 Mount Bethel Christian Academy................................ 44 Mount Carmel Christian School................................... 63 Mount Paran Christian School ..................................... 73 Mount Pisgah Christian School ................................... 54 Nesbit Ferry Montessori................................................ 33 North Georgia Christian School................................... 52 Praise Academy ............................................................ 75 Preston Ridge Montessori............................................. 33 Providence Christian Academy.................................... 61 Romar Academy............................................................ 67 Saint Francis Schools..................................................... 45 Seigakuin Atlanta International School ...................... 53 St. Joseph Catholic School .......................................... 74 Sugar Hill Christian Academy....................................... 51 Sugarloaf Montessori.................................................... 33 Trinity Chapel Academy................................................ 76 Victory World Christian School..................................... 53 Woodward Academy....................................................... 9 Yes-U-Can Academy...................................................... 71

Neighborhoods

City of College Park ..................................................... 65 City of East Point........................................................... 67

Resources & Services

The Capital Grille Restaurant....................................... 29 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta..................................... 7 Fulton County Schools.................................................. 15 Kroger.................................................. Inside Front Cover Pay it Forward Scholarships........................... Back Cover Radio Disney.................................................................... 8 The School Box . ........................................................... 39

Summer Camps

Atlanta Ballet ................................................................ 98 The Children’s School Summer Camp......................... 99 High Meadows Summer Day Camp ........................... 97 Lakeview Academy Summer Camp........................... 100 Squirrel Hollow Camp .................................................. 99

Tutoring & Learning Resources

Camp Academia............................................................ 96 In-Home Tutors of Atlanta ........................................... 96