Atlanta School Guide | Winter/Spring 2019

V FIELD TRIPS & STU D ENT TOUR9S p age 9

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THE BENEFITS OF BOARDING SCHOOLS

Atlanta’s Leading Education Resource

Winter/Spring 2019

BUILDING CHARACTER LEARNING THAT GOES BEYOND JUST ACADEMICS

C

MOVING ON UP

EASING KIDS INTO MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES EDUCATION OPTIONS FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES COVERING: Independent | Boarding | Public | Charter | Early Education | Summer Camps | Field Trips and More

CONTENTS

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FEATURES

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In Every Issue

Building Character

Moving on Up The transition to middle and high school can be a difficult one. Learn how to help your child navigate this challenging time in their lives.

The Benefits of Boarding Schools Discover the benefits of a boarding education and why many parents choose this type of environment for their child.

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6 How to Use This Guide

Many Atlanta schools incorporate some form of character education, teaching students to be involved and respect others.

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10 Critical Communication 16 Special Needs Resources 22 Headmaster’s Corner

Timothy Wiens of Mount Paran Christian School

40 Independent School Guide Boarding School Directory 76 86 Public Schools by County 95 Educational Resources Tutoring, summer camps and activities, field trips and more

105 Advertiser Index

HOW TO

Use This Guide 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 38 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 40 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 43 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 105 to find the appropriate page number.

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

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

Publisher/President PATRICK KILLAM Editor PHIL KEELING Marketing & Promotions JEFF THOMPSON Account Directors LACEY JAMES BRIAN PICHOT Contributing Writers WHITNEY BRENNAN, DANIEL BEAUREGARD, PHIL KEELING

TO ADVERTISE CALL

770-992-0273 Space closing for Summer/Fall 2019 issue: April 12, 2019 Atlanta School Guide, Winter/Spring 2019, Volume 14, Issue 1. 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. © 2019 Killam Publishing, Inc. For additional copies, further information or advertising, please contact:

KILLAM PUBLISHING, INC. P: 770-992-0273 F: 844-706-1545 info@killampublishing.com 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 Local Schools Recognized as Blue Ribbon Winners The U.S. Department of Education has honored 13 Georgia schools as Blue Ribbon Schools for overall excellence. Some honored metro Atlanta public and independent schools include Austin Elementary, Christ the King School, Heards Ferry Elementary, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Kittredge Magnet School, Lake Windward Elementary, Mount Bethel Christian Academy, Settles Bridge Elementary, Shakerag Elementary, and Simpson Elementary.

Suzuki School Launches Dual-Language Program The Suzuki School, an independent preparatory preschool, instituted a Dual-Language Immersion program over the summer, in order to provide children with a deeper understanding of Spanish. The program places a full-time, 10

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native-speaking instructor within the classroom, helping children to absorb their lessons in both English and Spanish.

Dunwoody Christian School Now Open Dunwoody Christian School, a brand new independent school, opened its doors in Dunwoody in August. The nondenominational Christian school currently serves kindergarten through second-grade students, with plans to add a grade each year until it becomes a K-12 school. The school promises class sizes of no more than 12 students per each class.

Atlanta-Area Schools Nab Top ACT Scores Metro Atlanta high schools once again posted the state’s five highest scores in the ACT college entrance exam for the 2017-2018 school year. The top five schools Winter/Spring 2019

were the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology, Northview High, Walton High, Johns Creek High, and Chattahoochee High School.

Westminster Schools Makes Prestigious List The Westminster Schools ranked among the top 25 schools in the nation when it comes to sending students on to Harvard, Princeton, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, according to the website PolarisList. The Westminster Schools ranked No. 23 for sending 26 students to those three colleges between 2015 and 2017.

No other Georgia school made the top 100 list.

APS Receives Donation From Gates Foundation Atlanta Public Schools and Achieve Atlanta, which helps APS students enroll in college, have received $532,000 from the Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation to create a platform to help match students with colleges.

APS also received a $90,000 grant to provide professional development and training for school counselors.

Primrose School Location to Expand The Midtown Atlanta location of Primrose School, a system of accredited independent preschools, announced plans to move to a new 22,960 square-foot space.

The new space will include another classroom, allowing for an additional 24 students. The new facility will also include a conference room, multipurpose room, a playground, and a library nook.

4 Charter Schools Approved for 2019 Georgia’s State Charter Schools Commission has authorized four new charter schools to open in the Atlanta area: Ethos Classical Charter School, Harriet Tubman School of Science and Tech, The Community Academy for Architecture and Design, and Yi Hwang Academy, a Korean-English immersion school. The new K-5 schools are scheduled to open in 2019.

AIS Primary School Doubles Size Atlanta International School unveiled its new, state-of-the-art Primary Learning Center in September, doubling the size of the primary school.

The center includes 20 new classrooms, a cafeteria, and a multi-purpose space.

The center also makes room for a new Mandarin Chinese program, joining the school’s already established French, Spanish and German language offerings.

BCS Named State’s Best District Buford City Schools was recognized as Georgia’s best school district by the ranking and review website Niche.com. Among the metro Atlanta districts in the top 10 are Forsyth County (No. 2), Decatur City Schools (No. 4) and Fayette County (No. 7).

Atlanta Schools Among Nation’s Healthiest More than 20 Georgia schools, including eight in metro Atlanta, were named among “America’s Healthiest Schools” by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The local schools include College Park’s Stonewall Tell Elementary; Flowery Branch Elementary and Spout Springs School of Enrichment in Flowery Branch; and Gainesville’s East Hall Middle School, Lanier Elementary, Mt. Vernon Exploratory Elementary, Tadmore Elementary and Wauka Mountain Multiple Intelligences Academy. 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 parents in the 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 instilling a global perspective in its students.

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 A school or program for children who have mild-tomoderate learning differences.

It usually features smaller class sizes, individualized attention and multisensory 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 30-minute 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.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Education that applies to children from birth to age 8, focusing specifically on their development, including physical, emotional, sensory, communicative, cognitive, and social needs.

GEORGIA MILESTONES Tests designed to measure how well students in grades 3 through 12 acquire the skills and knowledge outlined in the state-adopted content standards. They replace the CRCT and involve both multiple-choice and free-response questions.

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.

MISSION/PHILOSOPHY A statement outlining the guidelines a school fol-

Did You Know: Graduates of independent schools are far more likely to go on to receiving a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

lows as it works to achieve its various educational goals and/or maintain its 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 where 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 at the school.

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

SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TEST (SSAT) The admissions test that many independent schools require students 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. atlantaschoolguide.com

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Critical Communication

Deciphering Associations and Organizations Many local and national organizations work to improve summer camps and public and private schools by identifying those that meet certain standards through accreditation. These groups also set policies and offer services to city and state educational communities. The following are just some of the associations and organizations you should know.

AdvancED advanc-ed.org Advances education excellence through accreditation and school improvement initiatives.

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) boardingschools.com Serves the development needs of boarding schools and provides information to potential students and their families.

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) ami-global.org Provides support, training 14

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and development to Montessori schools.

Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) aaais.org Promotes standards and best practices for Atlanta’s accredited independent schools.

Department of Education (DOE) gadoe.org The governing body for the Georgia public school system for grades K-12.

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

Georgia Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children (GAPSEC) gapsec.org Shares information about programs at independent schools for students with learning disabilities.

Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) gisaschools.org Serves the professional growth, advocacy and interscholastic needs of member schools.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) sacs.org The recognized regional accrediting body for public and private schools in the eleven U.S. southern states.

Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) sais.org Provides accreditation, professional growth and leadership development for independent U.S. schools.

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.gadoe.org) or the U.S. Department of Education (www.ed.gov).

Winter/Spring 2019

Critical Communication

Special Needs

Resources Information on Learning Disabilities, Education Options and More What is a Learning Disability?

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects how your child processes certain information. Children with learning disabilities are as smart as or even smarter than other children, but may face challenges with reading, writing, spelling, reasoning and other functions. As a result, they often struggle to achieve in traditional classrooms. There are many types of learning disabilities, from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia to more serious forms such as autism.

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What is a Special Needs School?

Special needs schools are those that serve children who struggle with learning disabilities or don’t perform well in a conventional school environment. These schools use alternative approaches to instruction in order to help children learn more effectively and also achieve success in the classroom and in social settings.

Other schools don’t specifically target those with learning disabilities, but may teach different kinds of students who have had difficulty learning in a typical class-

room setting. Others may teach average or even above-average learners while also offering additional programs and classes for students with learning differences.

her evaluated by a mental health professional. A diagnosis is necessary in order to address the child’s educational needs.

After a Diagnosis: What’s Next?

How to Tell if Your Child Has a Special If your child is diagnosed with a learnNeeds Situation ing disability and attends public school, First, it’s important to identify your child’s talk with the principal, school counselor specific challenges. Students who exhibit or another administrator about developaverage or above-average intelligence ing an Individualized Education Program but often seem distracted and don’t per- (IEP). All public schools are required to create an IEP for students form well in a traditional with learning disabilities classroom setting may who meet special educabe struggling with dyslexia, Asperger’s syndrome, A professional tion requirements. An IEP is a document that speciADHD or some other disevaluation is fies your child’s learning order that affects their ability to learn effectively. Also, crucial in order situation and educational needs and outlines disruptive or aggressive to evaluate a course of action for children may be exhibiting teachers and other profrustration brought on by a your child’s fessionals to follow to learning disability. educational help make sure your child If you suspect your child learns to the best of his or may have a learning disabilneeds. her ability. u ity, it’s critical to have him or atlantaschoolguide.com

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Critical Communication If you feel your local public school isn’t the right environment for your child, or simply want to explore all your options, there are many quality independent schools in the metro Atlanta area devoted to helping children with special needs and learning issues. Visit the Georgia Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children’s website (www.gapsec.org) or our listings for special needs schools on page 106 to help you with your search.

needs education. Independent special needs schools can offer more individualized instruction and a more structured and predictable environment, and are likely to address nonacademic issues such as social skills and self-esteem.

As you begin searching for the right school for your child’s situation, here are some questions to keep in mind: • Will your child fare better in a school that focuses on his or her specific learning disability, or would you rather that he or she be able to interact with students with a wide range of learning capabilities?

• Does the school serve a specific age range, or work with students on all grade levels? Many students with learning disabilities have trouble transitioning to new schools.

How Do I Find the Right School?

All special needs schools are not the same. The first step is to identify those schools that can address your child’s specific learning difficulty, and offer the level of special needs instruction that you (and perhaps a professional) feel is best for your child.

You may be more comfortable enrolling your child in a school that focuses specifically on his or her needs, or you may want a more diverse environment where he or she can interact with many different kinds of students. Familiarize yourself with the different options offered by each kind of school.

Traditional indeIdentify those pendent schools that offer special needs schools that programs as part of a can best larger curriculum can offer that kind of enviaddress your ronment, but may have larger class sizes than child’s specific schools that specialize learning in specific learning disabilities. These kinds of difficulty. schools may also focus more on academics than on the therapeutic aspects of special 18

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Continued on pg 20 u

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Critical Communication • D oes the school offer a variety of extracurricular activities, including arts and sports programs?

• Is the school accredited? If so, by which organizations?

• Is the staff certified to instruct special needs children, or those with your child’s specific learning difficulty?

• Does the school focus more on academics or on addressing the child’s therapeutic needs?

Financial Assistance Many independent special needs schools participate in the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship program (GSNS), a school choice program available to special needs students attending Georgia public schools. The program offers funds to off-

set tuition and fees at participating private schools authorized by the State Board of Education. According to the Georgia Department of Education, scholarship amounts range from $2,500 to $13,500, with an average amount of around $6,000.

The Qualified Education Expense Credit program provides another scholarship option. Donations are made to an organization known as a Student Scholarship Organization (SSO), which uses the money to award scholarships to students in pre-K through grade 12. Many schools also offer their own scholarships or tuition assistance programs as well. Contact individual schools for details.

For more information on special needs schools and resources, please see our listings on page 106.

an occupational therapy service

for children toddler through teen

TREATING DEVELOPMENTAL SENSORY AND BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS Services Occupational Therapy for children with mild to moderate issues, inclusive of, but not limited to PDD, ADD, ADHD, Autism, motor and sensory delays, sensory integrative dysfunction, and more. Exclusive Provider of: WIN® Write Incredibly Now® Handwriting Program

FACILITATOR CERTIFICATION COURSE Train to become a certified Facilitator. Learn how to help YOUR child while learning how to help others!

CHILD/PARENT ADVOCACY IEP/504 accommodations help!

MENTORSHIPS For pre-OT students and OT’s who are looking to gain new skills.

KNOW THE FACTS BEFORE YOU SIGN!

Handwriting, Sensory Skills, Homework Organization our specialities!

Year round treatment and evaluative services available

Fun activity based individualized treatments designed specific to your child’s needs.

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770-394-9791 • info@childrens-services.com • www.childrens-services.com 20

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COMMON SPECIAL NEEDS TERMS Asperger’s Syndrome: A developmental disorder on the autism spectrum, characterized by high intelligence, difficulty with social situations and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest.

Individualized Educational Program (IEP): A written statement that outlines the needs of a public school student with learning disabilities and creates a customized plan for meeting those needs.

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): An outdated term used to refer to the inattentive form of ADHD, in which a person is typically inattentive or distractible, but not hyperactive or impulsive.

Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): The federal law that governs how states and public education agencies that accept funding under the law address the educational needs of students with disabilities.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A brain-based syndrome affecting the regulation of functions including attention, concentration, memory and impulsivity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: A developmental disorder affecting the ability to communicate and interact.

Symptoms include repetitive behaviors; intense, narrow interests and sensory sensibility.

Dyslexia: A learning disability that impairs specific language skills, particularly reading.

Georgia Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children (GAPSEC): An organization of independent schools serving students with learning disabilities and differences.

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS): A school-choice scholarship program for special needs students being served by an IEP in Georgia public schools.

Learning Disability: A neurological condition that affects how one processes information. Learning disabilities can impair reading, writing, speech, math, reason, memory, attention and coordination, as well as social skills and emotional maturity.

Multisensory Instruction: An educational approach involving the use of all of a child’s senses, not just sight and hearing, to help with understanding concepts and solving problems.

Response to Intervention (RTI): A process used by educators to help identify and address the needs of students experiencing behavioral or educational challenges, based on screening, instruction and assessment.

Student Scholarship Organization (SSO): An organization authorized by the state of Georgia to receive funds and award scholarships under the Georgia Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit program.

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Headmaster’s Corner

Timothy Wiens

Headmaster, Mount Paran Christian School

Headmaster of MPCS since July of 2018, Dr. Timothy Wiens has 25 years of experience as an educator and administrator in K-12 and postsecondary education. He holds a Master’s degree in Education from Bethel University, a Doctorate in Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a MBA from the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School in England.

What is your educational philosophy?

I believe the purpose of education is to prepare students to flourish in this world.

A K-12 education is meant to prepare students broadly, to understand the world around them, to engage the world in its many forms and functions, and to understand the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

What do you love most about your job?

I love being around students and seeing the impact their teachers have upon their thinking and their lives in general. A teacher’s impact is profound and can never be underestimated.

How is the field of education changing?

Technology has dramatically changed education. I believe education is inherently relational. Educators need to find the right balance between the personal and the technical, knowing both are important, but also understanding the importance of community and relationships.

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How can parents best contribute to the education process?

The more/better we can engage them in the life of the school and communicate clearly together, the better the education we as a school can provide.

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

Find a school that meets their childrens’ particular needs, not simply their desires.

Find a school that can truly help your child flourish.

THE ESSENTIALS: MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Emphasis: MPCS is a college preparatory Christian school that seeks to prepare servantleaders to honor God. Year Founded: 1976 Grades: PK3-12 Students: 1,100 Avg. Class Size: 14-20

Tuition Range: $8,000-$19,000 Accreditations or Affiliations: SAISAdvancED, GISA, GHSA, CESA Location: 1275 Stanley Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152 Contact: 770-578-0182, mtparanschool.com

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BUILDING CHARACTER

A STRONG

AN EDUCATION THAT GOES BEYOND ACADEMICS

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BY DANIEL BEAUREGARD ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

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F

or many parents, a good education means much more than academics.

While reading, math, and science are all important, having their child learn about such values as kindness, respect, and empathy for others is just as important, if not more so. Fortunately, most Atlantaarea public and independent schools incorporate some form of character education in their curricula, placing an emphasis on guiding children to become caring, involved members of society.

This is an area in which Georgia has led the way. The state devotes the entire month of September to the importance of character. Several years ago, a group of students and teachers at Cobb County’s Durham Middle School wrote their state senator, proposing a “Georgia Day” to honor character and good choices. Governor Nathan

importance of such values as democracy, respect for authority, equality, justice, liberty, patriotism, and respect for the natural environment. Students learn to respect others with an emphasis on altruism, honesty, and integrity, and are taught to respect themselves through self-esteem, accountability, and a strong work ethic.

The Cobb County School District boasts its own focus on character development with a calendar that emphasizes different character traits on a rotating basis throughout the school year, including respect, integrity, and responsibility. Instead of students receiving a separate lecture on selfrespect, that lesson is incorporated into the regular curriculum, across all disciplines.

As students reach high school, a leadership development class called Principled Thinking focuses on developing character-driven skills

THE CITIZENSHIP PORTION STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH VALUES AS DEMOCRACY, RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY, EQUALITY, JUSTICE, LIBERTY, PATRIOTISM, AND RESPECT FOR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. Deal extended the idea to a whole month spotlighting state history and the positive character traits of Georgians past and present. In March, 2012, Georgia became the first state to recognize and dedicate an entire month to history and character.

Georgia maintains this focus throughout the school year in its public-school curriculum. The Georgia Department of Education mandates character education as part of its Georgia Quality Core Curriculum Standards, required in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the state.

This “character curriculum” focuses on citizenship, having respect for others, and having respect for oneself.

The citizenship portion stresses the

to enable young adults to become positive leaders in their schools and communities.

A LARGER PERSPECTIVE

This approach is similar to the one taken by the Atlanta International School (AIS), an independent school in Buckhead that uses the framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to instill positive character traits in its students. At the core of this program is the goal of developing students who will be ready to create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect for others.

At AIS, the foundation is laid early: The Personal Social Education component of its Early Years program gives young atlantaschoolguide.com

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learners models, methods, and a vocabulary for handling social and emotional issues in a constructive way. As students continue, each grade’s IB program focuses on several distinct traits such as communication, open-mindedness, and risk-taking. At the beginning of each year, teachers work these principles into their lesson plans with an eye to shaping students into ideal global citizens who will use their knowledge to make a difference in the world and in their community.

At The Children’s School, an independent school in Midtown Atlanta for ages 3 to 8th grade, the goal goes beyond knowledge for its own sake. Here, the reason for learning is for students to better understand

the world around them so that they can fully engage with and make a positive impact on it. Immersive project-based learning expands their horizons beyond the campus so that they develop a sense of themselves as part of a larger community.

The school’s graduating 8th-graders have a unique opportunity to put their learning into practice in a new capstone experience that empowers them to take action on a social issue from an entrepreneurial perspective. Offered in partnership with Kennesaw State University's Shore Entrepreneurship Center, the project lasts the entire school year and partners students with social entrepreneurs from the Atlanta

IMMERSIVE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING EXPANDS THEIR HORIZONS BEYOND THE CAMPUS SO THAT THEY DEVELOP A SENSE OF THEMSELVES AS PART OF A LARGER COMMUNITY. 26

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business community. As the project progresses, students explore the issues important to their community, and through self-directed projects, create solutions to benefit those issues and put them into place, right where they live.

RESPECTING DIFFERENCES

Along with thinking for oneself and learning from failure, learning to respect the viewpoints of others is a key component of character-based education. At AIS, students are exposed to other cultures and different viewpoints, and learn to value others’ opinions, even when they don’t agree with them.

Diversity is a core value at The Children’s School, not only as the basis for empowering children to authentically be themselves, but to give them the competence necessary to engage in their community.

LEARNING FROM MISTAKES

Polly Williams, elementary school principal at The Galloway School in Atlanta, says she’s seen a paradigm shift in education

over the years, with more and more schools emphasizing project-based learning and collaborative problem-solving—an approach the Galloway School has employed since it was founded in 1969.

Students at the Galloway School are encouraged to come up with their own ideas, and to learn from their mistakes. As a process school rather than an outcome-based school, Galloway encourages its students to take risks, and provides a safe environment for them to do so.

“They can learn a lot by trying something,” Williams says, “and perhaps not having the outcome they anticipated, but learning from that.”

Students are also encouraged to explore their passions and beliefs, to ask questions, and speak out often on a regular basis in what Williams calls a “lively, discussion-rich environment.”

“It’s coming from them internally, instead of somebody telling them what to think or believe,” she says. “We think that’s incredibly important.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For a look at the Georgia Department of Education’s Quality Core Curriculum materials, including information on its Character Education program, visit georgiastandards.org/ standards/pages/qcc.aspx.

For information on Cobb County’s Character Education program, visit cobbk12.org/ centraloffice/communications/ charactereducation.

For more information about the Character.org 11 principles and program, visit character.org. atlantaschoolguide.com

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Easing into Middle

BY WHITNEY BRENNAN

T

he transitions to middle and high school can be daunting for both children and parents. And the stress of those transitions is only compounded when you’re relocating to a new city or a new neighborhood. Middle and high school students enter larger schools and have to learn to cope with more peers, new teachers, and unfamiliar subjects, as well as becoming the youngest students in the school—again.

While some stress will always accompany the move to middle and high school,

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M

G N I M OV !

O N UP

and High School

there should be excitement, too, as the change also means the possibility of new friends, new extracurricular activities, and more freedom in the hallways. The good news is that there are strategies for making the transition easier for both you and your child.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

First and foremost is communication. Talk to your child and find out what concerns he or she has about moving up to middle or high school. Some of the most common concerns of new middle school students are being late, getting lost, failing, more challenging schoolwork, being bullied, and taking tests. As these students move into high school, their concerns change to making good grades, taking tests and final exams, difficult classes, turning work in on time, and preparing for college.

However, not all children have the same concerns. Your child may be more worried about what you expect from him or her, as well as making friends, peer pressure, or getting into trouble. Discuss the transition to a new school with your child and ask them how they feel about the change so you can better understand their worries.

E A SMOOTH TRANSITION IS CRITICAL TO YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Second, make sure you and your child are familiar with the new school and its transition resources. Many metro Atlanta schools host an orientation or open house, which can be particularly helpful. These events typically allow students to meet teachers and other students, receive copies of their class schedules, and most importantly, familiarize themselves with their new surroundings. In addition, some schools also provide families with information packets that include materials about peer pressure and middle or high school expectations, student handbooks with the school’s guidelines, and an outline about what to expect on the first day of school. Middle and high schools also usually feature more extracurricular activities that allow your child to make friends and explore new interests, so find out as much as possible about what your new school has to offer.

Of course, transitioning doesn’t end once school begins. Some middle and high schools offer peer programs that pair incoming sixth- and ninth-graders with older students who are available to answer 30

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questions, help younger students navigate the school, open lockers, etc. At the very least, these older peers give younger students the comfort of knowing they have someone at the school to turn to during those tough first months. Teacher mentoring, small group Q&A sessions, and academic counselors are also great resources for students transitioning to new schools.

SCHOOLWORK AND COUNSELING

Part of moving up to middle school and high school means schoolwork will become more challenging. As a parent, your job is to help ensure that your child successfully navigates this new academic landscape.

Grading systems might change to a letter grade or a 100-point scale, and assignments will be tougher, so be sure to meet with your child’s new teachers at the beginning of the year to inquire about new expectations and grading policies.

It’s important to ask about homework.

How frequently will it be assigned? How much time will your child be expected to

spend on it? Will the homework be graded for accuracy, or will the teacher just check to make sure it was completed? The more information you and your child have about expectations at the new school, the more at ease you both will feel.

High school students should also be encouraged to think about what they want to do after they graduate. If they plan to attend college, they’ll need to choose collegepreparatory courses that will help them to achieve their goals, and perhaps advanced placement classes as well. Maintaining good grades is more important than ever for high school students, to increase their chances of attending the school of their choice. School counselors are a great resource for helping students prepare for life after high school.

Most importantly, continue to meet regularly with your child’s teachers throughout the year. It’s essential to know how

your child is doing so you can provide the assistance he or she may need. In addition to parent-teacher conferences, many metro Atlanta schools offer online programs where parents and students can monitor grades.

Ask school administrators what options are available for tracking your child’s progress.

Teachers also understand that transferring to middle or high school can be difficult, so if your child is feeling overwhelmed by the amount of schoolwork, discuss this with their child’s teacher; they may be able to help your child better organize his or her assignments.

A smooth transition to middle and high school is critical to your child’s future academic success. Armed with the information you need to help your child know what to expect—and what’s expected of them— you’re much more likely to help ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible.

atlantaschoolguide.com

31

BENEFITS OF A

BOARDING SCHOOL

BY PHIL KEELING

MAKING AN EDUCATED DECISION ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE

M

ention the words “boarding school,” and many people may immediately think of images conjured from books and films.

These images often go from one extreme to another: whether they’re drab, militaryinspired classrooms filled with unruly and troubled students that require discipline and 32

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

uniformity, or elitist institutions reserved for the super wealthy. These impressions are particularly common in America, where parents may have far less experience with the boarding school environment, and often misunderstand their benefits.

The reality is that a boarding education offers a wide variety of exciting opportuni-

ties to students who attend them. Statistics suggest that students who board are often more likely to succeed later in life. But the choice really comes down to this question: Are boarding schools the right educational and social fit for your child?

WHAT ARE BOARDING SCHOOLS?

Most commonly, boarding schools are private educational institutions that place a greater emphasis on college preparation through a heavy focus on rigorous academic programs and extensive extracurricular activities. Smaller class sizes and lower teacher to student ratios are common, providing greater individual attention.

The usual practice of students living on campus also allows for a constant emphasis on education, both in and out of the classroom. Not only does this provide students with a discipline for individual study, it prepares them for the independence that they will be faced with when they attend college. In fact, in a study conducted by The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), 78 percent of boarding school graduates reported being very well prepared for the nonacademic aspects of college life (managing time, handling independence and balancing social lives), compared to only 36 percent of private day school graduates and 23 percent of public school students. In addition to this, TABS also found that 50 percent of boarding school graduates go on to get advanced degrees, as opposed to 36 percent of students from private day schools, and 21 percent from public schools.

However, not all boarding schools require 24-hour on-campus residence.

It has become increasingly common for some boarding schools to offer admission to day students who commute from local cities (day-boarding schools), while others operate on a five-day schedule. Brandon

Hall School in Atlanta’s Sandy Springs area offers day school, as well as seven-day and five-day boarding. Other types of boarding schools include coeducational, single-gender, religiously affiliated, military, and even junior boarding schools that typically serve children in grades 1 through 8. Therapeutic schools such as The Vanguard School in Lake Wales, Florida specialize in educating children with learning disabilities, and many other boarding schools provide specific support to students with emotional or behavioral problems. There are also specialty schools for children who want to focus on a particular interest, such as the outdoors, sports, science and technology, or the arts.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOARDING EDUCATION

“Just like selecting a college, selecting a boarding school is so much about fit,” says Margaret Broad, Head of School Emerita at St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, Virginia. “It’s about the fit with the right program, the right community and the right atmosphere.” u

atlantaschoolguide.com

33

“THE KIDS THAT COME TO BOARDING SCHOOLS ARE TOP-NOTCH. THEY’RE COMING HERE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO HAVE AN ADVANTAGE IN BOTH ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL PREPARATION FOR COLLEGE.” Choosing the wrong school can result in an unhappy child and a wasted educational opportunity. “My strongest advice for those looking into boarding schools is to visit,” says Broad. “Do research. Consider your priorities for your child. Visit a variety of schools that meet the parameters that you have outlined. Give it the same amount of time you would give to selecting a college.”

Web sites of organizations such as The Association of Boarding Schools (boardingschools.com) are great places to start the search for schools. The TABS online database lists nearly 200 boarding schools throughout the US, and an advanced search

34

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

allows parents to enter various criteria, including religious affiliation, grade level, athletic programs, courses offered and more. This allows interested parents to find a school that is every bit as unique as their child.

Taking advantage of these resources along with close attention paid to detail and the desires and needs of your child will be priceless when it comes to choosing the right boarding school.

BREAKING THROUGH THE MISCONCEPTION

As mentioned before, there are countless stereotypes and misconceptions when it comes to boarding schools. For example, many have been led to believe that boarding schools are primarily for troubled students who can’t succeed in a public or even private school environment.

Absolutely not, says Barbara Kennedy, Director of External Affairs at Chattanooga’s Baylor School. “Those of us who work at boarding schools still face a bit of a challenge in talking to families and telling

FOR MORE INFORMATION them, ‘This is not where bad kids go,’” she says. “The kids that come to boarding schools are top-notch. They’re coming here because they want to have an advantage in both academic and social preparation for college.”

But what about the cost? In weighing the costs of a boarding education, Kennedy says to “definitely consider everything you get for that tuition—the small classes, all the extracurricular activities, the college counseling. Don’t dismiss boarding schools because you might have sticker shock. Definitely try to apply, because you never know what kind of aid might be available.”

In addition to need-based financial aid, many schools offer merit-based aid and flexible tuition payment plans. For financial options at potential schools, speak to an admission or financial aid officer.

WHEN SHOULD YOU DECIDE?

Like any major decision concerning your child’s future, deciding whether or not to board is a family choice. Making that choice involves a lot of important questions, such as: what are your child’s strengths and weaknesses as it pertains to boarding school?

What are yours and your child’s goals? Are you comfortable with the extended periods of separation that boarding school involves?

For many parents, making the decision to board is “a matter of deciding if your child needs outside mentoring, outside coaching or outside tutoring,” says Major Joe Watson, Director of Facilities and Property at Florida’s Lyman Ward Military Academy. “Sometimes, outside sources are just better. Parents may be the best person to raise their children, but they’re not always the best to teach them.”

Making that decision is difficult, and sometimes a little humbling. But boarding schools certainly should not be dismissed because of misconceptions. Be sure to visit some schools to discover the truth about the boarding experience. A boarding school education can provide a child not only with exceptional opportunities, but a sense of independence and personal growth.

Visit our Boarding School Directory on page 76 for a selection of boarding schools, each of which can offer something different for your child.

For a closer look at some featured boarding schools, turn to page 36 atlantaschoolguide.com

35

BOARDING SCHOOL GUIDE

BAYLOR SCHOOL

Chattanooga, TN Founded in 1893, Baylor School’s mission is to foster in students the desire and ability to make a postive difference in the world. Baylor’s community is comprised of boarding students in grades 9-12 from 23 states and 14 countries. As a college preparatory school, the school believes that education is more than learning how to do homework; it’s also learning how to thrive. Baylor boarders come away from their experience, independent, poised, and confident to tackle whatever college sends their way. From aquatic science in the advanced research labs and wetlands area, to analyzing data of contemporary urban issues in AP human geography, students will choose from a wide array of electives and collegelevel courses, work with others who value academic achievement, and learn from faculty committed to helping them reach their full academic potential. Each element of the historic 690-acre campus overlooking the Tennessee River Gorge is beautiful, safe, and functional. To schedule a visit, call 423-267-5902, or email admission@baylorschool.org. For more information about Baylor School, visit baylorschool.org.

THE FESSENDEN SCHOOL

West Newton, MA The Fessenden School is a place like no other—a place where words like distinct, unique, and incomparable genuinely apply.

A place where, despite being surrounded by 41 picturesque New England acres, boys are never far from the excitement of Boston, one of the most vibrant and culturally rich cities in America—a city just 10 miles away. Fessenden is a place where tried and true educational techniques are woven seamlessly into a curriculum that appropriately challenges students based on their academic strengths and fuels a love of learning. Dedicated faculty, who understand how boys learn best, provide the individual support and encouragement each student needs to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Since 1903, Fessenden has prepared generations of middle school boys for life in secondary school and beyond. Today, the school enrolls boarding students in grades 5-9 from across the country and around the globe, and matriculates young men of good character who are poised to succeed in the multi-cultural, technology-driven world they will inherit. Learn more at fessenden.org or call 617-630-2300 to schedule a campus visit.

36

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

SPECIAL PROMOTION

BOARDING SCHOOL GUIDE

THE STONY BROOK SCHOOL

Stony Brook, NY In an ever-changing world, tomorrow’s leaders need great vision. Founded in 1922 with the motto “Character Before Career,” The Stony Brook School educates students in the matters of the mind, body, and heart, and challenges students to become leaders with integrity and virtue. Distinguished for its academics and set apart by its mission, The Stony Brook School is widely known for its passion for character education.

It is a Christian, co-ed, college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 7-12. The Stony Brook School offers a rigorous college preparatory program that combines traditional academics with competitive athletics and training in the visual and performing arts. Located on the beautiful north shore of Long Island, the 55-acre campus is home to students from 26 countries and all over the United States—emerging as one of the most diverse private schools in the nation. For more information, call 631-751-1800 or visit stonybrookschool.org.

WYOMING SEMINARY

Kingston, PA The Wyoming Seminary believes education is a lifelong process of striving to be one’s best self. The seminary is located in close proximity to dynamic East coast cities—only two hours from NYC and Philadelphia—and the beautiful Pocono mountain region with its many opportunities for outdoor adventure. Through effort, strong character, and an appreciation of diverse perspectives, each member of the school’s community honors the true, the beautiful, and the good in the community and in the world. More than 150 unique courses and electives are offered, along with 21 Advanced Placement courses. The Upper School is home to more than 100 international students from over 35 countries. The campus features several state-of-the-art athletic facilities and fields as well as a cutting-edge creative arts facility. College counselors guide students throughout their time at the school, providing personal attention to academic and special interests in an effort to find the perfect college fit for each individual. With first class academic, arts, and athletics offerings, Wyoming Seminary looks forward to welcoming students to its warm community in the Wyoming Valley of PA. For more information, call 570-270-2160 or visit wyomingseminary.org.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

atlantaschoolguide.com

37

38

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

5

1

For features of independent schools, turn to Education At a Glance on pg. 40. For public school system information by county, turn to pg. 86.

2 3

REGIONS FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

metro atlanta area map

N

Alpharetta, Buckhead, Canton, Crabapple, Downtown Atlanta, East Cobb, Holly Springs, Marietta, North Buckhead, Roswell, West Cobb

Alpharetta, Brookhaven, Cumming, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, Roswell

Athens,Park, Ansley Dacula, Athens, Decatur, Dacula, Lilburn, Decatur, Midtown, Midtown, Northeast AtlantaWatkinsville Morningside, Stone Mountain,

p.59 REGION 3: Atlanta East

p.53 REGION 2: Atlanta North/Northeast

p.43 REGION 1: Atlanta North/Northwest

Page | Region | Neighborhoods Douglasville, Fairburn, Fayetteville, Locust Grove, Metro-Atlanta

Austell, Emerson, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Smyrna-Vinings

p.71 REGION 5: Atlanta West

p.66 R EGION 4: Atlanta South/ Southeast/Southwest

4

Tutoring, Summer Camps and Activities, Field Trips and Education Programs.

p.95 Educational Resources

p.86 Public School County Guide

Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York,

Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia

p.76 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

APPLICATION DEADLINE

UNIFORM

OPEN HOUSE BEGINS

AP/IB COURSES

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION*

AVG. CLASS SIZE

404-845-0900

$25,688 6-12th

46

Atlanta International School

404-841-3840

51

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School

678-277-9083

$12,000

106

Brenwood Academy

770-704-4925

19

Cumberland Academy of Georgia

$8,000- Infant$11,200 5th

404-835-9000

2

Fulton Science Academy

678-366-2555

52

The Garden School of Marietta

770-765-2036

Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

48 51

404-799-0337 404-303-2150

45

Holy Spirit Preparatory School

678-761-7992

48

Johnson Ferry Christian Academy

678-784-5231

49

Lyndon Academy

770-926-0166

44

Mill Springs Academy

770-360-1336

46

Pace Academy

404-262-1345

47

Porter Academy

770-594-1313

52

Saint Francis School

770-641-8257

47 50

Springmont School

404-252-3910

26

235

16

•

• Ongoing Feb. 4

194 1,270

16

•

Oct. Jan. 15

19

The Walker School

770-427-2689

•

•

•

82

997

•

•

•

24

185 12-22

•

22

93

8-9

600

20

9-12

$24,400 4-12th $12,500$13,750 $6,140$9,800 $6,750$8,000 $11,380$27,870 $3,400$24,780 $4,100$4,700 $6,400$15,600 $19,500$25,000 $24,575$28,300 $19,923$20,748 $11,000$20,500 $10,350$24,000 $12,290$23,680

•

•

•

•

75

K3-6th

•

•

•

12

50

12

•

14

96

13-15

SA

PK312th

•

•

•

250 1,360

16

E

PK-12th

•

•

•

88

550 12-14

C

K-12th

•

•

46

440+ 12-16

B

PK412th

•

•

20

185

12

4-14y

•

K-12th

•

• Appt. Rolling

•

•

Dec. Rolling Appt. Feb. 25

• •

•

• Appt.

•

• Dec. 1 Feb. 1

•

•

Nov. Mar. 12

•

Oct.

•

•

54

285

10

•

•

126 1,105

12

•

•

20

70

10

•

•

•

120

730

14

•

1-12th P-12th

•

• Appt. Feb. 1 • Appt. Rolling

PK-12th

9-12th

•

CC

•

•

•

•

40

240

20

•

3y-12th

•

•

•

117

865

14

•

•

55

345

16

•

28

135

8

•

27

140

12

June 1

• Appt. Rolling • Sept. Rolling

•

18mo8th

Call

Nov. 17 Feb. 1 Appt. Rolling

•

•

Oct. Rolling Appt. Feb. 15

•

Nov. Feb. 15

REGION 2: ATLANTA NORTH/NORTHEAST

58

Atlanta Academy

678-461-6102

79

Brandon Hall School

770-394-8177

54

Bridgeway Christian Academy

770-751-1972

54

# STUDENTS

Atlanta Girls’ School

$22,9023K-12th $26,144

57

•

REGION 1: ATLANTA NORTH/NORTHWEST

44

53

BEFORE/AFTER CARE

PHONE

KINDERGARTEN

SCHOOL

# TEACHERS

43

PRESCHOOL

PAGE

ANNUAL TUITION

*KEY: Religious Affiliation: B = Baptist CC = Catholic C = Christian E = EpiscopaL J = Jewish M = Methodist ND = Non-denominational P = Presbyterian Q = Quaker SA = Seventh-Day Adventist

GRADES/AGES

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia McGinnis Woods Country Day School

770-814-8001 770-664-7764

3

MJCCA Preschools

678-812-3833

107

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs

770-205-6277

107

Montessori at Vickery

770-777-9131

55

Montessori Kids Academy

678-208-0774

40

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

$10,060$23,110 $27,000$52,850 $3,000$11,665 $650$1,450 $9,725$13,725 $4,067$15,813 $8,240$12,720 $8,085$12,835 $9,000$11,000

P-8th

•

•

6-12th Pre38th 8wks6y Infant8th 6wksPK 6wks18y 13mo9y 18mo12y

Winter/Spring 2019

ND

• •

•

•

•

•

•

18

80 Varies

•

•

•

65

400

15

•

120

480

15

210 12-30

•

•

C

•

•

Nov. Rolling

•

Ongoing Rolling

• Jan. 13 Rolling

•

• Appt. Rolling • Appt. Rolling

J

•

Appt. Rolling

•

•

•

21

•

• Appt. Rolling

•

•

•

7

171

30

•

• Appt. Rolling

•

•

•

27

140

18

•

• March Rolling

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

57

Wesleyan School

770-448-7640

56

William & Reed Academy

678-456-5131

70

Woodward Academy

404-765-4001

59 61

Arbor Montessori School

404-321-9304

60

Athens Academy

706-549-9225

Atlanta Montessori International School

404-325-6777

64

Canterbury School

404-522-5659

64

The Children’s School

404-873-6985

15

Choice Educational Academy

770-921-3690

61

The Friends School of Atlanta

404-373-8746

60

Hebron Christian Academy

770-963-9250

62

Killian Hill Christian School

770-921-3224

63

Midtown International School

404-542-7003

65

THRIVE Christian Academy

470-375-4120

65 Westminster Christian Academy

68

$16,700K-12th $23,210 $10,2506-12th $12,750 $17,600PK-12th $27,750

645

16

ND

5

16

4-8

•

•

Sept. Rolling

•

•

16

17

10

•

Call Rolling

•

• Appt. Feb. 28

150

•

•

352 2,635 16

706-769-9372

$10,650$19,450 $8,975$18,950 $13,610$20,875 $12,000$17,000 $13,975$22,750 $7,500-$11,000 $13,950$22,100 $9,450$11,550 $4,500$11,990 $22,000$23,900 $6,300$7,500 $3,850$9,250

18mo8th

•

•

•

26

K3-12th

•

•

•

8wks15y Infant8th

•

•

•

3y-8th

•

265

25

Jan.

Feb. 7

140

945

14

•

43

270 9-30

•

•

20

100

10

•

•

52

400

22

•

Call

Call

10 9

1-12th

Nov. Feb. 15

•

•

• Nov. Rolling

•

Appt. Rolling Ongoing Call Oct. Feb. 15

•

•

Appt. Mar. 31

PK3-8th

•

•

•

40

170

K4-12th

•

•

•

126

915 18-22

C

•

•

K4-12th

•

•

•

44

399

14

C

•

•

• Dec. 5 Rolling

12

Q

Dec. Feb. 19 Jan. 27 Mar. 1

•

•

56

240

K-12th

•

•

•

30

150 15-20

C

•

•

• Appt. Rolling

PK-12th

•

•

•

50

365

C

•

•

•

K-12th

16

Appt. Rolling

Oct. Rolling

REGION 4: ATLANTA SOUTH/SOUTHEAST/SOUTHWEST The Bedford School

•

69 Counterpane Montessori School

770-461-2304

$14,000 3y-18y

•

•

•

9

90

n/a

67

Harvester Christian Academy

770-942-1583

•

•

•

30

340

15

67

Landmark Christian School

770-306-0647

•

•

•

111

887

18

C

23

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School

$4,720K4-12th $8,075 $5,600 K4-12th $16,500

770-306-9026

$8,842

PK-8th

•

•

•

14

112

10

CC

Strong Rock Christian School

678-833-1200

•

•

•

71

829

15

C

Woodward Academy

404-765-4001

$6,050- PK3$13,130 12th $17,600PK-12th $27,750

•

•

352 2,635 16

•

•

16

90

12

C

•

6

48

16

ND

71

REGION 5: ATLANTA WEST

7

Benjamin Preparatory School

770-436-5200

74

Center Academy

770-333-1616

1-9th

$7,800- 6wks$14,500 2nd $5,0004-12th $14,680

•

31

•

$19,550

70

• Jan. 26 Rolling

230 1,159

770-774-8001

69

• •

C

APPLICATION DEADLINE

91

OPEN HOUSE BEGINS

• •

UNIFORM

• •

REGION 3: ATLANTA EAST

107

66

•

K-HS

AP/IB COURSES

$25,000

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS

404-382-8200

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION*

55 The Piedmont School of Atlanta

AVG. CLASS SIZE

$14,950JK-12th $20,395

# STUDENTS

678-336-3400

# TEACHERS

PHONE

Mount Pisgah Christian School

BEFORE/AFTER CARE

SCHOOL

5

KINDERGARTEN

PAGE

PRESCHOOL

GRADES/AGES

*KEY: Religious Affiliation: B = Baptist CC = Catholic C = Christian E = EpiscopaL J = Jewish M = Methodist ND = Non-denominational P = Presbyterian Q = Quaker SA = Seventh-Day Adventist

ANNUAL TUITION

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

150 10-12

• Jan. 27 Rolling • Ongoing Rolling

C

•

•

• Jan. 27 Rolling

•

• Sept. Rolling

•

•

•

• Appt. Rolling

•

• Appt. Feb. 28

Call Rolling

• Appt. Rolling •

• Appt. Rolling

Education At-a-Glance Continued on Page 42 u

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

Midway Covenant Christian School

770-590-1866

73

Mount Paran Christian School

770-578-0182

74

Whitefield Academy

678-305-3000

76

•

26

160

16

C

K3-12th

•

•

•

35

348

18

C

•

Oct. Rolling

PreK12th

•

•

•

30

150

14

C

•

•

Jan. Rolling

K3-8th

•

•

•

32

290300

15

P

•

•

Jan. Rolling

PK-12th

•

•

•

122 1,087

12

C, ND

•

•

Dec. Rolling

PK412th

•

•

•

82

853 16-18

•

•

Oct.

4

32

•

C

APPLICATION DEADLINE

•

OPEN HOUSE BEGINS

•

UNIFORM

K4-8th

AP/IB COURSES

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION*

73

AVG. CLASS SIZE

770-819-6443 770-382-9488

# STUDENTS

The Cumberland School Excel Christian Academy

# TEACHERS

72 72

$6,254$9,957 $3,200$9,850 $7,020$9,180 $1,800$7,000 $3,743$18,618 $10,650$23,300

BEFORE/AFTER CARE

770-435-1596

KINDERGARTEN

PHONE

Covenant Christian School

PRESCHOOL

SCHOOL

75

GRADES/AGES

ANNUAL TUITION

PAGE

SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS *KEY: Religious Affiliation: B = Baptist CC = Catholic C = Christian E = EpiscopaL J = Jewish M = Methodist ND = Non-denominational P = Presbyterian Q = Quaker SA = Seventh-Day Adventist

•

Oct.

Feb. 1

Feb. 1

BOARDING SCHOOLS

19

The Academy at SOAR

828-456-3435

83

Baylor School

423-267-5902

79

Brandon Hall School

770-394-8177

79

Darlington School

706-235-6051

80

Eagle Hill School

413-477-6000

81

The Fessenden School

617-630-2300

77

Forman School

860-567-1802

84

Foxcroft School

540-687-4340

82

The Knox School

631-686-1600

$55,500 7-12th $24,700$50,300 $27,000$52,850 $11,380$59,050 $55,525$77,575 $58,300$68,000 $62,080$75,940

•

116 1,080

15

•

• Dec. Rolling

•

28

135

8

•

• Ongoing Rolling

•

147

723

15

•

•

•

PK-12th

•

•

8-12th

56

210

6

5-9th

90

328

12

84

The Madeira School

703-556-8211

North Broward Preparatory School

954-247-0179

80

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

706-746-7720

85

St. Margaret’s School

804-443-3357

81

St. Paul’s School

603-229-4700

82

The Stony Brook School

631-751-1800

77

Subiaco Academy

479-934-1034

83

Wyoming Seminary

570-270-2100

$26,400- 18mo$54,900 PG

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Appt. Rolling

6-12th

78

42

•

6-12th

9-12th & PG 9-12th $54,000 & PG $15,500- 6-12th $50,350 & PG $47,0009-12th $62,000 $22,825$30,825 $8,755$52,962 $18,400$49,900

•

8

Oct. Feb. 15

• Oct.12 Rolling • Appt. Rolling

68

233

8

•

• Jan. 14 Rolling

30

178

10

•

Appt. Feb. 1

30

159

12

•

•

• Feb. 9 Rolling

38

325

12

•

Oct. Jan. 15

•

•

• Appt. Rolling

•

•

Oct.

•

•

Oct. Rolling

PK312th

•

•

• Varies 1,650 14

PK-12th

•

•

•

90

600

12

P

8th-PG

27

120

10

E

$59,900 9-12th

117

534 12-14

$55,100 7-12th

66

402

15

C,ND

•

$27,060

33

185

15

CC

•

•

113

821

14

M

•

• Appt. Rolling

7-12th

Winter/Spring 2019

•

•

•

•

E

Call

Feb. 1

Call

Apr. Jan. 31 Oct. Rolling

ATLANTA NORTH • NORTHWEST

106

49

1

44

GION RE

51

52

47

2

52 50

48

19 51 47 45 44 46

Independent Schools Schools Page Atlanta Girls’ School 44 Atlanta International School 46 Blessed Trinity Catholic High School 51 Brenwood Academy 106 Cumberland Academy of Georgia 19 Fulton Science Academy Private School 2 The Garden School of Marietta 52 Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy 48 Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School 51

46

48

Holy Spirit Preparatory School Johnson Ferry Christian Academy Lyndon Academy Mill Springs Academy Pace Academy Porter Academy Saint Francis School Springmont School The Walker School

45 48 49 44 46 47 52 47 50

NEIGHBORHOODS OF NOTE Marietta Beautiful parks, charming streets, 19th-century Victorian homes and historic sites make Marietta a desirable place to call home. Residents enjoy the vibrant downtown square, with its many restaurants, antique shops and happenings.

Woodstock Located in Cherokee County, Woodstock is, as locals say, “where modern amenities meet old Southern charm.” Historic Olde Towne pays a continual tribute to Woodstock’s pioneers through vintage shops and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. atlantaschoolguide.com

43

BUCKHEAD • ALPHARETTA 44

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

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BUCKHEAD

BUCKHEAD 46

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

BUCKHEAD • CRABAPPLE atlantaschoolguide.com

47

EAST COBB • DOWNTOWN ATLANTA 48

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

HOLLY SPRINGS

MARIETTA

NORTH BUCKHEAD • ROSWELL atlantaschoolguide.com

51

WEST COBB • ROSWELL 52

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

ATLANTA NORTH • NORTHEAST

107 107 55 54 54 58

5

56 57 70

79 3

57

55

2 GION RE

Independent Schools

Schools Page Atlanta Academy 58 Brandon Hall School 79 Bridgeway Christian Academy 54 Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia 57 McGinnis Woods Country Day School 54 MJCCA Preschools 3 Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 107

Montessori at Vickery 107 Montessori Kids Academy 55 Mount Pisgah Christian School 5 The Piedmont School of Atlanta 55 Wesleyan School 57 William & Reed Academy 56 Woodward Academy 70

NEIGHBORHOODS OF NOTE Alpharetta Offering exceptional shopping, entertainment and dining, Alpharetta also boasts many awardwinning parks and numerous housing options.The city is also home to a 12,000-seat outdoor concert venue, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre.

Chamblee This DeKalb County suburb attracts diverse residents, thanks to its International Village, a 394-acre neighborhood that is home to people representing more than 30 countries.

Chamblee’s Antique Row is the South’s largest antiques area. atlantaschoolguide.com

53

ALPHARETTA 54

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

Open House Dates: Dec. 12, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

See tour dates on Facebook.

Teachers deliver a regular-education curriculum combining: • Georgia Standards and National Core • Differentiated Instruction • Community-Based Experiences • PE, Art, Foreign Language, Theatre and Culinary Arts • Technology in every classroom

Rolling Admissions. Fully Accredited GAC. Now accepting students for 2019-20

atlantaschoolguide.com

55

BROOKHAVEN • CUMMING

Serving children grades Kindergarten to High School with language, learning and social challenges.

JOHNS CREEK

JOHNS CREEK • PEACHTREE CORNERS

Sowing the Seeds of Organic Learning

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57

ROSWELL

60

60

ATHENS

62 61 107 63

WATKINSVILLE

65

65 15

64 64

61

Independent Schools Schools Page Arbor Montessori School 61 Athens Academy 60 Atlanta Montessori International School 107 Canterbury School 64 The Children’s School 64 Choice Educational Academy 15

The Friends School of Atlanta Hebron Christian Academy Killian Hill Christian School Midtown International School THRIVE Christian Academy Westminster Christian Academy

61 60 62 63 65 65

NEIGHBORHOODS OF NOTE Decatur A great mix of history and modernity, Decatur is home to more than 200 shops, restaurants, galleries and performance venues located along tree-lined streets. Events take place throughout the year at the city’s historic downtown square.

Stone Mountain With a revitalized downtown and a variety of family oriented activities, Stone Mountain has much to offer. The city’s four city parks, as well as Stone Mountain Park, make this one of the cleanest and “greenest” areas in Metro Atlanta. atlantaschoolguide.com

59

ATLANTA EAST

3 GION RE

DACULA • ATHENS 60

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DECATUR atlantaschoolguide.com

61

LILBURN 62

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MIDTOWN

MORNINGSIDE • MIDTOWN Grades K - 8th

64

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STONE MOUNTAIN • WATKINSVILLE

65

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ATLANTA SOUTH • SOUTHEAST • SOUTHWEST

4 GION RE

EAST POINT

67

70

DEKALB

Carrolton

67

68

69

23

69

Independent Schools Schools Page The Bedford School 68 Counterpane Montessori School 69 Harvester Christian Academy 67

Landmark Christian School Our Lady of Victory Catholic School Strong Rock Christian School Woodward Academy

67 23 69 70

NEIGHBORHOODS OF NOTE East Point The up-and-coming East Point area combines the charm of a small town with conveniences of a big city. Residents enjoy the city’s prime location near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, MARTA and Downtown Atlanta.

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Fairburn Less than half an hour from Atlanta, Fairburn is filled with historic buildings and boasts a peaceful, smalltown atmosphere. The city is home to the annual Georgia Renaissance Festival and the local campus of Georgia Military College.

DOUGLASVILLE • FAIRBURN atlantaschoolguide.com

67

FAIRBURN

FAYETTEVILLE • LOCUST GROVE

69

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METRO-ATLANTA

BARTOW

ATLANTA WEST

5 GION RE

72

73

73 74 75 74

7

72

FULTON

Independent Schools Schools Page Benjamin Preparatory School 7 Center Academy 74 Covenant Christian School 75 The Cumberland School 72

Excel Christian Academy Midway Covenant Christian School Mount Paran Christian School Whitefield Academy

72 73 73 74

NEIGHBORHOODS OF NOTE Acworth Just 35 miles northwest of Atlanta, Acworth is convenient to the city while offering its own unique smalltown appeal. Its historic downtown is a charming mixture of past and present.

Surrounded by Lake Acworth and Lake Allatoona, this thriving city is a popular destination for fishing, boating and many other recreational activities.

Douglasville A quick trip west of Atlanta on I-20, Douglasville has easy access to all that Atlanta offers—including Six Flags, 10 minutes away—but plenty of its own charm, too. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Downtown Douglasville’s historic district is an outstanding example of a turn-ofthe-century southern railroad town. atlantaschoolguide.com

71

EMERSON • AUSTELL 72

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

KENNESAW • POWDER SPRINGS

73

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SMYRNA-VININGS

1968

74

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Winter/Spring 2019

SMYRNA-VININGS

BOARDING SCHOOL DIRECTORY

T

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.

Boarding Schools Schools Page The Academy at Soar 19 Baylor School 83 Brandon Hall School 79 Darlington School 79 Eagle Hill School 80 The Fessenden School 81 Forman School 77 Foxcroft School 84 76

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

The Knox School 82 The Madeira School 84 North Broward Preparatory School 78 Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School 80 St. Margaret’s School 85 St. Paul’s School 81 The Stony Brook School 82 Subiaco Academy 77 Wyoming Seminary 83

ARKANSAS • CONNECTICUT atlantaschoolguide.com

77

FLORIDA

GEORGIA atlantaschoolguide.com

79

MASSACHUSETTS • GEORGIA 80

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

MASSACHUSETTS • NEW HAMPSHIRE

81

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NEW YORK 82

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

PENNSYLVANIA • TENNESSEE atlantaschoolguide.com

83

VIRGINIA 84

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

VIRGINIA

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Call to reserve your space in our next issue!

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85

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 86

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PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

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PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

BARTOW

Number of Schools Elementary 12 Middle 4 High 3 Career Academy 1

ADAIRSVILLE WHITE

Total # of Students: 13,524 Student Spending: $8,955

BARTOW CARTERSVILLE EMERSON

CHEROKEE

Number of Schools Elementary 24 Middle 7 High 6 Alternative 1 Evening 1 Virtual School 1 Centers 4

CHEROKEE

Total # of Students: 42,275 Student Spending: $8,704

Top 3 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Woodland 1051 Cass High 1050 Adairsville High 1033

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 520 (M) 541 5th: (ELA) 527 (M) 534 8th: (ELA) 528 (M) 514 2018 Average SAT: 1122 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Woodstock High 1134 Etowah High 1128 Creekview High 1127 Cherokee High 1115 Sequoyah High 1111

What’s New Cherokee County School District has initiated Express Gateway, a new online emergency contact information form. Five CCSD high school seniors were named semi-finalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.

CLAYTON

CLAYTON

Number of Schools Elementary 31 Primary 2 Middle 14 High 9 Virtual 1 Alternative 3 Performing Arts Center 1 Adult Education 1 Charter 2 Magnet 9 Open Campus 1 Total # of Students: 54,532 Student Spending: $8,772

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

88

2018 Average SAT: 1046

What’s New Bartow County’s graduation rate continued to climb in 2018, rising to 87.1 percent from 83.4 percent in 2017. The Read to Grow program was introduced to strengthen literacy in Bartow County first graders.

Board of Education 770-606-5800 bartow.k12.ga.us

Board of Education 770-479-1871 cherokeek12.net

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 510 (M) 524 5th: (ELA) 515 (M) 518 8th: (ELA) 510 (M) 508

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 481 (M) 507 5th: (ELA) 493 (M) 492 8th: (ELA) 498 (M) 484 2018 Average SAT: 962 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Perry Career Academy 1077 Elite Scholars Academy 1060 Charles Drew High School 1058 M.E. Stilwell School of the Arts 1034 Morrow High School 1025

What’s New Elite Scholars Academy, Arnold Elementary School, and Suder Elementary School are fully eligible to join the Cambridge Assessment International Educational program.

Winter/Spring 2019

COBB

Board of Education 770-426-3300 cobbk12.org

COWETA COWETA

Number of Schools 2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: Elementary 63 3rd: (ELA) 518 (M) 527 Primary 2 5th: (ELA) 527 (M) 522 Intermediate 2 8th: (ELA) 530 (M) 518 Middle 24 High 10 2018 Average SAT: 1107 Magnet High Schools 6 Charter 1 Top 5 Schools by Average Learning Centers 1 2018 SAT Score Virtual Academies 1 Walton High School 1262 Lassiter High School 1204 Total # of Students: Alan C. Pope High School 1203 115,086 Kennesaw High School 1172 Student Spending: Wheeler High School 1147 $9,110 What’s New Harrison High School was awarded a FastTrack grant for an A/V technology and film lab by the Georgia Department of Education. The value of the grant is $120,000. The class of 2018’s scores are 19 points higher than the previous year.

Number of Schools Elementary 19 Middle 6 High 3 Charter & Career Academy 1 Alternative 3 Centre for Performing and Visual Arts 1 Total # of Students: 22,164 Student Spending: $8,794

Board of Education 770-254-2800 cowetaschools.net

DEKALB

DEKALB

Board of Education 678-676-1200 dekalbschoolsga.org

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 513 (M) 523 5th: (ELA) 520 (M) 518 8th: (ELA) 526 (M) 532 2018 Average SAT: 1082 Top 3 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Northgate High 1109 East Coweta High 1089 Newnan High 1044

What’s New Two students from Coweta County Schools have joined the Georgia School Superintendent’s 2018-19 Student Advisory Council. Members were selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 students on the basis of their essays about ideas for public education and their experience in community service.

Number of Schools Elementary 66 Middle 18 High 18 Charter 9 Magnet 6 Centers, Special Education and Alternative 18 Total # of Students: 101,856 Student Spending: $9,862

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 485 (M) 503 5th: (ELA) 499 (M) 497 8th: (ELA) 499 (M) 492 2018 Average SAT: 998 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Chamblee Charter High 1172 DeKalb School of the Arts 1142 Lakeside High 1136 Dunwoody High 1131 DeKalb Early College Academy 1111

What’s New Kittredge Magnet School and Austin Elementary School both became 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The schools, recognized for excellence in academics and closing achievement gaps, join more than 8,500 nationwide. atlantaschoolguide.com

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PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

COBB

PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS

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

FAYETTE FAYETTE

Number of Schools Elementary 20 Middle 8 High 5 Centers 3 Total # of Students: 26,537 Student Spending: $8,671

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 503 (M) 519 5th: (ELA) 515 (M) 514 8th: (ELA) 518 (M) 509 2018 Average SAT: 1005 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Chapel Hill High 1056 Alexander High 1033 Douglas County High 1029 Lithia Springs High 979 New Manchester High 937

What’s New The Class of 2018 has surpassed the graduation rate for the state of Georgia for the fourth consecutive year. 86.5 percent of students from all five Douglas County high schools successfully completed the twelfth grade.

Number of Schools Elementary 14 Middle 5 High 5 Alternative 1 Open Campus 1

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 533 (M) 545 5th: (ELA) 539 (M) 536 8th: (ELA) 543 (M) 543

Total # of Students: 20,089 Student Spending: $9,750

Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score McIntosh High 1210 Starr’s Mill High 1172 Whitewater High 1134 Sandy Creek High 1091 Fayette County High 1053

2018 Average SAT: 1142

Board of Education 770-460-3535 fcboe.org

What’s New Rising Starr Middle School hosted an Open House with Community for Creativity, a program connecting middle schoolers with industry professionals.

FORSYTH

Number of Schools Elementary 21 Middle 10 High 5 Non-Traditional 2 Virtual 1 Charter/Evening 1

FORSYTH

Total # of Students: 46,326 Student Spending: $8,221

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 545 (M) 561 5th: (ELA) 550 (M) 565 8th: (ELA) 549 (M) 558 2018 Average SAT: 1167 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Lambert High 1221 South Forsyth High 1201 West Forsyth High 1149 Forsyth Central 1113 North Forsyth High 1112

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

What’s New SAT scores at Forsyth County Schools are the highest in the state of Georgia and above the national average for 2018. ACT test scores came out on top among the other counties and large school districts in Georgia for the fourth consecutive year.

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Winter/Spring 2019

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Number of Schools Elementary 59 Middle 19 High 18 Charter 10 Alternative Schools 3 Virtual Campus 1 Total # of Students: 95,647 Student Spending: $10,609

FULTON

Board of Education 470-254-3600 fultonschools.org

GRIFFINSPALDING

GWINNETT

GWINNETT

Number of Schools Elementary 11 Middle 4 High 2 Alternative 2

Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Northview HS 1275 Chattahoochee HS 1240 Johns Creek HS 1224 Alpharetta 1212 Cambridge 1184

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 481 (M) 504 5th: (ELA) 492 (M) 497 8th: (ELA) 501 (M) 491 2018 Average SAT: 974 Top 2 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Spalding High 1011 Griffin High 933

What’s New The Griffin-Spalding County School System garnered Farm To School Excellence honors at the 2018 Golden Radish Awards in Atlanta. The Golden Radish Award recognizes school districts in Georgia for best practices in procuring local food, acquainting students to new foods by taste tests, and including gardening and cooking in learning.

Number of Schools Elementary 80 Middle 29 High 21 Alternative 4 Charter 2 Open Campus 1 Virtual School 1 Special Education 4 Center 1 Career/Technical 1 Total # of Students: 182,548 Student Spending: $8,538

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

2018 Average SAT: 1091

What’s New Three Fulton County elementary schools are included in the 2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools, recognized in the “Exemplary High Performing” category. This is the first time three schools in Fulton won the honor in the same year.

Total # of Students: 9,881 Student Spending: $9,465

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

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 512 (M) 529 5th: (ELA) 524 (M) 526 8th: (ELA) 517 (M) 508

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 519 (M) 534 5th: (ELA) 527 (M) 529 8th: (ELA) 528 (M) 500 2018 Average SAT: 1102 Top 2 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Gwinnett School of Math, Science, and Technology 1364 North Gwinnett High 1200 Brookwood High 1154 Parkview High 1150 Mill Creek High 1148

What’s New Six Gwinnett elementary schools may apply for the National NSEA Distinguished School Award, which provides $20,000 from the Georgia DoE’s Title I Program. atlantaschoolguide.com

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FULTON

PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

HALL HALL

Number of Schools Elementary 14 Middle 6 High 7 Charter 11 Total # of Students: 28,008 Student Spending: $8,505

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 497 (M) 515 5th: (ELA) 510 (M) 511 8th: (ELA) 492 (M) 500 2018 Average SAT: 1054 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score North Hall High 1109 Flowery Branch High 1072 Johnson High 1064 Chestatee High 1042 West Hall High 1013

Board of Education 770-534-1080 hallco.org

What’s New Flowery Branch High School brought home the gold in the 2018 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals held at Iowa State University. Over 800 teams competed in the event.

HENRY

Number of Schools Elementary 27 Middle 11 High 10 Charter 2 Alternative 1 Career Academy 1 Virtual School 1

HENRY

Total # of Students: 42,146 Student Spending: $9,016

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 495 (M) 510 5th: (ELA) 506 (M) 505 8th: (ELA) 513 (M) 492 2018 Average SAT: 1010 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Union Grove High 1110 Ola High 1071 Woodland High 1051 Eagles Landing High 1022 Stockbridge High 1016

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

What’s New Henry County’s high school graduation rate increased for the fourth consecutive year. Students completing the twelfth grade exceeded the state average by 5.87 percentage points.

PAULDING

Number of Schools Elementary 19 Middle 9 High 5 Alternative 1

PAULDING BRASWELL

278

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

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ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Total # of Students: 29,154 Student Spending: $8,770

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 512 (M) 524 5th: (ELA) 518 (M) 517 8th: (ELA) 500 (M) 511 2018 Average SAT: 1040 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score North Paulding High 1059 South Paulding High 1046 Paulding County High 1032 East Paulding High 1027 Hiram High 1019

What’s New Ground was broken for the construction of a new college and career academy in Paulding County. The facility will serve students from all of Paulding’s high schools. The academy will help them develop the skills to meet employers’ future needs in the county.

Winter/Spring 2019

LE RO CK DA

Number of Schools Elementary 11 Middle 4 High 3 Alternative 1 Career Academy 1 Magnet 1 Open Campus 1 Virtual School 1 Total # of Students: 16,265 Student Spending: $9,941

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 498 (M) 515 5th: (ELA) 512 (M) 505 8th: (ELA) 509 (M) 501 2018 Average SAT: 995 Top 3 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Rockdale High 1023 Heritage High 992 Salem High 937

Board of Education 770-483-4713 rockdaleschools.org

What’s New Rockdale County Public Schools was a recent recipient of the District of Distinction Award given by District Administration Magazine.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Board of Education 404-802-3500 atlantapublicschools.us

Number of Schools Primary 6 Elementary 44 Intermediate 1 Middle 10 6th Grade Academy 1 High 9 Charter 17 Alternative 4 Evening School 1 Open Campus 1 Adult Education Center 1

PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

ROCKDALE

Total # of Students: 51,063 Student Spending: $15,625 2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 492 (M) 513 5th: (ELA) 504 (M) 508 8th: (ELA) 504 (M) 492 2018 Average SAT: 997 Top 5 Schools by Average 2018 SAT Score Grady High 1128 North Atlanta High 1085 Charles R. Drew Charter High 1058 Carver Early College 1020 Maynard Holbrook Jackson High 955

What’s New The Make Music Count app launched at C.W. Long Middle School. It teaches students how to master fractions, graphing, and more through popular music on the piano.

BUFORD CITY SCHOOLS

Board of Education 770-945-5035 bufordcityschools.org Number of Schools Elementary (K-1) 1 Academy (2-5) 1 Middle 1 High 1

Total # of Students: 4,690 Student Spending: $9,621 2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 542 (M) 559 5th: (ELA) 536 (M) 550 8th: (ELA) 544 (M) 552 2018 Average SAT: 1142

What’s New The 2018 Buford Band of Wolves garnered top honors at the McEachern Marching Invitational. The band received superior ratings in all categories and earned the Grand Championship Trophy, a Buford first. atlantaschoolguide.com

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PUBLIC SCHOOL COUNTY GUIDE

CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATUR

Board of Education 404-371-3601 csdecatur.net Number of Schools Elementary 5 Middle 1 4th & 5th Grade Academy 1 High 1 Early Learning Center 1

Total # of Students: 5,105 Student Spending: $11,026 2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 552 (M) 554 5th: (ELA) 551 (M) 542 8th: (ELA) 553 (M) 532 2018 Average SAT: 1162

What’s New The City Schools of Decatur will be opening a new school on Talley Street in 2019. It will serve grades three, four, and five. In addition, Ms. Stacey Foster, a Westchester teacher, was chosen as a state-level finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

GAINESVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

Board of Education 770-536-5275 gcssk12.net Number of Schools Elementary 6 Middle 1 High 1

Total # of Students: 8,714 Student Spending: $7,935 2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 480 (M) 508 5th: (ELA) 495 (M) 499 8th: (ELA) 481 (M) 496 2018 Average SAT: 1000

What’s New The Gainesville Dragon Boat team finished first in the high school division at the annual Hong Kong Atlanta Dragon Boat Festival held at Lake Lanier Olympic Park. The team of twenty-one members is sponsored by the Gainesville High School Chinese and French clubs.

MARIETTA CITY SCHOOLS

Board of Education 770-422-3500 marietta-city.org Number of Schools Elementary Sixth Grade Middle High Alternative Magnet

Total # of Students: 9,183 Student Spending: $10,545 7 1 1 1 1 1

2018 Georgia Milestone Scores: 3rd: (ELA) 509 (M) 522 5th: (ELA) 517 (M) 518 8th: (ELA) 510 (M) 504 2018 Average SAT: 1072

What’s New The Marietta Board of Education honored cadets in the Marietta High School Air Force JROTC program. The forty-six cadets attended the Converse College Leadership School, earning numerous awards including Advanced School Leadership, Outstanding Logistics Officer, and Outstanding Group Commander.

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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Ways to Enhance your Child’s or Student’s Learning

Index

Tutoring & Study Skills 96 Summer Camps & Activities 97 Field Trips & Education Programs 99 atlantaschoolguide.com

95

TUTORING 96

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES

97

atlantaschoolguide.com

SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES

Reach youR TaRgeT MaRkeT more effectively!

Advertise in Atlanta School Guide and get results.

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98

ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE

Winter/Spring 2019

are sometimes critical for students, and schools all over the country are making a point to include field trips and student tours as a regular part of their curriculum. And in a metro area like Atlanta, the opportunities for outside-of-the-box education are enormous! From science and technology to the arts, this guide to field trips and student tours is packed with experiences that will entertain and help develop growth in your kids.

* Bodies...The Exhibition

Rated one of the top field trips in Georgia, “BODIES…The Exhibition” is an excellent way for students to learn about the human anatomy in an intimate and informative way.

Using an innovative polymer preservation process, the exhibition allows students to see the body’s inner beauty. With more than 200 actual human bodies and specimens on display, the exhibition provides a unique look into the human body. Docents are available throughout to answer questions and point out interesting details and teachable moments. Dedicated grade level (K-12) teacher’s guides with activities and worksheets are available to enhance the student’s visit and offer a one-on-one personal experience throughout the exhibition. Each system of the body is on display—skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive/urinary, fetal (optional), and the treated body. Vital health concerns such as obesity, smoking, cancer, cirrhosis, arthritis, and bone fractures are on display for those teachable moments. The exhibition provides details on how visitors can take better care of their body by making healthy lifestyle choices. For more information or to plan a field trip, call 678-920-6862 or visit bodiesatlanta.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

atlantaschoolguide.com

FIELD TRIPS & EDUCATION PROGRAMS

FIELD TRIPS & STUDENT TOURS

The benefits of learning outside of the classroom

99

FIELD TRIPS & EDUCATION PROGRAMS

*

Elachee Nature Science Center

Engage students in memorable, relevant nature encounters at Elachee Nature Science Center, the only SACS/ AdvancED-accredited nature center in the southeastern United States.

Grade-specific STEAM-based environmental curriculum offers real-world opportunities for PreK-12 students to explore, discover and learn. Each program correlates with GSE and AKS to complement classroom instruction.

Field trips take place at Elachee, nestled in one of Georgia’s largest protected green spaces the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, aboard the Lake Lanier Aquatic Leaning Center floating classroom or as an Elachee in Your Classroom outreach program.

For more information, call 770-5351976 or visit elachee.org/school-programs.

* Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History

Experience history at the Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History located in downtown Kennesaw. A prestigious Smithsonian Affiliations member, the Southern Museum is home to The General locomotive, made famous during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. The Jolley Education Center offers interactive exhibits that are fun for the entire family and the museum’s educational programs reinforce classroom learning by connecting historical information with artifacts. Museum education opportunities include tours, homeschool workshops, early childhood programs, and special events throughout the year. For more information, call 770-427-2117 or visit SouthernMuseum.org.

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Vo ted “Be s t Ed u ca t i o n a l Ex per i e n ce i n At l a n t a”

BODIES…THE EXHIBITION

allows kids to see who they are from the inside out. We offer the following educational materials and opportunities:

• Grade-level Educator Guides • Classroom Learning Exercises • Reproducible Activity Sheets • School Group Ticket Pricing • Docent-led Exhibition Tours GROUPS OF 10+ RESERVATION IS REQUIRED. Call 678-920-6862 or email atlgroupsales@prxi.com to book tickets.

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ADVERTISER INDEX After-School Programs

Callanwolde Fine Arts Center............................19 Children’s Museum of Atlanta.........................103 Elachee Nature Center.....................................103 Generation Infocus.............................................97 LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta...........101 Zoo Atlanta..........................................................98

Johns Creek Environmental Campus..............104 LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta...........101 Lookout Mountain Attractions.........................102 Premier Exhibitions...........................................102 Southeastern Railway Museum........................104 Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History.. 104 Zoo Atlanta .........................................................98

Boarding Schools

Independent Schools

The Academy at SOAR......................................19 Baylor School......................................................83 Brandon Hall School...........................................79 Darlington School...............................................79 Eagle Hill School.................................................80 The Fessenden School.......................................81 Forman School....................................................77 Foxcroft School...................................................84 The Knox School.................................................82 The Madeira School...........................................84 North Broward Preparatory School...................78 Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School.........................80 St. Margaret’s School..........................................85 St. Paul’s School..................................................81 The Stony Brook School................................... 82 Subiaco Academy...............................................77 Wyoming Seminary............................................83

Early Education

Arbor Montessori School...................................61 Atlanta Academy................................................58 Atlanta Montessori International School........107 Benjamin Preparatory School..............................7 Brenwood Academy.........................................106 Canterbury School..............................................64 The Children’s School.........................................64 Counterpane Montessori School......................69 The Friends School of Atlanta...........................61 Fulton Science Academy Private School............2 Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.....................51 Montessori School of Georgia...........................57 Lyndon Academy..........................................31, 49 McGinnis Woods Country Day School.............54 MJCCA Preschools...............................................3 Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs........107 Montessori at Vickery.......................................107 Montessori Kids Academy.................................55 Mount Paran Christian School...........................73 Porter Academy..................................................47 Strong Rock Christian School............................69 The Walker School..............................................50 Woodward Academy..........................................70

Field Trips & Education Programs

ArtsBridge Foundation.....................................103 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center............................19 Children’s Museum of Atlanta.........................103 Elachee Nature Center.....................................103 The Foxfire Museum.........................................101 Funk Heritage Center.......................................104

Arbor Montessori School...................................61 Athens Academy.................................................60 Atlanta Academy................................................58 Atlanta Girls’ School...........................................44 Atlanta International School..............................46 Atlanta Montessori International School........107 The Bedford School...........................................68 Benjamin Preparatory School..............................7 Blessed Trinity Catholic High School................51 Brenwood Academy.........................................106 Bridgeway Christian Academy..........................54 Canterbury School..............................................64 Center Academy ................................................74 The Children’s School.........................................64 Choice Educational Academy...........................15 Counterpane Montessori School......................69 Covenant Christian School................................75 Cumberland Academy of Georgia....................19 The Cumberland School....................................72 Excel Christian Academy...................................72 The Friends School of Atlanta...........................61 The Garden School of Marietta.........................52 Fulton Science Academy Private School............2 Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy.................48 The Garden School of Marietta.........................52 Harvester Christian Academy............................67 Hebron Christian Academy................................60 Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School.....................51 Holy Spirit Preparatory School..........................45 Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia....57 Johnson Ferry Christian Academy....................48 Killian Hill Christian School................................62 Landmark Christian School................................67 Lyndon Academy..........................................31, 49 McGinnis Woods Country Day School.............54 Midtown International School...........................63 Midway Covenant Christian School..................73 Mill Springs Academy........................................44 MJCCA Preschools...............................................3 Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs........107 Montessori Kids Academy.................................55 Montessori at Vickery.......................................107 Mount Paran Christian School...........................73 Mount Pisgah Christian School...........................5 Our Lady of Victory Catholic School.................23 Pace Academy....................................................46 Porter Academy..................................................47 Saint Francis School...........................................52 Springmont School.............................................47 Strong Rock Christian School............................69 Continued on Next Page u atlantaschoolguide.com

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ADVERTISER INDEX (Continued from Previous Page) The Suzuki School...............................................23 THRIVE Christian Academy ...............................65 The Walker School..............................................50 Wesleyan School.................................................57 Westminster Christian Academy.......................65 Whitefield Academy...........................................74 William & Reed Academy..................................56 Woodward Academy..........................................70

Montessori Schools

Arbor Montessori School...................................61 Atlanta Montessori International School...........107 Counterpane Montessori School......................69 Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia....57 Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs.............107 Montessori Kids Academy.................................55 Montessori at Vickery.......................................107 Springmont School.............................................47

Public & Charter Schools

Atlanta Classical Academy.................................87 International Charter School of Atlanta............87

Resources & Services

Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates...............23

Georgia Lottery................................... Back Cover My Eye Dr..............................................................9 The School Box...................................................62

Special Needs & Learning Difficulties

The Academy at SOAR......................................19 The Bedford School...........................................68 Center Academy.................................................74 Children’s Special Services.................................20 Cumberland Academy of Georgia....................19 Mill Springs Academy........................................44 The Piedmont School of Atlanta.......................55 Porter Academy..................................................47

Summer Camps & Activities

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education........8 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center............................19 Elachee Nature Center.....................................103 Generation Infocus.............................................97 Squirrel Hollow Day Camp.................................97 U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Space Camp........8 Zoo Atlanta..........................................................98

Tutoring & Study Skills

In-Home Tutors of Atlanta ..................................... 96 Sylvan Learning........................................................ 96

ALL THE WORLD IS A LABORATORY TO THE INQUIRING MIND. -Martin H Fischer

An effective and exciting, exploratory, student centered, problem based learning environment, Pre K through 5th grade.

Individualized Tours - Rolling Enrollment Contact Our Admissions Director Today 8991 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, GA 30115 770-704-4925 • www.brenwoodacademy.com

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