content to become accessible through the integration of movement, music, drama and visual arts.” While voluntary national arts education standards are in place, state standards vary widely. Georgia policies stipulate only that opportunities be provided for students to master fine arts competencies, making it necessary for parents to research individual schools and their respective arts programs to find the best fit for their child. At Benjamin Preparatory, the belief is that artistic expression can and should be part of a child’s earliest experiences. “As of now, we are the only Georgia school offering a specialized arts program for this age group,” says Kelly. “We realized God-given talents start early, so we sought out to nurture those talents at a younger age.” Music, dance, literature and foreign lan32
ATLANTA SCHOOL GUIDE
Winter/Spring 2017
guage at Benjamin Preparatory are woven into a Christian curriculum for infants through Grade 2. Children create and perform original works for the stage by kindergarten age. Arts and crafts are also a part of daily lessons, and a new computer and video lab will soon enable the children to explore the creative side of technology. As students progress, extracurricular participation expands their artistic horizons. At Greater Atlanta Christian School (GACS), programs are offered during the day in band and orchestra, choir, drama, dance and the visual arts. In addition, the School of Music offers private instruction in vocal and instrumental music after school at the junior and senior high level, and in weekly classes during recess for grades K-12. The School of Ballet offers classes in dance disciplines and is also open to non-GACS students.
PHOTO: Foon Fu/Meagan Francisco Photography
Benjamin Preparatory School