Newcomer Magazine | Fall 2019

THE BEST OF

Fall 2019

A'S ATLATNST& AR R AL U C LTEUNE SC 0 p. 4

WHERE TO EXPERIENCE GEORGIA'S FALL FOLIAGE

HIT THE LINKS

THE BEST GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES IN ATLANTA

BUILDING A WORLD OF FUN AT LEGOLAND

™

Fall 2019 CONTENTS FEATURES Golf Course Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Arts and Entertainment Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

The metro Atlanta area features numerous options of golf course living to fit your lifestyle and skill level.

Atlanta is the arts capital of the Southeast. Here’s your ticket to the city’s best theater, culture, museums, music and more.

Newcomer’s 2019 Annual Education Guide . . . . . . 19 Georgia’s Autumn Getaways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Our annual look at Atlanta education includes what it’s like to teach your child, how to help your child study better, and more.

Fall color is coming to Georgia. We share some of the best places to see the show—including a few that are off the beaten path.

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44

DEPARTMENTS In Focus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The inside scoop on news, events and happenings around Atlanta.

Neighborhood Spotlight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 One of Georgia’s newest cities has the sense of community and refined lifestyle of an older town. See why Milton in north Fulton County is a place to plan for the future.

Relocation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 A comprehensive guide to help you find your way before, during and after your move, including counties, neighborhoods, relocation tips, a map to metro Atlanta and much more.

Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Get caught up on the best exhibitions, theatrical productions, special events and live music across the metro area.

Special Advertising Section: Atlanta Independent School Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Hidden Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Searching for local schools? Our list will help you find the right independent school, boarding school or education center for your child.

At the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, kids can build a world of imagination and fun—one brick at a time.

Find Newcomer Magazine on Facebook and Twitter

MORE

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For additional information before and after your move, from news on deals and events to tips on real estate, organizing, events, restaurants and much more!

newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 5

We wish to thank all the people who made this publication possible through their valuable time and dedication. Many thanks to our advertisers for their support of Newcomer magazine. publisher/president

Patrick Killam

pkillam@killampublishing.com

editor

Jackson Stewart

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia Sowing the Seeds of Organic Learning All day, year-round, authentic Montessori program Montessori certified teacher in every classroom School leadership team with advanced academic degrees Extracurricular activities including art, karate, music, sports, and yoga offered at school Scientifically designed, hands-on, multisensory learning materials Flexible academic program schedules 6450 East Johns Crossing • Johns Creek, GA 30097 • 770-814-8001 • www.JCMSOG.org

& promotions Jeff Thompson

marketing

contributing writers

Larry Anderson, Chris Chamberlain, Michelle Bourg, Lindsay Oberst, Derek Prall, Carol Wright director of sales & marketing

Patrick Killam pkillam@killampublishing.com account director

Lacey James advertising@killampublishing.com

TO ADVERTISE CALL 770-992-0273 font: mawns handwriting

Scan this code to check out past issues of Newcomer.

Newcomer magazine, Fall 2019, Volume 23, Issue 3.

Submissions, photography or ideas may be sent to Killam Publishing, Inc., 200 Market Place, Suite 230, Roswell, GA 30075. Submissions will not be returned unless otherwise requested and accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Newcomer magazine reserves the right to revise submissions as necessary. Reproduction in whole or in part of any elements of this publication are strictly prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. © 2019 Killam Publishing, Inc.

For additional copies, further information, advertising or suggestions, please contact:

KILLAM PUBLISHING, INC. P: 770-992-0273 • F: 844-706-1545 info@killampublishing.com newcomeratlanta.com

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inFOCUS NEWS BITES FROM AROUND ATLANTA

A PIECE OF

HISTORY

PHOTO: Feld Entertainment

The Gone With the Wind Museum in Marietta has long been home to an extensive collection of “Gone With the Wind” memorabilia, and now that collection has grown even more impressive! This summer, the museum acquired a number of elements from the set of Tara, the mansion where Scarlett O’Hara lived in the 1939 film—including the prominent tall windows and shutters where Scarlett is first seen at the mansion. Congratulations to the museum on a fantastic addition! For more information, visit gwtwmarietta.com.

IT’S PARTY TIME!

What’s better than a regular party? A party that includes Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and more of your child’s favorite friends! Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party! gathers together these and other familiar faces from “Sesame Street” for an interactive evening of singing, dancing ... and maybe a few fun lessons, too! Nov. 8-10 at Infinite Energy Arena and Nov. 15-17 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. sesamestreetlive.com.

PHOTO: Minnesota Children’s Museum

Celebrating Sandy Springs Style

Monkeying Around For decades, children have enjoyed reading and watching the exploits of Curious George, and his friend, The Man in the Yellow Hat. Now they can play in the very neighborhood where these beloved characters live in Curious George: Let’s Get Curious. This interactive exhibit allows kids to explore science, math and engineering concepts as they play mini-golf, visit a farm and a produce stand, design a building and more! The exhibit runs Sept. 1 through Jan. 5 at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. For more information, call 404-659-5437 or visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

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Now in its 34th year, the annual Sandy Springs Festival showcases the best the city of Sandy Springs has to offer, including fine arts, live music, cultural demonstrations, a Chalk Walk art competition, a pet parade, a 5K/10K race and some of the best food vendors around—all for free! This year, guests can also enjoy the ticketed Sandy Springs Wine Festival on Sept. 28. The whole thing takes place Sept. 28 and 29. For more information, visit sandyspringsfestival.com.

inFOCUS Flying High

PHOTO: Feld Entertainment

Congratulations to William Killam of Roswell, who recently graduated from the Space Academy at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama! William spent the week training with a team that flew a simulated space mission, participating in hands-on activities that promoted teamwork, leadership and problem-solving—and even slept in quarters designed to resemble the International Space Station. Sounds like a truly out-of-this-world experience!

Get Your Motor Runnin’

William Killam (far right) and fellow graduates.

Fans of motorized mayhem are in for a frighteningly fun time when Monster Jam charges into the Infinite Energy Arena for three days of jaw-dropping action, Sept. 13-15. Be there as Grave Digger, Alien Invasion, Blue Thunder and other 12,000-pound monster vehicles engage in a fierce battle—and vote for the winner in the two-wheel and freestyle competitions on your smartphone. For tickets and other information, call 770-626-2464 or visit infiniteenergycenter.com.

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HOMES

&

C O MM U NI TI E S

THE BEST GOLF COURSE COMMUNITIES IN THE METRO AREA

By Derek Prall

Atlanta is known for many things— its booming businesses, its thriving economy, its thrilling nightlife— but there’s another selling point that’s not as often discussed: the city’s incredible golf courses. The metro area has numerous courses of all skill levels available to players, and dozens of golf-centered communities have grown in popularity throughout the years.

While golf has built a reputation as an exclusive sport, Atlanta’s Southern hospitality has made it more inclusive. For the paid professionals to the hobbyist, there’s a course—and a community—here in the city to call home.

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ST. MARLO, FORSYTH COUNTY Located on the southern tip of Forsyth County—one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States—St. Marlo’s luxury homes sprawl across 900 acres of lightly-forested gently rolling hills. The gated community offers low property taxes, highly-acclaimed public and private schools and easy access to shopping, dining and entertainment.

Of course, the community takes pride in its golf course, and many of St. Marlo’s homes are located adjacent to the award-winning, 200-acre gem, which is open to the public and members alike.

With 900 homes, St. Marlo is a sizable community, “But it doesn’t feel that way,” says Realtor Donna Luff Taylor, a resident for more than 20 years, who says that the mix of homes and friendliness of the neighborhood give it an intimate feel.

Here, you’ll find European and traditional home styles, offering luxurious amenities like gourmet kitchens, keeping rooms with fireplaces and spa baths with his-and-hers closets. Terrace-level recreation rooms are popular, with many featuring billiard rooms and theaters. Taylor notes that outdoor living is popular, with infinity pools and putting greens as coveted home features.

The championship 18-hole golf course was ranked in the Top 3 of Atlanta's best daily fee golf courses by the Atlanta JournalConstitution and Georgia Golf News. It also made the Top 10 Best New Golf Courses. according to Golf Digest.

Designed by Denis Griffiths, who also designed Chateau Elan and Georgia National, the course is made for players of all ages and skill levels. Water comes into play on nine of the holes, and players will also enjoy distinctive stonework and beautiful hardwoods

designed to fit perfectly into the natural, rolling terrain.

The semi-private club includes a long list of events, including amateur tournaments and outings. It also offers company rates and often hosts charity tournaments. No matter the need, the dedicated staff can help coordinate every event.

The St. Marlo Dining Room and Grille offers delicious casual and formal dining options coupled with spectacular views of the course. For more information about the lifestyle, visit stmarlocountryclub.com.

TPC SUGARLOAF, GWINNETT COUNTY Located about 45 minutes north of Atlanta in the Gwinnett County city of Duluth, this gated community is considered by many to be the epitome of luxury living in Georgia.

Grand in scale, these established estate-style homes offer a pleasing mix of traditional Southern, Georgian and European architecture, set on lavishly landscaped lots of a half-acre and larger.

No detail is overlooked, from soaring atrium entrances, multiple fireplaces, and

expansive grilling patios perfect for watching the action on the fairways. Pools, saunas and home theaters are other popular amenities in the neighborhood. Prices range from the high $600s to more than $6 million, with many in the high $1 millions.

But the community is best known for its spectacular course, the first U.S. course designed by the legendary Greg Norman and home of the Mitsubishi Electric Classic PGA Tournament. The two nine-hole courses—The Stables and The Meadows—are the crown jewels, renowned for challenging play and

TPC Sugarloaf is considered to be one of the best golf courses in Georgia.

TPC SUGARLOAF IS THE FIRST U.S. COURSE DESIGNED BY THE LEGENDARY GREG NORMAN AND HOME OF THE MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CLASSIC PGA TOURNAMENT. newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 11

Cross Creek is one of the best kept secrets in Buckhead.

A scenic view of the Cross Creek Country Club.

stunning landscaping. A third course, The Pines, is slightly shorter in length, but just as beautiful and challenging.

But golf isn’t Sugarloaf’s only worldclass offering. The handsomely appointed clubhouse offers casual and formal dining rooms, private conference rooms and a full-service banquet facility, complete with an outdoor veranda with romantic panoramic views.

The sports center offers a state-of-theart fitness facility and a nationally-recognized tennis center with all-weather and hydro-clay courts. And they didn’t forget something for the little ones—the aquatics center features tree pools, waterfalls, slides 12 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

and spouts to splash around in. An active women’s club hosts numerous welcome events year round.

Just outside the community, the brand-new Revel development offers more than 300,000 square feet of curated shopping, entertainment, and chef-driven dining. From there, it’s a short hop to I-85 to reach the city. For more information, visit tpc.com/sugarloaf.

CROSS CREEK, FULTON COUNTY For a golf-centered lifestyle in the heart of the city, look no further than Cross Creek.

Often referred to as “the best-kept secret in Buckhead,” Cross Creek is a gated condo and

townhome community on 122 acres of mature landscaping in the northwest corner of Atlanta, with easy access to Buckhead, Midtown, downtown and I-75. Since the ’70s, those in the know have recognized it as one of the best places in Atlanta for a little rest and relaxation—and, of course, golf.

Despite being in the city, Cross Creek combines a peaceful setting with an array of amenities and services for both residents and guests including tennis courts, a fitness center and three swimming pools. The on-site Cross Creek Café offers casual dining for lunch and dinner with breathtaking views of the golf course, and the adjacent clubhouse offers pub fare, live music and a lively late-night crowd. u

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Cross Creek is located in Buckhead.

Cross Creek is perfect for those seeking a streamlined, low-maintenance lifestyle. The extensively renovated condos and townhomes seamlessly blend the expansive rooms and “good bones” of the original units with modern style, including granite countertops, new appliances and hardwood floors. Charming patios and sunrooms replace expansive yards, so residents are free to enjoy the golf and tennis or enjoy Buckhead’s upscale shopping and dining or check out a concert or art exhibit at Midtown’s Woodruff Arts Center.

The 18-hole, par-three golf course has something to offer players of all ages and skill levels. The combination of gently rolling hills, ponds, grass mounds and woods makes this a challenging 2,000-yard, par-54 course. Specifically designed to sharpen a player’s short game, the course is particularly challenging for those who might rely a little too heavily on their driver. Residents enjoy discounted rates for greens fees and memberships.

The welcoming environment is perfect for those new to the sport, and due to the size of the course, the pace of play is quick enough that playing a round doesn’t need to be an all-day affair. For more information, visit crosscreekatlanta.org.

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neighborhood

SPOTLIGHT Milton

By Michelle Bourg Chukkar Farm Polo Club

Tanglewood Preserve

I

ncorporated in 2006, Milton is one of Georgia’s youngest cities, and offers an exciting sense of possibility that few other cities anywhere can match. Located in the northern tip of Fulton County about an hour north of Atlanta, Milton is nestled in a peaceful rural landscape with access to Atlanta via Georgia 400. So great is Milton’s appeal, it was named the best city in Georgia based on affordability, quality of life, economic strength and community vibrancy by financial website 24/7 Wall Street.

Housing

Arts and Entertainment

Milton’s green, unspoiled character provides the perfect setting for gracious living. The Grove by Ashton Woods (ashtonwoods.com) offers luxurious four- and five-bedroom homes on one-acre sites starting in the high $700s.

Kensley (jwhomes.com) is a “front porch society” with substantial greenspaces, sidewalk-lined streets and a vibrant swim club. Multi-story, three- and four-bedroom homes start in the mid-$400s.Tanglewood Preserve (tratonhomes. com) features contemporary farmhouse-style homes on one to two acres with prices starting in the $600s.

The award-winning Milton Theatre Company (miltontheatrecompany.com) produces a variety of student-run shows year-round, including one-act plays, musicals and improv.

Set on more than 100 acres of scenic pasture and woods, Chukkar Farm Polo Club (chukkarfarmpoloclub.com) offers exciting polo, live music, and a sculpture garden set among the farm’s woodland riding trails.

Culinary Treats The Union Restaurant (theunionrestaurant. com) is the place for modern comfort food in a casual setting; favorites like shrimp and grits and goat cheese ravioli taste even better on the patio. Olde Blind Dog (oldeblinddog.com) is an International Irish Pub of the Year and the spot for draught (draft) Guinness and an extensive menu that goes beyond pub fare. Recognized as one of the best restaurants in the U.S., Milton’s Cuisine and Cocktails (miltonscuisine.com) serves upscale New Southern cooking, sourced in part from its own one-acre garden and served in the ambience of a 150-year-old farmhouse.

Broadwell Pavilion Olde Blind Dog

THE INSIDE TRACK Milton is the home of an active geocaching community that allows participants to explore the area using GPS locators to hunt for “mystery stashes” hidden around the city.

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Local Treasures The historic Crabapple district is home to quaint independent eateries and shops and the site of the annual Crabapple Fest each October, with art shows, antique vendors, music and food. City parks are a priority in Milton: Bell Memorial Park provides sports and recreation options with baseball diamonds, football and lacrosse fields as well as a playground for the kids. Providence Park is home to 42 acres of greenspace, hiking trails, a rock-climbing cliff, a lodge and a scenic lake. Broadwell Pavilion regularly hosts events, including Christmas in Crabapple. Milton boasts several other passiveuse parks, and a trail plan provides for the acquisition and development of corridors for walking, skating, cycling and horseback riding.

(Park information at cityofmiltonga.us). N

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Dream. Think. Do. Arbor Montessori School inspires curiosity, encourages diversity, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Call 404.321.9304 today to set up a personalized tour.

Experience the Arbor difference.

Serving students 18 months to 14 years at two Decatur campus locations.

2998 Lavista Road, Decatur GA 30033 1434 Scott Blvd., Decatur GA 30030 404.321.9304 • www.arbormontessori.org

Arbor Montessori School admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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2019

EDUCATION GUIDE

Your Resource for Making Informed Decisions About Your Children's Education

What It's Like to Teach Your Child....................................................21 The Learning Curve........................................................................24 Atlanta Independent School Directory...............................................29 Beyond the Basics Independent School Chart..................................37 newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 19

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2019

E D U C AT I O N

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO

YOUR EDUCATORS SHARE THEIR JOYS AND STRUGGLES

By Michelle Bourg

G U I DE

Teaching has to be one of the most rewarding professions out there. Helping to mold the next generation, seeing “the light come on” when they finally grasp an elusive concept, watching as their confidence and skills grow day by day and experiencing wonder and fascination through the eyes of a child — teachers cite all these things as inspirations to enter the field and what continues to motivate them in the classroom during every school year.

But, just like parenting, teaching doesn’t occur in a vacuum. There’s a whole world of opinions, regulations, interruptions — in other words, life — to be negotiated. And also just like parenting, there are things about the role that teachers wish others knew, but don’t often have the opportunity to talk about. Some of these things might surprise you; others you, as a parent, will surely recognize.

One of the first things that teachers want parents to know is that they’re on the same team: both parties want kids to not only get the best education possible, but also to be well rounded and happy. Teachers know that parental involvement is crucial to this process and welcome parents’ questions and input.

They stress that the lines of communication are always open, something some parents don’t always take advantage of, whether due to unfamiliarity with the process or simply discomfort with the idea of bridging a gap in communication. u newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 21

2019 Bentley Monk, a music teacher who taught at the middle school level for four years in the Cobb County School District and now teaches in the Grand Canyon Unified District in rural northern Arizona, believes that communication is at the heart of improving education not just for individual children but also for bettering the system as well: “Our convenience-based society has got children and parents alike so disenfranchised with working harder and smarter that we find ourselves in a deepening educational hole. Unless we have a true, open, honest conversation without political and emotional biases, then this problem will get worse, not better, no matter what.”

Ron Clark, noted educator and founder of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, noted in an essay published on CNN’s website that many teachers reported experiencing situations in which parents viewed them as an adversary: someone only looking to point out mistakes or deliver bad news when there’s a bump in their child’s educational path. But as part of your child’s education team, teachers want you to know that they always have your child’s interests at heart, even when there’s a difficult situation to discuss. “I want parents and students to know that I care deeply,” says Danise Fields, a sixth-grade science teacher at Woodward

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E D U C AT I O N

G U I DE

“I WANT PARENTS AND STUDENTS TO KNOW THAT I CARE DEEPLY. IF I HAVE TO TELL A PARENT SOMETHING THAT IS DIFFICULT TO HEAR, I FEEL THEIR WORRY AND PAIN.” Academy in College Park. “If I have to tell a parent something that is difficult to hear, I feel their worry and pain.”

David Roth, an upper school English teacher at Woodward Academy agrees: “I want each and every child in my classroom to succeed—end of story. When I sit in a parent-teacher conference to discuss a student’s progress, my hope is that parents see the intent and the care. When students and parents see faculty and staff members as humans, rather than ‘grading machines,’ I think it changes the understanding of why we are all here in the first place.”

One thing parents may find surprising is teachers believe children should be allowed, sometimes, to fail. “Childhood is the best time to make mistakes,” says Trey Veazey, assistant head of lower school at the Walker School in Marietta.

“It can be tough, as an educator, to watch a student grapple with misunderstandings, but there is great triumph to be found—for both the teacher and the learner—when the picture comes into focus.” Tiffani Listenbee of Wood-

ward agrees: “Middle school is a time to figure (out) how you learn. This comes with productive struggle. This experience occurs more often than making an A.” As Monk puts it, “You have to fall down to get back up again.” His experience teaching in such divergent environments has shown him that challenge and success are universal principles. “Both school systems have shown me that children can learn when they are presented with a rigorous curriculum that challenges them to achieve, but isn’t beyond their scope of how it applies to their future.”

Just like parenting, teaching has its stresses, frustrations and heartaches, but in the end, it’s one of the most meaningful roles in life. When parents and teachers see themselves as partners in the educational process, as opposed to “providers” and “consumers,” the relationship becomes not only more pleasant and productive, but builds a solid foundation for students to learn and achieve, which is the real purpose of it all.

When parents take advantage of the ways offered by teachers to communicate or proactively open a dialogue, that partnership can flourish.

While time is at a premium for everyone, taking time to go beyond the “script” at a conference, such as talking about a child’s habits, peer relations and events at home, can give both parties invaluable insight into the things that factor into academic performance.

But what teachers would most like us to know is how much they genuinely care about every one of their students. As Carrie Edmison, a Primary Academy academic technology teacher at Woodward, expresses it: “While they are not my children, I often refer to them that way. My children. I think about how to reach them, how to help them see the giftedness I see in each of them, and how to…help them discover how much they matter in this world. It was clear from my first hectic day as a teacher that I will never be perfect at this, but I set my sights on being better for my students each day. I try to be the teacher your child deserves.”

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2019

E D U C AT I O N

G U I DE

LEARNING

CURVE STRATEGIES TO HELP YOUR CHILD STUDY BETTER

By Michelle Bourg

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You check in on your kids, and it’s a typical scene: Your oldest is buried in a book and oblivious to “Sesame Street” blasting from the TV as your middle child recites along. Meanwhile, your youngest has taken the game controller apart. All children have their own ways of processing information, or what educational theorists commonly call learning styles. By getting a sense of how your child learns best — their learning style — you can help them study and learn more effectively and achieve and build on success at school.

Over the past 30 years, extensive research has been conducted on learning styles. These systems typically recognize as few as three and as many as eight different styles, but usually center on three core modalities: visual (associating images with information), auditory (listening to and repeating information) and kinesthetic (typically processing information through touch and manipulation, but also using gestures or movement while learning). Many systems, such as the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing and

Kinesthetic), include reading and writing as a separate style. Some also distinguish between solitary and group learners.

You can likely determine much about your child’s style through observation and from asking a teacher for his or hers; this can be particularly helpful in getting an idea how your child learns in a group setting. Several of the leading learning-style systems have online questionnaires, or you can ask a teacher or guidance counselor about more involved testing.

Once you have a good idea how your child learns best, you can incorporate some simple study strategies that will complement their preferences.

VISUAL LEARNERS like creative writing and figurative thinking.

With your visual learner, incorporate educational videos, draw pictures together or use objects to illustrate concepts like addition and subtraction. Encourage writing down the steps in a math problem to see the processes.

Help them develop visual memorization cues, like the old “knuckle trick” for the days in the months of the year. Help them practice converting these images to words quickly by making it a game with a timer.

AUDITORY LEARNERS Auditory learners are the ones who “talk your ear off.” They like to “talk problems out” and frequently sound words out when reading. As a result, they’re often phonetic spellers. Writing is a struggle for them at times, and they need practice sorting visual material for better performance on tests.

Encourage your auditory child to read aloud. Review material by playing “question and answer,” and encourage him to explain or restate what he’s learned after a study session.

Books on tape or other audio or

By Michelle Bourg

video recordings are also useful. Auditory learners often learn well in groups and enjoy having a study partner or homework coach readily available.

KINESTHETIC LEARNERS These are the kids who are always being told, “don’t touch that.” They’re often physically active and need practice sitting still and listening.

For this type of learner, stock up on supplies, like clay, blocks, models and globes.

Break study sessions into shorter time frames, and let your child move around as he studies.

Since this type of learner’s need for movement can be distracting to others, help them develop ways to “fidget quietly”—doodling in the margins of his notebook, squeezing a rubber ball or rolling a marble in their pocket.

Kinesthetic learners often become discouraged because traditional classrooms aren’t

d

Visual learners are observant, detail-oriented and often gifted mimics. They easily absorb information from diagrams, charts and pictures and enjoy puzzles, flash cards and workbooks.

They tend to struggle with scholastic activities

usually set up for their benefit. Sitting still and doing the work is often difficult for them, so be sure to give them lots of encouragement and speak with the teacher about your child’s unique needs.

READING AND WRITING (VERBAL) LEARNERS These are the most “typical” learners: the ones with the class notes everyone wants to borrow.

They quite often prefer learning alone and at

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their own pace.

Encourage a verbal learner to write out notes, paraphrasing concepts into his or her own words and using bullet points. Even writing out the steps in a math problem can help cement the concepts mentally. When working with charts or graphs, have him or her write down the ideas the data is conveying.

Closely related to the idea of learning styles is the concept of metacognition, or thinking about one’s own thought process. Studies have

shown that having students think about and discuss their study strategies improves their study on future exams while also developing critical self-awareness skills that will benefit them as they grow up. After an exam or project, talk with your child about what study methods helped and which didn’t, and build future study sessions on the successful methods.

It’s important to remember that a preferred mode of learning may change over time, and doesn’t determine ability in a given subject: a reading and writing learner may in fact be more adept at math and science than creative writing. Also, an individual child will likely exhibit a mix of styles and benefit from adopting a variety of study techniques, depending on the subject and how they feel at the time.

However, understanding your child’s learning style can be a useful tool in helping them achieve academic success.

For more information on learning styles, tests and questionnaires to help determine your child’s style, visit:

vark-learn.com learning-styles-online.com learningstyles.org

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2019

E D U C AT I O N

G U I DE

Atlanta is home to many excellent schools and learning resources, which means you can find exactly the right education environment for your child. The following profiles represent a selection of independent schools, educational services and nearby boarding schools serving the metro Atlanta area. For additional information about the institutions listed below, including location, class size and open house dates, turn to “Beyond the Basics” on page 37.

In 1970, a group of teachers met around a kitchen table to discuss what an ideal Montessori program in Atlanta would look like.

Almost 50 years later, Arbor Montessori School continues to serve the Atlanta area. Arbor students become lifelong learners, creative problem-solvers, collaborators, and global citizens who want to make a difference in the world.

Today, Arbor is one of the largest Montessori schools in the Southeast, yet in Arbor’s community, children receive individualized attention from understanding, knowledgeable, experienced faculty. Arbor serves children age 18 months old to eighth grade with developmentallyappropriate environments and curricula at each stage.

“Arbor provides an authentic Montessori education,” says Luci David, an Arbor parent. “The teachers are kind, patient, and passionate; the classrooms and play areas are beautiful and safe. Most importantly, my child is flourishing and is excited to go to school every day.”

The flagship campus sits on a 4-acre wooded lot offering students opportunities to engage inside and outside. In addition to an outstanding academic program, Arbor offers art, music, Spanish, before-and after-school care, a strong athletics program, extracurriculars, and a close-knit community.

Arbor’s second campus offers a conveniently-located, smaller community of toddler and primary classes for 3-to 6-year-olds. Children benefit from intentionallydesigned materials and experienced teachers.

Arbor’s teachers offer lessons promoting meaningful work, encouraging children to be the optimal version of themselves.

The founders’ vision has become a reality. Go here, then go anywhere. For more information, visit arbormontessori.org or call 404-321-9304.

The Bedford School offers a fresh start to students who have been frustrated in a traditional setting due to learning differences. The school serves children in grades 1-9 who have been professionally identified as having specific learning disabilities and related disorders. The school’s mission is to maximize the potential of children with learning differences and develop foundations for success; this is accomplished through small classes (10-12 per class), a structured, multi-sensory approach and a dedicated staff. The school was established in 1985 and currently serves 150 students. The Squirrel Hollow Camp summer program offers academic tutoring and recreational activities. The camp is open to children who need an academic boost in the summer; a student does not have to be enrolled in the school to attend summer camp. Students receive tutoring in reading, math and written expression and participate in recreational activities on the school’s Challenge Course and outdoor pool. Bedford is located on a 46-acre campus in Fairburn, 15 minutes south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For more information, call The Bedford School at 770-7748001 or visit thebedfordschool.org. u

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* EDUCATIONAL SERVICES The Ben Franklin Academy is an independent, progressive, college-prep high school, teaching a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum tailored to each student’s individual learning style, needs, and special interests. BFA is committed to individualized instruction and mastery learning. It offers three levels of instruction: College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement, with 25 Advanced Placement courses and 25 honors classes. Small by design, BFA serves around 125 students in grades 9-12 each year. Classes are available in both morning and afternoon sessions with work study, as well as two longer day options without a work-study commitment. At BFA, you will find a caring community of learners, where students develop strong relationships with their teachers and advisors, work in settings designed to encourage their best efforts, and become responsible, self-directed young men and women who are ready to excel at college and beyond. For more information, call 404-633-7404 or visit benfranklinacademy.org.

Canterbury School is an independent, nonprofit private school located in the Morningside-Emory area of Atlanta, offering a range of programs for infants from eighth grade to pre-K. It provides an innovative alternative learning environment that embraces diversity of all kinds, where students’ ideas are valued, their individuality is celebrated, and they are empowered to steer their own education. Since 1954, Canterbury has been dedicated to providing a superior, nurturing education for young children, and it challenges each child to meet his or her potential by providing small class sizes, an adaptable environment and a flexible curriculum. For more information, call 404-522-5659 or visit canterburyschoolga.com.

For 32 years, Harvester Christian Academy (HCA) in Douglasville has been training minds to lead and hearts to serve. By integrating a Christian worldview into everything they do, students and staff are inspired to serve and dedicated to an excellent academic experience that prepares each student for success in college and life. Parents consistently say they chose HCA because of its family atmosphere and commitment to educating Christian servant leaders. A new classroom building offers STEAM courses for all grades as it houses the media center, art studio, computer lab, and STEM lab. In 2018, HCA had the highest SAT and ACT scores in the county. Its seniors earned over $2 million in scholarships and over 90% qualified for HOPE. With demonstrated academic success and over two dozen athletic and club offerings, HCA enables each student to thrive. For more information, call 770942-1583 to schedule a tour or visit harvesteracademy.com.

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Children’s Special Services, LLC (CSS) is a comprehensive developmental child therapy testing service in Atlanta, GA. CSS is known for providing in-depth answers to help children, teachers and families thoroughly understand and address current and underlying academic and social challenges.

It does so by testing sensory processing, visual motor coordination, visual processing, and organizational skills and more. In addition, CSS helps teachers design learning approaches to insure a child’s academic and social success, as well as helping families facilitate positive behavioral outcomes.

By working with the child, his or her parents and the school, CSS is able to provide child focused guidance that gets results. Getting the right answer is the first step to success.

CSS is committed to helping children excel.

That is just one of the reasons that Susan N. Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA has been awarded a Fellow of the American Occupational Therapy Association, and her company, CSS, has received many awards including the Georgia Award for Excellence in Preschool Screening Services. For more information, call 770-329-0119 or visit childrens-services.com.

A Montessori education offers significant developmental benefits in addition to academic success. Montessori students benefit from a curriculum that focuses on developing physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth, enabling them to reach their full potential and thrive as well-rounded individuals. Through specifically designed lessons that follow the Montessori philosophy, children gain an understanding and appreciation for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Endeavor Montessori, opening this fall in Dunwoody, will implement a modernized Montessori approach that cultivates the whole child through a nurturing and inspiring school environment coupled with challenging academic lessons and activities. Designed for infants through middle school-age children, Endeavor Montessori’s curriculum is distilled from the experiences and knowledge of esteemed Montessori-certified teachers and leaders from across the country.

Children will benefit from a child-

centered approach to learning, whereby each child’s uniqueness is recognized, and individual progression is encouraged. In an Endeavor Montessori classroom, teachers know that each child learns in a different way, and they will accommodate each child’s specific needs and learning style. Each child will be challenged appropriately, and high academic standards will require the students to fully master a subject before moving up to the next level.

One of Endeavor Montessori’s main goals is to develop self-directed citizens of the world. Culture and diversity will be celebrated through a global approach to learning, which fosters cultural awareness and builds a sense of connection with all human beings despite their differences.

Children will benefit from learning that these differences should always be respected and from the integration of global languages into their curriculum.

Endeavor Montessori will offer a learning SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

environment where children are exposed to appropriate levels of technology, integrated seamlessly into an enhanced Montessori curriculum. This approach, along with a Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math (STEAM) program, addresses the demands placed by modern education, while also strengthening children’s innate desire to seek knowledge on their own and find the answers to their own questions.

Emphasis is also placed on building a strong bond between teachers, students and their families. Children and parents will benefit from a warm and close-knit school community with educators who are passionate about the growth of each child.

This combination of a holistic Montessori curriculum with a modernized approach and community-oriented atmosphere will prepare students to actively meet and overcome challenges in a positive and healthy way. For more information, call 770-6371242 or visit endeavormontessori.com. u newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 31

The Friends School of Atlanta (FSA) provides challenging academics in a diverse environment, drawing on values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship to empower students to go out into the world with conscience, conviction and compassion. Founded as a model of diversity in 1991, FSA strives to address the development of the whole child and seeks to nurture that of goodness within each student. Offering classes for children from pre-K3 through eighth grade, FSA’s program is designed to prepare students for a successful high school future and a lifetime of engagement as thoughtful citizens. The school is enrolling for 201920, class space permitting. For more information, visit friendsschoolatlanta.org or call 404-373-8746.

Since 1973, High Meadows School has inspired children to think critically, learn creatively, act globally, and live compassionately. High Meadows is a place of learning and laughter, exploration and discovery, and friendship and connection. The school was built on 42-acres of historic farm property in Roswell. Students age 3 through eighth grade experience a school environment where adventure and play go hand in hand with extraordinary academic preparation and exemplary student outcomes. From the outstanding faculty and breathtaking campus to the small class sizes and acclaimed International Baccalaureate curriculum, a High Meadows School education is unlike any other. Plan your visit to experience the magic of High Meadows! 1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell, GA 30075. For more information, visit highmeadows.org or call 770-993-2940.

What would it be like for students to learn without limits? At Midtown International School (MIS), Atlanta’s K-12 home for globally-minded, gifted learners, students are doing just that. Authentic, real-world problems provide students opportunities to collaborate and think critically to generate solutions. Teachers serve as equally curious co-learners on the quest to expand worldviews and catalyze new thinking. MIS ignites the educational and social learning of gifted students through advanced instruction in science, math, world languages, and technology; arts integration across the curriculum; and educational travel for all upper elementary, middle, and high school students. Schedule a tour at midtowninternationalschool.com today! Midtown International School, 1475 Sheridan Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, 404-542-7003

Midway Covenant Christian School strives in every way possible to provide an environment that helps children excel in all areas of life. The school wants to afford every opportunity to its students and understands that true success—both academic and social—must be achieved through moral excellence and intellectual challenge. MCCS was started as a ministry of Midway Presbyterian Church with the goal of assisting parents to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It provides an education that is Christian, classical, and covenantal. At Midway, faculty and staff strive for excellence in character as directed by the Bible and excellence in each student’s academic development. Midway is not a Christian school because it teaches verses and has a Scripture lesson each day. It is so because Biblical principles permeate every aspect of the school day. For more information, call 770-590-1866 or visit midwayschool.org.

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A Montessori education develops children who are responsible, creative, innovative, respectful and kind. Montessori children are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confidence and competence.

Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children up to six years old.

JCMSOG provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children develop independence, the school assists them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment grows, their brains have more energy or “bandwidth” for increased academic learning.

Additionally, this focus on development of muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline. The JCMSOG difference is best experienced in person. To schedule a visit with your child to observe their “Montessori Magic,” call 770-814-8001 or visit jcmsog.org.

Linda Murdock founded Lyndon Academy in 2005 with an interest in creating an elite private educational experience for local and international students alike. Now, 14 years later, this goal has been met with flying colors. But that doesn’t mean the school is resting on its past accomplishments.

With its small class sizes and a vested interest in seeing pupils grow into leaders, Lyndon sees that its students, no matter how young, are confident and eager to engage in classroom activities. Students are taught to speak up and share what they’ve learned.

There’s a lot that goes into that level of preparedness and enthusiasm, but perhaps the biggest detail is the student-teacher ratios in relation to the advanced courses offered. With a ratio of 8 to 1, students receive personal instruction in a wide range of topics, from hands-on science opportunities to immersive studies in Spanish and Mandarin. In addition to meeting local public and private institutions class for class, Lyndon offers more Advanced Placement classes than the average school in the U.S. As a family-founded school, Lyndon knows the importance of social development, and it helps to create this through athletics, special events, and extracurricular activities. The competitive sports teams have tapped into school pride and taken home local, regional, and state awards. The school is also taking strides to include a number of artistic endeavors for growing minds, including its band and the choral group.

This is Lyndon’s goal in motion: preparing young minds for the rigors of higher education, from pre-K to high school. For more information, call 770-926-0166 or visit lyndonacademy.org.

The Piedmont School of Atlanta serves children in kindergarten through high school with challenges in the areas of learning, social skills, and social problem-solving. Certified, masters-level teachers deliver differentiated instruction using a project-based dynamic approach. The curriculum exceeds the Georgia Standards and includes PE, art, foreign language, theater, social-emotional, and ethical behavior, transition planning, job coaching, and community-based instruction. The Piedmont School has been named a Boxlight National Demonstration School serving as a model site for incorporating technology in the classroom. The school offers after-school programming. For more information, call The Piedmont School of Atlanta at 404-382-8200 or visit tpsoa.org. u

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PHOTO: Mario Camarillo

Celebrating 20 years, Our Lady of Victory serves students in prekindergarten through eighth grade providing an education of academic excellence in a dynamic, faith-filled environment that’s supported by a joyful, family-centered community.

Victory students are engaged in the school’s rigorous curriculum with small classes, individual attention from highly qualified, dedicated teachers and state-of-the-art technology. Our Lady of Victory has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. OLV’s ethnically diverse population represents a culturally rich environment. Along with Catholic Christian values and character development, students have a solid foundation and are prepared for a lifetime of success. For more information, call 770-306-9026 or visit olvcatholicschoolK-8.org

“We are so pleased with the progress he has made so far this year.

He is beaming when he reads aloud, and his confidence is soaring. He is no longer too timid to take chances and try something new. We couldn’t be happier!”

— Porter Academy parent When parents first come tour Porter Academy, many of them feel heavy with frustration, anxiety, and sadness because they have fought hard for their children, but with little success to show for their efforts. These same families, within a few months of enrollment, are able to relax and feel hopeful, knowing that their children are finally happy and learning. The school’s founder, Claudia Porter, didn’t teach a curriculum, she taught a child.

She knew each child’s passions, strengths, and stumbling blocks.

She knew that their past struggles had made them feel less...less capable, less important...and that these feelings had led many of them to resist trying. They had learned to slip through the cracks or to distract from the real problems by acting out behaviorally. Mrs. Porter knew that the first step to getting children to learn was to rebuild their selfconfidence and self-respect. The school has grown, but the childcentered care and teaching persists, enabling each child to find joy and success in learning. For more information, call 770-594-1313 or visit porteracademy.org.

Founded in 1903 and located just two hours north of Atlanta, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School nurtures and challenges students from diverse backgrounds as they prepare for college and a lifetime of service. Rabun Gap is the most geographically diverse boarding school in the nation, made up of a community of students from 50 different countries and 15 states.

The 1,400-acre mountain campus provides many opportunities for experiential learning, as well as arts and athletic activities. Rabun Gap students graduate ready for college: 100% attend the top colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world. Rabun Gap makes a boarding school education a reality for families. More than 75% of students receive financial aid and merit scholarships. Rabun Gap values diversity in all forms and offers students an opportunity to grow and learn in a community reflective of their future. For more information, call 706-746-7720 or visit rabungap.org.

The Suzuki school is a preparatory preschool committed to providing young children with the best in early childhood education. Its belief in the innate ability and talent of every child guides them in creating an environment rich in language, discovery, and stimulation. They know that a child’s learning experience begins right away, and that every moment is an opportunity to engage and explore. Suzuki recognizes that the first years of life are the most critical in the development of an inquisitive mind and a noble heart. The school’s faculty are comprised of well-qualified trained educators who also serve as thought leaders for other professionals in the field of early childhood education. With a full-time program for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, the Suzuki School has been built upon these Five Foundations: Love of Learning, Respect for Nature, Culture and Tradition, A Noble Heart, and Talent Education. For more information, call 404-841-3939 or visit suzukischool.com.

T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy (TCA) empowers its students to achieve above national averages; excel beyond the walls of the classroom via annual out-ofstate enrichment trips; and cultivate their lives spiritually, developing their own faith and relationship with God. TCA serves children from early childhood through 12th grade, and offers advanced classes, in which each student is placed a grade level ahead in both reading and math.

T.H.R.I.V.E. accommodates and celebrates exceptional learners and recognizes students with an Individual Education Plan (IEPs). TCA’s tailored academics, accelerated individualized curriculum, and victorious athletics make it the perfect fit for your child. For more information, call 470-375-4120 or visit theTHRIVEway.org. You may also visit the school at 6015 Old Stone Mountain Rd., Stone Mountain, GA 30087.

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Springmont, the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, offers students 18 months through middle school an integrated, experiential learning opportunity that is extraordinary by design. Classrooms are large, light-filled and thoughtfully prepared while the campus’ many natural areas, class gardens and farm animals afford rich outdoor life science lessons.

Multi-aged classes allow younger children to learn from older ones and older students to mentor younger classmates. Specially-designed Montessori materials, designed to support children’s developmental needs, offer students a wide variety of hands-on activities that concretely reinforce skills, lessons and concepts. Highly-experienced teachers guide students through an individualized curriculum that develops the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically.

Physical Education, Spanish, Art, and Music are important parts of each student’s experience. At Springmont, each student is challenged to reach his/her fullest potential and is empowered to help steer his/her own education. Students’ innate curiosity grows into a lifelong love of learning and a quest for meaningful discoveries and deeper knowledge.

Middle school students run micro-economies, participate in internships, and compete in regional academic competitions. They have opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas and work both independently and in diverse groups.

Springmont graduates are confident, collaborative, engaged learners, prepared for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Springmont School—Extraordinary by Design. For more information, call 404-252-3910 or visit springmont.com.

Stepping Stone Montessori School is an authentic Montessori program for children ages six weeks to third grade. Each level consists of mixed-aged classrooms—Nido equals 6 weeks to 18 months; Toddler equals 18 months to 3-year-olds; Primary equals 3-year-olds to 6-year-olds. The Toddler community has a two-hour work cycle and the Primary Community has a three-hour work cycle.

At the AMI-Accredited Sugar Hill campus, the elementary class is first grade through third grade and will eventually expand to sixth grade. The children have access to all classroom materials during their time at school and choose their work according to their interests. This open-ended cycle promotes physical and mental independence.

At both campuses, all lead teachers are either AMI- or AMS-certified in one or more Montessori levels. The school provides continuing education for all staff members through Bright From The Start classes and Montessori workshops locally and nationally.

Stepping Stone’s mission is to support each child to be kind and respectful of the Earth and each other, to be self-disciplined, to have excellent critical thinking skills, and continue their love of learning. Equally important are its partnerships with parents through conferences, education nights and social gatherings. For more information, visit steppingstonemontessori.com or call to schedule a tour; Sugar Hill Campus, 770-614-4310; Cumming, 770-205-0317. u SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child.

The school leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them The school is located just outside of I-285 at Peachtree Corners, and will enroll 1,179 students from grades K-12 for the 20192020 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area and has morning and afternoon options. For more information or to schedule a campus tour, call 770-448-7640 or visit wesleyanschool.org.

At Woodward Academy, one size doesn’t fit even two. From pre-K through 12th grade, Woodward is a place where your child can study Gauguin and golf, Copernicus and coding, rhetoric and robotics—all in one day. With 2,500 students on two campuses spanning 133-acres, yet a student-teacher ratio of just 7:1, Woodward has the resources and opportunities of a college but the intimacy and attention of home. It’s about creating your own path within a truly diverse community under the guidance of caring faculty, coaches, counselors, mentors, and advisors—all while cultivating strong character and a deep respect for difference. Woodward challenges its students to explore new academic frontiers and reach their fullest potential.

What does success look like? Look no further than the 26 Advanced Placement classes, renowned Transition Program for students with mild learning differences, 86 student clubs, 75 yearly arts performances, and 18 varsity sports.

Its Global Connections Program offers extensive international study abroad programs, and the innovative STEM programs are woven into the curriculum at every step of the way—from coding for kindergarteners to the Independent Scientific Research program, which pairs juniors and seniors with university professors to work on real-world problems. A typical Woodward Academy graduating class attends more than 100 different colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service, and earns more than $15 million in scholarship awards. Find out more about Woodward Academy and the vast options available for students to create their own path. For more information, call 404-765-4001 or visit woodward.edu.

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PHOTO: Wesleyan School, Brian L. Morgan

Vanguard School, located in Lake Wales, Florida, is a learning environment that addresses student strengths and challenges to build self-confidence and learning skills.

The school works with students through academics and residential settings to provide mentors, athletics and clubs, community service opportunities, and goal attainment for students in 6th through 12th grades with learning challenges. Students can qualify for dual-enrollment in post-secondary schools, complete college and career preparation, and internships in fields of their interest. Vanguard School is a co-educational boarding and day school where students overcome past hurdles and gain a wide spectrum of skills to discover their potential. For more information, call 863-676-6091 or visit vanguardschool.org. You may also visit the school for a personal tour: 22000 U.S. 27, Lake Wales, FL, 33859.

The Walker School is metro Atlanta’s top independent school for students in pre-K3 through 12th grade seeking an engaging customized educational experience within an intimately scaled, caring and diverse community. Walker helps each student chart a path of self-realization to become their best possible self, giving them the confidence and skills to navigate a 21st century world.

A sense of wonder kindles students’ innate curiosity and is channeled into challenging curricula, competitive athletics and a varied offering of extracurricular activities. Walker teachers instill a lifelong love of learning, and students lead in all manner of endeavor. Walker is nonprofit and open to students of all faiths. The school offers 20 morning and afternoon bus stops. For more information, call 678-581-6891 or visit thewalkerschool.org.

BEYOND THE BASICS SCHOOL

PHONE

COUNTY

NEIGHBORHOOD

ANNUAL TUITION

AVG. CLASS SIZE

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

ACCREDITATIONS OR AFFILIATIONS

OPEN HOUSE DATES

Arbor Montessori School

404-321-9304

DeKalb

Oak Grove & Decatur Heights

$11,260 $19,825

20

N/A

AAAIS, AMI, SACS, SAIS, NAMTA

11/16, 1/25

The Bedford School

770-774-8001

Fulton

Fairburn

$19,550

10-12

N/A

AdvancEd, GAC, SAIS

1/27, 2/13, 3/20

Ben Franklin Academy

404-633-7404

DeKalb

Druid Hills/ Emory University

$27,000 $34,250

4

N/A

AAAIS, CES, GISA, GHSA, SACS/SAIS

11/14, 12/5

Canterbury School

404-522-5659

Fulton

Morningside

$13,000 $17,000

8

N/A

N/A

Call for a tour

Endeavor Montessori

770-637-1242

DeKalb

Dunwoody

$12,750 $19,020

12-30

N/A

Montessori

Call for a tour

The Friends School of Atlanta

404-373-8746

DeKalb

Decatur

$14,580 $23,095

9

Quaker

AAAIS, FCE, NAIS, SACS-SAIS

Call for a tour

Harvester Christian Academy

770-942-1583

Douglas

Douglasville

$4,250 $9,065

12

Christian

ACSI, AdvancED, GICAA

January, and daily tours

High Meadows School

770-993-2940

Fulton

Roswell/ East Cobb

$6,720 $20,480

18

N/A

AAAIS, International Baccalaureate, SAIS

11/17, 1/26

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia

770-814-8001

Fulton

Johns Creek

$8,300 $17,500

20

N/A

AMI, AMS, PAMS

Call for a tour

Lyndon Academy

770-926-0166

Cherokee

Holly Springs

$10,600 $15,100

12

N/A

AdvancEd, GISA

Call for a tour

Midtown International School

404-542-7003

DeKalb

North Druid Hills/Executive Park

$22,800 $23,900

10-12

N/A

Midway Covenant 770-590-1866 Christian School

Cobb

Lost Mountain

$1,600 $7,100

16

Presbyterian

AdvancED, GAC, NAIS

Call for a tour

ACSI

Call for a tour

Virtual: 10/29, AdvancEd, GISA, SACS, SAIS, NASSP, PreK/K 1/9 & 3/13; NCEA, NCTM 1/27

Our Lady of Victory Catholic 770-306-9026 School

Fayette

River Crest

$9,220 $9,990

10

Catholic

The Piedmont School of Atlanta

404-382-8200

DeKalb

Brookhaven

$25,750

4-8

N/A

Porter Academy

770-594-1313

Fulton

Roswell

$20,476 $21,301

10

N/A

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee 706-746-7720 School

Rabun

Rabun Gap

$20,738 $55,080

12

Presbyterian

NAIS, NCISAA, SAIS, SABS, SACS, TABS

10/27

Fulton

Sandy Springs

$10,500 $21,200

18

N/A

AAAIS, AMI, GISA, NAIS, SACS, SAIS

1/9, 1/26

Springmont School

404-252-3910

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GISA

Call for a tour

9/11, AAAIS, GAC, GAPSEC, 11/13, GISA, SAIS 1/22, 3/4

Beyond the Basics School Chart continued on page 38

| Newcomer Magazine | 37

BEYOND THE BASICS SCHOOL

PHONE

COUNTY

Stepping Stone Gwinnett and Montessori 770-205-0317 Forsyth School

ANNUAL TUITION

AVG. CLASS SIZE

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

ACCREDITATIONS OR AFFILIATIONS

OPEN HOUSE DATES

Cumming & Sugar Hill

Call

Varies

N/A

AMI

N/A

Call

Varies

N/A

AMS, SACS

Call for a tour

The Suzuki School

404-841-3939

Fulton

Buckhead, Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market

T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy

470-375-4120

DeKalb

Stone Mountain/ Tucker

$6,000 $7,000

15

Christian

GAC, GAPSEC

Call for a tour

Vanguard School

863-676-6091

Polk County, FL

Lake Wales, FL

$25,500 $49,000

6-10

Nondenominational

AdvancED, FCIS

Call for a tour

The Walker School

678-581-6894

Cobb

Marietta

$13,310 $24,390

12-15

Open to all faiths

AAAIS, GISA, NAIS, SAIS

1/26

Wesleyan School

770-448-7640

Gwinnett

Peachtree Corners

$17,440 $24,900

16

Christian, nondenominational

AAAIS, CESA, GHSA, GISA, SAIS, The College Board, NACAC

Call for a tour

Fulton

College Park (main campus); Johns Creek (Woodward north)

N/A

AAAIS, GISA, NAIS, SAIS

Main campus 11/19; Woodward North 10/20

Woodward Academy

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NEIGHBORHOOD

404-765-4001

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Main Campus, $18,300 16; $28,800 Woodward North, 10

39 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

2019

SPOTLIGHTING THE BEST OF ATLANTA’S CULTURAL SCENE

Welcome to Atlanta!

By Larry Anderson and Michelle Bourg

You’ve chosen a city that has it all: charming neighborhoods, quality schools, recreation options galore, exciting attractions and top-notch dining. In addition, it’s one of the nation’s leading centers of the arts, hosting the best of Broadway, a worldclass symphony, a plethora of museums and galleries, rowdy standup comedy and much, much more. Our guide to the city’s arts and entertainment world is your backstage pass to something that will excite and inspire everyone in your family.

40 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

LEGEND

F

FAMILY

T

TEEN

A

ADULTS

PERFORMING ARTS ALLIANCE THEATRE F A T D The Tony Award-winning Alliance celebrated its 50th anniversary last year with the opening of its new performance space at the Woodruff Arts Center. This year’s productions include “Becoming Nancy,” “Maybe Happy Ending,” and “Sweat” on the Coca-Cola Stage. The familyfriendly series will include “Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience,” and for the 30th year in a row, the Alliance is presenting the classic “A Christmas Carol.” alliancetheatre.org

ARTS@TECH A T D Arts@Tech encompasses every aspect of the arts at Georgia Tech. The performance aspect includes both student and professional productions of music, theater, dance and comedy. The program’s home is the Ferst Center for the Arts, recently renovated with larger seats, better accessibility, and a brighter feel. The 2019-20 Arts@Tech performance series showcases work created by artists from across the globe. arts.gatech.edu

ATLANTA BALLET F A T D One of the country’s premier dance companies, the Atlanta Ballet has brought the power and joy of dance to Atlanta for 90 years now. Tickets are on sale now for the Sept. 20-22 run of “Love Fear Loss.” Additionally, Atlanta’s holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker,” will continue in December.

Other highlights include “The Swan Princess” as well as “Heart/Beat.” atlantaballet.com

ATLANTA BALLET CENTRE FOR DANCE EDUCATION F T One of the top dance education facilities in the country, the Centre provides a unique opportunity to learn from a world-class faculty, rehearse with the professional company and learn the ins and outs of being a professional dancer. The Centre’s programs instill confidence and self-awareness that benefit students throughout their lives, and are open to everyone in the community, regardless of age or level of experience. centre.atlantaballet.com

D

DATE NIGHT

BROADWAY IN ATLANTA F A T D The best of Broadway comes to Atlanta every year with the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta series. This season, the curtain goes up on “Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Wicked,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Miss Saigon,” and “Hamilton,” among others. atlanta.broadway.com

CENTER FOR PUPPETRY ARTS F A T A family favorite, this year the Center will again be premiering “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” while the teens and adults can enjoy the edgier “The Ghastly Dreadfuls.” The Worlds of Puppetry Museum has puppets from theatre, TV and film, while the Jim Henson Collection is home to the beloved Muppets. The Center also offers kids’ workshops that will turn your child into a budding puppeteer. puppet.org

FOX THEATRE F A T D This Midtown landmark, a former 1920s movie palace known for its Moorish and Egyptian architecture, hosts performances in old-school grandeur. Daily tours showcase the venue’s history and must-see details —from “Mighty Mo,” the world’s largest working Moller theatre organ, to the lounges featuring the original furniture chosen by the wife of movie mogul William Fox, to the crystal “stars” twinkling overhead in the auditorium’s trompe l’oeil sky. foxtheatre.org

GEORGIA BALLET F A T D For its 60th season, the Marietta-based Georgia Ballet presents “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” as well as a holiday presentation of “The Nutcracker.” At The School of the Georgia Ballet, the company offers classes in four divisions: Primary Ballet Division, Recreational Division, Adult Open Division, and Pre-Professional Ballet Division. georgiaballet.org

ATLANTA OPERA A D Founded in 1979, this acclaimed company presents both fresh imaginings of the classics and new works for a modern audience. For its 40th season, it will stage “Frida,” followed by “Salome,” “Porgy and Bess” and, finally, “Madama Butterfly.” Individual tickets are available, as well as full subscriptions. atlantaopera.org

AURORA THEATRE F A T D Now in its 23rd season, this Lawrenceville institution is the fastest-growing professional theater in the state, staging Broadway hits, contemporary theater, children’s programs and the city’s only professional Spanish-language theatre, Teatro Aurora. Highlights for its upcoming season include “Children of Eden,” “The Roommate,” and the holiday favorite “Christmas Canteen.” auroratheatre.com

MARIETTA’S NEW THEATRE IN THE SQUARE F A T D This landmark theater presents established and new plays, comedy and films in Marietta’s historic Square district. Productions this fall include “In the Heights,” “La Gringa,” and “The Gift of the Magi 2.0” The Summer Film Camp and Summer Performing Arts Camp introduce young people to the world of theatre and film. theatreinthesquare.net u newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 41

RIALTO CENTER FOR THE ARTS F A T D

JACKSON FINE ART A T

This 833-seat venue on the campus of Georgia State University is a premier spot for jazz, world music, theatre and dance. Among this season’s offerings are Red Baraat, “Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance” and the legendary Gladys Knight. rialto.gsu.org

This Buckhead gallery specializes in contemporary photography by leading national and international artists; past exhibits have showcased works by Elliot Erwitt, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Michael Kenna, Alfred Eisenstadt and many more. jacksonfineart.com

SCHWARTZ CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS F A T D

LIVING WALLS ATLANTA F A T

Emory University’s Schwartz Center features an 800-seat concert hall that hosts eclectic music, dance and theater performances. This year’s series includes “Fence” performed by Staibdance and “All Creatures Great and Small” performed by the Atlanta Master Chorale. arts.emory.edu

Throughout Atlanta, this nonprofit organization has curated intentional, thought-provoking public art to drive social and economic change in the city’s urban spaces. Over 100 murals are scattered throughout the metro area from local, national and international artists. livingwallsatl.com

Shakespeare Tavern presents Shakespeare and other classics, mounted as closely as possible to the ways in which they were originally presented. Café-style food and drinks are available before each performance. Upcoming productions include “Julius Caesar,” “King Lear,” and “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).” shakespearetavern.com

SPIVEY HALL A D Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, this 400-seat space on the campus of Clayton State University in Morrow is a great setting for live jazz and classical music. The upcoming season includes performances by the Dover Quartet, the Escher String Quartet, the Bax & Chung Piano Duo as well as Christian Tezlaff and Lars Vogt on violin and piano, respectively. clayton.edu/spiveyhall

VISUAL ARTS ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER F A T D This influential gallery spotlights important local, national and international artists in addition to commissioning new works. The Center hosts lectures and events throughout the year, including the Contemporary Cocktails series and Contemporary Kids, a free interactive program that introduces kids to art and artists. atlantacontemporary.org

MUSEUMS AND SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ATLANTA F Atlanta’s premier museum designed expressly for children offers innovative programming that sparks imagination and inspires discovery through play. The “Let Your Creativity Flow” exhibit lets kids create a masterpiece on the Paint Wall, sculpt their wildest imaginings at the Sand Tables or work in mixed media in the Arts Studio. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY F A T D Fernbank brings science to life. Here you can experience the prehistoric, view cultural artifacts and participate in hands-on science. Take the adventure outside as you explore WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, and explore the amazing world in 2D and 3D at Fernbank’s Giant Screen Theater. On the second Friday of each month, Fernbank After Dark offers a changing variety of after-hours experiences, including exhibitions, live music, full bars, tapas and more. fernbankmuseum.org

HIGH MUSEUM OF ART F A T D The High is renowned for its notable architecture, its extensive collection and large-scale exhibits by Warhol, Monet and others. Upcoming exhibits include “Of Origins and Belonging, Drawn from Atlanta,” and “Strange Light: The Photography of Clarence John Laughlin.” The first Friday of every month features drop-in art making, live performances and drinks, while Second Sundays include free admission and family-friendly programming. Summer art camps and monthly Toddler Thursdays let kids up to age 14 have fun discovering their inner artist. high.org

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

THE HUDGENS CENTER FOR ART & LEARNING F A T D

GONE WITH THE WIND MUSEUM A T

Gwinnett County’s showcase for the visual arts, the Center has presented exhibitions by masters such as Picasso, Rauschenberg and Miro, as well as new and local artists. The Children’s Art Zone invites hand-on participation with big, bright exhibits that blend art, music and science. Classes and workshops are available for all ages, and the Passport Adventures in Art Summer Camp offers sessions throughout the season. thehudgens.org

Now in a new home at Marietta’s historic Brumby Hall, this museum is the only location known to display an original costume worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara: the stunning silk bengaline gown worn in the honeymoon scene. Other items include Margaret Mitchell’s personal copies of the novel, items from the production of the film, and a display dedicated to the film’s African-American cast members. gwtwmarietta.com

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PHOTO: Jessica Shock, Fernbank Museum of Natural History

THE SHAKESPEARE TAVERN PLAYHOUSE A T D

INTERACTIVE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR KIDS F

ATLANTA COMEDY THEATRE A D

Visitors to INK, located in Gainesville, find a kid-sized village designed for immersive, hands-on play. The younger crowd can choose roles to play in real-world situations, created on a small scale with authentic props and costumes that make the experience come to life. In addition, there are arts and crafts, play spaces, a music room, a library and the Born Learning Trail for outside exploration. inkfun.org

Atlanta’s only upscale comedy club and venue, this intimate club in Norcross brings the best in standup to the ‘burbs, with an executive chef menu on Friday and Saturday nights and acts like Paul Mooney and Donnell Rawlings onstage. atlantacomedytheater.com

PHOTO: Courtesy of LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER ATLANTA F A dream come true for kids, and fun for parents, too! Peek behind the scenes in the LEGO factory, pick up building tips from the Master Builder Academy, ride a chariot at Kingdom Quest, or become part of the story at the 4D Cinema. Everyone will be intrigued by MINILAND, a miniature Atlanta complete with tiny versions of the Fox Theatre, Stone Mountain and Centennial Olympic Park that even light up at night. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/atlanta

LAUGHING SKULL LOUNGE A D This Atlanta comedy staple located inside Midtown’s edgy Vortex Bar and Grill has brought international touring comedians but still features open mic nights for local talent. Upcoming acts include Emo Philips, Rachel Feinstein and Noah Gardenswartz. laughingskulllounge.com

SOUTHEASTERN RAILWAY MUSEUM F The colorful story of the railroad in Atlanta and North Georgia history is on display here at Georgia’s official transportation history museum. Located next to an active rail line, the 35-acre museum is home to historic railroad equipment, and many pieces are open for guests to climb aboard and explore. Buy a ticket to ride on a train made up of vintage cabooses or try a cab ride and join the engineer as he operates the train around the property. train-museum.org

THE PUNCHLINE

A D

The Punchline, Atlanta’s longest running and continuously operated comedy club opened in 1982, and has hosted legends including Eddie Murphy, Jeff Foxworthy and Jerry Seinfeld. punchline.com

DAD’S GARAGE THEATRE

There’s plenty of family-friendly fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

A D T

Founded in 1995, Dad’s Garage Theatre is located in Atlanta’s historic Old Forth Ward neighborhood and is home to the best improv comedy the city has to offer. Offering shows Wednesday through Saturday almost every week of the year, the Garage is a great option for some late-night entertainment. dadsgarage.com

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OU T S I D E

AT L AN TA

WHERE TO FIND GEORGIA’S BEST FALL COLORS

By Chris Chamberlain & Carol Wright

Overlooking the Gorge at Tallulah Falls.

44 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

Courthouse The Dahlonega eum. and Gold Mus

It’s one of the first things you hear newcomers to Atlanta say: “Wow, there are so many trees here!”

It’s true. The city’s location in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains puts it in the heart of the nation’s largest urban canopy. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, heart-pounding outdoor activities or just an afternoon drive, Atlanta is the perfect jumping-off point for taking in the fiery colors that are about to paint the region.

One thing you’ll need to know as you plan a leaf-watching trip here in Georgia: good things come to those who wait. While a hint of red or yellow shows up in early October, the color doesn’t hit its peak until late October or early November.

Now that you’ve got the basics, here are some suggestions to take advantage of Mother Nature’s spectacular show.

PHOTOS: (Top Right) Courtesy Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chamber & Visitors Bureau

DAHLONEGA Located 71 miles north of Atlanta at the end of Georgia-400, with a downtown listed on the Historic Registry, Dahlonega is famous for its history and has quite a bit to offer.

For starters, visitors can enjoy a trip along the area’s two major scenic roads.

The Brasstown Bald Loop takes you to the highest point in Georgia, while the Lumpkin-Union Loop, meandering through the Appalachian mountains, stays closer to town while offering beautiful overlooks of waterfalls and lakes.

Many points of interest are situated along the loops. Among them are the Walasi-Yi Interpretive Center at Neels Gap and the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center, the home of the poet and novelist.

While you’re here, you can spend a beautiful fall day shopping the boutiques in town, sampling the offerings of the area’s picturesque wineries and, in a nod to the area’s history, try your hand at panning for gold.

Who knows — maybe you’ll find treasure.

The crisper fall air will no doubt whet your appetite, and the Yahoola Creek Grill is just the place to satisfy it. Whether it’s a quick lunch, dinner or a relaxed brunch before you head home. Specialties like sweet tea chicken and waffles, salmon pasta

and the perfect-for-fall ultimate grilled cheese are served in a rustic setting that lets you take in the sweeping view of the forested mountains as you enjoy your meal.

Make your trip extra special with a stay at the Dahlonega Square Hotel and Villas, just steps away from the city’s historic town square. The lovely buildings date from the late 1800s, but the comforts and luxury are fully 21st century, including chargers for electric cars. The hotel features comfortable, well-accommodated rooms adorned in Victorian décor, inviting you to step back in time.

The villas, with full kitchens in most, are also beautifully decorated. dahlonega.org

GAINESVILLE The county seat of Hall County, Gainesville is about 50 miles or so northeast of Atlanta.

Any cyclist’s dream, the city of Gainesville offers miles and miles of bike trails from beginner to advanced, including the Chicopee Woods Trail System and the University of North Georgia-Gainesville Campus Trail System.

But the city isn’t only attractive to visitors on two wheels; you’ll also find it a home for the arts, featuring the Quinlan Visual Arts Center, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance and the Brenau Art Galleries.

There’s also shopping, delectable dining and gorgeous gardens including the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s-Gainesville.

The Interactive Neighborhood for Kids is where toddlers and youngsters can touch and handle the exhibits for role-playing fun. Lake Lanier, best known as a summer beach day trip, takes on a new personality as the area puts on a colorful new costume for fall. A trip to Gainesville has something for every member of the family. gainesville.org u

Sunset at Van Pugh

Park, Lake La nier.

Hotel Lobby of Dahlonega Square

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Tallulah Gorge State Park, located in the northeast corner of the state, is always a gorgeous vista yet only as physically challenging as you choose to make it.

Northeast of Dawsonville, in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest about 90 minutes from Atlanta, Amicalola Falls features 829 acres of mountain wilderness, which is a magnificent sight in autumn. The highest cascading waterfall this side of the Mississippi River (729 feet) can be found here.

The park has a multitude of trails and loads of family-friendly activities abound.

Everyone can enjoy the GPS scavenger hunt, or learn about the area’s resident birds of prey from park staff. Fitness enthusiasts can participate in the self-guided trail run through the

Amicalola Falls State Park

crisscrossing paths, and the hardcore outdoor enthusiast can participate in the lodge’s survivalist camp to hone their skills with qualified instructors. gastateparks.org/amicalolafalls

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK Tallulah Gorge State Park, located in the northeast corner of the state, is always a gorgeous vista yet only as physically chalEnjoy the view fro lenging as you choose to make it. m Lookout Mountain Trails along the two-mile rim of the almost 1,000-foot-deep gorge offer spectacular views of the river flowing beneath and waterfalls cascading the length of the canyon. Did we mention leafTours. Twelve different zip-lines comprised watching colors galore? of over a mile of cable crisscross the property 100 permits are available daily to hike on for a three-hour tour of forests, ponds and the pristine floor of the gorge. Permits are free the North Oconee River. The course ends in of charge, and visitors can obtain them at the a dual zip where you can race a partner to Interpretive Center on the day of your visit. Be the finish line. sure to wear proper footwear—no flip-flops or The grounds also house a disc golf course Crocs—and note that permits will not be isand a free geocaching course where you can sued after 4 p.m. gastateparks.org/tallulahgorge use a GPS device or cellphone app to locate five hidden canisters using GPS coordinates in a high-tech scavenger hunt.

NORTH GEORGIA Overnighters can enjoy “glamping” (a.k.a., CANOPY TOURS glamorous camping) in teepees that sleep up If you’re looking for something a little more to 10 people with comforts including temadventurous, there are plenty of adrenalineperature control systems, lights and electrical pumping outdoor activities in the region. outlets for your all your gadgets.

Every fall, adventure-seekers flock to Lula northgeorgiacanopytours.com for the heart-pounding North Georgia Canopy

LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN HANG GLIDING

Adventureseekers tour the North Oconee River by zipline!

46 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

North Georgia Canopy Tours

Looking to get your heart racing, while being able to view spectacular autumn colors from above? At Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding, you can learn to fly or take a tandem flight with a pro.

Lesson packages range from a series that prepares you to pilot a hang glider solo to shorter training experiences on the gentle slope of a small hill where you’ll get just up to 10 feet off the ground.

Looking to go bigger? The truly bold can also take a tandem flight with an instructor to savor the sweeping views of Lookout Valley, soaring up to 3,000 feet to marvel in the beauty below. flylookout.com.

PHOTOS: (Bottom) Courtesy Georgia Department of Econ. Development; (Top Right) Aaron Johnson

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK

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GETTING STARTED

HERE MARTA

TO

THERE Vehicle Emission Inspection

Vehicles that are 24 model years old and later (except the three years prior to the current year) must be checked yearly for emission standard compliance. Visit a statedesignated inspection station for the service.

Call 800-449-2471 or visit cleanairforce.com.

Mass Transit

One way to avoid long commutes is to take advantage of the city’s local transit system, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Offering both train and bus service, MARTA is a convenient way to travel to downtown or the airport. The fee for traveling one way is $2.50 including transfers, and payment is even easier now with the Breeze limited-use and extendeduse cards. Weekly and monthly passes can be obtained at discounted rates. For fares, schedule and route information call 404848-5000 or visit itsmarta.com.

Driving Tips

MARTA Rail Service

The Georgia DOT provides daily updates of road work, road closings and traffic delays, which are helpful when commuting.

Updates can be obtained by calling (toll free) 877694-2511, by dialing 511, or by visiting dot.ga.gov.

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COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOLS Cherokee County Schools Board of Education 770-479-1871

cherokee.k12.ga.us

Cherokee County QUICK INFO

Elementary Schools 23 Middle Schools 7 High Schools 6 Centers 6 Per-pupil expenditures $8,704 School & bus information 770-720-2112

County cherokeega.com Neighborhoods canton-georgia.com woodstockga.gov cityofballground.com hollyspringsga.us cityofwaleska.com

Avg. SAT Scores Cherokee Co. 1122 Georgia 1054 National 1049

Median household income: $75,477 Median age of residents: 38 Population: 235,896 Sales tax: 6%

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

Chamber of Commerce Cherokee County 770-345-0400, cherokeechamber.com

UTILITIES & CONTACTS

Property Taxes Per $1,000 of assessed value is: Unincorporated Cherokee County, $28.75; Incorporated Cherokee County, $29.11.

Tax Commissioner: 678-493-6400

ELECTRICITY Amicalola EMC 706-253-5200 Cobb EMC 770-429-2100 Georgia Power 888-660-5890 Sawnee EMC

770-887-2363

GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV AT&T: att.com Cobb EMC cobbemc.com Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com Direct TV directv.com Dish Network dish.com ETC Communications etcnow.com Spectrum spectrum.com TDS Telecom tdstelecom.com Windstream windstream.com

WATER Cherokee County Water Authority City of Ball Ground City of Canton City of Waleska City of Woodstock

770-479-1813 770-735-2123 770-704-1500 770-479-2912 770-592-6006

HOSPITALS Northside Hospital-Cherokee 770-224-1000 Wellstar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000

Old Sixes Mill

Located northwest of Atlanta, Cherokee County gets its name from the original inhabitants of the area, the Cherokee Indians. The county seat, then called Etowah, was established in 1833 and renamed Canton in 1834.

Today, the city is enjoying its greatest economic boom in its history since more than $60 million was invested in residential and commercial development in 1998. Despite developing its own industrial base, Cherokee County remains idyllic and serene. Farming, especially poultry processing, remains a leading industry.

Canton and the neighboring community of Woodstock have seen tremendous growth as subdivisions crop up to accommodate newcomers. In fact, nearly 60 percent of the county’s population are commuters. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of homes in 2006 was $220,200.

Homes for well over $1 million can be purchased in such neighborhoods as Bradshaw Farms, Bridge Mill and Town Lake Hills.

Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92 traverse the county, affording residents easy access to Atlanta and the nearby attractions of Town Center Mall, Lake Allatoona and the North Georgia Mountains. Other great places

50 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

Mountains and along the banks of the Etowah River, Canton is prime location for development.

Woodstock

to live, work and play in Cherokee County include the cities of Ball Ground, Holly Springs and Waleska.

Neighborhoods

Canton Canton was incorporated in 1833 and renamed in 1834 at the request of two founding fathers who had visions that the town might become a silk center similar to what existed in Canton, China. Canton did become famous for its “Canton Denim,” known worldwide for the high-quality denim produced

by Canton Cotton Mills.

Today, Canton is attracting new industry and residents. As a result, the city is re-investing in its downtown.

As part of its “Streetscapes” program, downtown Canton will be restored to its historic look and features a newly designed theater on Main Street. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge

Located twelve miles south of Canton, Woodstock is one of Georgia's top ten fastest-growing cities and a community recently named one of the "Top 50 Cities Places to Live in the U.S." by Money Magazine.

Residents also enjoy easy access to Interstate 575 and Ga. Highway 92, allowing short commutes to Cobb and Fulton counties.

While affording convenience to big-city attractions, Woodstock still maintains its small-town appeal. Buildings dating back to 1879 characterize the downtown, where antique and other specialty shops are located.

Various golf courses are located in Woodstock, including Arnold Palmer’s Eagle Watch, a course with wooded countryside views that is con-sidered to be one of the top places to play in Atlanta. The 11,860-acre Lake Allatoona provides additional recreation. Woodstock is also convenient to more than 13 state parks. N For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Website at newcomeratlanta.com

Enabling Children with Learning Differences

to Succeed ✔ Pre-K through 8th Grade ✔ Small group instruction using multi-sensory techniques ✔ Academic programs matched to individual’s strengths Phone: 770-594-1313 I 200 Cox Rd. Roswell

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COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Cobb County Schools Board of Education 770-426-3300

cobb.k12.ga.us Elementary Schools 69 Middle Schools 25 High Schools 17 Magnet 6 Charter 2 Per-pupil expenditures $8,893 School and bus information 678-594-8000

Avg. SAT Scores

Cobb Co. 1107 Marietta City 1072 Georgia 1054 National 1049 PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS ELECTRICITY Acworth Power 770-917-8903 Cobb EMC 770-429-2100 Georgia Power 888-660-5890 GreyStone Power Corp.

770-942-6576 Marietta Power/ Columbia Energy 770-794-5150 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV AT&T att.com Cobb EMC cobbemc.com Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com Direct TV directv.com Dish Network dish.com Spectrum spectrum.com WATER Austell Water Cobb County Water Systems Marietta Water Powder Springs Water Smyrna Water

770-944-4300 770-419-6200 770-794-5100 770-943-8000 678-631-5338

HOSPITALS WellStar Cobb Hospital 770-732-4000 WellStar Kennestone Hospital 770-793-5000 WellStar Windy Hill Hospital 770-644-1000

Suntrust Park

Cobb County QUICK INFO

Cobb County came into being in 1832 when the state County cobbcountyga.gov redistributed land once part Neighborhoods austellga.org of the Cherokee Nation. mariettaga.gov Named after Thomas Welch smyrnaga.gov Cobb, the county experi kennesaw-ga.gov enced a devastating setback cityofpowdersprings.org during the Civil War when smyrnacity.com most of it was destroyed Median household income: $75,654 during the famous Battle at Median age of residents: 36.6 Kennesaw Mountain.

Population: 755,754 Today, Cobb County, Sales tax: 6% located north of Fulton Chamber of Commerce County, is one of the state's Cobb County most thriving counties. With 770-980-2000, cobbchamber.org a diverse economic base Property Taxes that includes jobs in the The property tax is $30.35 per $1,000 of assessed service, retail, aerospace and value. Tax Commissioner: 770-980-2000 technology sectors, Cobb County offers a quality of life unsurpassed in the Southeast.

More than $770 million has been Cumberland Mall, secluded subspent on transportation improvements in recent years, allowing divisions in East Cobb and horse residents easy access to Atlanta and ranches in the northwest corner the commercial districts of Vinings of the county. The small towns Overlook, Cumberland Parkway and of Marietta, Vinings, Smyrna and the prestigious “Platinum Triangle” Austell still retain their Southern in the Galleria area. charm amidst urban settings. AcA variety of housing options cording to the Census Bureau, the exist in Cobb County, including median value of homes in 2017 was luxury apartments and condos near $254,300.

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Neighborhoods

Kennesaw One of Family Circle magazine’s “Ten Best Towns for Families,” Kennesaw takes pride in its small-town atmosphere and boasts abundant parks and green space, exceptional recreational programs and top-notch schools, including Kennesaw State University. Kennesaw’s historic downtown features shopping, dining and attractions such as the Smithsonian-affiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, the Smith-Gilbert Arboretum and nearby Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.

Smyrna Rapidly defining what’s new and progressive in quality of life and citizen services, Smyrna delivers an amazing sense of style and love of life. The Market Village district, home to fabulous restaurants, bars and upscale shops and services, is the final piece of a master plan for success. Call it “Main Street USA” or “Disneyland,” but don’t overlook its charm and ability to offer the best in fresh, trendy lifestyle options. N For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Website at newcomeratlanta.com

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Marietta City Schools Board of Education 770-422-3500

marietta-city-org Elementary Schools 7 Middle Schools 1 High Schools 1 Sixth-Grade 1 Magnet 1 Per-pupil expenditures $9,110 School and bus information 770-429-3110

COUNTY INFORMATION

DeKalb County Located east of Fulton County, DeKalb County is the second largest county in the state with a population of about 753,000. DeKalb County contributes to Atlanta’s status as an “inter-national city” with its businesses and residences representing more than 30 different countries and 120 languages.

DeKalb County prospers in

Neighborhoods

Decatur The county seat of DeKalb, Decatur is a charming historic city known for its recreation and pedestrian-friendly streets. Its beating

some beautiful public art, and hosts numerous festivals, town celebrations and neighborhood events.

Decatur is home to a diverse population, attracting young professionals, families, retirees and bright young college students—the city is home to the prestigious women’s university Agnes Scott College, and worldrenowned Emory University is just outside the city limits. Older brick homes, smaller bungalows and cottage homes distinguish the community as well as the surrounding neighborhoods of Avondale Estates, Oakhurst and Candler Park.

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Dunwoody

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters

QUICK INFO County

dekalbcounty.ga.gov

In the northern corner of the county is Dunwoody, a popular neighborhood among both established professionals and young, upwardly mobile ones raising their families.

It is often referred to as the “tennis set” neighborhood because of its numerous recreational outlets that include Lynwood Park and Recreation Center, as well as Blackburn Park and Tennis Center. Cultural attractions include the Dunwoody Nature Center and the Spruill Gallery.

part due to its excellent Neighborhoods brookhavenga.gov transportation system. decaturga.com Five major road arter druidhills.org ies traverse the county: dunwoodyga.gov Interstates 20, 85, 285, candlerpark.org stonemountaincity.org 675 and US Highway 78.

Hartsfield-Jackson InterMedian household income: $61,827 national Airport is only Median age of residents: 35.9 One of Atlanta’s newest six miles from DeKalb’s Population: 753,253 cities, Brookhaven incorporatsouthern border and the Sales tax: 8% ed in 2012. Its 12 square miles DeKalb Peachtree AirChamber of Commerce are a diverse mix of residents port, a general aviation DeKalb County and amenities. In Brookhaven, field, is reported to be 404-378-8000, dekalbchamber.org there are pre-war estates; the second busiest airProperty Taxes newer, thriving mixed-use port in Georgia. DeKalb The property tax rate is $43.99 per $1,000 of assessed value for unincorporated DeKalb County. developments; a country club; County is also a leader in Tax Commissioner: 404-298-4000 plenty of parks; and Buford the biomedical commuHighway, Atlanta’s most culturnity with The Centers for ally diverse corridor, famed for its heart is the Courthouse Square, Disease Control and Prevention variety of ethnic cuisine. N which features an eclectic mix of headquartered there.

The median value of homes storefront boutiques and shops, For more counties and neighborhood in 2017, according to the Census restaurants and entertainment information, visit our Website at newcomeratlanta.com Bureau, was $199,800. options. The square is also home to

Brookhaven

EDUCATION PUBLIC SCHOOLS DeKalb County Schools Board of Education 678-676-1200

dekalbschoolsga.org Elementary Schools 118 Middle Schools 33 High Schools 37 Per-pupil expenditures $9,862 School & bus information 678-676-1305 City Schools of Decatur Board of Education

404-371-3601 csdecatur.net

Early Learning 1 Elementary Schools 6 Middle Schools 1 High Schools 1 Per-pupil expenditures $13,306 School & bus information 404-371-6677 Avg. SAT Scores DeKalb Co. 998 City of Decatur 1067 Georgia 1054 National 1049 PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com for a list of private schools in this county.

UTILITIES & CONTACTS ELECTRICITY Georgia Power

888-660-5890

Snapping Shoals EMC

770-786-3484

Walton EMC

770-267-2505

GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV AT&T att.com Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com Direct TV directv.com Dish Network dish.com WATER DeKalb County Water System 404-371-2000

HOSPITALS Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston

404-785-5437

DeKalb Medical Center

404-501-1000

Emory University Hospital

404-712-2000

Piedmont Hospital and Medical Care Center

404-605-5000

newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 53

COUNTY INFORMATION EDUCATION

PUBLIC SCHOOLS Fulton County Schools Board of Education 470-254-3600

fultonschools.org Elementary Schools 59 Middle Schools 19 High Schools 18 Charter 10 Centers 4 Per-pupil expenditures $10,609 School & Bus Information

North 470-254-2970 South 470-254-6060 Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education 404-802-3500

atlantapublicschools.us Elementary Schools Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Charter Alternative Per-pupil expenditures School & bus information

52 52 10 9 17 4 $10,609 404-802-5500

Avg. SAT Scores Fulton Co. 1170 Atlanta Public Schools 961 Georgia 1054 National 1049 PRIVATE SCHOOLS Visit our website at newcomeratlanta.com

UTILITIES & CONTACTS

for a list of private schools in this county.

ELECTRICITY City of College Park 404-669-3759 City of East Point 404-270-7010 City of Fairburn 770-964-2244 City of Palmetto 770-463-3322 Georgia Power 888-891-0938 GAS Georgia’s natural gas market is deregulated.

For a list of providers for this county, visit newcomeratlanta.com.

TELEPHONE/INTERNET/TV AT&T att.com Comcast (Xfinity) xfinity.com Direct TV directv.com Dish Network dish.com Fulton County

WATER

404-612-6830

HOSPITALS Atlanta Medical Center 404-265-4000 Atlanta VA Medical Center 404-321-6111 Center for the Visually Impaired 404-875-9011 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding 404-785-9500 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite 404-785-5252 Emory University Hospital Midtown 404-686-4411 Grady Memorial Hospital 404-606-1000 North Fulton Regional Hospital 770-751-2500 Northside Hospital 404-851-8000 Piedmont Hospital 404-605-5000 Shepherd Center 404-352-2020 Emory St. Joseph's Hospital 678-843-7001

Fulton County Fulton County serves as the center of the metro Atlanta area. With 90 percent of the city of Atlanta, including the state’s capital building, located within its borders, it sits at the hub of the area’s financial, transportation, retail, communications and cultural services. A number of Fortune 500 companies, including the Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines and UPS, are headquartered here.

More than one million people live in Fulton County, drawn by its convenience to Interstates 75, 85 and 285 and Georgia State Route 400. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median value of homes in the county is $306,200.

Fulton is home to many of Atlanta’s signature neighborhoods, including its bustling downtown district. Older neighborhoods like Inman Park, Grant Park, Candler Park and Virginia-Highland offer affordable housing, pedestrianfriendly layouts and plentiful parks and recreational options.

Midtown Atlanta is the heart of Atlanta’s cultural scene, with the Woodruff Arts Center (home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the High Museum of Art) and the historic Fox Theatre, as well as a host of art galleries. Midtown’s Piedmont Park, the city’s most popular green space, hosts many outdoor festivals and concerts.

historic Swan House and the Atlanta History Center.

Buckhead is also an entertainment and dining hotspot. With luxury hotels, shops, bars and more than 250 restaurants, the Buckhead area is a magnet for young professionals.

The neighborhood also offers numerous antique stores, art galleries and mall shopping at both Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.

Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta

QUICK INFO

Neighborhoods

Buckhead Buckhead is “where old money lives and new money parties,” according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With its mixture of mansions and uniquely styled homes, Buckhead is a favorite among architecture and history buffs. Convenient to Georgia 400, Interstate 85 and MARTA, it’s filled with high-rises, upscale restaurants, the Governor’s Mansion, the

54 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

County co.fulton.ga.us Neighborhoods alpharetta.ga.us buckhead.net cityofmiltonga.us virginiahighland.com collegeparkga.com eastpointcity.org hapeville.org johnscreekga.gov roswellgov.com sandyspringsga.org

home to approximately 64,000 residents, drawn to its affordable housing, parks, shopping at North Point Mall and concerts at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. The city's historic downtown boasts an appealing town square, called Alpharetta City Center, it features locally owned shops and restaurants, and hosts events year round.

Median household income: $65,037 Median age of residents: 35.5 Population: 1,041,000 Sales tax: 7.75%, Atlanta City: 8.9% Chamber of Commerce Greater North Fulton 770-993-8806, gnfcc.com Metro Atlanta 404-880-9000, metroatlantachamber.com South Fulton 770-964-1984, southfultonchamber.com Property Taxes The property tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value is: $43.55 for the City of Atlanta; $29.18 for incorporated Fulton County; $40.76 for unincorporated Fulton County; $33.54 for Johns Creek; $33.91 for Sandy Springs. Tax Commissioner: 404-613-6100

Alpharetta One of metro Atlanta’s most vibrant and affluent cities, Alpharetta is

Johns Creek Incorporated in 2012, this thriving community of 83,000 was ranked third among “50 Best U.S. Cities to Live In” by USA Today.

It boasts a diverse economic base, coupled with a peaceful environment: the city contains over 200 acres of parkland and nature reserves and contains five access points to the Chattahoochee River.

Milton Also incorporated in 2006, Milton combines a pastoral setting with forward-thinking city planning that offers what’s been called “The best quality of life in Georgia.” N For more counties and neighborhood information, visit our Website at newcomeratlanta.com

CANTERBURY SCHOOL Keeping alive children’s inborn sense of wonder

an occupational therapy service

for children toddler through teen TREATING DEVELOPMENTAL SENSORY AND BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS SERVICES Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Testing 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. Evaluations are detailed and definitive for all types of learning issues. Exclusive Provider of: WIN® Write Incredibly Now® Handwriting Program.

CHILD/PARENT ADVOCACY IEP/504 accommodations help! KNOW THE FACTS BEFORE YOU SIGN! MENTORSHIPS For pre-OT students and OT’s who are looking to gain new skills.

Infants - Pre K Grades K- 8th Afterschool and summer camp

Handwriting, Sensory Skills, Homework Organization our specialities!

Year round evaluative and consultative services available.

Located in Morningside, convenient to Downtown, Midtown, Druid Hills, Buckhead, Decatur, L5P

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

Canterbury School practices a nondiscriminatory admission policy.

Susan N. Schriber Orloff, OTR/L, FAOTA CEO/Executive Director Children’s Special Services, LLC

Call 404-522-5659 For more information canterburyschoolga.com

770-329-0119 • susanorloff@childrens-services.com www.childrens-services.com

newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 55

upcomingEVENTS

Carrie Underwood, State Farm Arena The award-winning singer, songwriter and “American Idol” veteran performs. Oct. 19, 800-745-3000, statefarmarena.com.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The author and media personality appears to promote his upcoming book “Letters From an Astrophysicist.” Oct. 22, 800-745-3000, cobbenergycentre.com.

Wicked, Fox Theatre

Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Fox Theatre

PHOTO: Ian Ibbetson

The beloved musical inspired by characters from L. Frank Baum’s Oz books returns courtesy of Broadway in Atlanta. Oct. 23-Nov. 17, 855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org.

Elton John, State Farm Arena The dynamic pop star returns to Atlanta on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. Nov. 1-2, 800-745-3000, statefarmarena.com.

Theater & Concerts Frozen Heart & Paquita, Infinite Energy Theater The Northeast Atlanta Ballet presents Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale of a beautiful girl who is transformed by evil trolls into the cold-hearted Snow Queen. Sept. 14, 770-626-2464, infiniteenergycenter.com.

WWE Smackdown Live, State Farm Arena See your favorite wrestling personalities in person as “Smackdown Live” is broadcast live to the world! Sept. 17, 800-745-3000, statefarmarena.com.

Love Fear Loss, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The Atlanta Ballet celebrates its 90th season with a work inspired by the life and music of Edith Piaf. The program also includes Liam Scarlett’s “Vespertine” and a world premiere from choreographer Claudia Schreier. Sept. 2022, 800-745-3000, cobbenergycentre.com.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Fox Theatre Broadway in Atlanta presents the touring production based on the beloved book that inspired two motion pictures. Sept, 24-29,

with Simba on this road trip to your favorite Disney destinations. Sept. 25-29, 800-745-3000, statefarmarena.com.

Kevin James, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The comic and TV and movie star performs.

Sep. 26, 800-745-3000, cobbenergycentre.com.

Peppa Pig Live, Fox Theatre Kids of all ages will enjoy this all-new, actionpacked live show featuring Peppa and her friends. Oct. 5, 855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org.

Trisha Yearwood, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The author, actor and award-winning country singer returns in support of her new album, “Every Girl.” Oct. 13, 800-745-3000, cobbenergycentre.com.

North Georgia State Fair, Jim R. Miller Park

La Cenerentola, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre The Atlanta Opera presents a hilarious take on the classic tale of Cinderella. Nov. 2-10, 404-881-8885, cobbenergycentre.com.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Fox Theatre The acrobatic performance troupe known for its mix of European cirque-style performance, American circus arts and Broadway theatrics returns with this popular holiday-themed production. Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 855-285-8499, foxtheatre.org.

Exhibits & Events Tiny Con, Children’s Museum of Atlanta Kids can compete in Mario Kart races, build a lightsaber and mix potions with Hogwarts classmates at this celebration of favorite comics, games, fantasy books and more.

Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

Doc McStuffins: The Exhibit, Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Disney on Ice, State Farm Arena

This interactive experience based on Disney Junior’s Peabody Award-winning series lets children perform check-ups and diagnose toy patients while learning about healthy habits at the McStuffins Toy Hospital.

Travel with Moana to the sun-soaked Motunui and set off on a safari to the Pride Lands

Through Sept. 8, 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

855-285-8499, broadwayinatlanta.com.

56 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

Frida and Diego: Passion, Politics, and Painting, High Museum of Art

North Georgia State Fair, Jim R. Miller Park

Cocktails & Cosmos, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Ala.

Home for the Holidays, Hendersonville, N.C.

The largest fair in metro Atlanta features live music, free attractions and shows, farm animals, flower shows, blue ribbon competitions, fair food and much more, including a carnival midway featuring the Wildcat Rollercoaster, the Georgia Mountain Lift and the Mega Slide.

At Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Sept. 19-29,

Sip a featured specialty cocktail and enjoy a discussion on such astronomical topics as exoplanets, spacecraft missions and black holes. Intended for an adult audience. Science and humor included! Sept. 13, 800-637-7223, rocketcenter.com.

Euphoria, Greenville, S.C.

northgeorgiastatefair.com.

Traveling the Silk Road, Fernbank Museum of Natural History PHOTO: Derek DiLuzio

Step back in time with this special exhibit that tells the story of this route’s extraordinary influence on trade. Sept. 28-Jan. 5, 2020, 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org.

Emergency Preparedness Event, Interactive Neighborhood for Kids Learn how to plan the basics of home and community preparedness before a disaster strikes and see emergency vehicles up close!

Sept. 29, 770-536-1900, inkfun.org.

Woodland Spirits, Fernbank Museum of Natural History Encounter ghostly visitors as you explore WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. Oct. 5-Nov. 17, 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org.

Sally Mann: A Thousand Crossings, High Museum of Art This exhibition presents more than 100 of the Southern photographer’s hauntingly beautiful photographs, exploring themes of memory, desire, death, and the bonds of family. Oct. 19Feb. 2, 404-733-5000, high.org.

Trick or Treat at the Museum, Children’s Museum of Atlanta For one night only, Atlanta’s favorite children’s museum transforms into a spooky funhouse!

Little ones are invited to come in costume to enjoy a night of crafts, prizes, performances and trick-or-treating. Oct. 26, 404-659-5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org.

HallowINK, Interactive Neighborhood for Kids Grown-ups are invited for a spooktacular evening featuring a costume contest, games, food, drinks and dancing. For adults 21 and up only. Nov. 1, 770-536-1900, inkfun.org.

work of the genre-bending artist and designer who became creative director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear in 2018 and helms his own popular fashion brand, Off-White. Nov. 9-Mar. 8, 404-733-5000, high.org.

Santa’s Fantastical, Perimeter Pointe This whimsical indoor holiday experience mixes timeless traditions with innovative technology to produce one-of-a-kind visuals, larger-than-life installations, live performances and more. Beginning Nov. 15, santasfantastical.com.

Winter Wonderland, Fernbank Museum of Natural History Back by popular demand to celebrate its 10th anniversary, this exhibit features cultural items from around the world alongside two floors of holiday trees. Nov. 22-Jan. 5, 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org.

Bodies…The Exhibition

This weekend-long event highlights Greenville’s thriving culinary and arts communities with exclusive tasting events, cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, multi-course dinners and live musical performances. Sept.

19-22, upcountrysc.com.

Fiesta, Hendersonville, N.C. Bright colors, savory smells and rhythmic music fill Hendersonville’s Main Street for this street festival celebrating Latin American culture through music, dance, art and food.

Sept. 22, holacommunityarts.org.

Harmony Jubilee, Fitzgerald See the beautiful countryside from a hot air balloon and enjoy an artisan market, children’s activities, musical entertainment and more at the Paulk Park Campground. Sept. 27-28, harmonyjubilee.com.

Apollo: When We Went to the Moon, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Ala. This world-premiere exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 spaceflight that landed the first two men on the moon on July 20, 1969. Enjoy an Apollo 11 launch experience and explore artifacts and memorabilia showcasing this pivotal moment in American history. Through Dec. 31, 800-637-7223, rocketcenter.com.

This fascination exhibit celebrates the inner beauty of the human body with more than 200 real human bodies and specimens, allowing you to see the body’s different systems in detail. Ongoing, 404-496-4274, bodiesatlanta.com.

Space Craze: A Space Age Journey Through Pop Culture, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Ala.

A Short Drive Away

rocketcenter.com.

Hawk Watch, Spartanburg, S.C.

Virgil Abloe: Figures of Speech, High Museum of Art

Join the Greenville County Bird Club at Caesar’s Head State Park to glimpse thousands of large raptors on their way to Central and South America for the winter. Sept. 1-Dec. 1,

See the first museum exhibit devoted to the

upcountrysc.com.

This exhibit explores the public fascination with all things space-related as seen in everyday household items, toys, games and popular entertainment. Through Dec. 31, 800-637-7223,

Home for the Holidays, Hendersonville, N.C. Experience the hospitality and warmth of a Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas throughout this series of holiday events. Nov. 1-Jan. 1, 800-828-4244, visithendersonvillenc.org.

newcomeratlanta.com | Newcomer Magazine | 57

hiddenATLANTA

LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER BUILDING A WORLD OF CREATIVITY

By Lindsay Oberst

Olympic Park, the Fox Theatre and Stone Mountain that even light up at night.

The staff recommends allowing two to three hours to take everything in, but you’ll want to budget some extra time to hit the onsite café—and the LEGOLAND shop, bursting with tons of neat LEGO merchandise, including the latest building sets.

For the Halloween season, kids can have spooktacular fun at the Brick-or-Treat celebration, which takes place each weekend in October, including the center’s annual costume contest Oct. 26 and 27.

Enjoy a Halloween-themed MINILAND scavenger hunt and a build-and-take-home activity in the Master Builder Academy. Additionally, there will be a costume contest each day where guests will have a chance to win an annual pass, a LEGO goody bag or even a custom LEGO trophy.

Of course, no matter how long your visit, your little ones will be shouting, “When are we coming back?” before you’ve even left.

The perfect place to celebrate a special event.

The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a dream come true for adults and children alike — a dream constructed out of more than 2 million colorful LEGO bricks. This 35,000-square-foot space at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead is an indoor, interactive playground that sparks kids’ creativity at every turn and offers a little education along the way.

Designed for children ages three through 10, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center lets visitors see how these beloved bricks are made in the LEGO factory, and then pick up building tips from the pros at the Master Builder Academy.

At the Build and Test Zone, kids create their own vehicles and test them on a speed track, while at the Earthquake Tables, they construct towering buildings and then stand back and watch as the plates shift, testing the strength of their creations.

From there, it’s on to wonders like the 4D Cinema, where viewers become part of the story unfolding onscreen as they experience bursts of wind, rain, snow and even lightning. Kids can romp at Pirate Adventure Island, ride a chariot at Kingdom Quest, and much more.

Toddlers will enjoy building their own creations at Duplo Village and visiting the LEGO Friends at Olivia’s House, where they can watch movies, build fanciful LEGO “cupcakes” and even perform karaoke.

Adults will appreciate the center’s educational benefits, including school trips that get students excited about using math and introduce them to the basic concepts of physics and engineering. Grownups will also get a kick out of MINILAND, a miniature Atlanta complete with tiny versions of Centennial 58 | Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com

There’s plenty of family-friendly fun at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

For hours, ticket prices and other information about LEGOLAND Discovery Center Atlanta, call 404-848-9252 or visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/Atlanta.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Brick-or-Treat is back, each weekend in October.