Issuu

fall 2026

knowatlanta.com

Get A First-Class Education in Atlanta

WHAT’S INSIDE: KnowAtlanta’s Annual Education Guide Fall Festivals & Ghost Tours Fayetteville’s Growing Craft Beverage Scene Sports Safety Innovation in Peachtree Corners

Live your best life every day in a Toll Brothers home. From thoughtfully designed floor plans to designer-curated details, Toll Brothers homes make each day feel extraordinary. Explore Toll Brothers communities across the Atlanta area and discover build to order homes that allow you to choose your home design, home site, and luxury finishes as well as quick move-in and move-in ready homes awaiting your finishing touches. Visit or schedule an appointment today with a Sales Consultant and take one step closer to a home you’ll love.

Models Open Daily Townhomes from the upper $400,000s Single-family homes from the low $500,000s Condos from the upper $300,000s

Explore our Georgia communities at TollBrothers.com/Georgia Homes available nationwide. Brokers welcome. Prices subject to change without notice. Images are for representational purposes only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. This is not an offering where prohibited by law.

8,000 ACRES OF MOUNTAINS | 540-ACRE, SPRING-FED LAKE | 18 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF 5 MODEL HOMES | 4 VETERAN HOMEBUILDERS

All waiting for you in our Gated & Guarded Community

Harvest Great Savings Visit today and experience the quiet prestige of where you are meant to be. RANCH STYLE HOMES & TOWNHOMES from the Mid $400s-$800s

2026

2419 Lake Arrowhead Drive | Waleska 30183 | 770-720-2700 | LakeArrowheadGA.com Information is believed accurate but not warranted and is subject to changes, omissions, errors, prior sales and withdrawal without notice.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L

VO LUME 40

2026

NUMBER 4

CONTENTS 04 From the editor

05 At A Glance MOVE 06 Moving To Atlanta Checklist 08 Why Georgia’s Top School Districts Continue to Shape New-Home Development 10 Atlanta’s Best Builders and New Home Communities LIVE 14 Fall is the prime time to visit these Lake Lanier attractions. 20 Lake Society On Lake Lanier: A new standard in resort-style active adult living 22 Fayetteville’s Growing Craft Beverage Scene 26 Local Innovation, Global Growth THRIVE 30 Fling yourself into fall with these local festivals. 34 Five ways to celebrate autumn 35 SPECIAL SECTION It’s KnowAtlanta Magazine’s annual Education Guide, full of everything you need to know about the area’s private and public schools. 66 Get to Know Metro Atlanta’s Counties 80 Now You Know: Visit Olde Town Conyers for a Southern Ghost Tour

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

A STRONG FOUNDATION LEADS TO A BRIGHT FUTURE. THE

WOODWARD WAY

NURTURES CURIOSITY, CONFIDENCE, AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.

woodward.edu/inquire

from the editor

Publisher Sherry Gasaway

HOW TO ENJOY ALL THAT AUTUMN PROVIDES

s I’m sure is the case with many of you, fall is my favorite time of year. First of all, the weather is better. The heat and humidity give way to cooler days and chilly nights — both of which make me want to spend more time outdoors. And speaking of being outside, fall is the best time to enjoy Mother Nature because of all the fall colors available to us in North Georgia. And if you’re looking for a few ways in which to best enjoy this fall splendor, check out our fall festivals guide on page 30 and the “Five Ways To Celebrate Autumn” article on page 34. Another reason to celebrate fall is the opening of college football season. This isn’t just a sport in the South; it’s a lifestyle. Many of us are defined by our team allegiance (or alma mater). I’m a University of Georgia graduate and therefore a Bulldog devotee. But no matter which team you root for, Southern football fans truly have made an artform out of tailgating. It’s just another excuse to get outside and enjoy the weather.

Speaking of football, you’ve likely noticed some of your favorite players wearing extra protection over their regular helmets. These Guardian Caps were engineering and produced by Guardian Sports out of Peachtree Corners. To date, these Caps have been worn by more than 500,000 football players at all levels of the sport. Read our profile of this pioneering firm on page 26. While we’re on the subject of schools, this is our Education Issue of KnowAtlanta in which we strive to help parents plan for the best possible education for their children. From choosing a preschool and locating the public schools where you live to finding the best private schools in metro Atlanta to learning about the latest STEM education offerings at local universities, use our Annual Education Guide as your go-to resource beginning on page 46. Finally, I’m sure many of you enjoy the fall simply because it features your favorite holiday, Halloween. If you love “spooky season,” be sure to read our article on Southern Ghost Tours (page 80) which goes behind the scenes with Olde Town Conyers. What supernatural secrets did we uncover? Cory Sekine-Pettite, Managing Editor

Managing Director Robyn Sobelson Vice President John Hanna Managing Editor Cory Sekine-Pettite Editor-At-Large Denise K. James Contributing Writer Emily Guettler Marketing Coordinator Mira Sawyer Art Direction and Design Salt & True Production Coordinator Megan Willis Circulation Manager Amy Fine New South Publishing Inc. 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210 Atlanta, GA 30350 (770) 650-1102 knowatlanta.com Direct all advertising, circulation and editorial inquiries to sherry@knowatlanta.com, (678) 689-8303. KnowAtlanta, Fall 2026, Volume 40, Number 4, 160th Edition. Published quarterly by New South Publishing Inc., 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/ or inaccuracies. Unless special placement within the magazine is specifically purchased, publisher reserves the right to place any ad on a first-come, first-served basis. No materials contained herein may be reproduced without the exclusive written permission of the publisher. © Copyright 2026 by New South Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

@knowatlanta On the Cover: Emory University

2025 2026

SILVER NATIONAL AWARD

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

asbpe.org

• Atlanta •• AT A GLANCE •

home to 6.48 million people #3 metro in the country for population growth the #1 most livable city in the U.S. the #2 moving destination in the U.S. Source by Metro Atlanta Chamber

HOME PRICES

A GOOD SPORT Atlanta is a sports town! Here are our top five venues for fans:

• •• • •

Mercedes-Benz Stadium*, home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC

Atlanta’s median home sale price is $425,000. Currently, homes tend to stay on the local metro market for approximately 54 days. Sourced by Redfin.com

Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks Gas South Arena, home of the Atlanta Gladiators, the Georgia Swarm and the Atlanta Vibe Atlanta Motor Speedway, home to NASCAR and IndyCar events

ATLANTA’S AIRPORT Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is recognized as the busiest airport in the world, handling 106.3 million passengers in 2025 from 70+ international destinations. The airport features 156 domestic gates and 41 international gates over seven concourses.

BIG BUSINESS MOVES According to Area Development Magazine, Georgia is the #1 state for business for the 12th consecutive year. And metro Atlanta is one of the coveted business communities. Some of the most notable recent business developments include:

• • • •

most

Salesforce is planning to invest $15 million to expand its presence in Georgia, creating more than 250 jobs in Fulton County by the end of 2028. Walmart is building a 1.5-million-square-foot automated fulfillment center at the Franklin 85 Logistics Center in Carnesville. The $1.3-billion investment eventually create 1,000 new jobs.

will

Yamaha Motor Company is relocating its U.S. headquarters from California to Kennesaw, with completion scheduled for 2028. Highline Warren, which manufactures and distributes automotive maintenance products, chemicals, and fluids, is building a new, $170-million operations and distribution center in Henry County.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

TWO MONTHS BEFORE

⃣ Research your options for moving or truck rental companies. Get onsite, written estimates and references from multiple companies—for moving and storage, if necessary.

⃣ Take inventory of everything in your home, room

Moving to Atlanta

CHECKLIST

by room. Decide what you’d like to get rid of and determine what’s worth keeping, and make a list of all of the items you plan to take with you.

⃣ Start a binder of all paperwork, estimates and

receipts related to your move. These costs can later be taken as tax credits and deductions.

⃣ Collect necessary records from your child’s

school and your pet’s veterinarian, as well as family medical, dental and legal documents, and keep them organized together.

SIX WEEKS BEFORE en

Kit

⃣ Schedule a moving date, or reserve a truck if you’re moving yourself.

⃣ Complete a change of address with your local post office, or do it online at usps.com.

bedroom

⃣ Start packing seasonal clothing and any other tc

items not in immediate use.

⃣ Use up or give away food and supplies that can’t

be moved, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.

bath

⃣ Host a garage or moving sale for the items you decide not to keep, and give away leftovers to charitable organizations.

There’s a lot of work that goes into coordinating an organized move, and it’s smart to get a head start on planning before the moving truck arrives at your door. Here’s a handy guide to help you streamline some of the most important activities associated with your move to Atlanta.

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE

⃣ Send your new address to friends and family members.

⃣ Notify important parties of your move and

provide your new address, including your bank, your employer’s HR department, magazines and subscription services, credit card, insurance and utility companies.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

ONE DAY BEFORE

⃣ Schedule disconnection of services at your cur-

⃣ Finalize all packing. Double-check that all closets,

rent home and reconnection at your new house, including phone, cable and internet.

⃣ Contact insurance companies to obtain moving coverage and to transfer policies to your new home.

⃣ Research new medical professionals for you and your family, including family doctors, dentists and veterinarians.

garage, attic and basement are cleared.

⃣ Complete a house check. Defrost the freezer,

drain the water hose, disconnect and prepare any major appliances you’re planning to move.

⃣ Pack a “First Open/Load Last” box. Include items you’ll need on the first day in your new home.

⃣ Confirm hotel or temporary accommodations, if needed.

⃣ Arrange for childcare and pet services. 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE

⃣ Don’t leave it in the landfill. Research how you

can recycle old electronics, plastics, metals and anything else you won’t be bringing with you that won’t naturally decompose.

⃣ Transfer your automobile registration and driver’s license if you’re moving out of state.

⃣ Create a folder of important information about your house for the next homeowner. Be sure to include your new address so that future residents can forward any mail.

MOVING DAY

⃣ Verify the moving truck that shows up is the one

you hired. The USDOT number on the side of the truck should match the number on the estimate/ confirmation paperwork. Scams can happen!

⃣ Sign the bill of lading/inventory list before the

movers leave, making sure to check boxes and note any missing items or damage. Keep a copy in a safe place.

⃣ Be on hand for movers to answer questions and show where furniture and boxes should go.

ONE WEEK BEFORE

⃣ Be prepared to pay the mover and have cash on hand to tip workers.

⃣ Confirm dates and time of packing and moving

if you’re using a mover. If you’re moving yourself, confirm moving truck arrangements.

⃣ Confirm travel arrangements and pack a

travel kit for you and your family members with whatever you need, including cash, credit cards, travel documents, medications, etc. Don’t forget activities and toys for the kids!

YOU DID IT!

⃣ Enjoy settling into your new home and exploring your new neighborhood!

Welcome to Atlanta Save money on your natural gas with SCANA Energy. Schedule your new service up to 90 days in advance by calling 866.280.6236 or visit SCANAEnergy.com/KnowAtlanta.

MOVE

FOUR WEEKS BEFORE

Chris Hill

Get

W h y G e o rg i a ’s t o p s c h o o l d i s t ri c t s c o n t i n u e t o s h a p e new-home development.

SCHOOLED

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

s summer activities wind down and families head back to school, many are also evaluating where they want to put down roots long-term. While school quality has always been important to homebuyers, it also plays a major role behind the scenes where builders choose to develop new homes and communities. Chris Hill, owner of HillGrove Homes and president and co-founder of HillWood Realty, explains why some of Georgia’s most sought-after school districts continue to attract both builders and buyers.

Why do schools remain such a major factor for homebuyers? As a parent myself, I understand that for many families, education is one of the biggest investments we make in our children’s futures. Parents want access to strong academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. In fact, we often see buyers without school-age children paying attention to school districts because they understand their impact on resale value. Homes located in desirable school districts typically maintain strong demand across changing market conditions. Which areas of Georgia are attracting the most attention today? Georgia is fortunate to have several nationally recognized schools and numerous, highly ranked communities. Areas such as Forsyth County; Oconee County; the Buford City School District, which spreads across Gwinnett and Hall counties; and Sugar Hill in Gwinnett County continue to generate strong interest because they offer a combination of factors that matter to homebuyers: excellent schools, thriving

economies, quality amenities, and strong community identities. How does this influence the communities represented by HillWood Realty? Many of our builders and communities are intentionally located in areas known for prioritizing educational opportunities. For example, we’re seeing continued interest in Gwinnett County communities in and around Buford and Sugar Hill, with the latter continuing to earn strong third-party recognition for both quality of life and public schools. We also represent opportunities in Forsyth County, one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, as well as The Georgia Club in Statham, where we’re seeing more and more buyers drawn to the lifestyle and location that provides access to schools serving families in both Oconee and Barrow counties.

Today’s families are looking for an overall lifestyle that includes walkability to downtown areas, access to parks and green space, youth sports, restaurants, community events and conveniences to everyday necessities. The most successful communities bring all those elements together. What are today’s buyers looking for beyond the schools themselves? The conversation has evolved beyond simply finding the highestrated school district. Today’s families are looking for an overall lifestyle that includes walkability to downtown areas, access to parks and green space, youth sports, restaurants, community events and conveniences to everyday

necessities. The most successful communities bring all those elements together. That’s a top reason places like Buford, Sugar Hill, Forsyth County, and Oconee County continue to perform well as it relates to real estate. Buyers expect the complete package and those communities deliver that.

MOVE

How important are school districts when builders are deciding where to create new communities? When we’re considering a new development, the school district is one of the first things we evaluate. As builders, we’re looking at what makes the foundation of the home (both literally and figuratively), so we’re looking years into the future for our homeowners. We want to build in areas that families continue moving to, where employers continue investing, and home values have strong long-term potential. Schools are typically a leading indicator of those factors. Communities with highly rated school systems tend to attract consistent demand from homebuyers, which supports both neighborhood growth and continued value.

Do top school districts affect property values? In many cases, yes. While, of course, there are numerous factors that influence real estate values, school performance seems to contribute the most to buyer demand. Historically, when more buyers are interested in a specific area, that factor alone can support home values over time. That’s why we see so many buyers consider purchasing in a desirable school district not only as a lifestyle decision, but as a long-term investment. What advice would you give families beginning their home search this fall? Start by thinking beyond the home itself. A thoughtful floor plan is important, but buyers should also consider the surrounding community, schools, amenities, and the area’s plans for future growth. The right home is really about finding the right place to put down roots. If schools are a priority, work with professionals who understand both the local housing market and the communities they serve. We believe it’s essential to have agents who are deeply connected to the communities they serve, not only through their local expertise, but also through meaningful involvement, sponsorships, and support of community initiatives. At the same time, they must maintain a well-informed perspective on the broader real estate market. This combination of community connection and market knowledge is fundamental to our business. For more information, visit. HillWoodRealty.com.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

SPOTLIGHT

Atlanta’s Best Builders and Must-See Communities Ellijay

Whether you’re preparing to move to metro Atlanta or you are a local looking to relocate, our region abounds GILMER with exceptional homebuilders that are crafting unique communities in an array of highly sought-after locations. Whatever type of community you seek (swim and tennis, golf, lake living, etc.) local inventory continues to increase LUMPKIN with neighborhood plans and home designs that areDahlonega among the best and most distinctive in the country. Here, KnowAtlanta highlights just a few of the standout builders and must-see communities that you should put on your list as you navigate Jasper metro Atlanta’s remarkable new home market.

PICKENS

Ballground

BARTOW

Dawsonville

DAWSON

FORSYTH

Waleska Canton

CHEROKEE

Oakwood

HALL

Cumming

Holly Springs

Flowery Branch

Mtn Park

Johns Creek

Suwanee

Duluth

Kennesaw Marietta Powder Springs

Austell

Lilburn

5 Chamblee Buckhead

Stone Mountain Clarkston Decatur

East Point

UGLAS

OWETA

WALTON

2. Lake Society Toll Brothers 3. Toll Brothers at The Crossing at Coal Mountain

Lithonia

4. Emberly 5. Silverton

ROCKDALE

CLAYTON Stockbridge Jonesboro Tyrone

Monroe

K N O WAT L A N TA Fayetteville

Social Circle

Conyers

Forest Park

1. Lake Arrowhead

DEKALB

Union City

Fairburn

BUI LDE R AN D COM MUN I T Y MAP

Hapeville

College Park

FULTON

Winder

Grayson Snellville

Tucker

ATLANTA

BARROW

GWINNETT

Doravilee

Vinings

Dacula

7 Lawernceville

Norcross

Dunwoody Sandy Springs

Smyrna

JACKSON

Buford

FULTON

Roswell

COBB

Braselton

Sugar Hill

Alpharetta

Acworth

Commerce

Milton

Woodstock

almetto

2Gainesville

F A L L McDonough 2026

Covington

NEWTON

6. Toll Brothers at Lakeview 7. Ledgestone

AT L A N TA ’ S B E S T B U I L D E R S

Lake Society Tell us your story: Who you are and what you build.

Tell us about the floor plan options, amenities, etc.

Setting a new standard for elevated, active-adult living at the lake, Lake Society is a spectacular new club community set along miles of Lake Lanier shoreline exclusively for those ages 55 and up. Lake Society was designed to be a place where homeowners can focus on maintaining their lifestyle, not their home. This is active club living combining incredible amenities, inviting green spaces, and direct access to the lake with a thoughtful collection of new luxury homes — all on 186 acres along Lake Lanier with views of the lake or the Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon.

An incredible array of amenities will make Lake Society truly low maintenance luxury at its best. Homeowners can enjoy community docks with 134 boat slips; a 14,000-square-foot clubhouse with fitness, activities, and restaurant dining; resort and lap pools; tennis and pickleball courts; parks; trails; and more. Two award-winning Atlanta new home builders, Southwyck Homes and O’Dwyer Homes, have been hand-selected to bring their thoughtful design and industry-leading craftsmanship to Lake Society’s new homes. Each has curated a diverse portfolio of floorplans and options, ready to be personally tailored, with introductory pricing ranging from the $600s to $1 million+.

What is unique or sets your communities apart from others in the Atlanta market? Lake Society offers simplification with sophistication for discerning homebuyers ages 55 and up. Whether you love lake life on the water or just enjoy the view, Lake Society’s incredible array of amenities offers something for everyone to enjoy whether on or off the lake. Plus, the community’s award-winning builders offer luxurious, thoughtfully-designed, and wellness-inspired new homes with a myriad of floorplans and options and the ability to personalize to your own unique style and lifestyle. That means all the ease and enjoyment of active adult living without sacrificing space or style.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

AT L A N TA ’ S B E S T N E W HOME COMMUNITIES

Lake Arrowhead How do you describe Lake Arrowhead?

What sets Lake Arrowhead apart?

Trade hectic city streets for the timeless rhythms of nature. Tucked away in a private, gated sanctuary, Lake Arrowhead is a premier mountain, lake, and golf community designed for those who demand an extraordinary lifestyle. Whether you are searching for your dream retirement oasis or a serene second home, your ultimate escape awaits!

This resort-caliber destination elevates mountain, lake, and golf living to the next level. As autumn approaches, the community comes alive with seasonal excitement. Catch the big game at the Country Club’s viewing parties, browse the Saturday Farmers Markets, and enjoy weekly live music at “The Grill.” From a cozy Chili Cook-off and Halloween Costume Party to hiking excursions across 16+ miles of scenic trails, there is always something happening here. Want a taste of the good life? Book a popular Stay & Play Golf Villa for a day, a long weekend, or longer to experience this spectacular lifestyle firsthand.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

What sets your homes apart? The region’s most legendary builders — including John Wieland with the JW Collection, Tony Perry with Rezide Properties, Matt Wilkes with Majestic Lifestyle Builders, and Steve McKenzie with TIH Homes offer designinspired model homes and movein ready Market Homes featuring the finest finishes and thoughtfully designed outdoor living areas. From maintenance-free waterview townhomes and private, heavily wooded single-family ranch homes to luxury custom homes with expansive mountain views and all the bells and whistles, Lake Arrowhead has something for everyone. New homes are attractively priced from the $400s to $800s. Something amazing is waiting for you! Call 770.720.2700, or visit www.lakearrowheadga.com to plan your visit today.

AT L A N TA ’ S B E S T C O M M U N I T I E S

Toll Brothers

What makes Toll Brothers the leading luxury builder in Metro Atlanta? Toll Brothers, the nation’s leading luxury home builder founded in 1967, has a strong presence in metro Atlanta, offering upscale communities in prime locations. Known for highquality craftsmanship and innovative home designs, we provide a range of single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums in communities that feature resort-style amenities, top-rated schools and convenient access to shopping, dining and major highways, making them a preferred choice for luxury living. Toll Brothers has been recognized on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies list for more than 10 years in a row.

Where does Toll Brothers build in Atlanta? Toll Brothers currently builds in 28 communities in the greater Atlanta area in sought-after locations like Alpharetta, Milton and Cumming. These luxury communities offer residents the Toll Brothers Advantage, with exceptional architecture and a range of home designs, prime locations, unrivaled choice and an extraordinary customer experience. Homes are priced from the mid$400s to $1.2 million.

What sets Toll Brothers homes apart from other Atlanta builders? Toll Brothers offers expansive, flexible floor plans with the features that home buyers desire as they personalize their homes to reflect their lifestyles. Quick move-in homes with designer-appointed features are available in many communities across metro Atlanta. For build-to-order homes, buyers experience one-stop shopping at the Toll Brothers Design Studio. The state-of-the-art design studio allows home buyers to choose from a wide array of selections to personalize their dream home with the assistance of Toll Brothers’ professional design consultants.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

A-maze-ing FAMILY FUN

Fall is the prime time to visit these Lake Lanier attractions. By Denise K. James

Buford Corn Maze

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

LIVE

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

Buford Corn Maze

f you and your family didn’t get enough trips to the lake this summer, don’t let the cooler air diminish your enthusiasm. Fall is a fantastic time to explore Lake Lanier and the surrounding areas. And, unlike in the middle of the summer, outdoor adventures are possible without risking heat exhaustion. Plus, fall has its own distinct, seasonal festivities — think scarecrows, pumpkins, corn mazes, and more. We’ve rounded up several of our favorite ideas for lake-area entertainment, whether you’re venturing with just your sweetheart or with the entire family. Kid activities and adult activities are both plentiful — just pick a weekend and get ready to enjoy fall by the lake.

Interactive Kids Museum

FOR THE KIDS Whether you’re looking for family autumnal activities or just an excuse to get the kids outside in nice weather, Hall County — where about 60 percent of Lake Lanier is located — has plenty of both. If you have little ones, start with the Interactive Kids Museum, better known as INK, where you’ll find educational, engaging exhibitions seven days a week. INK Museum Exhibits allow your child to focus on the parts of the “adult world” they find most intriguing. Whether they want to be a teacher, a pilot, an entrepreneur, a performer, a doctor, or a firefighter, INK has a hands-on exhibition to make their dreams seem doable. For a family adventure in the great outdoors, visit the Elachee Nature Science Center, featuring 12 miles

Elachee Nature Science Center

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

FOR THE ADULTS

Jaemor Farm

Adults-only options abound at Lanier and surrounding areas. So, leave the kids with a sitter and escape to the lake to unwind, indulge, and look at the stars. Grab friends, play a round of golf, and stay late with

Jaemor Farm

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

LIVE

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

of trails within the 1,500-acre Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. Back at the center, engage the kids in the outdoor classroom with animals and other wonders, indoor exhibitions about outer space, and a Cocoon Toddler Room for the very little ones. Do the kids need to burn off a little mental energy? Take them to the Buford Corn Maze. A fall favorite, 2026 tickets to this five-acre maze include all sorts of other fun add-ons, such as hay rides, animal encounters, and a kids’ play area. For older kids, a 2026 combo ticket adds the Scream Zone Haunted Forest. And if you and your family are in search of a pumpkin patch, you’ll find multiple options in the lake area, including Jaemor Farms, the Kinsey Family Farm, and Burt’s Pumpkin Farm, featuring the “world’s largest drive-through pumpkin. Of course, we couldn’t leave out one of our favorite fall activities — Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens in Gainesville. Because the Botanical Gardens are celebrating 50 years in 2026, this is the first year of Supersized Scarecrows, reaching heights of up to six feet! And this year’s theme, Wild & Wonderful Folk Art by Alfred Glover, is sure to inspire creative whimsy.

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

an overnight golf package at Lanier Islands Resort. Cleverly named the Par-fect Getaway, each booking includes a four-pack of golf on the Legacy Course, lodging at the LakeHouse with a heated pool and firepit, breakfast, and even a complimentary resort cart. For a morning or afternoon of hiking with natural views, try the Laurel Ridge Loop, a four-mile trail featuring picturesque vistas of Lake Lanier, Buford Dam, and Chattahoochee River. Just leave the pets at home. Not a fan of roughing it but still want to gaze upon a starry fall night? Try glamping at the Margaritaville RV Park. Each lakefront tent cottage includes a queen bed with high thread count sheets, a private bathroom with a shower, a minifridge and coffee maker, a porch with lounge chairs, and a firepit. There’s also a flatscreen TV and Wi-Fi, but we suggest unplugging. Spend a relaxing afternoon at Gainesville’s Spa on Green Street, voted the best day spa in Hall County. At Green Street, you can book single sessions or indulge in hours of bliss enjoying their customized packages. Or head to the Tranquility Spa at Lanier Islands Resort for waterfront facials, massages, and body treatments seven days a week. Enjoy cocktails and live music at various spots around the lake, including 37 Main in Buford — where cover bands play everything from Pearl Jam to Tom Petty — or Pelican Pete’s, where you can order one of their various margaritas, frozen and signature cocktails or a 20-ounce “fishbowl” of rum-forward recipes like the

Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

LIVE

Big Kahuna and Voodoo Juice. For a downtown stroll complete with restaurants and boutique shopping, head to one of Lake Lanier’s neighboring towns. Gainesville is home to a central downtown square and fabulous dining at spots like Don Quixote Tapas Bar, the Stag Chophouse, Cotto Modern Italian, and many more. Flowery Branch, nestled right on the lake, hosts a popular farmers market for fresh hauls of apples, sweet potatoes, and pecans, plus a highly walkable Old Town with a historic train depot. If you’re an arts lover, visit Buford for the Tannery Row Artist Colony and the Museum of Buford. n

Lanier Islands Resort

Southern Celebrations All y’all are invited! Stars, Flannel & Vintage Market - October 22-24 Christmas Wishes Lantern Parade - November 20 Santa’s Small Business Saturday - November 28 Noon Year’s Eve Celebration - December 31

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

Lake Society On Lake Lanier Resort club living at the lake for ages 55+

f you haven’t visited Lake Society, now is the time to discover one of the most exciting new additions taking shape along the shoreline of Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Georgia. Lake Society on Lake Lanier is a thoughtfully master-planned destination for active adult living, designed exclusively for those ages 55 and better, that is setting the new standard for elevated active adult living at the lake combining a spectacular setting along miles of shore with views of not only the lake but also the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, an array of resort-inspired amenities, and a diverse portfolio of new luxury homes by award-winning Atlanta home builders Southwyck Homes and O’Dwyer Homes. Lake Society is more than just a new address, it’s a way of life that offers true luxury in sophisticated new home designs and a connected, engaging setting for club living.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

LIVE

Lake Society on Lake Lanier celebrated its grand opening in the spring and already the community’s vision of an active lakeside lifestyle in a private club setting is coming to life. The community is welcoming its first homeowners, the first docks are in the water, and the central club is actively under construction alongside new homes rising along winding streetscapes. The community’s array of resort-inspired amenities, under construction now, will make this Lake Lanier’s premier address for country club style living at the lake. Residents will enjoy a 14,000-square-foot clubhouse with gathering places, fitness facilities, a demonstration/catering kitchen, theater, golf simulator and putting green, a full events calendar of activities, clubs, and socials maintained by the onsite activities director and more. The club also will offer private restaurant dining at its own eatery, The Crown & Anchor.

Lake Society is more than just a new address, it’s a way of life that offers true luxury in sophisticated new home designs and a connected, engaging setting for club living. Just beyond the clubhouse will be a beach entry resort pool with cabanas as well as a covered heated lap pool with a warming room, not to mention an outdoor amphitheater, and game lawn. The Racquet Club will offer both clay tennis courts and pickleball courts, providing plenty of space and opportunity to join a friendly match. And of course, there’s a myriad of ways to get out on the waters of Lake Lanier, with community docks, 134 boat slips available for purchase, as well as dry storage options, a lakeside pavilion with barbecue area, kayak and paddle board storage and more. In fact, the community’s first docks are already in the water, ready and waiting for new adventures on the water

to launch. The community is connected by sidewalks, walking trails, and green spaces including a dog park — creating an inviting wellness-minded setting for active living. HOA-included lawn maintenance means more time to join in the fun at the club or set out on the lake. Lake Society is a place designed to allow residents to focus on maintaining their lifestyle, not their home. New homes at Lake Society are built exclusively by the community’s hand-selected builder group: Southwyck Homes and O’Dwyer Homes. Each of these award-winning, Atlanta new home builders bring to the community a proven track record of success in crafting exceptional active adult homes that combine sophisticated design and trusted quality. Each new home builder has curated a distinct portfolio of thoughtfully detailed new home designs that live easily and are ready to be tailored to suit each homeowner’s unique style and lifestyle with an array of floorplan options, including true ranch plans and two-story designs ranging from 1,525 square feet to more than 3,700 square feet of living space. And, of course, there’s no shortage of available designer features and finishes for the choosing to create a truly unique new home. Initial pricing for new homes at Lake Society on Lake Lanier ranges from the $600s to more than $1 million with select lake and mountain views available. With its picturesque location along the shores of Lake Lanier, Lake Society may feel a world apart, but it offers prime convenience just 10 minutes from Downtown Gainesville with an array of local shopping, dining, and services in close proximity. Plus, it’s just a 45-minute drive to I-285 and all that Atlanta has to offer or a 60-minute drive to the North Georgia mountains. Lake Society’s model home village, which features six designer models full of inspiration, is now open daily for touring. To learn more about Lake Society on Lake Lanier or to get directions to the community, visit lakesocietylanier.com and start exploring all the ways life is better at the lake. n

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

Hummingbird Wine Bar & Market

F AY E T T E V I L L E ’ S

Growing Craft Beverage Scene By Cory Sekine-Pettite

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

LIVE

“

As a locally owned small business, we don’t just want to operate in Fayetteville; we want to be part of Fayetteville.

”

– AMAN DA P OL I AK , O W N E R O F AW K WA R D B R E W I N G

f you’ve yet to make the short drive to Fayetteville (Fayette County), just 20 minutes south of the airport, then do yourself a favor. The picturesque downtown and nearby Star’s Mill Park are reason enough alone to plan a visit. But in recent years, Fayetteville has become a major hub for film and TV production at Trilith Studios, and with the recent opening of the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center, the town is now in the national spotlight for professional sports. Whatever attractions and photo ops get you there, you’re going to need sustenance — and perhaps a drink or two — so we’ve done the research for you and rounded up the best, locally owned stops to wet your whistle.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

AWKWARD BREWING 250 Lee St., Fayetteville, GA 30214 awkwardbrew.com Awkward Brewing is a woman-owned (and woman-brewed) brewery in downtown Fayetteville. Amanda Poliak opened Awkward in 2021 and has earned national acclaim for her beers, including a Silver Medal at the 2024 Great American Beer Festival, one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the country. However, Poliak says local praise means even more to her because it reflects what she has tried to create at Awkward: A place where people genuinely want to spend time. Those local honors include being named Best Brewery in My Newnan’s Best of 2026, as well as Best Happy Hour and Best Place for Live Music in the Citizen’s Choice Awards. “On any given week, you might find live music, vinyl night, open mic, bingo, book club, disc golf putting, karaoke, food trucks, community fundraisers, or one of our slightly unusually themed events. We’re dog-friendly, family-friendly, and intentionally a little quirky,” Poliak said. “We want someone to walk in for the first time and feel like they’re already a regular. To be welcomed, seen, and acknowledged, and maybe introduced to a new beer, a new experience, or someone they wouldn’t have met otherwise. Being Awkward is about embracing the uncomfortable and somehow finding comfort in it, together.” Poliak says Fayetteville is a small-town community with big things happening around it. At the same time, she adds, Fayetteville has managed to keep the relationships and sense of community that make it feel like home. “As a locally owned small business, we don’t just want to operate in Fayetteville; we want to be part of Fayetteville,” she said. “We’ve hosted fundraisers, supported local organizations and schools, worked with other small businesses, welcomed community groups, and created events that give people another reason to come downtown and spend time together.” Awkward Brewing’s beer menu is ever-changing, but the selection is wide. Whether you prefer IPAs, lagers, wheat beers, or sours, there’s sure to be something on tap for you. This time of year, why not try “Sweater Weather,” a spiced beer built for cooler days ahead, or “Awkward Eeffoc,” a smooth coffee porter.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

HUMMINGBIRD WINE BAR & MARKET 240 Glynn St. S., Fayetteville, GA 30214 hummingbirdwinebarandmkt.com A Fayetteville couple has turned their passion for drinking and collecting wine into Hummingbird Wine Bar & Market. They call it an upscale but approachable destination where guests can discover thoughtfully selected wines, enjoy craft cocktails, and settle into an atmosphere designed for conversation and connection. “Our goal is to be the kind of place you can visit for several different occasions: an after-work cocktail with colleagues, date night, a wine tasting with friends, or an evening built around live music, comedy, games, and other community experiences,” says co-owner Patrice Armstrong. “For professionals and newcomers who might normally drive into Atlanta for a great night out, we want Hummingbird to be proof that you can find that same sense of discovery and energy right here in Fayetteville.” Armstrong says Fayetteville is evolving in an exciting way. She is seeing longtime residents, young professionals, families, and newcomers all contributing to what the city is becoming while still preserving the relationships and hospitality that give it its character. “That combination is exactly what we want Hummingbird to be known for, an elevated place that still feels like your neighborhood gathering spot. Whether you’ve lived in Fayetteville for 30 years or moved here 30 days ago, we want you to walk through our doors and feel like you’ve found your place.”

LIVE

LINE CREEK BREWING COMPANY 300 City Center Pkwy. Fayetteville, GA 30214 linecreekbrewing.com

REVIVAL WINE & DESSERT BAR 140 West Lanier Ave., Fayetteville, GA 30290 revivalwines.com

Line Creek was founded in Peachtree City but has since expanded to Newnan and Fayetteville. The so-called Bus Barn building in Fayetteville — the renovated remains of the old Fayette County school bus maintenance facility — features a 2,600-square-foot taproom and focuses on experimental beers such as sours (watermelon and pickle, for example), Irish reds, and flavorful additions like coconut. “The Bus Barn is also known for its event lineup,” says Rachel Haralson, social media and marketing manager for Line Creek. “We host everything from live music and trivia to markets, themed events, dance nights, fundraisers — like our annual Grilled Cheese & Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser — and other unique experiences throughout the year. With its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere and spacious setting, it’s a place where you can grab a beer, hang out with friends, bring the family, and make a day of it.” Haralson says what the company loves most about running a business in Fayetteville is the people. Working alongside other local businesses, nonprofits, artists, musicians, and community organizations, Line Creek has provided a space where the community can come together. “Fayetteville has grown so much while still maintaining a strong sense of community, and we’re excited to be part of that growth,” she said. “To us, local craft beer is about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about creating a welcoming place for people to connect, supporting our neighbors, and giving both longtime residents and newcomers another reason to love Fayetteville.”

Carolyn Fludd, owner and pastry chef at Revival Wine & Dessert Bar, says she is delighted to represent another part of Fayetteville’s growing craft beverage scene. “Our philosophy is centered on hospitality, discovery, and connection,” she says. “Guests can explore wines from around the world — from familiar favorites to lesser-known grapes, regions, and producers — in an atmosphere that is approachable rather than intimidating. We offer curated wine flights, tastings and educational experiences, along with chef-prepared small bites and house-made desserts.” Fludd said regulars often compare a visit to Revival as feeling like home — a place where they’re welcomed, remembered, and comfortable. She said whether someone is discovering wine for the first time, attending a tasting, enjoying live music, celebrating a milestone or simply stopping in for a glass of wine and Key Lime Pie, she wants every visit to feel personal. “Revival was created as a place for people to connect. Our motto, ‘Connect. Imbibe. Revive,’ reflects what we hoped to contribute to Fayetteville from the beginning — a welcoming gathering place where neighbors become friends, newcomers feel included, and people can slow down and enjoy one another’s company,” Fludd said. So, while the City of Fayetteville is experiencing an exciting period of growth, Fludd added that it still retains the personal connections that make a smaller community special. And she loves that Revival is a part of that evolution. n

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

PEARL lacrosse ball

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

LIVE

PEARL lacrosse ball

Local Innovation, Global Growth Guardian Sports is improving athlete safety worldwide from their Peachtree Corners headquarters. By Cory Sekine-Pettite

lthough Peachtree Corners incorporated as a city just 14 years ago, the municipality already is a thriving family-friendly community with a booming business scene. According to the latest economic data, Peachtree Corners has a highly educated workforce — more than 52 percent of people age 25 and over have a college degree — major employers in the fields of technology, logistics, and manufacturing, as well as business friendly leadership and incentives. City officials say that as a regional employment center with as many jobs as residents, Peachtree Corners has positioned itself to lead Gwinnett County’s economic resurgence. Among the companies driving this growth in Gwinnett’s largest city is Guardian Sports (guardiansports.com), makers of protective equipment for athletes such as its well-regarded Guardian Cap for football players. Guardian’s owner and co-founder, Erin Hanson, said that with the city’s close proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and Georgia State University, her company has access to

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

LOOP flag football headband

Lee and Erin Hanson a deep engineering talent pool. Additionally, she said, the city is business friendly, easy to get around, and personal. “City leaders know us by name. Peachtree Corners has built an identity around innovation with Curiosity Lab and Technology Park, so a technology company here fits right in.” Guardian Sports grew out of The Hanson Group, the material science company founded by Erin’s husband, Lee Hanson, 30 years ago to solve advanced materials problems for Fortune 500 companies. Lee is a chemical engineer and Georgia Tech graduate who enjoys creating solutions. Erin told KnowAtlanta that

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

in 2010, Lee was contracted to work on a concept for a more flexible football helmet, and the data behind flexing the exterior of a hard shell was eye-opening. Hard shell helmets were doing what they were created to do: preventing skull fractures on the field. But in recent years, brain injury prevention has become a central focus in player safety, particularly the long-term repercussions of hits over the course of a player’s career. “For me, it really started as a mom moment,” Erin said. “You spend your child’s whole life saying be careful, don’t hit your head, and then one day you hand him a helmet and tell him to go hit somebody.” Guardian took their first flexible helmet prototype to a symposium and were told that it was too “soft” for football. But the Hansons’ own son had begun playing the sport, so the couple couldn’t disagree more, Erin said. “We decided then and there that it was time for a change. We decided that if a flexible helmet was too far ahead of its time, we could improve the millions of helmets already out there. In 2011, we founded Guardian Sports with one goal — protecting athletes through better engineered equipment.” Thus, the aforementioned Guardian Cap launched in 2012. If you’re a football fan, you’ve likely seen them in use at all levels of the sport. It’s a soft shell padded cover that sits on the outside of the helmet and reduces the force of an impact before it reaches the hard shell. It “floats” on top of the helmet, which also redirects rotational forces. And for Georgia especially, it reduces the radiant heat that reaches the helmet by up to 20 degrees.

Additional safety innovations pioneered by Guardian Sports include the FLEX chinstrap, engineered to absorb facemask impacts; the LOOP, a Virginia Tech 5-star rated flag football headband; and a safer bio-based artificial turf infill that reduces field temperatures by up to 30 degrees. “All of our solutions speak to our mission of better protecting athletes through innovation. We look at what’s been offered to players as the status quo and improve it to give players what we feel they deserve,” Erin said. With six, current product lines, Guardian Sports is thriving and indeed has become a vital part of the growth of Peachtree Corners. “We’re growing at every level of play and putting that back into research and new products,” Erin said. “Looking ahead, we’re focused on reaching more youth and international football players, bringing products like FLEX and LOOP into new sports, and continuing our research and development here in Peachtree Corners.” n

FLEX chinstrap

Guardian Caps

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

LIVE

Erin says that today, more than 500,000 athletes wear Guardian Caps, from youth programs to top college programs to the NFL and the CFL. But early adoption wasn’t easy. The first big break came from the University of South Carolina in 2013, when team physician, Dr. Jeffrey Guy, pushed for the Guardian Caps to be used for contact practices. The university apparently started a trend. Other NCAA coaches and staff quickly saw the benefits. Then, high school coaches began adopting the Caps as a standard piece of practice equipment. By 2017, Guardian Sports had won the NFL’s HeadHealthTECH Challenge, which validated the science at the highest professional level. In 2022, the NFL mandated Guardian Caps for contact practices. Then, a league study published in 2025 associated the mandate with a roughly 50-percent decrease in concussions among mandated positions, and players are now permitted to wear the Caps in games as well. “That success funded more innovation,” Erin said. “When our son played lacrosse goalie at Georgia Tech, we saw a problem with traditional rubber balls that harden over time, just like your car tires. That’s when we developed PEARL, the first greaseless, made-in-the-USA lacrosse ball that stays in spec and doesn’t turn into a greaser, which keeps it safer and more consistent for play.” PEARL is now the official ball of the Premier Lacrosse League, the NCAA championships and the 2028 Olympics, and it’s made in Peachtree Corners.

Fall Festival on Ponce

Fling into Fall By Emily Guettler

ling yourself into fall with the following local festivals. Atlanta offers an abundance of vibrant celebrations that will make this season entertaining and picturesque. Take a short drive to Elijay, where they host the Georgia Apple Festival, showcasing delicious apple-themed delights. And don’t forget to attend Little Five Points’ Halloween Festival & Parade for an exciting day filled with food, art, and music. Whether you are into BBQ & Blues or art exhibits with a glass of wine, your fall is guaranteed to be filled with the bliss that autumn in Atlanta holds.

THRIVE

October GEORGIA MOUNTAIN FALL FESTIVAL georgiamountainfairgrounds.com/ loca levents/fa llfest An annual festival taking place from Oct. 9-11 and 15-17 in Molena, GA. This festival involves carnival rides, performances, arts & crafts, and delicious fair food.

GEORGIA APPLE FESTIVAL georgiaapple fes tiva l.org This is the 55th year of this annual festival taking place from Oct. 10-11 and 17-18 located in Ellijay, GA. The festival is filled with food vendors serving international foods as well as apple-themed delights, arts & crafts, a 5k, parade, and pony rides.

GOLD RUSH DAYS goldrushdaysfestiva l.com An annual event taking place from Oct. 17-18 in Dahlonega to celebrate the discovery of gold in 1828 with over 200 art and food vendors.

DOUGLASVILLE CHILI COOKOFF artsdouglas.org/chi li-cook-of f This event in Douglasville, GA on Oct. 17 will feature vendors competing with their best chili recipes to support the Cultural Arts Council Douglasville/Douglas County.

Little Five Points

LITTLE FIVE POINTS HALLOWEEN PARADE & FESTIVAL little5pointsof ficia l.com/ha lloween This special Halloween event in Little Five Points (Oct. 17-18) features a huge parade and festival with over 100 art vendors, live music, skate ramps, and events with great bars and restaurants around.

PAWSFEST blueridgemountains.com/events/pawsfesthumane-society-of-blue-ridge This festival takes place for the second time in Ellijay on Oct. 17 and benefits the Humane Society. It is a pet-friendly, beer and music festival that will have a pet costume contest, dog agility course, games, silent auctions, and pumpkin carving contests.

SPIRITS & SPICE FESTIVAL explorenewnancoweta.com/things-to-do/ events/spirits-spice-festiva l-3 Taking place in Newnan, GA on Oct. 24, visitors can purchase specialty cocktails made by participating establishments, enjoy the chili cook off, listen to live music, and browse the arts and crafts markets. Georgia Apple Festival

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

Songwriters at the Lake Music Festival

November

DECATUR WINE FESTIVAL decaturga.com/community/page/ decaturwine-festiva l-0

SUWANEE WINE FESTIVAL suwaneewinefest.com This 13th annual event in Suwanee, GA on Nov. 7 will have live music, activities like grape stomping and tailgates, and food trucks.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

Festival takes place on Nov. 7 in Decatur, GA. This festival benefits the Decatur Arts Alliance, while featuring over 300 wines for tasting and live music. The entry fee includes your own wine glass.

CHASTAIN PARK FALL ARTS FESTIVAL chastainparkartsfestiva l. com

SONGWRITERS AT THE LAKE MUSIC FESTIVAL AT LANIER ISLANDS RESORT lanierislands.com/specia l-events/ songwriter-fes tiva l

Named as one of the nation’s Top 100 (67) Arts Festival Nationwide, the Chastain Park Arts Festival will host its 17th annual event along Park Drive for approximately 175 artists and artisans.

Get ready for a weekend filled with the songs, stories, and hit songwriters who bring them to life. Three-day passes are available online for this lakeside event, which takes place from Nov. 13-15.

CHOMP AND STOMP FESTIVAL chompandstomp.com

29TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY GALA PRESENTED BY GSU SCHOOL OF MUSIC ria lto.gsu.edu/29th-annua l-holiday-ga la

The festival is taking place on Nov. 7 in Cabbagetown, Atlanta, GA. Started in 2003, Chomp and Stomp features a chili cook off, a 5k, lots of music, and an arts market to fundraise for the Cabbagetown Initiative Community Development Corporation.

December

A beloved tradition, the Holiday Gala on Dec. 6 features students and faculty from the Georgia State School of Music. This festive performance celebrates the joy of the season through music.

ATLANTA CHRISTKINDL MARKET – LAWRENCEVILLE LAWN christkindlmarket.org/lawrencevi lle

2026 ATLANTA STREETS ALIVE atlantastreetsa live.org On Nov. 8, Atlanta Streets Alive opens streets temporarily for constituents to bike, walk, skate, dance, and play. It’s free to the public; the event turns the street into a park space that connects our city!

Experience the magic of a unique fusion of traditional German festivities and the vibrant spirit of the AtlantaMetro. From delicious culinary delights to handcrafted treasures, immerse yourself in the old-world charm from Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. n

A GREAT CITY is not defined by the size of its population but the size of its vision.

SmyrnaGa.gov

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

LIVE WELL CONNECTED

Five Ways To Celebrate Autumn By Denise K. James

all has its own festivities and traditions, and we support you leaning all the way in with a few adventures just beyond the Atlanta metro. From enjoying a glass of wine with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains to wandering in a field of wildflowers, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite autumn activities so you can enjoy the crisp air and make the season more colorful and memorable.

a glass of regional 1 Enjoy wine with a view.

Gibbs Gardens Photo by Cory Sekine-Pettite

The family-owned Yonah Mountain Vineyards offers a variety of whites and reds — including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec and more — on a sprawling 200 acres in Cleveland, Georgia. Book a private tasting Monday through Friday, take a guided tour of the vineyards, stay the weekend at one of the on-site rental cottages, and soak in sweeping, picturesque views of Yonah Mountain.

in fall wildflowers. 2 Frolic Love fall color? Visit 300-acre

Gibbs Gardens, named after Jim Gibbs, founder of his namesake landscaping company in Atlanta. There, you’ll find a breathtaking fall wildflower meadow covered in cosmos, zinnias, black-eyed susans, bee balms, coneflowers, and more. Or, for classic seasonal hues, explore the collection of Japanese maples, and keep an eye out for the weeping Ryusen, turning brilliant shades of orange and red in late autumn.

Get your apple a day at a

3 u-pick orchard.

Mercier Orchards

K N O WAT L A N TA

Pick your own apples at Mercier Orchards, owned by four generations of the Mercier family. Bring the whole family and take a tractor ride through the rows of fruit trees, then fill your bags with fresh apples to take home. If you’re more of a “ready-made” type of person, visit the on-site Market and Bakery for apple hand pies, donuts, and cider.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

and stroll in a quaint 4 Shop business district. Where can you explore small businesses, great restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and historic points of interests, all without getting into a car? The answer is downtown Dahlonega, a jewel of the Blue Ridge foothills. Take your pick of shops and restaurants or visit the Gold Museum to find out about the town’s role in the 19th century gold rush. If you’re staying the night, a number of bedand-breakfasts are within walking distance of the Historic Square.

in the fresh air at a 5 Hike beautiful state park. On a clear day, you can see four states — Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee — from Black Rock Mountain State Park. Named for its abundant, dark colored rock formations, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, camping areas, several points for admiring the Blue Ridge Mountain range, and access to Black Rock Lake. n

Black Rock Mountain

2026

Education Guide

On the following pages, KnowAtlanta’s Education Guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate metro Atlanta’s first-class educational offerings. Whether you’re looking for more information on the area’s nationally ranked public schools, highly respected private and independent schools, or the many local institutes of higher education, this guide has you covered. Allow us to help you find the best possible learning environment for you and your family.

In this section 36 Pre-K Options: Laying the Foundation for Deeper Learning 40 Academics, Culture, And Leadership: Stand-out attributes of Atlanta’s private schools 46 STEM Excellence: Local universities prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s careers 51 Private Schools Listing 64 Private Schools Map 65 Public School Spotlight

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

Pre-K

OPTIONS LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR DEEPER LEARNING By Cory Sekine-Pettite

Atlanta International School

erhaps one of the most stressful decisions parents will make during their child’s early development is where to send them to school — particularly in those first years which lay the foundation for deeper learning and socialization. According to the National Education Association, a nationwide advocacy group for teachers and schools, providing a high-quality education for children before they turn five yields significant medium- and long-term benefits for students, including the following: The federal Head Start program reduces depression and the use of alcohol and tobacco by middle school. (Source: Washington State Institute for Public Policy)

• • •

Head Start participation leads to reduced mortality as well as educational gains. (Source: National Bureau of Economic Research) Students who attend preschool are more likely to enroll in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses; less likely to fail courses or be chronically absent; and more likely to graduate high school on time and enroll in college. (Source: Georgetown University)

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

•

They are even more likely to be registered to vote and participate in civic engagement. (Source: Georgetown University)

With these incredible statistics in mind, we surveyed a group of metro Atlanta early-learning schools to help our readers understand each school’s philosophy of care, its best attributes, and how they help parents make the right decision for their child. Presented here are three local schools (in their own words), and you can find information on many more in our school listings beginning on page 51.

ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (AIS) aischool.org

KnowAtlanta: What is your school’s philosophy of care? AIS: At AIS, our philosophy of care is child-centered, inquiry-driven, and grounded in purposeful play. We believe care and learning go hand in hand: Young children learn best when they feel safe, known, and connected to their community. Through hands-on exploration, intentional interactions, and open-ended inquiry, we support each child’s academic, social, emotional and physical

Atlanta Speech School

development while building confidence and independence. Close partnership and open communication with families are also central to our approach. Know: What is the number-one reason parents tell you they chose your school? AIS: The reason families most often highlight is the opportunity for their child to experience full language immersion in a warm, international learning environment. ELC students learn in Chinese, French, German or Spanish, developing language naturally through everyday routines, play, and activities. Parents value the combination of early multilingualism, the International Baccalaureate program, and being part of a unique community of local and international families in Atlanta. Know: Do you allow visitations or observations for new students and parents? AIS: Yes, absolutely. We encourage prospective families to visit the school through scheduled personal tours, discovery sessions, and other events. Families may arrange a tour specifically for the 3K–4K Early Learning Center through the Admissions team. Applicant visits

Trinity School

and screening activities are also part of the admissions process. Once enrolled, ELC parents are welcomed to stay and play with their students at the start of every day.

ATLANTA SPEECH SCHOOL

atlantaspeechschool.org/inquire Know: What is your school’s philosophy of care? Atlanta Speech School: When a child learns to read deeply, the world opens to them. Reading programs often begin in kindergarten. However, we know that literacy is built on a continuum. Our practices recognize that the brain circuits required for reading begin developing before birth, as auditory pathways are formed, and that the earliest years of life are critical to building the foundation for language, literacy, and learning. Our philosophy of care recognizes that the whole child needs to be supported for these foundations to be built. Across every Atlanta Speech School program, this work begins with connection. We don’t silence children; we teach them to listen. By not relying on a traditional compliance model, we provide an ecosystem where every child feels seen, heard, supported, and known. Within relationships built on deep trust, our staff

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

responds to each child’s individual learning needs with proven instructional practices, intentional care, and respect for who they are. We want every child to know that we are counting on them. Through conversational partnership, we help children listen, think, question, solve problems and develop a strong sense of agency and belonging. At the same time, we build the strong language and literacy foundations they need to find their voice, determine their own future, and make the greatest difference in the lives of others. Know: What is the number-one reason parents tell you they chose your school? Atlanta Speech School: Parents most often tell us they chose the Atlanta Speech School because their child is truly known and understood here. They value the depth of our educators’ expertise and our ability to individualize instruction around each child’s specific strengths and needs, while providing an environment where parents see their children gaining confidence, finding their voice, and experiencing the joy of learning while never giving up who they are meant to be. Know: Do you allow visitations/observations for new students/parents? Atlanta Speech School: Yes. We welcome opportunities for prospective families to get to know the Atlanta

Speech School and learn more about our programs. Throughout the year, we offer tours, open houses, and other opportunities to experience our community and see our work in action. We also regularly welcome educators from other schools, community leaders, and professional colleagues who want to learn more about our mission and the science-backed practices that drive our work. Because finding the right school is such an important decision, we encourage families to connect with our admissions teams, ask questions, and begin a conversation about their child’s unique strengths and needs. To learn more or express interest in future visit opportunities, families can complete our inquiry form online.

TRINITY SCHOOL trinityatl.org Know: What is your school’s philosophy of care? Trinity: Founded in 1951, Trinity School is Atlanta’s only independent school dedicated exclusively to elementary education and serves children from age three through sixth grade. The School’s philosophy of care encompasses its mission and program and pedagogy pillars. Trinity School creates a community of learners in a diverse and distinctly elementary-only environment, in which each child develops the knowledge, skills, and character to achieve his or her unique potential as a

Flourishing since 1951

Language. Literacy. Voice. SINCE 1938

A legacy of children reading deeply, understanding, and being understood across four campus programs with one mission: to help each and every child find their voice.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

For 75 years, Trinity School has cherished childhood while preparing students for the future. Children age three through Sixth Grade thrive at Atlanta’s only independent school dedicated exclusively to elementary education.

trinityatl.org/admissions 404-231-8118

responsible, productive, and compassionate member of the School and greater community. Celebrating the present and preparing our students for the future within a nurturing and caring educational environment, Trinity: Cherishes childhood, providing joyful experiences that include play- and passion-based learning, ensuring developmentally appropriate experiences, and designing experiences around what is important in the life of a child.

• • •

Deepens students’ educational experience, developing creative and critical thinking and questioning skills; valuing both process and product of learning; and connecting learning vertically, horizontally, cross-curricularly, and globally. Empowers students in their learning, fostering a growth mindset; cultivating voice, choice, and self-reflection; and promoting leadership.

Trinity students build an academic foundation, establishing proficiency in essential knowledge and skills, and embrace diverse experiences of a well-rounded education. They develop character foundation, exhibiting ethical skills, habits, and attitudes of empathy, integrity, and respect and demonstrate performance skills, habits, and attitudes of accountability, persistence, and resilience. Additionally, our students exhibit continued curiosity, creativity, and confidence,

embracing opportunities to imagine, discover, and experiment independently and collaboratively, and they adapt to new situations and a changing world. Know: What is the number-one reason parents tell you they chose your school? Trinity: Parents say they choose Trinity School because of its exclusive focus on elementary education and ability to balance a strong academic foundation with a love of learning, giving children the best possible start to their educational journey. They say those qualities are evident in every classroom and were apparent from the moment they stepped on campus. Know: Do you allow visitations/observations for new students/parents? Trinity: Throughout the fall, Trinity School hosts several Open Houses where prospective parents can meet school leaders, hear from current students, and tour campus while classes are in session, providing an authentic look at learning and community life. All prospective students (from age three through sixth grade) participate in an observation at Trinity, and students applying to the Upper Elementary Division (Grades 2–6) also take part in a full-day shadow visit, where they are paired with a student buddy to experience a typical day at Trinity. n

Developing Future-Ready Courageous Leaders Inquire today! 3K–Grade 12 aischool.org

KnowAtlanta_DCL_7.25x4.875.indd 1

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

9/11/26 33:03 9 PM

Academics, Culture, and Leadership Stand-out attributes of Atlanta’s private schools By Cory Sekine-Pettite

etro Atlanta’s private schools provide a unique opportunity for parents to invest in their child’s future through stand-out academics, a focused culture, and leadership opportunities that are rare among public institutions. With these advantages in mind, KnowAtlanta Magazine asked representatives from area private schools what makes their institution notable. Here’s what they had to say.

Pace Academy

DOMINION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL dominionchristian.org

Dominion Christian School

The Galloway School

Among its standout academic programs, Dominion Christian School touts its dual enrollment program with a local university, its academic coaching program, and a new lower school which opens next year. The Dual Enrollment Program, in partnership with Truett McConnell University (Cleveland, GA), enables high school students to earn college credit. Most classes are completed online during a supervised study hall, while select courses are taught on campus by qualified Dominion teachers. According to the school, many of its graduates in this program start college as sophomores, saving both time and tuition. Dominion’s ACCESS program — Academic Coaching Combined with Enriched Student Support — helps students recognize their strengths and weaknesses and develop the strategies and skills needed to meet the expectations of the school, their families, and themselves. “We want families to have ACCESS to a quality private Christian education by providing resources to accommodate different types of learning styles,” says Ed Morris, Dominion’s Head of School. According to Morris, the culture at Dominion offers a close-knit, family atmosphere where every student is known, valued, and encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally. “We are also committed to making Christian education accessible by offering one of the most competitive tuition rates among private schools in our area,” Morris said. As far as shaping future leaders, leadership is intentionally woven into the student experience at Dominion. Through the school’s Chick-fil-A

Leader Academy, students participate in leadership training, service projects, and hands-on experiences that develop character, teamwork, and servant leadership. “Dominion equips students to become confident leaders who seek to make a positive impact in their communities,” Morris said.

THE GALLOWAY SCHOOL gallowayschool.org The Galloway School is known as a pioneer in progressive education. The school’s Advancement Coordinator, Ricky Emmons, told KnowAtlanta that students currently are excelling in mock trial, debate, Model UN, All State Chorus and All State Band, and the Scholastic Art Awards. In the 2025-26 school year, seven Galloway students were recognized as National Merit Commended students, two students were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, and 15 students received the College Board School Recognition Award. Emmons added that last year, one senior went to the national championship for debate, while this year six students received Alliance for Young Artists and Writers Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Academic excellence notwithstanding, what truly sets Galloway apart, Emmons said, is the school’s culture of connection. “As the only non-denominational independent school in the Buckhead area, we welcome families from a wide range of backgrounds. …Our intentionally small student-to-teacher ratio [gives] students the confidence to ask questions, share their ideas, and advocate for themselves.” That translates into leadership qualities the students practice every day. “Along the way, they build confidence, resilience, empathy, and the ability to communicate and lead with purpose,” Emmons said.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL highmeadows.org

High Meadows School

Mount Paran Christian School

K N O WAT L A N TA

At High Meadows, students experience a culture where curiosity, belonging, and purpose go hand in hand. The school’s philosophy is that children learn best when they feel known, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their own education. To that end, teachers create an environment where questions are encouraged, mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth, and every student has a voice. Around the 42-acre campus, students benefit from daily outdoor learning and environmental stewardship and collaborative, project-based experiences. For example, kindergarten students have a new forest learning space called Kat’s Landing, designed to enhance their time spent outdoors. Thus, students develop a deep connection to one another and to the world around them. “The result is a joyful, and intentionally inclusive community where children gain the confidence to be themselves while learning how to contribute meaningfully to others,” Interim Head of School Ben Hebebrand said. Academically, High Meadows takes an inquiry-based, experiential approach to learning. The goal isn’t simply to prepare students for high school — it’s to prepare them to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence, purpose, and compassion. According to Hebebrand, one of the school’s most exciting recent initiatives is the Youth Leadership Institute, which gives middle school students meaningful opportunities to develop leadership skills through service, collaboration, ethical decision-making, and real-world problem-solving. “Rather than viewing leadership as a position, students learn to lead through action, empathy, and responsibility — skills that align with our mission of preparing thoughtful, engaged citizens,” Hebebrand said. High Meadows also expanded its Middle Years mini-courses,

FA L L 2 0 2 6

giving students opportunities to explore specialized topics beyond the traditional curriculum, such as Inventor’s Workshop and Barnyard Animal Training. These immersive experiences encourage curiosity, creativity, and interdisciplinary thinking while allowing students to pursue interests that may spark future passions. Finally, building leadership qualities is an expectation for all students at High Meadows. Beginning in the earliest grades, students learn to think independently, collaborate respectfully, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for their decisions. As they grow, they take on increasingly meaningful leadership roles. “Rather than focusing solely on titles or positions, we help students develop the habits that define effective leaders: empathy, resilience, ethical decision-making, adaptability, and the confidence to tackle complex challenges,” Hebebrand said.

MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL mtparanschool.com Mount Paran Christian School (MPCS) recently added an American Sign Language (ASL) program to its curriculum, deepening its commitment to expand how students think about communication, Diana La, the school’s assistant director of communications, said. “ASL encourages them to embrace nonverbal communication which is an essential life skill in both personal and professional settings.” Building upon this, the school prepares students to lead with confidence through a biblical worldview, whether that is in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, or within the community. “Our entrepreneurship class is offered in multiple levels, teaching students how to run a business as they fully operate the Roost Coffee Company on the MPCS campus, which serves staff and students daily,” La said. And through the school’s goLead

Woodward Academy

program, students embrace the role of being servant leaders by volunteering in philanthropic endeavors. Such opportunities allow students to move boldly into the world having confidence in who they are and what they are capable of, La said. More traditional academics also rank highly among MPCS priorities. The school offers more than 60 AP courses and has a high pass rate of 91 percent, well above the reported national average for such college-prep courses. Further, MPCS reports that this past year, several DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) students earned Top 10 finishes in their respective events. And during the Mock Trial season, the MPCS Legal Eagles competed for the state title, making it all the way to the semifinals.

PACE ACADEMY paceacademy.org Since 2014, Pace students and faculty have visited 58 countries and Antarctica. That’s a staggering statistic when you learn that even among the most ardent American

travelers (according to the Pew Research Center), only 11 percent have been to more than 10 countries. These Pace explorers participated in the school’s Isdell Center for Global Leadership, which cultivates global competency and leadership capabilities in all three levels at Pace — Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. Caitlin Goodrich Jones, Pace’s director of communications, told KnowAtlanta that by exploring an annual global theme — this year Conservation — students in this program build critical-thinking skills they can apply to other issues. Students connect with individuals and experts across the globe through curricular, co-curricular, and hands-on activities; community and global partnerships; leadership fellowships; and domestic and international study tours. This program alone may be enough to build culture at Pace and certainly shapes the school’s reputation among prospective students and parents, but there is more to Pace. Families point to the tight-knit sense of community as a defining characteristic of Pace culture, Jones said. “We remain small by design to ensure every student is truly known. This intentional size fosters a tight-knit, inclusive community where families and the school work in close partnership to develop the whole child.” Academically, Pace students consistently excel in local, state, and national competitions. In the Lower School, according to Jones, students compete in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl and city-wide chess. Both Lower and Middle School students participate in FIRST LEGO League Robotics — where the Middle School RoboKnights recently won the super-regional Grand Champion and Innovation/Project awards to advance to state. In the Middle and Upper Schools, students competed and placed well at the 2026 Georgia Junior Classical League convention, the National Latin Exam, and Model UN where Pace’s largest extracur-

ricular team continues to earn top accolades nationwide. “By partnering with families to nurture both intellectual and ethical growth, we ensure our students don’t just learn about the world — they develop the character and cultural fluency to shape it,” Jones said.

WOODWARD ACADEMY woodward.edu Recent updates to Woodward Academy’s academic programs include expanded interdisciplinary learning opportunities; increased honors level offerings; a debate program for grades four through six; and the implementation of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills that allow students to succeed in an ever-changing global landscape. At the high school level, Woodward’s nationally ranked debate team is a state champion. The school’s Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, Amy Zarriello Morris, said students also dominate in robotics; Odyssey of the Mind; the Georgia Mathematics League; science research; the arts; and athletics, including track and field, volleyball, cross country, and basketball. “Academic excellence and character development are the cornerstones of a Woodward education,” she added. For example, students complete Capstone projects as seniors that challenge them to think divergently and conduct interdisciplinary research, and Middle and Upper School students participate in the Maymester program, where they can pursue unique courses about social entrepreneurship, global studies, the arts, and technology. “The development of future leaders is at the heart of a Woodward education,” Morris said. “Students are taught to be curious, independent thinkers who have the confidence, competence, and character to serve as leaders in their respective fields and communities.” n

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

STEM EXCELLENCE Local universities prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s careers. By Cory Sekine-Pettite

ccording to the Atlanta Regional Council for Higher Education (ARCHE), a consortium of 18 colleges and universities across the Atlanta metropolitan region, the area ranks in the top 10 nationally in multiple fields of study, including Information Technology and Computer Science, Engineering, Natural and Physical Sciences, and Education degrees. Atlanta is also a leader in bachelor’s degrees conferred, graduate and undergraduate enrollment, and grant research economic impact. Metro Atlanta residents truly are among the most highly educated people in the country. In fact, a 2024 report1 from Forbes concluded that nearly 60 percent of residents have a bachelor’s degree and nearly 30 percent have graduate degrees. In comparison, only about half of adult Americans hold a college degree. And when it comes to STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), ARCHE reports that metro Atlanta is a national leader in educating students in these fields as well. Thanks to local colleges and universities, Atlanta ranks second nationally in total IT and Computer Science degrees, second in master’s degrees in IT and Computer Science, third in the nation in undergraduate degrees in IT and Natural Sciences, fourth in undergraduate Engineering and Physical Sciences, third in doctoral Engineering, and third in doctoral Education. With these facts in mind, we dug a little deeper into the programs available to students at six ARCHE member institutions: Brenau University, Emory University, Spelman College, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, and Oglethorpe University. We asked about new degree programs, notable school rankings and awards earned, and student success stories. Each school’s responses (edited for length) are as follows:

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

BRENAU UNIVERSITY Gainesville, Georgia brenau.edu KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market? Brenau University: In 2025, Brenau University began a program called TigerTEACH, a partnership with schools around the state designed to address the shortage of qualified, certified teachers. TigerTEACH started through a conversation with a local school official in Hall County, where three of Brenau’s four campuses are located. It continues to expand quickly as school systems across the state reach out to partner with Brenau on a training pipeline for their staff. Under the agreements, Brenau will provide accredited instruction to K-12 educators, leading to initial educator certification recognized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission through a hybrid program delivered via online and in-person sessions. Also, Brenau has signed articulation agreements with area technical colleges to help associate degree graduates pursue bachelor’s degrees at Brenau through the ASN-to-BSN program. Under agreements with Athens Technical College and Lanier Technical College,

Associate of Science in Nursing graduates can transition seamlessly into Brenau’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The goal of the new academic agreements between the institutions is to support student success while addressing the state’s ongoing healthcare workforce shortages. Brenau has also signed agreements with both technical colleges to allow graduates earning associate degrees in health information management technology to easily continue to Brenau’s Bachelor of Business Administration in healthcare management, providing vital support for the region’s healthcare industry. Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area? Brenau: Brenau University was ranked No. 21 on Newsweek’s inaugural list of America’s Best Colleges for Women. Brenau is ranked second-highest among the 42 public and private institutions in Georgia on the list. While the university became co-educational in the early 1970s, The Women’s College continues to provide a unique collegiate experience on the historic Gainesville Campus. Brenau is one of only 32 members of the Women’s College Coalition. Signature programs of The Women’s College at Brenau include Greek life and intercollegiate athletics. The School of Occupational Therapy and the Department of Physical Therapy in Brenau’s Ivester College of Health Sciences were both recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the “Best Graduate Schools 2026.” The School of Occupational Therapy offers master’s and doctoral degrees, which are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education. The Department of Physical Therapy offers a doctoral degree and a post-baccalaureate preparatory program in physical therapy. The department is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Both PT and OT also operate clinics staffed by Brenau students and faculty that are open to the public. Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs? Brenau: Brenau swimmer Olga Bukowska was named the Appalachian Athletic Conference’s 2025-26 Colonel John Sullivan Female Student Athlete of Character. The award is given annually to a male and female athlete in the AAC who exemplify the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Champions of Character core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. The athletes are nominated by their schools and voted on by the athletic directors of the AAC.

A native of Sosnowiec, Poland, Bukowska traveled nearly 5,000 miles away from home to attend Brenau on a swim scholarship. She is a rising senior and was also awarded Brenau’s Baxter-Bryan Scholarship in the spring, the university’s highest academic honor. On campus, she has a 4.0 cumulative GPA, is president of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, vice president of the psychology club, a Sullivan Foundation fellow, a resident assistant, and a member of multiple other clubs. Additionally, she volunteers locally with Project YET and Swim Across America, and teaches swim lessons. “It is truly an honor to be acknowledged in this way, and I am acutely aware that this achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of so many,” Bukowska said. “If not for the kindness extended to me by my academic environment, including not only professionals but also my fellow student-athletes, and if not for the trust bestowed upon me, I would not be here today.”

EMORY UNIVERSITY Atlanta, Georgia emory.edu KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market? Emory: Emory Advantage Plus is a major expansion of the Emory Advantage program, a longstanding commitment to making a preeminent education more attainable for talented students. Starting fall 2026, undergraduate students from families with incomes below $200,000, will pay zero in tuition to attend Emory. Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health is expanding online degree options to give students more flexibility in how they complete their studies. The new, fully online programs include two full-time Master of Public Health (MPH) programs in global health and behavioral, social and health education sciences and two part-time MPH programs in epidemiology and global epidemiology. Designed for working professionals, Emory’s topranked Evening MBA program offers both spring and fall start dates. Students can tailor their experience through electives and format (online, hybrid or on-campus options). Professional Advancement Through Humanities

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

Study (PATHS) certificate helps first- and second-year students — especially those in STEM, business, social sciences, and pre-professional tracks — to develop critical thinking, communication, and humanities skills that strengthen their personal and professional growth, and signal readiness to employers and graduate schools. Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area? Emory: Emory University is ranked No. 24 among national universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 “Best Colleges” rankings. Emory also ranks No. 21 for “Best Value,” based on academic quality and cost, and No. 31 for “Most Innovative.” The rankings also place Emory’s joint undergraduate biomedical engineering program with Georgia Tech as the nation’s top program. Emory’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is ranked No. 1 among nursing schools for master’s programs, while the Rollins School of Public Health ranks No. 2 among all public health schools and programs. Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs? Emory: Thiên Nguyễn immersed himself in different parts of campus and the exceptional opportunities Emory presented as soon as he arrived. He championed Emory’s campus community through roles in Residence Life, the Asian Student Center and Emory First, supporting students and fostering connection. He has also contributed through peer health initiatives, student leadership, and undergraduate research at several Emory centers and organizations. Nikki Boon is an Emory neuroscience Ph.D. student and accomplished multi-event athlete from the Netherlands who won the Women’s Decathlon World Championship in 2025. She also has excelled academically and athletically at Emory, setting NCAA Division III records and earning six All-America honors; in 2026, she returned to defend her title and earned a bronze medal. Elizabeth Brubaker is a recipient of a highly competitive Fulbright grant and 2026 Emory graduate with double majors in political science and women’s, gender and sexuality studies. She will study how restorative justice organizations interact with the formal legal system while she pursues a master’s degree in conflict transformation and social justice in the United Kingdom as a recipient of the Fulbright/Queen’s University Belfast Award.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

SPELMAN COLLEGE Atlanta, Georgia spelman.edu KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market? Spelman: Spelman College’s Cosmetic Science Program is advancing the future of inclusive beauty innovation by expanding representation and preparing the next generation of scientists, researchers, and industry leaders. The Cosmetic Science curriculum was initially conceived as a certificate offering in the eSpelman online program and launched as an expansion of Spelman’s STEM programming in 2024. As the first undergraduate cosmetic science program at a Historically Black College and University, the program combines rigorous STEM education with hands-on training in product formulation, ingredient science, and consumer research. Through cutting-edge laboratory experiences, strategic industry partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities, students develop the expertise to create products that better serve diverse consumers while addressing longstanding gaps in beauty research and development. Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area? Spelman: Spelman College continues to earn national recognition for its academic excellence, student outcomes, and transformative educational experience. In the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Spelman was named the No. 1 Historically Black College or University (HBCU) for the 19th consecutive year, ranked No. 2 among Top Performers on Social Mobility, No. 37 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, and No. 33 for Best Undergraduate Teaching. Additional national recognitions include:

• • •

Niche 2025 Best Colleges Rankings: No. 4 Best HBCU, No. 7 Best Women’s College, and No. 108 for Best Greek Life. Forbes 2024–2025 America’s Top Colleges: Ranked among the nation’s top 500 colleges at No. 358. LinkedIn Top HBCUs: Ranked No. 3 among the nation’s best HBCUs based on career outcomes.

•

Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs? Spelman: Computer science students Temple Dees and Jessica Obi, alongside fellow students Grace Burch, Joy Rutledge, and Devyn Washington, developed PlantGPT — an AI-powered device that enables plants to “communicate” their needs by translating real-time sensor data into conversational language. The project was created through Spelman’s Innovation Lab, where students collaborate across disciplines to solve real-world problems using emerging technologies. The project earned national media attention, providing students with opportunities to showcase their work on a national stage. For Temple Dees, the project translated into career opportunities, including a summer internship with GoDaddy in 2025. Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand PlantGPT beyond home gardening to support small farmers and urban gardeners, helping address food insecurity and agricultural challenges.

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY Kennesaw, Georgia kennesaw.edu KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market? Kennesaw State University: Kennesaw State University (KSU) is harnessing momentum to advance research, elevate the student experience, and build for the future, says KSU Media Relations Manager, Paul Floeckher. KSU’s many highlights include the launch of two new degrees in Fall 2026:

• •

offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in artificial intelligence, as well as the first in the state to offer both bachelor’s and graduate degrees in financial technologies.

Niche 2025 Most Selective Colleges in Georgia: Ranked No. 4 among the state’s most selective colleges.

Bachelor of Science in Financial Technologies for students pursuing careers at the intersection of finance, technology, and data analytics. KSU’s new bachelor’s degree builds on strong student interest in financial technologies. Enrollment in fintech-related courses at KSU has more than quadrupled since 2021. Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence to help meet the increasing demand in Georgia and nationwide for professionals with expertise in AI. With this addition, KSU became the first school in Georgia to

Additionally, last year Kennesaw State became the second institution in Georgia to offer a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. In Fall 2027, KSU will launch a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area?

• • • • • • •

KSU: A few of Kennesaw State’s rankings: Top 15% in Best U.S. Colleges for Student Experiences (Wall Street Journal, 2026) Top 5% Best College Campuses in the U.S. (Niche, 2026) #5 Executive MBA Program in the World (CEO Magazine, 2026) #1 in the U.S. – Best Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree Programs (Best Value schools, 2025) • #2 in Georgia – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) #1 in Georgia – Best Online Master of Business Administration (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) #1 in Georgia – Best Online MBA for Veterans (U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs? KSU: Kennesaw State University reached a milestone during Spring 2026 Commencement with the conferring of our first computer science doctoral degrees. The two graduates each conducted research reflecting both the human and technical sides of the program. Abm Adnan Azmee designed a human-AI collaborative system to help first responders and healthcare workers spot potential behavioral and mental health concerns in the people they interact with. Manh Nguyen focused on neuromorphic computing, a human brain-inspired approach that aims to make artificial intelligence faster, more efficient, and more secure. Additionally, KSU’s Student Government Association President, Allisa George (a public health and biology dual major), embodies the future and the momentum of KSU in her research on campus and in her future goals. We recently featured her on our website: https://bit.ly/4junJYu.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

OGLETHORPE UNIVERSITY Brookhaven, Georgia oglethorpe.edu KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market? Oglethorpe University: New pathways in physics and engineering connect liberal arts learning with high-demand STEM careers and graduate opportunities. Through Oglethorpe’s partnership with Kennesaw State University (KSU), this program provides a pathway for students pursuing a bachelor’s in physics at Oglethorpe, grounded in a liberal arts and sciences foundation, to seamlessly transfer into a bachelor’s degree program in KSU’s Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Additionally, Oglethorpe students who are completing a physics degree will have the option of an accelerated pathway to earn an engineering master’s degree from KSU. “A broad, inquiry-driven education and a clear path into technical fields can and should go hand in hand. This partnership connects those experiences in a deliberate way,” Oglethorpe Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Gabriel Barreneche, said. “By bringing together Oglethorpe’s strengths in the liberal arts and sciences with Kennesaw State’s engineering programs, we are giving students a more direct, more expansive set of opportunities to shape their future.” Additionally, a robust actuarial science curriculum prepares students for careers in data analysis, risk management, and insurance. Launched in Fall 2022, the actuarial science program — a track within the mathematics major — explores math beyond theory, applying it to assess risk and help companies make informed business decisions. Combined with a foundational education in problem-solving and global thinking through Oglethorpe’s signature Core curriculum, the actuarial science major has helped students level-up their reasoning skills and apply statistics to real-world scenarios. “Not only does the program have a cutting-edge curriculum that matches the needs of the national actuarial job market,” says Prof. John C. Nardo, who spearheaded the launch of the new program, “but also gives students a chance to develop inter-personally. They get chances to work with written communication, oral communication, computing, ethics … a vast experience in different disciplines besides mathematics, which is the foundation.”

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area? Oglethorpe: Oglethorpe was named a 2026-27 College of Distinction, recognized for engaged learning and strong student outcomes. Colleges of Distinction was founded on the belief that the most meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides. Oglethorpe reflects that philosophy in action — from undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships. Students are not just participants, but active drivers of their own education. “No two students arrive on campus with the same goals, background, or definition of success,” said Tyson Schritter, COO at Colleges of Distinction. “The institutions we recognize understand that. Oglethorpe has built an environment where students are supported and challenged in ways that translate into real academic, professional, and personal outcomes.” Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs? Oglethorpe: As Coordinator of Gallery Learning at the High Museum of Art, Sophia Sobrino works with the museum’s docent program and public educational initiatives, helping create meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages. At Oglethorpe, Sobrino found new ways to transform her passion for the arts into public service. As a studio art major working closely with the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art, she gained firsthand experience curating exhibitions, handling artworks, interpreting collections, and creating educational experiences for visitors. “Being able to work so closely with the museum’s permanent collection in such a hands-on manner really did help prepare me for where I’m at today at the High Museum,” she said. Sobrino credits Oglethorpe’s museum staff and faculty with giving her both practical experience and the confidence to pursue a career in the field.

MERCER UNIVERSITY Macon, Georgia mercer.edu KnowAtlanta: What is the newest degree, academic program, certification, or major your institution has introduced, and how does it prepare students for today’s workforce and the future job market? Mercer University: Mercer’s College of Health Profession’s Occupational Therapy (OTD) program launches this fall. The OTD Program is designed to prepare students for success on the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy examination and entry-level occupational therapy practice in various settings, including acute care, community sites, long-term care and other practice environments. Students can expect an exceptional educational experience through an eight-semester, 113-credit-hour program that focuses on evidence-based research, client-centered care, and leadership. Consistent with the University’s commitment to professional knowledge, the OTD Program incorporates interactive classroom activities, an engaging laboratory environment, clinical practice across the lifespan and healthcare settings, and a capstone experience. Know: Has your college recently received any notable accolades, rankings, awards, or recognitions that would be especially meaningful to prospective students and families relocating to the Atlanta area? Mercer: Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy has once again been recognized as the top private pharmacy school in the South, according to the latest 2026 rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The College is ranked No. 62 overall nationwide, placing Mercer among the top 10 private pharmacy schools in the U.S., a distinction that reinforces its reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and student success. The College’s motto, “A Tradition of Excellence — A Legacy of Caring,” frames its philosophy of providing excellent academic programs in an environment where every student matters and every person counts.

In addition, Mercer again leads the nation in Military Friendly® Ranking. The university earned top national recognition for its commitment to military-connected students, ranking No. 1 as a Military Friendly School for the 2026-27 award year — marking the fourth consecutive year that Mercer has received the top designation. Mercer also was ranked No. 2 nationally on the Military Spouse Friendly® School list. The rankings, announced in March 2026, recognize Mercer as a Top 10 Gold School and place it at the top among institutions nationwide recognized for their military and veteran programs and initiatives. Know: Can you share the story of a student or recent graduate who has excelled in one of your newest or most innovative programs? Mercer: In May 2026, Deandra Bradley crossed the stage at Mercer University College of Pharmacy and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She is a wife, a mother of four plus a bonus son, a grandmother of a 21-month-old, and a caregiver to her grandparents. And she made the four-hour round trip drive from Columbus to Atlanta nearly every day. She began her pharmacy career in 2006 as a pharmacy technician at Walmart in Columbus, Georgia. Over the years, she built a passion for patient care and community service that eventually convinced her she wanted more. “Every mile [I drove] represented a commitment to my family and to the dream that I refuse to give up on,” Dr. Bradley said. “…My path didn’t look like everybody else’s, and I had to keep that in mind every day. I just hope that my children learn that perseverance is possible, even when life isn’t easy. No dream is too big when you’re willing to work for it.” About ARCHE Founded in 1938, ARCHE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to strengthen public support for higher education and help its members collaborate in ways that leverage their individual strengths. ARCHE offers cooperative programs — such as library sharing and cross registration for courses in addition to several intentional communities of practice — that help member institutions expand opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. The 18 schools that make up its membership consist of Agnes Scott College, Brenau University, Clark Atlanta University, Clayton State University, Columbia Theological Seminary, Emory University, Georgia Gwinnett College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Interdenominational Theological Center, Kennesaw State University, Mercer University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Oglethorpe University, Spelman College, University of Georgia, and University of West Georgia. n 1. The full report from Forbes is available at forbes.com/advisor/education/most-educated-cities.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

CONNECTING ATL ANTA’ S HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY Agnes Scott College • Brenau University • Clark Atlanta University • Clayton State University • Columbia Theological Seminary • Emory University • Georgia Gwinnett College • Georgia Institute of Technology • Georgia State University Interdenominational Theological Center • Kennesaw State University • Mercer University • Morehouse College • Morehouse School of Medicine • Oglethorpe University • Spelman College • University of Georgia • University of West Georgia

atlantahighered.org

CHOOSING A PRIVATE SCHOOL

The Galloway School

The search for a new school for your child begins here. On the following pages, you’ll find a sampling of private schools in metro Atlanta. Each miniprofile features a description of the school, its location, contact information, accreditations and tuition prices. Please note that tuition prices are for the 2026–27 school year and are subject to change. On page 64, you’ll find a helpful private schools map.

Private School FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

Atlanta Academy

family partnerships and leadership opportunities to prepare confident, independent learners who excel at top high schools and beyond.

2000 Holcomb Woods Parkway, Roswell, GA 30076 678.461.6102 atlantaacademy.com

Atlanta International School

GRADES OFFERED: Preschool–8

2890 N. Fulton Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30305

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: SAIS, GISA, NAIS, NAEYC TUITION: Visit the website for pricing information UNIFORMS: Yes SPORTS OFFERED: Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer, Volleyball, Tennis, Golf and more STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes

404.841.3840 aischool.org GRADES OFFERED: 3K–12 ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: AAAIS, Cognia, SACS, CIS, IB, SAIS TUITION: Visit aischool.org/ admissions/tuition-financial-aid UNIFORMS: No

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Music, Performing Arts, Clay, Painting/ Drawing, Mixed Media DESCRIPTION: Atlanta Academy, a 2017 and 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, serves 425 preschool–8th grade students from North Fulton. Celebrated for academic excellence and whole-child development, the school combines small classes, strong

SPORTS OFFERED: Basketball, Cross Country, E-sports, Golf, Soccer, Swimming and Dive, Tennis, Track and field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Film and Media, Ensembles, Theater, Visual Arts, Music

Atlanta International School

DESCRIPTION: Atlanta International School offers world-class education, blending rigorous academics with language and intercultural understanding. As an IB World School, AIS offers all four IB programs and has unique immersion language learning. Its multilingual, inclusive community prepares students to thrive globally through innovation, creativity and commitment to making a positive impact.

2017 and 2024 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL

WHERE WHERE WE WE BELONG BELONG. WHERE WHERE WE WE BE O E BECOME. .

2000 HOLCOMB WOODS PKWY | ROSWELL Serving the North Fulton communities of Roswell, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and more. 52

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

NOW ENROLLING PRESCHOOL-8TH GRADE

UNIFORMS: No SPORTS OFFERED: After School and Extended Day offer soccer, Playball, basketball, and karate STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: After School offers painting, pottery, and ceramics Atlanta Speech School

Atlanta Speech School 3160 Northside Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30327 404.233.5332 atlantaspeechschool.org GRADES OFFERED: Preschool 2’s through elementary 6th grade ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: AAAIS, NAIS, SAIS, Bright From the Start (BFTS), IDA, GISA TUITION: $21,089 - $46,661

DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1938, the Atlanta Speech School advances language and literacy through four campus schools, the Rollins Center, and its online Cox Campus. The Wardlaw School serves K–6 students with dyslexia; the Katherine Hamm Center, children who are deaf or hard of hearing; Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool, children building preliteracy foundations; and Stepping Stones Preschool, children with speech or language delays. The Learning Hub provides evaluation, therapy, and academic support. The Rollins Center for Language & Literacy advances literacy worldwide through professional development, and its online Cox Campus provides free, open-access, equity-based,

IACET-accredited Science of Reading coursework and professional learning.

Dominion Christian School 4607 Burnt Hickory Rd. NW, Marietta, GA 30064 404.420.2153 dominionchrstian.org GRADES OFFERED: 6-12 currently; Opening K-5 August 2027 to be full K-12 ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: ACSI and Cogniz TUITION: $12,700 High School; $11,500 Middle School; $10,500 K-5 next year UNIFORMS: Yes SPORTS OFFERED: Football, Girls Flag Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Basketball, Swimming, Baseball, Track/Field, Soccer STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: STEM electing in Middle School ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Band, Chorus, Theatre, Art, Ceramics

Inspiring Children Towards Excellence At Wood Acres School, our students blossom into confident leaders and grow their academic success. Our students thrive through active participation, fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. Our families, staff, and students develop a strong sense of community, and stay connected even after they go to high school. Innovative, Rigorous Curriculum

Now Enrolling 2 Years - 8th Grade

Extensive Spanish Language, Community Service, and STEM Programs

Enriching and Experiential Class Trips

Learn more at our NOV. 8 OPEN HOUSE

1772 Johnson Ferry Rd l Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 299-2473 WoodAcresSchool.org

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

DESCRIPTION: Start Here. Stay Here. Thrive Here.At Dominion, your child will be known, valued, challenged, and encouraged to become who God created them to be. For 30 years, we’ve equipped the next generation to love God and love others through Christ-centered, college-preparatory education. On our beautiful 40-acre campus, students experience small classes, dedicated Christian teachers, competitive athletics, engaging extracurriculars, and a community where relationships matter. At Dominion, students discover: Christcentered education; small classes and personal attention; experienced, caring Christian teachers; and opportunities to lead, compete, serve, and grow. Come see why families choose Dominion — and why they stay.

GRADES OFFERED: Pre-K3–12

The Galloway School

DESCRIPTION: Galloway is a PreK3-12 independent school in Atlanta with a focus on joyful learning, authentic students and extraordinary outcomes. Through critical thinking, experiential learning and play, Galloway empowers each child to discover

215 Chastain Park Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30342 404.252.8389 gallowayschool.org

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: AAAIS, AdvancED/SACS, GHSA, NAIS, SAIS

their passions, embrace challenges and grow into engaged citizens of the world.

TUITION: $22,500 - $35,700

High Meadows School

UNIFORMS: No

1055 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA 30075

SPORTS OFFERED: Basketball, Tennis, Cross Country, Track and Field, Soccer, Golf, Swimming and Diving, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball

770.993.2940

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: AAAIS, GISA, International Baccalaureate Programme (IB PYP),

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Dance, Band, Chorus, Guitar, Advanced Combined Ensemble, 2D Visual Art, AP Art and Design, Acting, Film Studies, Stagecraft, Painting, Lighting and Sound Design, Production Design, Drawing, Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography

highmeadows.org GRADES OFFERED: Pre-K3–8

High Meadows School

Discover what school can be.

Open House: Becoming Galloway Saturday, November 14 54

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive EXPLORE WESLEYAN AT WWW.WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG/ADMISSIONS

NAIS, SAIS TUITION: $8,851 - $26,765 UNIFORMS: No SPORTS OFFERED: Cross Country, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: No ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Band, Advanced Band, Rock Band, Music, Theater Arts, Visual Arts, Other Assorted Electives (ceramics, printmaking, animation, painting and drawing, gymnastics, volleyball, puppetry, outdoor living skills, and World Peace Game, Debate, etc.)

skills, concepts, and experiences that supports each child’s academic, social, emotional, and personal growth. The result is an educational experience where children are encouraged to explore, question, take meaningful risks, and become active participants in their own learning — growing into highly prepared students, respectful community members, and confident individuals ready for what comes next.

The Lovett School 4075 Paces Ferry Road, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327 404.262.3032 lovett.org GRADES OFFERED: K-12 ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: NAIS, SAIS, AAAIS, Global Online Academy TUITION: $34,850 (K-Grade 5); $41,110 (Grades 6-12) UNIFORMS: Yes SPORTS OFFERED: Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Soccer, Basketball, Cross Country, Baseball

DESCRIPTION: At High Meadows, learning is meant to be experienced. From the moment you step onto our 42 acres, you feel the difference in our progressive approach to education — one where adventure, play, curiosity, and discovery are intentionally woven into learning. From Pre-K through 8th grade, our shared approach to teaching and learning is paired with a thoughtfully designed curriculum of knowledge,

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Theater Arts, Dance, Design and Production, Visual Arts, Band, Orchestra, Lovett Conservatory of Music, Chorus The Lovett School

Learning Comes Alive On The Riverbank

DESCRIPTION: The Lovett School embodies whole-child education

Where learning is an

Ad�en�ur�!

Since 1973, High Meadows School has inspired children to think critically, learn creatively, act globally, and live compassionately.

Roam the Riverbank: Lovett’s Open House November 8 Applications Open October 1 56

K N O WAT L A N TA

Group tours oﬀered weekly. Register online at highmeadows.org.

Scan for admission and open house information

FA L L 2 0 2 6

Age 3 through Eighth Grade | Roswell, GA 770.993.2940 | highmeadows.org An International Baccalaureate® School

with an emphasis on learning by doing and joyful learning. Through purposeful hands-on classroom opportunities, community experiences and service learning, Lovett students balance intellectual rigor with character development, relationship building and self-discovery.

1275 Stanley Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30152 770.578.0182

North Cobb Christian

mtparanschool.com GRADES OFFERED: PK3-12 ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: Cognia, SAIS, CESA, ACSA TUITION: See website for pricing UNIFORMS: Yes SPORTS OFFERED: Football, Fishing, Basketball, Golf, Baseball, Competition Cheer, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Flag Football, Dance, Wrestling, Volleyball, Softball, Cross Country, Track and Field, Swimming

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Musical Theatre, Technical Theatre, Sound Recording, Chapel Band, Orchestra, Pep Band, Chorus, Visual Art, Dance, Drama, Costuming, Set Building, Music and Dance Lessons DESCRIPTION: Mount Paran Christian School is a private PK312th grade covenantal Christian, non-denominational, collegepreparatory school. Founded in 1976, MPCS exists to provide elevated academics, award-winning arts and championship athletics — all with Christ at the center. Our job is to prepare servant-leaders who can move mountains in the classroom, on the ball field, on the stage, and ultimately in the community.

Mount Paran Christian School Mount Paran Christian School

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes

North Cobb Christian School 4500 Eagle Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144 770.975.0252 ncchristian.org

LEGACY

of CHRIST-CENTERED ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

RIGOROUS ACADEMICS ✦ SMALL CLASSES (12:1) ✦ AWARD-WINNING ARTS ✦ CHAMPIONSHIP ATHLETICS ✦ CHRIST AT THE CENTER

TUESDAY TOURS

Chart your Christ-centered, covenantal school journey @ mtparanschool.com FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

GRADES OFFERED: PreK3–12 ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: Cognia, CESA, ACSI, GHSA, Metro10, SETC, ASCA TUITION: $9,275 - $22,805 UNIFORMS: Required for JK5-8th; Appearance Standards 9th-12th SPORTS OFFERED: 55+ teams across 17 different sports, including football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, LAX, mountain biking, bass fishing, swimming, and more. Plus, girls flag football coming this fall!

Spring Term mission trips, and 5 Academy tracks for deeper study in entrepreneurship, arts, healthcare, STEM, and ministry. Robust AP and on-campus Dual Enrollment options plus proactive college counseling make NCCS more than a school — this is a training ground to soar.

Pace Academy 966 West Paces Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 The Lovett School

404.262.1345 paceacademy.org

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes, including STEM Academy for 9th-12th

GRADES OFFERED: Pre-1st–12

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Visual, Vocal and Performing Arts for K3-12th grades; Instrumental Arts for 5th-12th grades; Academy of the Arts with advanced tracks for visual, vocal, theater and instrumental for 9th-12th grades. DESCRIPTION: NCCS students thrive in a uniquely nurturing environment where exemplary academics unite with unwavering biblical truth. Distinctives include small class sizes,

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: GHSA, SACS, NAIS, SAIS, GISA, AAAIS, NACAC, INDEX, College Entrance Examination Board, Educational Records Bureau, Cum Laude Society, National Honor Society, Institute for Global Learning TUITION: $37,360 - $43,020 UNIFORMS: On special occasions SPORTS OFFERED: Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, esports, flag football,

football, golf, lacrosse, mountain biking, soccer, softball, swimming/ diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, wrestling STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Band, chorus, strings orchestra, drama, acting, painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, stage craft, advanced studio art, independent study, photography, art history DESCRIPTION: Pace Academy serves

GLOBAL LEADERS, MADE IN ATLANTA OPEN HOUSES NOV. 21

Learn more and register at paceacademy.org/ admissions

WHY JUST LEARN WHEN YOU CAN

EXPLORE? At Paideia, curiosity drives everything. Ages 3–12th grade | Druid Hills, Atlanta paideiaschool.org

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

1,150 students in Pre-1st through 12th grade. With an 8:1 studentteacher ratio, students thrive in rigorous academic, arts and athletics programs supported by a caring community. Through the school’s Isdell Center for Global Leadership, they grow into prepared, confident citizens of the world.

The Paideia School 1509 Ponce De Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307 404.377.3491

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: music, visual arts, chorus, drama, musical theater DESCRIPTION: Paideia offers education for students ages 3 to 12th grade with Half Day, Elementary, Junior High and High School programs with a focus on instilling a lifelong love of learning.

Porter Academy 200 Cox Road, Roswell GA 30075

paideiaschool.org GRADES OFFERED: Ages 3–12th ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: Cognia, NAIS, SAIS, AAAIS, EMA TUITION: $13,995 - $35,037 UNIFORMS: No SPORTS OFFERED: cross country, esports, volleyball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, swimming, baseball, golf, tennis, track and field

770.594.1313 porteracademy.org GRADES OFFERED: PreK-8 ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: SAIS, Cognia, GAC

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: None

UNIFORMS: No

DESCRIPTION OF YOUR SCHOOL: We work with children with learning or developmental differences. Our small size and developmentally based homerooms allow us to

SPORTS OFFERED: n/a STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: No

FALL 2027

NEW K–5 PROGRAM Equipping students to love God and love others through a Christ-centered education. K-12 · Marietta, GA · 770-420-2153 www.dominionchristian.org K N O WAT L A N TA

The Paideia School

TUITION: Contact school for pricing.

DOMINION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Porter Aademy

FA L L 2 0 2 6

DESCRIPTION: The Schenck School is a leading school for dyslexia remediation, serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Through highly individualized instruction, expert teachers, and the Schenck Reading and Math Models, the School builds a solid educational foundation for students with dyslexia and develops their rich potential, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and self-awareness to thrive academically and beyond.

support each child where they are socially, emotionally, and academically. We support learning through individualized small group instruction, engaging hands-on activities, proven programs, and therapeutic support (occupational, speech and music).

The Schenck School 282 Mt. Paran Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 404.252.2591 schenck.org

Springmont School

GRADES OFFERED: K-6

5750 Long Island Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: SAIS, ALDS, Orton-Gillingham Association

404.252.3910 springmont.com

TUITION: $47,900

GRADES OFFERED: 18 months–8th

UNIFORMS: Yes

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: AAAIS, AMI, Cognia/SAIS, GISA, NAIS, SAIS

SPORTS OFFERED: No STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes

TUITION: $14,800 - $31,900 UNIFORMS: No

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: n/a

The Schenck School

Springmont School

18 MONTHS – 8TH GRADE

Springmont’s authentic Montessori experience balances academic learning with social/emotional well-being. Highly experienced and caring teachers guide individualized learning that inspires students to become creative, independent and globally-minded.

EXTRAORDINARY BY DESIGN. 404.252.3910 www.springmont.com ATLANTA’S F I R ST MONTE S SOR I SCHO OL

RANKED #1 FOR STEM IN COBB COUNTY Visit thewalkerschool.org/admission or call (678) 540-7229. PK(3)-12 | 700 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta, Ga. | Open to all faiths

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

SPORTS OFFERED: Competitive Cross Country

performances, and two Strings and Chorus Recitals

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes

DESCRIPTION: Serving students since 1963, Springmont delivers an authentic Montessori learning experience to students 18 months through 8th grade. Highly experienced and caring teachers offer individualized hands-on learning that inspires students to become creative, independent thinkers and lifelong learners. Robust academics are interwoven with social/emotional development, art, music, PE, Spanish and outdoor science instruction.

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Weekly fine arts and music instruction during the school day, before and after school art and music classes, three

Trinity School 4301 Northside Parkway NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 404.231.8100 trinityatl.org GRADES OFFERED: Age 3 – 6th

Trinity School

K N O WAT L A N TA

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: Cognia/SACS, NAIS, SAIS, AAAIS, GISA, The Enrollment Management Association TUITION: $23,950 - $36,700

FA L L 2 0 2 6

UNIFORMS: Yes SPORTS OFFERED: After-school classes: ballet, baseball, basketball, cheerleading, flag football, golf, karate, parkour, running, soccer, tennis, volleyball, yoga STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Art and music classes for all grades, 5th grade production of The Nutcracker, 6th grade musical; After-school classes: Alliance Theatre acting, arts and crafts, ballet, ceramics, choir, dancing, drawing, painting, sculpting DESCRIPTION: Atlanta’s only independent school dedicated exclusively to elementary education, Trinity School is known for cherishing childhood while preparing students for the future, as well as for its amazing arts program, state-of-theart learning spaces and a community that cares like no other. Everything Trinity does is designed to help children ages 3 through 6th grade flourish.

The Walker School 700 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta, GA 30062 770.427.2689 thewalkerschool.org GRADES OFFERED: PreK3–12 ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: AdvancED/SACS, SAIS TUITION: $21,570 - $33,300

Woodward Academy

Marching band, theater, chorus, 3D art, photography, digital design, and more. DESCRIPTION: Wesleyan School is a Christian, independent K-12 college preparatory school located in Peachtree Corners, Ga. At the start of the 2025-2026 school year, Wesleyan enrolled 1,206 students from throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area. To learn more about the school,

SPORTS OFFERED: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track and Field, Swim and Dive, Soccer, Lacrosse, Cheer, Golf, Softball, Tennis, Cross Country, Volleyball, Wrestling

SPORTS OFFERED: Baseball, basketball, cheerleading, clay target, cross country, E-sports, football, golf, lacrosse, riflery, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, Ultimate, volleyball, wrestling, flag football

1772 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30062 770.971.1880 woodacresschool.org GRADES OFFERED: Ages 2–8th grade ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: GAC TUITION: $8,560 - $15,020 UNIFORMS: No

wesleyanschool.org

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes

TUITION: $26,665 - $33,590 UNIFORMS: Yes SPORTS OFFERED: 22 HS sports, 20 MS sports. Full list at wesleyanschool. org/athletics STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED:

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Drawing, painting, ceramics, digital art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and fiber arts, music, band, orchestra, chorus, dance, theatre

The Wood Acres School

SPORTS OFFERED: n/a

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: Member of CESA; dual accreditation with Cognia/SAIS

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes

Wesleyan School visit wesleyanschool.org.

770.448.7640 GRADES OFFERED: K-12th grade

GRADES OFFERED: Main Campus: Pre-K–12; Woodward North in Johns Creek: Pre-K-6

UNIFORMS: Yes

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Band, Orchestra, Drama, Chorus, Visual Arts, Dance

5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

woodward.edu

TUITION: $25,390 - $37,950

STEM/STEAM PROGRAMS OFFERED: Yes

Wesleyan School

North Campus: 6565 Boles Road, Johns Creek, GA 30097, 404.765.4490

ACCREDITATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: AdvancED/SACS, CEEB, GISA, NAIS, NACAC, SACAC, SAIS

UNIFORMS: No

DESCRIPTION: At The Walker School, in Marietta, Ga., students are known, challenged and encouraged to explore. Rigorous academics are balanced by opportunities across STEM, humanities, arts, athletics and more. Along the way, students become independent thinkers, confident communicators and adaptable problem-solvers, prepared for college and equipped to contribute meaningfully in a complex and changing world.

Main Campus: 1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park, GA 30337, 404.765.4000

ARTS PROGRAMS OFFERED: Art classes offered in curriculum

DESCRIPTION: At Woodward, your child will be known, challenged, and encouraged to discover what they’re capable of as a learner. They’ll deepen their understanding, gain perspective through new ideas and experiences, and explore their interests with intention. With the right balance of challenge and support, your child will grow in confidence, curiosity, and purpose — ready to rise to what’s next. n Woodward Academy

DESCRIPTION: The Wood Acres School was founded in 1969 and is well-known for its accelerated academic curriculum, strong emphasis on the integration of STEM learning experiences and commitment to teaching Spanish as a second language. Families and staff develop a strong sense of community as students blossom into confident leaders.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

CHEROKEE

Gainesv

S E L E C T M E T R O A T L A N T A P R FORSYTH IVATE SCHOOLS Canton

BARTOW

Cumming

HALL

Cartersville Buford

Acworth 10 Kennesaw

9 5

Dallas

Powder Springs

PAULDING

Smyrna

Austell

Sandy Springs

Dunwoody Doraville

18 316

Norcross

Tucker

Lawrenceville

Lilburn

4 12

Snellville

Stone Mountain

Atlanta

Loganville

DEKALB

Mon

Decatur

Douglasville

Lithonia

DOUGLAS

East Point

ROCKDALE Conyers

Hapeville

College Park Forest Park

FULTON

Morrow

Union City Fairburn

COWETA

FAYETTE

K N O WAT L A N TA

CLAYTON

Stockbridge

Jonesboro

HENRY

Fayetteville

1. Atlanta Academy Newnan 2. Atlanta International School Buckhead campus 3. Atlanta International School Sandy Springs campus 4. Atlanta Speech School 5. Dominion Christian School 6. The Galloway School 7. High Meadows School 8. The Lovett School 9. Mount Paran Christian School

Peachtree City 10.

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

BARR

Dacula

15 Chamblee

Mableton

GWINNETT

Duluth

11 16

Roswell 1

Marietta

Suwanee

400

COBB

13 Alpharetta

Woodstock

North Cobb Christian School Pace Academy The Paideia School Porter Academy The Schenck School Springmont School Trinity School The Walker School Wesleyan School The Wood Acres School

NEWTON

McDonough

20. Woodward Academy Main Campus 21. Woodward Academy North Campus

Public School Spotlight

s metro Atlanta continues to grow, more families are seeking the best possible environment in which to live, work and raise their children. One of the most crucial factors in choosing a community is the quality of education available for their children. Parents naturally want the best for their kids, and the reputation of the schools in the area plays a significant role in their decision-making process. We’ve highlighted metro Atlanta area public schools and how they are ranked by Niche.com, which profiles and lists rankings of schools and colleges to help families decide which options best fit their needs. Niche.com gathers information from public data sources, including the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Census. There must be at least 80 percent of the school or place’s data available and collected to receive a ranking. For more information, visit niche.com.

DOUGLAS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICTS BARTOW

bartow.k12.ga.us Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 17 Number of Students: 14,156 Student-Teacher Ratio: 18-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: B+

CHEROKEE

cherokee.k12.ga.us Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 9 Number of Students: 42,016 Student-Teacher Ratio: 17-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A

CLAYTON

clayton.k12.ga.us Atlanta Area School District Ranking: N/A Number of Students: 50,832 Student-Teacher Ratio: 18-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: C

COBB

cobbk12.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 8 Number of Students: 106,358 Student-Teacher Ratio: 17 -to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A

DEKALB

dekalbschoolsga.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: N/A Number of Students: 91,398 Student-Teacher Ratio: 18-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: C+

dcssga.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 23 Number of Students: 25,770 Student-Teacher Ratio: -to-1 Overall Niche Grade: B

FAYETTE

fcboe.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 3 Number of Students: 19,869 Student-Teacher Ratio: 16-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A

FORSYTH

forsyth.k12.ga.us Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 2 Number of Students: 54,984 Student-Teacher Ratio: 19-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A+

FULTON

fultonschools.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 11 Number of Students: 89,935 Student-Teacher Ratio: N/A Overall Niche Grade: A

GWINNETT

gcpsk12.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 10 Number of Students: 183,878 Student-Teacher Ratio: 18-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A

HALL

hallco.org/web Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 18 Number of Students: 27,245 Student-Teacher Ratio: 17-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: B+

HENRY

henry.k12.ga.us Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 25 Number of Students: 43,258 Student-Teacher Ratio: 20-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: B-

PAULDING

paulding.k12.ga.us Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 19 Number of Students: 31,831 Student-Teacher Ratio: 18-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: B

ROCKDALE

rockdaleschools.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: N/A Number of Students: 15,384 Student-Teacher Ratio: 16-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: C+

CITY SCHOOL DISTRICTS ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

atlantapublicschools.us Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 21 Number of Students: 49,660 Student-Teacher Ratio: 14-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: B

FA L L 2 0 2 6

BUFORD CITY SCHOOLS

bufordcityschools.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 1 Number of Students: 5,946 Student-Teacher Ratio: 18-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A+

CARTERSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

cartersvilleschools.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 6 Number of Students: 4,573 Student-Teacher Ratio: 18-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A

CITY SCHOOLS OF DECATUR

csdecatur.net Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 4 Number of Students: 5,509 Student-Teacher Ratio: 14-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A

GAINESVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

gcssk12.net Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 25 Number of Students: 8,144 Student-Teacher Ratio: 17-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: B

MARIETTA CITY SCHOOLS

marietta-city.org Atlanta Area School District Ranking: 12 Number of Students: 8,642 Student-Teacher Ratio: 14-to-1 Overall Niche Grade: A

K N O WAT L A N TA

GET TO KNOW METRO ATLANTA’S COUNTIES According to the Atlanta Regional Commission, the

of the most sought-after counties in metro Atlanta.

20-county Atlanta region will be home to more than

Fanninlearn about each county’s proximity to the city of You’ll

eight million people by the year 2040. The counties that Whitfield Murray comprise the area are as distinctive as the people who

Atlanta, basic facts, Unionthe major cities and neighborhoods,

live withinWalker them, as each one has its own personality, Gilmer

for getting to know Atlanta and its beautiful communities. When you relocate, all White of the information you need Habersham is right hereLumpkin at your fingertips.

school information and more. Consider it your primer

features and resources. In the pages that follow,

KnowAtlanta will introduce you to more than a dozen Chattooga Gordon

Stephens

Pickens Dawson

Lake Sydney Lanier

Banks

Franklin

GAINESVILLE

Floyd

Forsyth

CANTON

Bartow

Cherokee

Hall

CUMMING

CARTERSVILLE

FLOWERY BRANCH

Allatoona Lake WOODSTOCK

KENNESAW

Polk

DUNWOODY

Barrow

LAWRENCEVILLE

Clarke

Gwinnett

NORCROSS

CHAMBLEE

Atlanta

DOUGLASVILLE

Fulton

Oconee

LILBURN

BROOKHAVEN

DECATUR

Walton

DeKalb

EAST POINT

Rockdale

Clayton

STOCKBRIDGE

Fayetteville

Morgan Newton

MCDONOUGH

Henry

Fayette Coweta

Greene

CONYERS

FOREST PARK

UNION CITY

JONESBORO

Heard

SUWANEE

DULUTH

SANDY SPRINGS

SMYRNA

Douglas Carroll

JOHNS CREEK

DORAVILLE

Paulding Haralson

BRASELTON

Fulton ROSWELL

Cobb

MARIETTA

DALLAS

Jackson

ALPHARETTA

PEACHTREE CITY

Jasper Spalding

Putnam

Butts

METRO ATLANTA HIGHWAYS Interstate 75 I-75 runs northwest to southeast straight through the City of Atlanta.

Interstate 20 I-20 is a major artery running east to west through the City of Atlanta.

Interstate 85 I-85 runs northeast to southwest and converges with I-75 to form the Downtown Connector.

Interstate 285 Known as “The Perimeter,” this interstate loop encircles Atlanta and connects I-75, I-85 and I-20 to the city.

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

Georgia State Route 400 GA 400 runs north to south through the north-central suburbs of Atlanta and is concurrent with U.S. Route 19. Interstate 675 This auxiliary highway runs through the southeast part of metro Atlanta connecting Stockbridge to I-285.

Interstate 575 I-575 is a 30-mile spur route that branches off of I-75 and traverses the northwestern suburbs.

CHEROKEE COUNTY Cherokee

Atlanta

Distance from Canton to Downtown Atlanta 40 MILES

Combined Sales Tax Rate 7%

Distance from Canton to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 50 Miles

Dubbed the place “Where Metro Meets the Mountains,” Cherokee County benefits from its status as a region that’s business savvy, environmentally alluring and undergoing tremendous growth.

Online cherokee.com

Population 299,273 Median Home Price $566,450

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Northside Hospital Cherokee • Inalfa Roof Systems • Pilgrim’s Pride • Chart Industries, Inc. • Piolax Corporation

EDUCATION Public Schools Cherokee County School District cherokeek12.net Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

ATTRACTIONS • Lake Allatoona • Dixie Speedway • Gibbs Gardens • The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta • Cherokee Arts Center • Chukkar Farm Polo Club

UTILITIES Water Cherokee County Water Authority ccwsa.com City of Ball Ground cityofballground.com City of Canton cantonga.gov City of Holly Springs hollyspringsga.com City of Waleska cityofwaleska.com

UTILITIES Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

City of Woodstock woodstockga.gov

Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com

CITIES OF CHEROKEE

Windstream windstream.com

Ball Ground cityofballground.com

Nelson-Ball Ground Telephone

Canton cantonga.gov

ETC Communications etcnow.com sawnee.com

Holly Springs hollyspringsga.us

Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com

Nelson nelsongeorgia.com

Amicalola EMC amicalolaemc.com

Waleska cityofwaleska.com

Cobb EMC cobbemc.com

Woodstock woodstockga.gov

Sawnee EMC sawnee.com

Gibbs Gardens

H Select provider Canton

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

CLAYTON COUNTY Distance from Jonesboro to Downtown Atlanta 18 MILES Distance from Jonesboro to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 9 Miles

Atlanta

Population 297,471 Median Home Price $250,000

Clayton

Online claytoncountyga.gov Located 30 minutes south of Atlanta, Clayton County offers easy access to Interstates 75, 85, 285 and 675, along with rail service from Norfolk Southern and CSX and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest airport in the world. It is the only county in the metro area to be classified as a Foreign Trade Zone.

Combined Sales Tax Rate 8%

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Clayton County Public School • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta • • •

International Airport FedEx Americold Logistics Southern Regional Medical Center

CITIES OF CLAYTON College Park collegeparkga.com Forest Park forestparkga.gov Jonesboro jonesboroga.com Lake City lakecityga.net Lovejoy cityoflovejoy.com

ATTRACTIONS • Porsche Cars North American • • • •

Experience Center Road to Tara Museum Clayton County Performing Arts Center The Beach at Clayton County International Park Atlanta State Farmers Market

Morrow cityofmorrow.com

Lake City

Riverdale riverdalega.gov

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport

UTILITIES Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com

EDUCATION Public Schools

Central GA EMC cgec.com

Clayton County Public Schools clayton.k12.ga.us

Water Clayton County Water Authority ccwa.us

Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

H Select provider Porshe Experience Center

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

COBB COUNTY Distance from Marietta to Downtown Atlanta 20 MILES

Cobb

Atlanta

Combined Sales Tax Rate 7% Online cobbcounty.org

Distance from Marietta to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 30 Miles Population 793,345 Median Home Price $452,450

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Amazon Services, Inc. • The Home Depot • Lockheed Martin Corp. • Kennesaw State University • FedEx Ground Package System • Publix Supermarkets • Walmart • Wellstar Health System

Long regarded as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta, Cobb County captures the best of all worlds with growing businesses, neighborhoods and more just beyond the I-285 Perimeter. It provides easy access to recreation and entertainment opportunities, as well as a thriving commercial center.

UTILITIES Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com Acworth Power acworth.org

ATTRACTIONS • Truist Park/The Battery Atlanta • Six Flags Over Georgia/White • • • •

Water Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History Silver Comet Trail Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

EDUCATION Public Schools Cobb County School District cobbk12.org Marietta City Schools marietta-city.org

Cobb EMC cobbemc.com

Truist Park: Home of the Atlanta Braves

GreyStone Power Corp. Greystonepower.com

CITIES OF COBB

Marietta Power mariettaga.gov

Acworth acworth.org

Water Cobb County Water System cobbcounty.org Marietta Water marietta.gov

H Select provider

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Austell austellga.gov Kennesaw kennesaw-ga.gov Mableton mableton.gov Marietta mariettaga.gov Powder Springs cityofpowdersprings.org Smyrna smyrnaga.gov

NEIGHBORHOODS OF COBB

Private Schools

Cumberland cumberlandcid.org

Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

Vinings vinings.com

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

DEKALB COUNTY Distance from Decatur to Downtown Atlanta 7 MILES Distance from Decatur to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 17 Miles

Atlanta DeKalb

Population 774,394 Median Home Price $327,000 Combined Sales Tax Rate 8%

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Children’s Healthcare of • • • •

Atlanta Emory Healthcare, Inc. United Parcel Service State Farm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Access to suburban settings, a fast-paced city lifestyle and hip locales and one of the region’s most diverse populations makes DeKalb County a popular relocation option for young professionals, students and established business executives. More than half of the Fortune 500 companies with a presence in Atlanta also have operations in DeKalb.

CITIES OF DEKALB Avondale Estates avondaleestates.org Brookhaven brookhavenga.gov Chamblee chambleega.com Clarkston clarkstonga.gov

ATTRACTIONS • Stone Mountain State Park • Fernbank Museum • DeKalb Farmers Market • Callanwolde Fine Arts Center • Eddie’s Attic • Arabia Mountain

Decatur decaturga.com Doraville doravillega.us Dunwoody dunwoodyga.gov Lithonia lithoniacity.org Pine Lake pinelakega.net

EDUCATION

Stonecrest stonecrestga.gov

Public Schools

Fernbank Museum

UTILITIES Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com

DeKalb County School District dekalbschoolsga.org

Tucker tuckerga.gov

City Schools of Decatur csdecatur.net

NEIGHBORHOODS OF DEKALB

Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com

Candler Park candlerpark.org

Snapping Shoals EMC ssemc.com

Druid Hills druidhills.org

Walton EMC waltonemc.com

East Atlanta

Water DeKalb County Water System dekalbcountyga.gov

Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

Edgewood edgewoodatl.org Kirkwood historickirkwood.org

Stone Mountain Park

Online dekalbcountyga.gov

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

H Select provider

DOUGLAS COUNTY

Atlanta Douglas

Distance from Douglasville to Downtown Atlanta 27 MILES

Combined Sales Tax Rate 7% Online celebrateddouglascounty.com

Distance from Douglasville to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 23 Miles

With the lowest property taxes in the metro area and an energetic business environment to boot, Douglas County is an ideal place to work and live, and it’s located just 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta.

Population 154,293 Median Home Price $369,125

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Amazon.com Services, Inc. • Walmart • Diverse Staffing Georgia, Inc. • Gordon Food Service, Inc. • Stitch Fix, Inc. ATTRACTIONS • Sweetwater Creek State Park • Clinton Nature Preserve • Boundary Waters Recreational • • •

Complex O’Neal Plaza Ben’s Antique Mall L&R Alpaca Haven Farm

EDUCATION

UTILITIES

Public Schools

Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

Douglas County School System dcssga.org Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

CITIES OF DOUGLAS Douglasville douglasvillega.gov Villa Rica villarica.org

NEIGHBORHOODS OF DOUGLAS

Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com GreyStone Power greystonepower.com Water Douglasville-Douglas County Water ddcwsa.com

H Select provider

Lithia Springs

Foxhall Resort

Sweetwater Creek State Park

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

FAYETTE COUNTY Distance from Fayetteville to Downtown Atlanta 25 MILES Distance from Fayetteville to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 14 Miles

Atlanta

Population 125,156

Fayette

Combined Sales Tax Rate 8% Online fayettecountyga.gov Fayette County combines rural beauty and urban convenience with a rich history and offers residents a variety of amenities and recreational activities, as well as the highest net worth index in the State of Georgia.

Median Home Price $580,950

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Fayette Hospital • Fayette County Public Schools • Pinewood Atlanta Studios • Delta Air Lines • Walmart

CITIES OF FAYETTE

Trilith

Brooks brooksga.com Fayetteville fayetteville-ga.gov Peachtree City peachtree-city.org Tyrone tyrone.org Woolsey woolseyga.com

ATTRACTIONS • Atlanta Regional Airport • Old Fayette County Courthouse • Holliday-Dorsey Fife Museum • Line Creek Nature Area • The City Gardens of Southern •

Oaks Serenbe Farms

UTILITIES

Trilith Studios

Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com Coweta-Fayette EMC utility.org

EDUCATION

Water Fayette County Water System Fayettecountyga.gov/water

Public Schools Fayette County Public Schools fcboe.org

H Select provider

Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

Peachtree City

FORSYTH COUNTY Forsyth

Atlanta

Distance from Cumming to Downtown Atlanta 38 MILES Distance from Cumming to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 49 Miles Population 282,805

Combined Sales Tax Rate 7% Online forsythco.com Forsyth County has been recognized as the 13th wealthiest county in the nation, as well as the seventh-fastest growing county nationwide by Forbes magazine, largely due to the 8,000-plus businesses in the community.

Median Home Price $688,850

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Northside Hospital-Forsyth • Healthport Technologies, Inc. • Koch Foods • Tyson Poultry, Inc. • Siemens • Scientific Games International

CITIES OF FORSYTH Cumming cityofcumming.net

UTILITIES Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H

ATTRACTIONS • Sawnee Mountain Preserve • Big Creek Greenway • Cumming Fairgrounds • Cumming City Center • Cumming Aquatic Center and •

Water Park Buford Dam

Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com

Big Creek Greenway

Halcyon

Sawnee EMC sawnee.com Water City of Cumming Water Department cummingutilities.com Forsyth County Water forsythco.com

H Select provider EDUCATION Public Schools Forsyth County Schools forsyth.k12.ga.us Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map. Cumming Fairgraounds

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

FULTON COUNTY Distance from Atlanta to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 10 Miles Population 1,098,791

Atlanta

Median Home Price $405,00 Fulton

Combined Sales Tax Rate 8.9% Online fultoncountyga.gov

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Northside Hospital • Piedmont Healthcare • NCR • Coca-Cola Company • Home Depot

CITIES OF FULTON Atlanta atlantaga.gov

Milton cityofmiltonga.us

Alpharetta alpharetta.ga.us

Mountain Park mountainparkgov.com

Chattahoochee Hills chatthillsga.us College Park collegeparkga. com

ATTRACTIONS • Mercedes-Benz Stadium • The Georgia Aquarium • World of Coca-Cola • Atlanta Botanical Garden • Centennial Olympic Park • Zoo Atlanta • Piedmont Park • High Museum of Art • The Fox Theatre • Ponce City Market

East Point eastpointcity.org Fairburn fairburn.com Hapeville hapeville.org Johns Creek johnscreekga. gov

Public Schools Fulton County Schools fultonschools.org

Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

South Fulton cityofsouthfultonga.gov Union City unioncityga.org

Atlantic Station atlanticstation. com

Little Five Points littlefivepoints. net

Castleberry Hill castleberryhill. org

Ponce City Market

Downtown atlantadowntown.com Grant Park grantpark.org

K N O WAT L A N TA

Sandy Springs sandyspringsga. org

Inman Park inmanpark.org

Cabbagetown cabbagetown. com

Private Schools

Roswell roswellgov.com

Ansley Park ansleypark.org

Buckhead buckhead.com

Atlanta Public Schools atlantapublicschools.us

FA L L 2 0 2 6

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC

Palmetto citypalmetto. com

INTOWN NEIGHBORHOODS

EDUCATION

Long regarded as one of the best places to live in metro Atlanta, Stretching across the heart of metro Atlanta, Fulton County is broken up into several main areas and offers an array of options for its more than one million residents. The county is home to an ever-growing economy, thriving industries, renowned universities, significant cultural opportunities and more.

Midtown midtownatl.com Old Fourth Ward Poncey-Highland ponceyhighland. org Virginia-Highland virginiahighlanddistrict.com

UTILITIES Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com Cobb EMC cobbemc.com Sawnee EMC sawnee.com City of College Park collegeparkga.com City of Fairburn fairburn.com City of Palmetto citypalmetto.com Water Fulton County Water fultoncountyga.gov City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management atlantawatershed.org Mountain Park mountainparkgov.com Roswell Water Department roswellgov.com

H Select provider

GWINNETT COUNTY Distance from Lawrenceville to Downtown Atlanta: 31 Miles

Atlanta

Distance from Lawrenceville to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 42Miles

Gwinnett

Population 1,018,099 Median Home Price $459,900 Combined Sales Tax Rate 6%

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Gwinnett Co. Public Schools • Northside Hospital • Publix • Gwinnett Co. Government • Walmart ATTRACTIONS • Coolray Field • Gas South District • Lake Lanier • Southeastern Railway Museum • Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

EDUCATION

Continually listed as one of Atlanta’s fastest-growing counties, Gwinnett is prized for its access to bustling city life, booming communities and gorgeously maintained natural spaces. Only 30 minutes from Downtown Atlanta, Gwinnett’s economic opportunities span far and wide for local employees.

CITIES OF GWINNETT Berkeley Lake berkeley-lake.com Braselton braselton.net Buford cityofbuford.com Dacula daculaga.gov Duluth duluthga.net Grayson cityofgrayson.org Lawrenceville lawerencevillega.org Lilburn cityoflilburn.com Loganville loganville-ga.gov

Public Schools

Norcross norcrossga.net

Gwinnett County Public Schools gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov

Buford City Schools bufordcityschools.org

Snellville snellville.org

Private Schools

Sugar Hill cityofsugarhill.com

Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

Online gwinnettcounty.com

Suwanee suwanee.com

Chateau Elan Winery & Resort

UTILITIES Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com Jackson EMC jacksonemc.com Sawnee EMC sawnee.com Walton EMC waltonemc.com City of Buford cityofbuford.com City of Lawrenceville lawrencevillega.org City of Norcross norcrossga.net Water Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources gwinnettcounty.com City of Buford Water Department cityofbuford.sophcity.com City of Lawrenceville lawrencevillega.org

UTILITIES Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com

City of Norcross norcrossga.net City of Loganville coganville-ga.gov

H Select provider

Chattahoochee River

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

HALL COUNTY Hall

Atlanta

Distance from Gainesville to Downtown Atlanta: 54 Miles

Combined Sales Tax Rate 7% Online hallcounty.org

Distance from Gainesville to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 64 Miles

Bordered by the beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hall County is a vibrant, growing and diverse community that offers an unparalleled quality of life and a sound economic base for business and industry.

Population 226,568 Median Home Price $494,118

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Cottrell, Inc. • Northeast Georgia Medical • • •

Center Kubota Manufacturing of America Fieldale Farms Corp. Kings Hawaiian

CITIES OF HALL

Lake Lanier

Braselton braselton.net Buford cityofbuford.com Clermont clermontga.com Flowery Branch flowerybranchga.org Gainesville gainesville.org Gillsville gillsvillega.com

ATTRACTIONS • Chateau Elan Winery and • • • • •

Lula cityoflula.com

Resort Road Atlanta Lake Lanier Islands and Golf Resort Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gainesville Buford Corn Maze Northeast Georgia History Center

Public Schools Hall County School District hallco.org

Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Spectrum spectrum.com Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Gainesville

Water Gainesville Water Department gainesville.org

Gainesville City School System gcssk12.net Private Schools

Flowery Branch City Hall flowerybranchga.org

Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

K N O WAT L A N TA

UTILITIES

Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com Jackson EMC jacksonemc.com Sawnee EMC sawnee.com

EDUCATION

Oakwood cityofoakwood.net

H Select provider

FA L L 2 0 2 6

Atlanta Falcons Training Facility

HENRY COUNTY Atlanta

Distance from McDonough to Downtown Atlanta: 30 Miles

Combined Sales Tax Rate 8% Online henrycountyga.gov

Distance from McDonough to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 27 Miles

With Southern neighborhoods, a solid education system and plenty of recreational and economic opportunities, Henry offers something for everyone and is recognized as one of the fastestgrowing counties in Georgia.

Population 264,922 Henry

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Luxottica • Piedmont Henry Hospital • PVH Corporation • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

ATTRACTIONS • Atlanta Motor Speedway • Panola Mountain State Park • Locust Grove Train Watching • •

Platform Army Aviation Heritage Foundation Southern Belle Farm

CITIES OF HENRY Hampton hamptonga.gov Locust Grove locustgrove-ga.gov McDonough mcdonoughga.org Stockbridge cityofstockbridge.com

Median Home Price $379,990

EDUCATION

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Public Schools Henry County Schools henry.k12.ga.us Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

Panola State Park

Water Henry County Water Authority hcwa.com City of Hampton hamptonga.gov City of Locust Grove locustgrove-ga.gov City of McDonough mcdonoughga.gov City of Stockbridge cityofstockbridge.com

H Select provider Eagles Landing Country Club

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

PAULDING COUNTY

Paulding

Atlanta

Distance from Dallas to Downtown Atlanta: 33 Miles

Combined Sales Tax Rate 7% Online paulding.gov

Distance from Dallas to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 37 Miles

Once devoted to agriculture, Paulding County has diversified and taken an industrial path in recent years, leading to substantial growth in the county.

Population 190,996 Median Home Price $398,822

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • WellStar Paulding Hospital • Tanner Medical System • Publix • Costco • Interroll MDR Conveyers

CITIES OF PAULDING

ATTRACTIONS • Paulding Northwest Atlanta

UTILITIES

• • • • •

Airport Silver Comet Trail Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site The Dallas Theater High Shoals Falls Moonlight Stables Equestian Center

EDUCATION

Braswell braswellga.org Dallas dallasga.gov Hiram cityofhiramga.gov

Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com Cobb EMC cobbemc.com GreyStone Power Corp. greystonepower.com Oglethorpe Power Corp. opc.com

Silver Comet Trail

Water Paulding County Water Department paulding.gov

Public Schools Paulding County School District paulding.k12.ga.us

City of Dallas Water Department dallasga.gov/utilities

Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

H Select provider

Wellstar Paulding Hospital

Hiram

K N O WAT L A N TA

FA L L 2 0 2 6

ROCKDALE COUNTY

Atlanta

Rockdale

Distance from Conyers to Downtown Atlanta: 25 Miles

Combined Sales Tax Rate 8% Online rockdalecountyga.gov

Distance from Conyers to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int’l Airport 27 Miles

Despite being Georgia’s second smallest county, Rockdale has experienced substantial growth in recent years. Twenty-five miles from Downtown Atlanta, the county offers commercial diversity for business and a variety of opportunities for families.

Population 98,416 Median Home Price $321,975

MAJOR EMPLOYERS • Pratt Industries (HQ) • Golden State Foods • Acuity Brands Lighting • Hill Phoenix • Piedmont Rockdale Medical Center

ATTRACTIONS • GA International Horse Park • Cherokee Run Golf Club • Olde Town & Celebration Park • Costley Mill & Wheeler Parks • Monastery of the Holy Spirit • Panola Mountain State Park

CITIES OF ROCKDALE Conyers conyersga.com

EDUCATION Public Schools Rockdale County Public Schools rockdaleschools.org Private Schools Turn to page 64 for the private schools listing and a map.

UTILITIES Natural Gas SCANA Energy scanaenergy.com H Phone/Cable/Internet Xfinity xfinity.com AT&T att.com

Monastery of the Holy Spirit

Electricity Georgia Power georgiapower.com Snapping Shoals EMC ssemc.com

Mountain Bike Race

Water Rockdale Water Resources rockdalecountyga.gov

H Select provider Olde Town Commercial Street

FA L L 2 0 2 6

K N O WAT L A N TA

N OW YOU K N OW

Seeking An Eerie, Educational Experience? VISIT OLDE TOWN CONYERS FOR A SOUTHERN GHOST TOUR

By Denise K. James

K N O WAT L A N TA

elebrating its fifth year, Southern Ghost Tours began in historic McDonough and expanded into Olde Town Conyers three years ago. Its tagline is “real local history with a ghostly appetizer,” so if you’re looking for a seasonal activity imbued with local knowledge, it’s an ideal pick. And what better place to relish spooky season than Olde Town Conyers? Co-owners Tricia Bowman and Tara Nestich believe in enhancing their tour with real research, according to Nestich. Their team is known for speaking with entire families — even children and grandchildren — while researching locations and historical events to better understand the area. Historic records help round out the lore. “Many of these stories are connected directly to the buildings, businesses, families, and events that helped shape Conyers,” Nestich says. “It’s a wonderful way for visitors and even longtime residents to see the historic district from an entirely different perspective and discover some of the stories hiding behind places they might walk past every day.” The Conyers tour (mcdonoughghosttours.com/pages/haunted-ghostwalk-conyers) employs a paranormal investigation team to go inside historic buildings with specialized equipment, a practice that results in interesting discoveries, some captured with photos and video. Upon request, media from the paranormal scouting are shared as part of the tour — but, in general, the tours are designed for a wide audience, including kids of all ages. “Our tours reach beyond ghost stories,” Nestich says. “We talk about important moments in history, from the Civil War era all the way to the Olympic torch coming through town.” On the Conyers tour, guests explore historic Olde Town on foot for 90 minutes, culminating in a stop at East View Cemetery. Out of respect for those buried there, the tour does not enter the gates. Trademark tales to keep audiences captivated include the story of the day Conyers’ first fire truck arrived; the story behind Lizzy and her bathtub gin; even the story of a ghostly dog. “Those are just a few of the characters waiting in Olde Town,” says Nestich. “The crucial thing to understand about our tour is that these aren’t simply spooky stories pulled from a book. They belong to the people and places of Conyers.” n

FA L L 2 0 2 6

? a t n a l t A o t New

FIND YOUR TRIBE

New to Atlanta and looking for your people? Grab a racquet or paddle and head to the courts. ALTA has been bringing this city together for over 90 years, and today it’s 65,000+ members strong. From tennis diehards to pickleball’s newest converts, there’s a league for every age and skill level—12 adult tennis and pickleball leagues, junior tennis leagues, wheelchair leagues, and more. Battle it out all season for the coveted “big plate” or a shiny pickleball medal, then shake hands across the net. Because at ALTA, the friendships outlast the final score. Teammates and rivals show up for each other through wins, losses, and everything life throws your way. Come find your tribe on the court. ALTA—Where Atlanta Comes to Play!

Natural gas savings to help you settle into Atlanta. Recieve a $60 bill credit when you set up your natural gas service with SCANA Energy.

Limited time offer in the form of a $60 credit, which will be credited by your second billing cycle. Available for residential customers who are establishing service at a new premise and are subject to a connection fee. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Subject to credit requirements. Terms and conditions apply.