Lower School Viewbook 2019-2020

Lower School GRADES PRE-K–5

www.rabungap.org 339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap, GA 30568 706-746-7720 • admission@rabungap.org

WE ARE RABUN GAP independent, coed boarding & day school SERVING STUDENTS IN PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE

75%

OF STUDENTS RECEIVE

financial aid & scholarships

Global community of 600 students from

40+

COUNTRIES AND 15 STATES

100% COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE TO INSTITUTIONS IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD

12:1

STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO

1400 ACRE CAMPUS

living our motto

WORK STUDY WORSHIP

we nurture and challenge students from diverse backgrounds as they prepare for college and a lifetime of service.

At Rabun Gap, diversity is more than a catchphrase – it’s a way of life.

A fourth-grader spends time with his Reading Buddy from the Bahamas. In an Upper School history class, students from Asia, Europe, The Caribbean, and the mountains of Northeast Georgia discuss the American Revolution. A group of middle school students have dinner in the dining hall with a faculty member and her family from New York.

The Rabun Gap community is the world in one place. Our unique community is a space where everyone is valued and respected. At Rabun Gap, you’ll encounter people from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds living, working, worshipping, and learning together.

OUR UNIQUE A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Students at Rabun Gap have the unique opportunity to experience interactions with their peers from all walks of life. Our diverse and vibrant campus sets us apart from most independent schools in the United States.

With a population including students from 50 countries and 15 states, Rabun Gap is

Cross country runners write “Run Fast” in their native language before a meet.

COMMUNITY a special place where people come together. But it’s not just that. We’re empowering community that embraces our differences.

Students from all divisions interact and learn about each others’ cultures at Rabun Gap.

Students in Lower, Middle, and Upper School gain global perspective through cultural education and experiences. It’s all about preparing our graduates for life outside the idyllic mountain community of Rabun Gap, where they will LEAD THE WAY in college and beyond.

SOCIOECONOMIC DIVERSITY When Andrew Ritchie founded Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in 1903, his main goal was to offer an exceptional educational experience to all students, regardless of ability to pay. Today, we remain committed to this central pillar of our mission.

20%

Full & Partial Assistance to Incomes Below Poverty Line

35% Income of

10%

< $50,000

Income of

$126,000$200,000+

20% Income of

Unlike most independent schools, the majority of our students (75%) receive need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. This commitment creates a unique community of students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

$76,000-$125,000

15% Income of

$51,000-$75,000

Family income range breakdown of the 75% of students who receive need-based financial aid or merit scholarships.

OUR FACULTY Our more than 100 faculty members across three divisions are a vital part of the Rabun Gap community. Hailing from all around the world, these teachers and mentors are a second family to our students. Our faculty do more than just teach -- theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re involved in all aspects of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, from the classroom to the playing fields and the stage. More than 70% of faculty live on campus, so they are always here for our students.

WHY RABUN GAP? “When our daughter started kindergarten, our nerves were completely diminished by the smooth transition and the support from the school. It felt like we were sending Aria to her “other” home. From day one, she was comfortable in her surroundings, loved by her teachers and peers, and challenged in her faith and education.”

- The Wright Family “Rabun Gap has always been special to my husband and me because we both attended school here, as well as my parents.

As wonderful as all the private schools are in Atlanta, nothing compared to Rabun Gap. All three of our children are so happy. One of the main things that we cherish about this school is that, apart from the wonderful education, and small class sizes, the cultural aspect is unparalleled.”

- The Zavala Family “We chose Rabun Gap because of its commitment to the development of students in academics, athletics, and spirituality. We know with those foundational tools, our children will enter their adult life with a strong character and natural ability to lead others. ”

- The Tolleson Family

ACADEMICS Our traditional curriculum and innovative practices inspire delight in learning and promote fulfillment of potential and readiness for success.

• Foundation of skills and knowledge for success in our college preparatory curriculum at the next level • Curriculum fosters discovery of the written voice and command of language, and develops the art of mathematical thinking and skill of number sense • Experiential learning activities and field trips further concepts taught in the classroom • Cross-curricular and interdivision lessons with faculty and students from Upper and Middle Schools • Regular library time offers opportunity to develop a love of reading and information literacy skills • Weekly world language exposure • Exploration of cultures and global perspectives • Optional one-on-one academic support with dedicated Instructional Coach trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach

P L AY

Students develop physical, cognitive and emotional strength when given the opportunity to play both inside and outside the classroom.

• Indoor and outdoor play incorporated into the day • Physical education program promotes athletic skills development and habits for healthy living • Swimming instruction in on-campus indoor pool • Optional after-school clinics in athletic development offered through The Studio at Rabun Gap

OUR ATHLETIC FACILITIES •

13 acres of Bermuda grass fields

•

6-lane rubber-surfaced competition track Golfing green and tee boxes 4 lighted tennis courts Lighted baseball field 3 gymnasiums Indoor pool Fitness center

• • • • • •

A RT S The fine arts program provides rich opportunities for growth by encouraging creative exploration, self-discovery, and analytical thinking.

• Access to fine arts complex with art, music, and dance studios • Weekly instrumental and vocal music classes, including instruction on the violin and cello beginning in kindergarten • Weekly classes in the visual arts • Arts projects and skills incorporated into academic curriculum • Regular performance showcases for parents and the community • Affliation with The Studio at Rabun Gap for additional after-school lessons and clinics in the performing arts

OUR PROGRAMS • Character development woven into curriculum and includes service-learning activities • Weekly chapel services celebrate our Christian heritage • Optional before and after-school care • Lunch options provided daily in Lower School dining hall

BUS SERVICE Our safe, affordable, chaperoned bus service makes life easy for busy parents. We service three counties with our buses, which run in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings following aftercare program. Stops include: • • • •

Clayton, GA Clarkesville, GA Highlands, NC Franklin, NC

Asheville

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Greenville

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, just two hours from Atlanta, Ga., Greenville, S.C., and Asheville, N.C.

SCHEDULE A VISIT Call us at 706-746-7720 to set up your on campus visit at Rabun Gap!

EVENTS Atlanta

The Rabun Gap Admission staff hosts many Lower School Admission events throughout the year. Check our website for details.

www.rabungap.org 339 Nacoochee Drive, Rabun Gap, GA 30568 706-746-7720 â&#x20AC;˘ admission@rabungap.org