St. Martin's at High Point

by KRISTI GAFFNEY

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

hile 2020 brought its share of anxiety and unW certainty, it will also be remembered as the year when the school reached an important milestone—introducing St. Martin’s at High Point! This recent property acquisition supports a long-time SMES Board directive for the school to focus on long-term sustainability and an enhanced educational experience. The High Point campus will provide classroom space to help meet community demand for Early Childhood programming. St. Martin's at High Point will soon offer additional classes for Infants, Toddlers and Beginners, along with administrative office space for staff members whose jobs are not directly related to the Ashford Dunwoody campus's day-to-day activities. Best of all, the facility is located less than three miles from the SMES campus. When Highpoint Episcopal Community Church closed its doors early in 2020 the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta sought a suitable buyer for the seven-acre property located on High Point Road in Sandy Springs. The diocese was motivated to keep the property as an Episcopal mission and offered it to SMES at a great value.

The High Point campus will provide classroom space to help meet community demand for Early Childhood programming. Throughout the summer and fall, the school has worked with the City of Sandy Springs to seek neighborhood input as the use permit process progressed. Following a series of meetings with the city's Planning and Zoning Commission, the permit is set to go before the City Council for approval at its next meeting. "The school has been open to property acquisition for many years," said SMES Head of School Dr. Luis Ottley. "To find a suitable location so close to SMES was truly a gift. We're in the process of renovating the facility to accommodate preschool classrooms in addition to some administrative offices. As we begin this new year, St. Martin's at High Point is truly a bright spot for our school's future. The demand for Early Childhood education is at an all-time high, and we're excited to be able to provide a St. Martin's foundation for many young children." The building offers a beautiful sanctuary for chapel services and a large fellowship hall for meeting space and community gatherings. The wooded acreage is home to a community garden that will continue to welcome neighbors as well as students to grow fruits and vegetables, a preschool playground and plenty of parking.