St. Nicholas School Admissions Viewbook

WHY CHOOSE “We have two sons who are each wonderfully unique. The teachers at St Nicholas have taken the time to know each for his own strengths and challenges. They beautifully corral Asher’s high social energy as deftly as they draw out Rivers’ quieter, more independent nature. Each boy has found an inviting home where the school’s renowned core experience of kindness, othercenteredness, and intellectual challenge has allowed his individual approach to the world to blossom and grow.”

The McCallie Family - Asher ‘25, Rivers ‘27 “At St. Nicholas, the focus is on molding young hearts and minds. Children are immersed in core values that shape their characters, with a strong emphasis on integrity, love, and respect for others.

St. Nicholas fosters a sense of community among families. A spirit of togetherness thrives within its walls. The reasons to choose St. Nicholas are endless, each one reinforcing the idea that it is a beacon of academic excellence and personal growth for your children.”

The Ankar Family - Ariana ‘22, Charley ‘24 “Through St. Nicholas, I was able to make lifelong friends, while being encouraged to pursue my passions and curiosities. I will never forget the important life lessons I learned from the diverse range of chapel speakers each morning, the extensive volunteer opportunities, and the overall love I felt walking through the gates everyday. I am so grateful for the experiences and connections I received. I couldn’t be prouder to be a St. Nicholas Alumni.”

Sophie Grogg ‘21

ST. NICHOLAS? “St. Nicholas was the best decision my parents could have made for me. I got to spend time outside, made close-knit friendships that I still have today, and had one-on-one time with teachers.

St. Nicholas taught me how to collaborate with my peers, respect those around me, and live in a way that I can be proud of. I would not be the student, friend, or person that I am without St. Nicholas and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I was given when I went there.”

Claire Scotchie ‘17 “St. Nicholas is so much more than a school and the teachers there are so much more than just teachers.

The faculty and staff were like family to us during our time there and they will always be lifelong friends. The relationships you make there will remain a long time after you leave that special place.”

The Elrod Family - Sara Kate ‘17, Will ‘21 “Our family chose St. Nicholas because of its outstanding reputation for academic programming and quality of teaching faculty. We loved how the cottages were set up and how the children were taught to be independent at such an early age.”

The Arrowsmith Family George ‘10, Mary Margaret ‘11, John ‘13, Teddy ‘16 “St. Nicholas was good for me because we got the opportunity to learn social skills and go on fun field trips where we learned new things like orienteering. As a Level 7, I got to be a part of the Leadership Academy. We got to learn from speakers about different kinds of leadership, how to listen to people, and how to shake hands. I’ve loved my time at St. Nicholas.”

Kendall Kirk ‘24

Discover PK3

The Reggio-inspired, nature-based PK3 class is the perfect foundation for students at St. Nicholas School.

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Our program is full day, Monday-Friday and follows the school calendar.

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Our students learn to be creative, apply critical thinking skills, work collaboratively, and solve problems.

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Reggio-inspired, nature-based curriculum begins here.

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Educational opportunities include attending art, gardening, library, movement (PE), music, and Spanish classes.

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Classes frequently take advantage of our on-campus nature trails and give students the opportunity to explore, discover, and create.

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Each PK3 classroom has a Maker Station where students build and learn to use tools like hammers and screwdrivers.

Early Learning Center Levels 1-2 (PK4-Kindergarten)

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The full day, Reggio-inspired, nature-based curriculum continues in the Early Learning Center (ELC).

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Students education is enriched through studio art, art history, gardening, library, movement (PE), music, and Spanish classes.

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Our student-centered, hands-on approach to math, science, and language arts helps students develop a love of learning.

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By extending our classrooms into our 24 acre campus, our students are given the ample opportunities to explore, discover, and create.

Lower Primary

Levels 3-4 (1st-2nd Grade) •

The individualization of each student’s learning plan requires active participation in their educational development.

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In addition to individualized learning plans, students engage in one-on-one, small group, and large group lessons in academic classes.

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Students in Lower Primary begin technology and choir while continuing studio art, art history, gardening, library, movement (PE), music, and Spanish.

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Classes continue to utilize our 24 acre campus.

Middle Primary Level 5 (3rd Grade)

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Teachers create individualized plan sheets for each student to direct their path of learning.

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Problem solving skills are strengthened through independent and collaborative learning.

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Oral speaking skills and confidence are developed through performances, presentations, and class discussions.

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Using texts, technology, and other resources, students learn to research, analyze, and evaluate effectively.

Upper Primary

Levels 6-7 (4th-5th Grade) •

The individualization of each student’s daily plan sheet requires active participation in the classroom.

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As the oldest group on campus, students engage in frequent responsibilities that improve leadership skills.

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Note taking, study strategies, and time management skills are strengthened to prepare students to effectively approach future challenges.

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Students have numerous opportunities for public speaking with their Level 7 Chapel Talks as the culminating event.

8:1

student to teacher ratio

24

acres of buildings, nature trails, and athletic fields

PK3-5th

grade levels offered

65+

years of developing independent learners

Academics

Core Classes

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Core classes include the combination of Language Arts/Social Studies and Math/ Science.

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Our individualized instruction is critical to our approach to teaching and learning.

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Beginning in Level 3 (1st Grade), an educational plan is created for each individual student as opposed to the whole class.

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Language Arts and Math classes utilize individualized plan sheets that denote a curricular focus specifically for each child and promote executive function skills.

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Our Learning Specialist serves as a resource for our entire community for enrichment and academic support.

Academics

Related Arts •

Each student’s educational experience is enhanced by participating in related arts classes. Including: Studio Art Art History Choir Gardening Library Movement (PE) Music Spanish Technology

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Each student in Levels 3-7 (1st-5th) is provided with a Chrome Book which enhances the experience in both core and related arts classes.

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Our robust related arts program provides students the opportunity to grow creatively, physically, and culturally while developing an appreciation for the world around them.

Athletics

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After school sports programs are offered to all levels.

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Middle and Upper Primary students (3rd-5th) are eligible to compete on teams.

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Our teams compete against other local elementary schools in the Independent School Conference.

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Mascot: The Waves

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Opportunities include: Basketball Cross Country Lacrosse Soccer Volleyball

Enrichments •

Enrichment classes are offered after school to all levels and are geared toward specific age levels and interests.

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Classes are available in multiple sessions throughout the year.

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Some of the enrichments offered are: Astronomy Club Baking Coin Club ComputerTOTS Creative Clay Drama Club Mathnasium Music Lessons Outdoor Skills Soccer Shots St. Nicholas Leadership Academy And more...

Chapel and Community Service •

As an Episcopal school, we are strengthened as individuals and a community through exposure to unique and various perspectives.

We encourage and embrace the beliefs and traditions of others.

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Students in Levels 1-7 (PK4-5th) gather in chapel every morning for fellowship, prayer, and singing. PK3 students attend their own weekly chapel and join the rest of the school later in the year.

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Daily chapel messages are focused on respect, responsibility, and the importance of treating others the way you would like to be treated.

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At St. Nicholas, we help children understand that they are part of a larger community. In age appropriate ways, our students learn of the struggles and concerns of others and how their actions and responses can make an impact.

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Empathy and generosity are fostered through chapel messages, collections and service learning opportunities.

Oh the places you will go...

Following Level 7 (5th grade) graduation, our students thrive in middle school and beyond! Our graduates continue to make waves after they leave St. Nicholas. Many hold leadership positions, reach new heights in arts and athletics, achieve academic accolades, go on to attend prestigious universities, and so much more. Middle school teachers consistently tell us our graduates are active participants in the classroom who love to learn.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES offered at an additional cost

Bus Service

We offer stops at Girls Preparatory School, Grace Episcopal Church, and in Dalton, GA.

Extended School Program

We offer our Extended School Program (ESP) before and after school every weekday.

Students can be dropped off as early as 7:00 AM and picked up as late as 6:00 PM. Afternoon ESP is offered for an additional cost and the morning session is free.

Lunch

While some families choose to send lunch, we also offer daily hot lunch in our Dining Hall.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS STEP 1: INQUIRE

To begin our application process, please fill out our online inquiry form. This allows us to get to know you and your child before you come for a tour and is an opportunity to ask questions.

STEP 2: TOUR

Schedule a tour with our Admissions Director to explore our 24-acre campus, experience our school community, meet our students and teachers, and attend chapel.

STEP 3: APPLY

Fill out our online application. With limited space available, we recommend you apply early. After submitting your child’s application, we will contact you to schedule their assessment.

STEP 4: ASSESSMENT

This visit is designed to see if your child will thrive at St. Nicholas academically, socially, and emotionally. Following the visit, we will communicate decisions in a timely manner.

We encourage families to apply for tuition assistance if there is a question of affordability. Need based financial aid and other options may be available.

St. Nicholas School admits students of any race, color, gender, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs INQUIRE TODAY and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.