Aug/Sept 2005 Mount Paran Christian School Growing Inside and Out by Amanda K. Brown Parents often worry about the impressions being made upon their children outside the home each day. However, parents with students at Mount Paran Christian School in Cobb County can rest assured that their children are being taught, along with the knowledge necessary for college success, a Christ-centered outlook and a true passion for serving and learning. Since the school was founded in 1976, Mount Paran has grown by leaps and bounds. Now providing an independent education to children in pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade, the school moved in 2003 to a new campus off of Barrett Parkway to accommodate its growth. With views of Kennesaw Mountain, Mount Paran's idyllic, 65-acre campus sprawls cozily over hills and woodlands, providing an aesthetically pleasing learning environment. In fact, the school's surroundings are integrated into the curricula, as students kayak and canoe on the campus's small lake during physical education class. "There is so much more to Mount Paran than 'curb appeal,'" says Headmaster Dr. David Tilley. "Our beautiful facilities may get families in the door, but the enhanced academic programs and spiritual emphasis is what translates into a record enrollment." Mount Paran students are divided into three levels by grade: the lower school, middle school and high school, each with its own principal. Nevertheless, students of different ages are constantly exposed to one another, therefore building a real sense of community and support. The lower school concentrates on building a strong foundation for students, both academically and spiritually, while the middle school strives to create a strong bridge from childhoo d to adolescence. High school students have the opportunity to participate in both traditional and honors curricula, including internships, joint enrollment at Kennesaw State University, advanced placement courses and a newspaper. All grades participate in Bible instruction and chapel programs to promote Christian maturity. Exciting developments on Mount Paran's campus include shared usage of a state-of-the-art performing arts center, slated to open in early 2006. This facility will feature a 620-seat concert hall, a black box theater, an orchestral and instrumental music suite, multiple practice rooms, a choral room, dance studio and more. "Our significant increase in enrollment for the upcoming school year also enhances our plans for a magnet school for the performing arts, a program we plan to launch in the near future," adds Dr. Tilley. Mount Paran also emphasizes community interaction. This past spring, the entire student body participated in beautification projects around Marietta and on campus for the school's first annual Community-wide Service Day. The athletics department currently offers nine sports for middle and high school boys and girls. Recent accolades have gone to Director of Physical Education Dr. Mike Tenoschok, who was named the National 2004 Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year, and the baseball team, which made it to the final round of state playoffs. A member of the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools, Mount Paran is fully accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Mount Paran's ultimate goal, however, of uniting home, school and church successfully cultivates students on their way to becoming well-educated, value-oriented young people. The Specifics Grades: pre-K through 12 Affiliation: Christian, nondenominational Students Enrolled: 1,030 Total Teachers: 103 Annual Tuition: $2,235 (pre-K) to $10,850 (High School) Open Houses: Begin in October, but appointments and drop-ins are welcome. Location: Kennesaw Address: 1275 Stanley Road Kennesaw, GA 30152 770-578-0182 Web site: www.mtparanschool.com
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