Oct/Nov 2005 Newcomer's Annual Education Guide 10 Steps to a Successful School Transition In-Home Help - Tutoring Eases the Transition Public Education Spotlight Private School Guide 10 Steps to a Successful School Transition by Amanda K. Brown Moving to a new city can be stressful in and of itself. But to a child, moving away from cherished friends and familiar surroundings to a new school filled with strangers can cause anything from mild anxiety to full-on terror. Here are 10 steps that parents can take in order to help their children make an easy, successful and happy transition. 1. Be Informed In a new, unfamiliar city, parents are often unsure of where to turn when looking for the right school. However, it is very important to begin collecting information on schools as soon as possible so that a confident, educated choice can be made when the time comes. When looking for a private school, information and assistance can come from sources such as your real estate agent. "Schools are a top priority for homebuyers, so it's part of an agent's job to know about the top private schools," says Tisha Gay, director of public relations for Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate. "Associates can also plug an address into real estate software to gather information on all the schools and demographics for the surrounding area." Parents planning on sending their children to public school are often limited to schools within the district in which they have decided to move. However, if a decision has not yet been made yet as to the moving location, parents should check county school board Web sites, which often contain links to individual school sites, for information on school districts, statistics on spending per child, test scores and extra curricular activities. Also, a new, year-round, complimentary publication, the Atlanta School Guide, will be available around metro Atlanta beginning this winter at over 600 locations, including chambers of commerce, grocery stores, real estate offices and more. It will provide a comprehensive, detailed look at Atlanta's public and private school offerings. 2. Discuss the X Factor When attempting to choose a school for your child, keep one thing in mind: no two schools in Atlanta are alike. Schools can differ in their strengths, areas of focus, selection of extracurricular activities and athletics, mission, religious affiliation, and of course, location. Therefore, it is crucial when gathering information on potential schools to establish and utilize "X Factors"-the issues or features that are most important to your family-so that it is easier to narrow down potential schools. Also, don't forget to involve your child in this "weeding out" process. Ask your son or daughter what areas of academia interest them most, or if there is a sport or club in which they would like to participate. By incorporating your child's interests and opinion into your decision, any potential dread about moving can be converted into excitement about the possibilities at the new school. 3. Hit Those Open Houses! For parents looking at private education, open houses provide the perfect opportunity to do some hands-on research at prospective schools. No registration is needed for these events, which often include campus tours, interaction with administrators and teachers and presentations extolling the school's specialties and accolades. The "open season" for open houses at many Atlanta schools extends from October into March. However, parents should begin visiting open houses earlier in the season, allowing plenty of time to digest information and target the schools of their choice before applications deadlines, which are typically in February. Open house dates vary from year to year and from school to school, so call ahead to find out individual schedules. The Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) usually posts its members' open house dates on its Web site, www.atlantaprivateschools.com. In addition, the AAAIS fair, held this year on November 13, features representatives from every member school and gives parents a broader perspective of school options before attending open houses. Parents looking at public education should call individual schools of interest to schedule an appointment to meet with administrators and teachers, and to take a tour of facilities. 4. Question Away Whether you're attending an open house or have scheduled a tour of the school yourself, be prepared with the questions that need answers before your family can make its decision. This can include questions concerning your family's "X Factors," academic courses and student-to-teacher ratios. Other issues to consider include the availability of teachers to both students and parents outside of class, daily class structure, student body diversity, grading systems, enrollment size and graduation rates. 5. Involve Your Child Involving your children in the school selection process could be the single most important factor in ensuring a smooth transition to a new city. By keeping them informed during the process, and asking their opinions, your children will know that their feelings are being considered and valued. Be sure to visit your new community with your children to get them excited about the area and to help them get ready for the change. Let them know of the move date as soon as you know it. That way, they can mentally prepare for the move and say their goodbyes. During this time of transition, it's also critical to take the time to really listen to your children. For older children especially, who have had time to form significant bonds with friends, a move can be traumatic and may spur feelings of resentment, fear and even anger. Listening to and having an open dialogue with your children validates their feelings and may help them cope with the change calmly and rationally. 6. Pick a School! After narrowing the selection down to your favorite schools, and in some cases sending in the applications and receiving acceptances, it is finally time to make the big decision. Consider once more the factors that are most important to you and your child, and how each remaining school meets those requirements. While elements such as distance from home or affordable tuition become deciding factors at this point, more often than not it comes down to a "gut" feeling: this is the right school, right now, for my child! 7. Meet & Greet Once you have selected a school, public or private, make an appointment to visit and tour the campus with your children. It may be best to wait until after school has let out for the day, as children may be intimidated by roaming the halls with their parents while classes are being held. It is also important for you and your children to meet and become familiar with their new teachers, administrators and counselors. When speaking with teachers, be sure to find out what each of them expects in the classroom and what curriculum is covered. Often, very little standardization exists between schools, even within the state of Georgia. Therefore, by knowing what supplies will be needed and what basic skills will be expected, children feel less anxious on their first day in their new school. 8. Preparation is Key A successful transition often comes from being fully prepared. Many schools distribute or sell textbooks before the first day to students who want to do a little more academic preparation over the summer. If your child will be entering during the actual school year, see if you can acquire the texts a few weeks before you move. Brushing up on difficult subjects and becoming accustomed to the new texts will dispel some of the nervousness your child may be feeling. Furthermore, at both public and private schools, students-even new ones-are often expected to fulfill summer schoolwork requirements before the first day of the new session, or before they can confidently join in their new class lessons. Therefore, be sure to discuss required schoolwork such as reading lists, book reports and math packets with your children's new teachers. Last but not least, attendance at a private institution usually requires the purchase of that school's standard uniform. Ask a school official to recommend a uniform store or see if the school holds a used uniform sale, as many Atlanta schools do. Allow your child to get used to wearing and moving around in the outfit so that they are more comfortable on the first day. 9. Socialize Many private schools in Atlanta hold orientations or social activities over the summer that serve as relaxed forums for parents, students and teachers to get to know one another. Eastside Christian School in Marietta, for example, throws a summer party for parents and teachers. They also organize other get-togethers for the children by grade level, which allows them to socialize as well. Getting to know other students before the first day can give your child the confidence needed to cement a successful transition. But don't forget about yourself: becoming friends with other parents can aid your transition as well! 10. Stay Involved Join the PTA, volunteer for school events throughout the year and participate in parent-teacher conferences. Staying involved at your child's new school provides a well-rounded idea of how the school operates and will keep you in touch with your child's progress, as well as providing another golden opportunity to form friendships with other parents in your new community. Important Dates, Contacts and Quick Links Helpful Resources in the Search for a School Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools www.atlantaprivateschools.com Georgia Independent School Association www.gisa-schools.org Georgia Quality Core Curriculum Standards www.glc.k12.ga.us National Association of Independent Schools www.nais.org The Secondary School Admission Test Board www.ssat.org/membersearch.nsf The Deadline Rundown SAT Testing & Registration Dates October 8, 2005 November 5, 2005 (Reg. by Sept. 30) December 3, 2005 (Reg. by Oct. 28) January 28, 2006 (Reg. by Dec. 22) April 1, 2006 (Reg. by Feb. 24) May 6, 2006 (Reg. by Apr. 3) June 3, 2006 (Reg. by Apr. 28) Private School Application Deadlines Mid to late February, in general. Private School Acceptance Notification Early April, in general. Back to top. In-home Help Tutoring Eases the Transition The summer months before the beginning of a new school term may be the perfect time to adjust to the textbooks and curriculum of new classes. However, when families are required to move during the school year, children often do not have time to fully prepare for what will be expected of them. Although there is some uniformity between public school standards nationwide, new students may initially struggle to catch up in some subjects. One option for parents who are looking to help their children make the transition is an in-home tutor. "Parents often call us when they find out that their child's class is a little ahead in math or reading," says Dennis Freeman, director of In-Home Tutors of Atlanta (770-645-8750), which provides tutors in all subjects throughout metro Atlanta. "Fortunately, a few weeks of tutoring is usually all that is needed to bring their child up to speed. Our tutors are typically full-time teachers and so are completely familiar with Georgia's standards at each grade level." In-Home Tutors of Atlanta also allows parents to pay only for lessons received and offer the option of canceling at anytime when parents feel their child is adequately comfortable with the material. Acquiring the service of an in-home tutor has other advantages as well. One-on-one instruction eliminates the feelings of intimidation and self-consciousness often spurred by the need to ask questions in front of new classmates. Furthermore, the tutors come to you and work around your family's schedule so that there is never need to rush a child to a session or leave work early in order to make a tutoring appointment. Back to top. Public Education Spotlight Stellar Atlanta Schools Shine Many stellar elementary, middle and high schools comprise the metro-Atlanta public school system. Below is the contact information for each school system, in addition to the schools within each system that have been recognized in the past five years as either a Georgia School of Excellence (listed in red), a U.S. Department of Education No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School* (listed in blue ) or both (listed in purple). The Georgia Schools of Excellence program identifies and honors successful public schools throughout Georgia, those that have demonstrated excellence in student achievement and/or those with the greatest gains in improving student achievement. The No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program similarly recognizes K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their state, or that have demonstrated dramatic gains in student achievement. Georgia Department of Education Superintendent Kathy Cox 404-656-2800 www.doe.k12.ga.us Atlanta City 404-827-8000 www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Capitol View Elementary Grove Park Elementary Morningside Elementary Morris Brandon Elementary Warren T. Jackson Elementary Grady High Buford City 770-945-5035 www.bufordcityschools.org Buford Elementary Cherokee County 770-479-1871 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Arnold Mill Elementary Bascomb Elementary Free Home Elementary Sequoyah High Clayton County 770-473-2700 www.clayton.k12.ga.us J.W. Arnold Elementary Cobb County 770-426-3300 www.cobb.k12.ga.us Shallowford Falls Elementary Dickerson Middle Hightower Trail Middle Lassiter High Sprayberry High Walton High Decatur City 404-370-4400 www.decatur-city.k12.ga.us Glennwood Academy DeKalb County 678-676-1200 www.dekalb.k12.ga.us Austin Elementary Briarlake Elementary Browns Mill Elementary Kittredge Magnet Meadowview Elementary Montgomery Elementary Oak Grove Elementary Smoke Rise Elementary Vanderlyn Elementary Peachtree Charter Middle Douglas County 770-651-2000 www.douglas.k12.ga.us Chapel Hill Middle Turner Middle Alexander High Fayette County 770-460-3535 www.fcboe.org Fayette Middle Fayette County High McIntosh High Sandy Creek High Starr's Mill High Forsyth County 770-887-2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Big Creek Elementary Mashburn Elementary Otwell Middle Forsyth Central High Fulton County 404-768-3600 www.fulton.k12.ga.us Campbell Elementary Crabapple Crossing Elementary Harriet Tubman Elementary High Point Elementary Mountain Park Elementary Seaborn Lee Elementary Woodland Elementary Webb Bridge Middle Chattahoochee High Tri-Cities High Gwinnett County 770-963-8651 www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us Riverside Elementary Rebecca Minor Elementary Robert C. Craig Elementary Alton C. Crews Middle Dacula Middle J.P. McConnell Middle Hall County 770-534-1080 www.hallco.org Mount Vernon Elementary Henry County 770-957-6601 www.henry.k12.ga.us Stockbridge High Marietta City 770-422-3500 www.marietta-city.k12.ga.us A.L. Burruss Elementary Marietta High Paulding County 770-443-8000 www.paulding.k12.ga.us W.C. Abney Elementary Paulding County High Rockdale County 770-483-4713 www.rockdale.k12.ga.us Honey Creek Elementary Lorraine Elementary *2005 NCLB-BRS selections had not been released at press time. Back to top. Private School Guide It's no secret that Atlanta is home to a number of excellent private schools. The following profiles represent a sampling of independent institutions in the metro area, each offering its own unique educational opportunity. Academe of the Oaks There's a small, private high school in Decatur that offers a haven for teenagers moving to a new city. Academe of the Oaks and its community of engaged, friendly students and collegial, committed faculty and staff provide a welcome refuge for newcomers. The time-honored, international Waldorf curriculum is invigorating, yet demanding, teaching students how to think, not what to think. Fine and practical arts, as well as service learning, inform and infuse the curriculum. Located at 146 New Street, Academe employs a rolling admission policy, allowing students to enroll throughout the year. For more information, call 404-405-2173 or visit www.academeatlanta.org. The Children's School The Children's School was created in 1970 with the specific intent to be located in Midtown Atlanta to attract students from "the North, the South, and the East and West" in order to bring together children from all parts of Atlanta. The founder, Lila Bost McDill, was intent on developing a more effective way of educating elementary age children. She believed that children should not only want to learn, but that they should be eager participants in the pursuit of their education. Today, TCS has a curriculum that allows children to learn in a comfortable environment that encourages creativity and self-motivation. At The Children's School, children achieve, rather than receive, their education. For more information, call 404-873-6985 or visit www.thechildrensschool.com. Christ the King School Founded by the Cathedral of Christ the King in 1937, Christ the King School provides students with a Catholic, faith-based education. From an original enrollment of 60 students, the school has grown to accommodate over 540 students in grades Kindergarten through eight. Christ the King School, a National School of Excellence, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Teachers maintain valid certification and educate students in religion, reading, mathematics, language arts, spelling, writing, science and social studies. Enrichment programs include library, guidance, music, art, foreign language, computers and physical education. AfterSchool program and homework labs are available. For more information, call 404-233-0383 or visit www.christking.org. Cross & Crown School A unique Christian school of excellence, Cross & Crown School currently boasts an enrollment of nearly 100 and is a vital part of the ministry of Cross & Crown Lutheran Church. Classes are offered for children age two through the fifth grade. Small classes emphasize individual attention, superior academic development and spiritual and moral growth in a multicultural environment. Conveniently located near Perimeter Mall at 4276 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, the school features enrichment and specialized classes, including physical education, Spanish, computer skills, music and faith development. An extended day program is also offered to parents, as well as a summer camp, where each week revolves around a different topic or theme. For more information, call 770-458-5274 or visit www.crossandcrownschool.org. Cross of Life Montessori School Located on 13 beautiful acres just north of Atlanta in Roswell, the AMI-certified Cross of Life Montessori School offers a traditional Montessori curriculum for ages 15 months through fourth grade. Also, elementary students take P.E., music and Spanish classes, and all ages take advantage of the outdoor environment that includes an outdoor classroom, butterfly garden, nature trails, a creek and a certified National Wildlife Federation schoolyard habitat. Chapel is held once a week for all who wish to attend. All families are welcome regardless of religious views. We are proud of our diverse student population and welcome everyone with love and respect. For more information, call 770-475-3812 or visit www.colmontessori.com. The Duluth Montessori School As you observe a classroom at The Duluth Montessori School, you will see children performing purposeful activities, making independent decisions, working in harmony, concentrating and caring for their environment and each other. Studies include math, language, science, geography, history, music and art. The elementary students also cultivate life skills as they plan, organize and implement community outings to further their study. The Duluth Montessori School is recognized by AMI (Association Montessori Internationale), all instructors are AMI accredited and the director is AMI trained with 35 years experience. We are located on two campuses, one in historic downtown Duluth and one in the Sugarloaf area, both with bright, spacious classrooms in home-like buildings surrounded by rolling hills, woodlands, and lush flower and vegetable gardens. Ages two-and-a-half to12 accepted, with year-round enrollment for three year olds. Observations and interviews required. For more information, call 770-476-9307 or visit www.duluthmontessori.com. East Side Christian School Eastside Christian School provides quality academics from a Biblical perspective in a loving environment, equipping students to be strong in spirit and pure in character as they impact our world for Christ. Since 1983, in keeping with our mission, our goal is to equip our students to face the academic challenges of the future and enable them to integrate a Biblical worldview in all aspects of life. We provide grades K5 through eighth, with optional pre-first grade and after school care. The advantages of our small student/teacher ratio, excellent academics, fine arts and athletic programs assist our students in excellent placement in secondary schools with continued success in college. Located in the heart of east Cobb County, we are accredited with Quality by the Georgia Accrediting Commission and a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. For more information, call 770-971-2332 or visit www.eastsidechristianschool.com. Faith Life Christian Academy Faith Life Christian Academy (ACSI member), a non-denominational school of excellence in Norcross, Georgia, currently enrolls kindergarten through the seventh grade (final expansion through eighth grade, fall 2006). Our mission is to train children both academically and spiritually in the highest principles of leadership, self-discipline, individual responsibilit y and integrity, and good citizenship. Our program offers a carefully planned curriculum and small class sizes to ensure personal attention and lively learning experiences for each student. The goal of our Christ-centered environment is to nurture a child as a total person and develop the child's best abilities in every area of life-intellectually, spiritually, socially, physically and emotionally. For more information, call 770-729-9793 or visit www.flcaweb.org. Fellowship Christian School Fellowship Christian School is a K-12 college preparatory program that incorporates a Christian worldview into the learning experience. We offer strong spiritual, academic, fine arts and athletic programs designed to educate the whole child. Curriculum is structured to be challenging at each grade level in preparation for the next step in the student's academic career. Our high school offers both Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Students have the opportunity to participate in many areas of the fine arts as well as a full offering of sports. Age appropriate chapels are held on a weekly basis and include music, devotionals, speakers and prayer. Ninety-eight percent of our students continue their education in college and 95 percent receive the Georgia HOPE Scholarship. FCS is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission and is a member of Christian Schools International. For more information, please call 770-992-4975 (Lower School) or 770-993-1650 (High School), or visit www.fellowshipchristianschool.org. First Montessori School of Atlanta First Montessori School of Atlanta offers four distinct educational programs based on the developmental needs of the individual child. In Primary school classes (ages 2 1/2 to 6), children work independently, choosing from carefully developed materials. The Elementary and Middle school programs address the interrelationships among the basic academic disciplines and the arts. Regular outdoor excursions to our 83-acre mountain Landschool foster independence, confidence and communication skills. FMSA, the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, is located on a wooded campus in Sandy Springs. Contact jseidel@firstmontessori.org for an observation. For more information, call 404-252-3910 or visit www.firstmontessori.org. Greenfield Hebrew Academy For over 50 years, the Katherine and Jacob Greenfield Hebrew Academy, serving students three-years-old through the eighth grade, has set the standard for Jewish education in Atlanta. As Atlanta's only community school, the SACS-accredited Academy provides academic excellence while enabling its graduates to feel comfortable and competent in any Jewish environment. Many alumni have attributed their strong sense of community to their early education at the Academy. GHA prides itself on its ability to meet each child's educational needs; students receive the curriculum best suited for them. Regular classroom studies may be supplemented by courses such as Discovery and Enrichment for gifted students, Ulpan for Hebrew language skills and Resource Room for remediation. In addition, its M'silot/Pathways school-within-a-school for students who learn differently fills a unique niche in local Jewish education. A comprehensive afternoon school program, featuring a rich variety of activities in the arts, theater, band and sports rounds out the day. For more information, call 404-843-9900 or visit www.ghacademy.org. High Meadows School High Meadows School is located on 40 acres near historic Roswell. The non-profit, co-educational, independent, non-sectarian school currently serves 350 students from age three through eighth grade, and has more than 19 different nations represented among the families and staff. Our child-centered, inquiry-based instructional program provides a hands-on, project-based, interdisciplinary approach to teaching that inspires a love of learning and produces well-rounded achievers. High Meadows students think critically, learn creatively, live compassionately and act globally. A low student-to-teacher ratio, combined with the expertise of two degreed teachers in every classroom, creates a dynamic, personal environment where students thrive. In a multi-age classroom setting, students receive the benefit of keeping the same teachers and peer group for two years. In addition to its integrated academic curriculum, High Meadows provides a wide variety of co-curricular enrichment programs: art, music, technology, environmental science, Spanish, library science, and physical education. High Meadows' graduates become their own educational advocates and develop into lifelong learners. Founded in 1973, High Meadows School is a 2004 No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon School of Excellence winner. High Meadows is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Open Houses are scheduled throughout the year and include classroom observations. For more information, call 770-993-2940 or visit www.highmeadows.org. Hopewell Christian Academy Hopewell Christian Academy is located in Norcross, Georgia. HCA was designed to successfully prepare children for spiritual leadership locally and nationally, as well as internationally. The purpose of Hopewell Christian Academy is to train Christian young people to meet their fullest potential-spiritually and academically. The Academy's elementary program (grades K4-fourth grade) uses the A Beka Curriculum, developed at Pensacola Christian College. The curriculum for grades five through 12 is richly enhanced through the curriculums of Scott Foreman and Prentice Hall. HCA received Accreditation with excellence from the Georgia Accrediting Commission in its second year of operation- an unheard-of accomplishment. HCA is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Extracurricular activities include chorus, sign language, drill and step teams, 4-H and praise dance. The basketball program for girls and boys seventh grade and above is affiliated with the Georgia Independent School Association. For more information, call 770-903-3387 or visit www.hopewellchristianacademy.org. Mount Paran Christian School Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in truth. The result is an interdenominational community with a passion for serving and learning. With full SACS accreditation, MPCS offers challenging academics for grades PK-12. Opportunities for spiritual growth include weekly chapel services, daily Bible classes, community service projects and overseas short-term missions. MPCS celebrates its 30th anniversary this year with a record enrollment of over 1,000 students. The Dozier Center for the Performing Arts will be completed in January 2006, leading to the development of a high school magnet program. The successful athletic program is undergoing a feasibility study for the addition of football. An exceptional staff includes the 2004 National Middle School P.E. Teacher of the Year. If you feel your child would benefit from the experience of Mount Paran Christian School, please call the Admission Office at 770-578-0182 or visit www.mtparanschool.com. Mount Pisgah Christian School Mount Pisgah Christian School (MPCS), located in Alpharetta, Georgia, is the 11th largest independent school in metro Atlanta, serving more than 1,050 students preschool through 12th grade. MPCS is a fully accredited college-preparatory school committed to providing an academically challenging environment that stimulates intellectual curiosity and encourages critical thinking. Recognized nationally for its academic excellence, the sch ool maintains intimate classes to help stimulate intellectual curiosity and encourage critical thinking. As a result, our students consistently score well above average on standardized tests, and our SAT scores continue to post well above local, state and national averages. In addition, MPCS offers students the opportunity to participate in award-winning athletics and fine arts programming. With strong academic programming based in Christian values, we teach students not only how to make a living but how to live a life filled with purpose. For more information, call 678-336-3383 or visit www.mountpisgahschool.org. St. Joseph Catholic School Located in Marietta, St. Joseph Catholic School is a fully accredited Catholic school serving 460 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. St. Joseph is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is part of the educational system of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The Catholic/Christian lay faculty prides itself on the spiritual growth and academic excellence of its students. This is accomplished through its core curriculum, which includes Religion, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English and Reading. Supporting classes include Computer Science, Art, Spanish, Library, Music, Guidance, and Physical Education. A variety of supplemental and extracurricular activity opportunities are available along with before school and after school care. For more information, please call the school office at 770-428-3328, x. 21 or visit www.stjosephschool.org. St. Martin's Episcopal School Since 1959, St. Martin's Episcopal School has provided quality education in a loving, Christian environment for children. Serving approximately 560 students in preschool through eighth grade, St. Martin's offers programs in Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School education, as well as an extended-day program. Students enjoy small class sizes, a challenging curriculum, spiritual guidance and personal attention throughout their academic progress. St. Martin's truly creates a pattern for success through an integrated curriculum, which connects one class to another and builds knowledge from year to year. As Early Childhood students learn by doing, the same hands-on structure is used in classrooms from Elementary to Middle School, from science to math to social studies. St. Martin's develops skills for success from day one to prepare students for challenging college preparatory programs in secondary school. The extended-day program is available before school and after school until 6 p.m. The extensive extracurricular program includes interscholastic athletics, musical productions, chorus, academic competition and others. St. Martin's is located at 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road between I-285 and Peachtree Road. St. Martin's practices a non-discriminatory policy of admission. For more information, contact Admissions Director Jan Swoope at 404-237-4260 or visit www.stmartinschool.org. Trinity School An independent, coeducational school, Trinity serves preschool and elementary-age children. Founded in 1951 by Trinity Presbyterian Church and grounded in the ethical framework of the Christian faith and its Jewish heritage, Trinity is an elementary school passionately and expertly focused on providing an extraordinary educational experience for each young learner. Trinity School nurtures and challenges their three-year-old through sixth grade students, providing them with a thoughtfully conceived and creatively delivered educational program. Trinity School strives to create a community of learners, where each child acquires the knowledge, skills and attitudes to achieve his or her unique potential and become a responsible, productive, and compassionate member of the expanding global community. For more information, call 404-231-8100 or visit www.trinityatl.org. The Waldorf School The Waldorf School of Atlanta provides a strong academic, arts-integrated, developmentally attuned curriculum based on the philosophy of educational pioneer Dr. Rudolf Steiner. Established in 1986, the school offers preschool through middle school classes, and is one of more than 800 Waldorf schools worldwide. Learning at The Waldorf School is a vital and dynamic process, permeated with the power of imagination and working with the intellectual, spiritual, emotional and physical development of the individual within the social context. Innovative teaching methods and a rich classical curriculum provide the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. For more information, call 404-377-1315 or visit www.waldorfatlanta.org. Whitefield Academy Whitefield Academy, a Christ-centered college preparatory school serving grades PK4 through 12, is located on a 78-acre campus in the Smyrna/Vinings area of Cobb County. Whitefield strives to graduate students who go on to college and life with a passion for learning, and who develop the leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills necessary to make a positive contribution to their community. The passion for learning is instilled by exceptional, hands-on educational programs. With small classes and faculty members who are Christians with a heart for teaching, Whitefield students are continuously prepared to meet the challenges of a college-prep curriculum. Whitefield teachers understand, however, that while academics measure the level of a student's knowledge, the development of a student's heart and the directive of serving others are the spiritual components that go full-circle in truly educating a person. Competitive, award-winning athletics, inspiring fine arts, and leadership development through honor council, student government, student-led committees and service projects bolster a very solid academic environment, augmented by AP and honors classes. A strong sense of community exists within the campus. Parents support and volunteer through the Fine Arts Patrons, the athletic Booster Club, Dad's Fellowship, and the Whitefield Parents Association. Whitefield Academy is graduating students who are moving into the university and beyond with excellent academic preparation and the perspective of a Christian world-view that is equipping them to be critical thinkers in a challenging culture. For more information, call 678-305-3000 or visit www.whitefieldacademy.com. Open House Dates Mark your calendars for an open house visit. Call ahead for exact location, specifics and to confirm dates. Academe of the Oaks Oct. 1 & 29, Jan. 7 & 28, Feb. 11, Mar. 4 & 25, Apr. 8, from 10 a.m.-noon.; Oct. 19, Nov. 9 & 30, Jan. 18 & 25, Feb. 15, Mar.15, Apr. 19, from 9-11 a.m., 404-405-2173. The Children's School Each Tuesday and Thursday morning, Nov. 1-Mar. 1, 404-873-6985. Christ the King School Nov. 13 at 2 p.m., 404-233-0383. Cross & Crown School Jan. 21, Mar. 11 from 10 a.m.-noon, 770-458-5274. Cross of Life Montessori School Tours available by appt., 770-475-3812. The Duluth Montessori School Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., adults only, 770-476-9307. East Side Christian School Oct. 19, Nov. 2 & 30, Jan.11, Feb. 22 at 9:30 a.m.; Jan.19 at 7 p.m., 770-971-2332. Faith Life Christian Academy Nov. 5, Jan. 7, Mar. 4 from 10 a.m.-noon, 770-729-9793. Fellowship Christian School Lower School: Oct. 26, Nov.16, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, Mar. 8 at 9 a.m., 770-992-4975. High School: TBD, 770-993-1650. First Montessori School of Atlanta Nov. 13 at 1:30 p.m., Jan. TBA, 404-252-3910. Greenfield Hebrew Academy Sept. 27, Nov. 2, Dec. 8 at 9:45 a.m.; Jan. 8 at 11 a.m., 404-843-9900. High Meadows School Call for information, 770-993-2940. Hopewell Christian Academy Mar. 6-10, May 2-6, 770-903-3387. Mount Paran Christian School Call for information, 770-578-0182. Mount Pisgah Christian School Nov. TBA, Jan. 21, 678-336-3383. St. Joseph Catholic School Jan. 28 from 2-4 p.m., 770-428-3328, x. 21. St. Martin's Episcopal School Jan. 21 from 9 a.m.-noon, 404-237-4260. Trinity School Nov. 16, Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m.; Jan. 8 at 3:30 p.m., 404-231-8100. The Waldorf School Oct. 19, Nov. 16, Jan. 11, Feb. 1 & 15, Mar. 1 from 8:45-10:30 a.m.; PS/K: Jan. 21, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m.-noon, 404-377-1315. Whitefield Academy Nov.18 at 9 a.m.; Jan. 7 at 2:30 p.m., 678-305-3000. Back to top.
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