Atlanta School Directory
It’s no secret that Atlanta is home to many excellent schools and learning resources. The following profiles represent a selection of independent and charter schools in the Metro Atlanta area. For additional information about the schools listed below, including location, class size and open house dates, read our “Beyond the Basics” insert.
ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Atlanta International School doesn’t just prepare students for college—it gives them the intellectual and cultural confidence to succeed in a globally connected world. Celebrating its 25th anniversary last year, AIS was the dream of parents, educators and members of the business community who understood and valued the benefits of an international education. Today, AIS is the only school in Georgia, and one of only a handful of schools in the U.S., to offer an International Baccalaureate education in grades 4K–12. The prestigious IB program, the fastest-growing curriculum in the world, is a rigorous, inquiry-based curriculum recognized by the world’s most renowned universities and colleges. AIS graduates pursue higher education at top-100 ranked U.S. schools and universities around the globe. The school is widely considered to be a major asset to the city of Atlanta in attracting foreign investment and business.
Located in Buckhead, AIS is fully accredited by the International Baccalaureate, Council of International Schools and AdvanceEd. Current enrollment stands at more than 1,000 students in 4K–12, of which 50 percent are American and 50 percent international, hailing from more than 70 nations. Primary students follow a bilingual curriculum of English plus French, German
or Spanish until the 5th grade. The school offers a full complement of notable extracurricular
activities, including an award-winning performing arts program. AIS is also pleased to announce the opening of the Adair Art, Science and Design Center this past fall. This light-filled, environmentally friendly, LEED-designed classroom building further facilitates the close interdisciplinary collaboration that is the hallmark of the IB curriculum. For more information,
call 404-841-3840 or visit www.aischool.org. Visit Atlanta International School during its Open House on Dec. 3, 2011.
ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Arlington Christian School is celebrating more than 50 years in quality education, preparing students for college and beyond. ACS offers a K-5 through grade 12 college preparatory program
that incorporates a Christian atmosphere into the learning experience. ACS offers strong spiritual, academic, fine arts and athletic programs designed to educate and develop the whole child. Recent ACT and SAT scores show that ACS students perform well above national averages. ACS is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission with quality and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, call 770-964-9871 or visit www.arlingtonchristian.org.
THE BEDFORD SCHOOL
The Bedford School offers a fresh start to students who have been frustrated in a traditional setting due to learning differences. The school serves children who have been professionally diagnosed as having specific learning disabilities and related disorders. Bedford is located on a 45-acre campus in Fairburn, Ga., 15 minutes south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Its goal is to maximize each child’s potential; this is accomplished through small classes; a structured, multisensory approach; and a dedicated staff. Squirrel Hollow Camp summer program offers academic tutoring in a recreational environment. Call Betsy Box, director, at 770-774-8001 or visit www.thebedfordschool.org for more information.
CUMBERLAND ACADEMY OF GEORGIA
Cumberland Academy of Georgia specializes in the needs of students with Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD and LD. Fully accredited with both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement and Georgia Accrediting Commission, Cumberland serves grades 4 through 12 and offers a post-graduate year as well. Students are challenged academically in small class sizes and encouraged with a strong emphasis on social and life skills. Competitive sports are offered throughout the year. For more information, call 404-835-9000, or email admissions@cumberlandacademy.org or visit www.cumberlandacademy.org. Tours are by appointment, and there is an Open House Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. Cumberland Academy operates on a rolling admissions basis.
CLIFF VALLEY SCHOOL
Founded as a cooperative preschool and kindergarten in 1966, Cliff Valley School provides
an environment where children can develop to their fullest potential academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Its programs maintain high academic standards while supporting each child’s creativity and individual needs. The success of its programs, coupled with the demands of its families and community, has prompted the school to expand through grade 8. The program expansion began in August 2011 withthe launch of 6th grade. Cliff Valley will add 7th grade in the fall of 2012 and 8th grade in the fall of 2013.
The modern campus features facilities for environmental education (inside and out), earth-friendly building materials, computers in each elementary classroom, a library/media center and meeting facilities. In 2011, the school added two new buildings to the campus that include an additional classroom, a science lab, a new music room and a gymnasium with a stage for performing arts.
The application deadline for the 2011-2012 school year is Feb. 4. For admissions questions, call 678-302-1302 or visit www.cliffvalleyschool.org.
THE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL
Since its establishment in 1970, The Children’s School has maintained a tradition of quality education. An independent, non-profit elementary school, The Children’s School is a learning environment in which academic development is stressed with social and emotional growth. The atmosphere is a caring, nurturing one that fosters a deep sense of community. Its 10-building midtown campus across from Piedmont Park allows for freedom within boundaries—a hallmark of its educational philosophy. The Children’s School serves students age 3 years old through the 6th grade. For more information, call 404-873-6985 or visit their website at www.thechildrensschool.com.
EASTSIDE 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 the world for Christ. Since 1983, the goal at ECS has been to give students the best educational experience possible and help them develop high expectations for themselves. Eastside Christian School provides grades K-5 through 8 with a pre-1st grade option as well as an extended-day program. Providing education to a second generation, ECS has earned a reputation for providing outstanding academics enriched by fine arts and athletic programs and preparing students
for excellent placement in secondary schools—including magnet programs—with continued success in colleges. Located in the heart of east Cobb County, the school is accredited with quality by the Georgia Accrediting Commission and is a member of the Association
of Christian Schools International. For information, call 770-971-2332 or visit www.eastsidechristianschool.com.
FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Fellowship Christian School offers a K4 through grade 12 college preparatory program
that incorporates a Christian worldview into the learning experience. It offers strong spiritual, academic, fine arts and athletic programs designed to educate the whole child. The curriculum is structured to be challenging at each grade level in preparation for the next step in the student’s academic career. Age-appropriate chapels are held on a weekly basis and include music, devotionals, guest speakers and prayer. Ninety-six percent of the 2011 graduates will be continuing their education in college, and 79 percent receive the Georgia HOPE Scholarship. For more information, call 770-992-4975 (Elementary School) or 770-993-1650 (Middle and High School), or visit them online at www.fellowshipchristianschool.org.
FAITH LUTHERAN SCHOOL
The success of Faith Lutheran School is built on challenging academics offered in a Christ-centered environment. The curriculum promotes individual achievement, fosters self-esteem, encourages creativity and social skills, and is bolstered by arts and sports programs, including band, choir, track, basketball and more. Students benefit from small classes; experienced, innovative educators; and a safe, nurturing environment. Programs are offered for kindergarten through 8th grade, along with preschool for children ages 2 to 4.
Founded in 1958, Faith Lutheran School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. For more information, call 770-973-8921, email faithls@faithlcms.org or visit www.faithmarietta.com/school.
FIRST MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF ATLANTA
When Larry Page and Sergey Brin, co-founders of Google, were asked whether they credited their success to having college professors as parents, they said no. Page and Brin attribute their success to a Montessori education—because Montessori works! First Montessori School of Atlanta, the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, provides
an environment that balances academic preparation with building social, emotional and physical abilities. First Montessori is located
on a 7-acre wooded campus in Sandy Springs. This hands-on, discovery-based education
serves children ages 1 1/2 to 14. First Montessori provides students with a foundation
and appreciation for learning that will support problem-solving and collaborative skills needed for future challenges. For more information, call 404-252-3910 or visit www.firstmontessori.org.HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL
Founded in 1973, High Meadows School is a non-profit, co-educational, independent, non-sectarian day school serving children from age 3 through 8th grade. Located on more than 40 wooded acres in Roswell, Ga., High Meadows offers an innovative, inquiry-based curriculum that emphasizes love of learning, creativity, meaningful connections and global perspective. High Meadows School is an International Baccalaureate World School highly respected and consistently recognized for best practices, innovation and excellence.
High Meadows also provides a wide variety of co-curricular enrichment programs, including visual arts, theatre, music, environmental studies, Spanish, technology, band and debate. For more information, call 770-993-2940 or visit www.highmeadows.org.
HEBRON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Hebron Christian Academy has two campuses,
but only one mission: to help parents prepare
their students spiritually, academically, physically and socially to become disciples of Jesus Christ. HCA is a private Christian school currently serving 969 students from grades kindergarten through 12. HCA offers an academically challenging program, including
AP and honors classes, with students scoring far above national averages. The school also offers award-winning fine arts programs and leadership development. In addition, HCA offers a broad range of sports; students participate competitively in Georgia High School Association Region 8A. For more information, call 770-962-5423 (elementary campus) or 770-963-9250 (high school campus)
or visit www.hebronlions.org.THE HERITAGE SCHOOL
The Heritage School was founded in 1970 to create an outstanding educational opportunity
for the families of Coweta, Fayette and surrounding counties. As an independent, co-educational, college preparatory, non-sectarian day school, Heritage serves a student
population of approximately 435, from 3 years of age through graduation from high school. The mission of The Heritage School is to develop the mind in preparation for college
and later life, develop the body through competition and teamwork, develop the spirit through self-awareness and growth, and develop
camaraderie through shared experience. Heritage recognizes the unique strengths and needs of every child and works with those assets to create enthusiasm for learning and a path for each child’s personal growth and development. The school values family, an intimate
learning environment and self-respect. Heritage regards itself as a steward of human potential and takes great pride in the ethos of its graduates. For more information, call 678-423-5393 or visit www.heritagehawks.org.KENNESAW CHARTER SCIENCE AND MATH ACADEMY
Kennesaw Charter Science and Math Academy, a K-6 charter school, will soon be moving
into a beautiful new 110,000-square-foot facility, but the school’s focus on science and math will continue.
KCSMA integrates math and science into every core subject, designing classes and activities
to extend and enhance Georgia Performance
Standards.
Brain-based instructional strategies are implemented throughout the school day, including
after school programs such as Chinese,
chess, hip-hop, German and robotics. Instructional practices follow the belief that to reach children academically, one must first address emotional and physical needs by creating
learning environments where students feel safe, invited and part of a family. The school’s standardized scores are evidence that students flourish in this environment. KCSMA
contnues to be a School of Distinction.
Located at 3010 Cobb Parkway, the new school will open in spring 2012. For more information, call 678-290-9628 or visit www.kennesawcharter.com.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
In its 59th year as a K-8 school within the Archdiocese of Atlanta, St. Joseph Catholic School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The school was recently awarded the distinction of being a “Top Private” school in metro Atlanta. Its academically challenging curriculum and focus on character building foster the development of the whole child. The standard curriculum is enhanced with art, music, drama, computer lab, Spanish and weekly school mass. The school is located
at 81 Lacy Street in Marietta, Ga. For more information, call 770-428-3328 or visit
www.stjosephschool.org.
