Articles | October-November 2012

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 schools in the metro Atlanta area. For additional information about the schools listed below, including location, class size and open house dates, see our "Beyond the Basics" guide.

ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Atlanta International School (AIS) offers all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to 1,100 U.S. and international students from grades K3 through 12. By delivering a rigorous academic program combined with world-class standards in language acquisition within an open-minded, intercultural environment, AIS prepares students to succeed in a globally connected world.

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 K through 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.

AIS is accredited by AdvancEd and the Council of International Schools (CIS) and is authorized to offer IB programs by the International Baccalaureate organization. With the opening of the school’s new Early Learning Center this fall, AIS now has main entry points to the school at K3, K4, K5, grade six and grade nine; admission for other grades may be available dependent upon space.

For more information on applying to AIS, please attend the open house event on Dec. 1, 2012, call 404-841-3840, visit www.aischool.org or contact the admission team at admission@aischool.org. The school is located in the heart of Buckhead at 2890 North Fulton Drive.

ALEXSANDER ACADEMY

Alexsander Academy, located in Alpharetta, serves students who need a small, academically focused but flexible learning environment to be successful. The school focuses on academics, independence skills and classroom and social skills. Alexsander Academy believes all children are capable when taught the way they need to learn. We build our students’ self-esteem by fostering an environment where they are successful but also challenged, where expectations are high but realistic, and where they are able to form true friendships with their peers. For more information, contact Stefanie Smith at 404-839-5910 or at smith@alexsanderacademy.org, or visit www.alexsanderacademy.org.

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 wellabove national averages. ACS is accredited with quality by the Georgia Accrediting Commission, and is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, call 770-964-9871 or visit www.arlingtonchristian.org.

ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Atlanta Girls’ School offers girls in grades six through 12 a college-preparatory curriculum of the highest standards. According to the U.S. Department of Education, single-sex education for girls yields superior academic accomplishment. Graduates attend Ivy League schools, prestigious liberal arts colleges, leading Southeastern universities and respected research institutes. Girls learn to take appropriate risks, be courageous leaders, give back to their communities and project personal confidence and competence in all they do. Atlanta Girls’ School instills in its graduates the knowledge, skills and strengths of character needed for success in the 21st century. For more information, call 404-845-0900 or visit www.atlantagirlsschool.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 mission is to maximize the potential of children with learning differences and to develop foundations for success; this is accomplished through small classes, a structured, multisensory approach and a dedicated staff. The school’s 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 the Georgia Accrediting Commission, Cumberland serves grades four 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 and enrichment classes are offered throughout the year. For more information, call 404-835-9000, email admissions@cumberlandacademy.org or visit www.cumberlandacademy.org.

Tours are by appointment, and there is an open house on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. Cumberland Academy of Georgia operates on a rolling admissions basis.

BRANDON HALL SCHOOL

Founded in 1959, Brandon Hall School is located on a 27-acre campus on the Chattahoochee River in Sandy Springs. Brandon Hall is a coeducational, nonprofit, college preparatory day and boarding school for students in sixth through 12th grade. A national model in research-based education, the school offers small classes and learning methodologies to fit every child—all within the framework of rigorous academic studies, active sports and arts programs and a caring, international campus community.

With approximately 140 students and more than 70% of the faculty and administration holding advanced degrees, Brandon Hall is a community of involved and passionate people that embody the school’s mission and an overall desire to affect positive change in the world. Brandon Hall’s students are economically, socially and ethnically diverse, with a wide array of interests and abilities. These students thrive in a creative, supportive learning environment.

Brandon Hall believes that a student’s education is immensely enhanced when parents, teachers, and administrators work cooperatively as partners in education. The result is a personalized education program that continually evolves to stimulate students through teaching methods, technology and curricular content. This approach to education stimulates an appreciation and understanding of a “living” education via a multisensory instructional approach, engagement with technology, the development of leadership and life skills and learning experientially. Brandon Hall’s personalized approach is designed to develop a high degree of information retention, motivation and direction in each student.

Accredited by SAIS, SACS, and GAC, Brandon Hall operates on a rolling admissions basis. Tours are by appointment. For more information, call 770-394-8177 or visit www.brandonhall.org.

THE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

The Children’s School, founded in 1970, is an institution of educators devoted to teaching young children. The curriculum is a rich and academically rigorous one, centered on experiential learning and building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students at TCS benefit from a formal character education program, Building Character and Community, and a unique outdoor education component of the curriculum. The Children’s School offers a number of after-school programs that serve day-school students and elementary-aged children in the greater 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 a diverse group of students age 3 years old through the sixth grade. TCS graduates go on to attend and excel at a number of schools throughout Atlanta. 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 eight with a pre-first 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.

FIRST MONTESSORI SCHOOL

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 wooded, seven-acre 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 in life. For more information, call 404-252-3910 or visit www.firstmontessori.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 eighth 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/FLS.

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, coeducational, college-preparatory, non-sectarian day school, Heritage serves a student population of approximately 435, from four 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.

HIGH MEADOWS SCHOOL

High Meadows School offers an innovative, inquiry-based curriculum, emphasizing love of learning, creativity, meaningful connections and global perspective for preschool through eighth grade. Founded in 1973, the nonprofit day-school is coeducational, independent and non-sectarian, and located on more than 40 wooded acres in Roswell, Ga. High Meadows School is an International Baccalaureate World School highly respected and consistently recognized for best practices, innovation and excellence. A wide variety of cocurricular enrichment programs are provided, including visual arts, theater, music, environmental studies, Spanish, technology, band and debate. The school’s mission statement is: The High Meadows community celebrates and perpetuates each individual’s quest for knowledge and skill, sense of wonder and connection to the natural environment. High Meadows School empowers each student to be a compassionate, responsible, and active global citizen. For more information, call 770-993-2940 or visit the website at 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 953 students from kindergarten through grade 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 770-963-9250 or visit www.hebronlions.org.

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY

Lakeview Academy is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school for grades K-3 through 12, accredited by SAIS-SACS. Situated just miles from Lake Lanier in Gainesville, Lakeview is conveniently located off I-985 and provides transportation options for its student body, which draws from 11 counties and 40 ZIP codes. Lakeview has families representing 30 countries, and foreign language is taught in every grade. Technology is integrated into each discipline, with sixth through 12th grade students using their own laptops. Students choose from a variety of elective opportunities, including award-winning drama and arts programs. More than 75 percent of middle and upper school students participate in at least one school-sponsored sport, as well as a fine arts activity. While students are offered the opportunity to excel at a higher level, an academic support program is offered at all grade levels when extra help is needed. The Class of 2012, which comprises 34 students, was offered more than $2.38 million in non-HOPE scholarships and had 100 percent college placement. For more information, call 770- 532-4383 or visit www.lakeviewacademy.com.

MILL SPRINGS ACADEMY

Mill Springs Academy, located on an 85-acre campus in Alpharetta, is an accredited college-preparatory school for students who have not realized their full potential in a traditional classroom setting.

Mill Springs helps students of average to superior ability in grades one through 12 reach their potential by raising expectations, facilitating self-motivation, promoting values and providing the skills they need to succeed in life. Small classes, laptops and an individualized curriculum enable students to capitalize on their strengths while learning compensatory strategies. A range of fine arts, athletics and extended-day activities is offered. For more information, contact 770-360-1336 or visit www.millsprings.org.

MONTESSORI UNLIMITED

All Montessori Unlimited schools follow authentic Montessori methods pioneered by Dr. Maria Montessori more than a century ago, based on the understanding that the first few years of a child’s life are crucial to both intellect and personality. Educationally, they “Follow the Child”—which is the basic theory behind Dr. Montessori’s methods, and where the uniqueness of each child is emphasized and celebrated.

The Montessori approach fosters a child’s independence, self-motivation, decision-making skills and respect, while nurturing a lifelong love of learning. Within mixed-age classrooms, Montessorians help children build strong academic, social, emotional, physical and moral foundations. Children are encouraged to learn from and to help one another while reaching their full potential, resulting in confident and happy children.

In addition to serving 2 ½- to 6-year-olds, three schools also serve toddlers; Nesbit Ferry Montessori provides a lower elementary program as well. For more information, visit www.montessori.com or call the schools directly: Brookstone Montessori (770-426-5245), Medlock Bridge Montessori (770-623-1965), Nesbit Ferry Montessori (770-552-8454), Preston Ridge Montessori (770-751-9510) or Sugarloaf Montessori (678-473-0079).

PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Providence Christian Academy is a unique mid-sized K-12 interdenominational Christian school in the Atlanta area, offering an accredited program that rivals larger schools while providing more personal attention and the comfortable fit of a smaller student body. As a parent-sponsored school, Providence Christian Academy is more than an academic institution, but a community of believers, consisting of Christian parents in partnership with Christian educators to help young people develop their God-given gifts and abilities. High standards in academic, athletic and fine art achievements and spiritual growth have been the hallmarks of Providence for more than 20 years. For more information, visit www.providencechristianacademy.org or call 770-279-7200.

SOPHIA ACADEMY

As a Marist-sponsored school pursuing Catholic status, Sophia Academy sees each child as an individual with unlimited potential if given the opportunities and tailored instruction for different learning styles. Small classes and innovative multisensory instruction, combined with weekly teacher training, produce results for all children. Ninety percent of Sophia Academy students master their personalized goals, and 80 percent participate in extracurricular activities.

The curriculum includes International Orton-Gillingham language learning and Common Core standards. Award-winning theater and sports teams, fine arts and religious education broaden students’ interests, promote leadership, develop talents and shape character. Your child will be known and valued.

Sophia Academy serves pre-K through high school and is located at 2880 Dresden Drive in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-303-8722 or visit their website at www.sophiaacademy.org.

ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

In its 60th year as a K-8 school within the Archdiocese of Atlanta, St. Joseph Catholic School is a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Dually accredited by SACS and SAIS, St. Joseph offers an academically challenging curriculum and a focus on character-building that fosters the development of the whole child.

The standard curriculum is enhanced with weekly school mass, art, music, computer lab and Spanish. Extracurricular opportunities include drama, robotics, basketball, volleyball and more.

Located at 81 Lacy Street in Marietta, Ga. Call 770-428-3328 or visit www.stjosephschool.org for more information about this remarkable school.

MCGINNIS WOODS COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

McGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging preschool, elementary and middle grades education. The school is located on the border of Forsyth and North Fulton counties in Northeast Alpharetta. The school accepts children as young as 6 weeks through 14 years of age. McGinnis Woods Country Day has top accreditations, including GAC, SACS and NAEYC, and is a member of the Georgia Independent School Association. Class sizes are small, with low student-teacher ratios, allowing frequent one-on-one learning. The excellent curriculum, which includes enrichment instruction in Spanish, band, chorus, art, physical education, health, library, computer skills and character education, provides children with a strong framework on which to develop academically, socially and emotionally. Guest speakers and frequent community service also add to each student’s overall experience. A full schedule of after-school activities is also available to McGinnis Woods students and public school students. Please contact the school by calling 770-664-7764 or visit www.mcginniswoods.org.

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For additional information about the schools listed above, including location, class size and open house dates, see our "Beyond the Basics" guide.