Atlanta Independent 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, turn to “Beyond the Basics.”Arbor Montessori
Do you want your child to develop a relationship with his teacher that is collaborative, strong and long-term? Do you want your child’s innate curiosity, imagination and naturally inventive and exploratory instincts to bloom and flourish at her own pace? Do you want an environment that acknowledges the differences in your child’s personality and rate of learning? Do you want your child in a nurturing environment based on mutual respect, empowerment and self-reliance?
This is what your child will experience at Arbor Montessori School, the flagship of Montessori education in the Southeast, located in Decatur. Founded in 1970, Arbor is one of the largest and oldest Montessori schools in the Southeast, serving 305 students from 18 months to 14 years old. Arbor is one of only two Montessori schools in Georgia accredited by Association Montessori Internationale, SACS and SAIS. In addition to an outstanding academic curriculum, Arbor offers art, music, Spanish, a before- and after-school program, clubs and teams, and a close-knit community of families. For more information, call 404-321-9304 or visit www.arbormontessori.org.
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. The school builds 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.
Atlanta Girls’ School
Atlanta Girls’ School offers girls in grades 6 through 12 a college-preparatory curriculum of the highest standards. Graduates attend Ivy League schools, prestigious liberal arts colleges, leading Southeastern universities and respected research institutes. Atlanta Girls’ School was custom-built for one purpose: girls’ achievement and success. Girls attending AGS learn to take appropriate risks, be courageous leaders, give back to their communities and project personal confidence and competence in all they do. 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 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.
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 offer students the best educational experience possible and help them develop high expectations for themselves, as well as support and enjoy the accomplishments of fellow students. ECS provides grades K-5 through 8, including a pre-first option and an extended day. Providing education to a second generation, which includes children of several former ECS students, Eastside has earned a trusted reputation for offering outstanding academics enriched by STEM, fine arts, foreign language, athletic programs and community service projects. ECS prepares students for excellent placement in private and public secondary schools—including Magnet and IB programs—with continued success in colleges all over the world. ECS is duly accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Christian Schools International. For further information, call 770-971-2332 or visit www.eastsidechristianschool.com.
The Children’s School
The Children’s School, founded in 1970, is a diverse, progressive elementary school serving students from age 3 through sixth grade in midtown Atlanta. Grounded in principles of excellence, innovation, and play, the school offers a rich and challenging curriculum, centered on experiential learning and building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students at TCS benefit from a formal character education program, Building Character & Community, and a unique outdoor education curriculum. The Children’s School offers an extensive after-school program that serves 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. Graduates go on to attend and excel at a number of schools throughout Atlanta. For more information, call 404-873-6985 or visit www.thechildrensschool.com.
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 Spanish, 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 18 months to 4 years old.
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.
High Meadows School
High Meadows School is a private, non-profit, co-educational, independent and non-sectarian day school for students in preschool through eighth grade. Established in 1973 and located on more than 40 wooded acres in Roswell, Ga., High Meadows School’s innovative, inquiry-based, integrated curriculum emphasizes love of learning, creativity, meaningful connections, environmental responsibility and excellence. Education at High Meadows extends far beyond the classroom by allowing students to learn through authentic experience.
High Meadows students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Likewise, its diverse community and International Baccalaureate curriculum help prepare students for the global community, in which so much is interrelated and the ability to consider multiple perspectives is essential. As a direct result, High Meadows kids are easily recognized as confident, creative problem solvers, accomplished speakers, experienced team players, critical thinkers, and self-advocates who connect with their teachers and peers.
High Meadows School is highly respected and consistently recognized for best practices, innovation and excellence by major educational organizations, including the International Baccalaureate Organization, SAIS-SACS and AAAIS. In short, High Meadows is what school should be. For more information, please call 770-993-2940 or visit www.highmeadows.org.
Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia
Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia offers authentic Montessori education in the heart of Johns Creek. Observe the “Montessori Magic” happening in the school’s vibrant classroom communities, where children are free to choose from a wide variety of activities and lessons best suited to their development. Specially trained teachers act as “guides” to the extensive curriculum, planting a seed of wonder that grows into a desire for greater knowledge. Multi-age classrooms allow younger children to learn from older ones, and for older children to reinforce and “test” their learning when helping younger ones. This dynamic, structured environment nurtures a strong work ethic, love of learning, and a passion for discovery not found in other schools.
Dr. Maria Montessori wrote: “Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.” Help your child to reach their full potential. Call 770-814-8001 to schedule a tour or visit www.JCMSOG.org.
The Friends School
The Friends School of Atlanta (FSA) provides challenging academics in a diverse environment, drawing on the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship to empower students to go out into the world with conscience, conviction and compassion. Founded as a model of diversity in 1991, FSA strives to address the development of the whole child and seeks to nurture that of goodness within each student. Offering classes from pre-K through eighth grade, FSA’s program is designed to prepare students for a successful high school future and a lifetime of engagement as thoughtful citizens.
For more information, call 404-373-8746 or visit www.friendsschoolatlanta.org.
Hebron Christian Academy
Hebron Christian Academy (HCA) is the school of choice for families in Gwinnett and surrounding counties. Recently awarded “Best Private School” by Gwinnett Daily Post readers, HCA offers a full educational experience preparing students spiritually, academically, physically, and socially for life.
For its 900 students, HCA provides an academically challenging program, including AP and honors classes, with students scoring far above national averages. The school also offers an award-winning fine arts program, as well as leadership development.
In addition, HCA is a strong competitor in a broad range of sports. Students of Hebron participate athletically in Georgia High School Association Region 8A, and HCA is the proud winner of many area, division, and state championships.
For more information, please call 770-963-9250 or visit www.hebronlions.org and discover why so many students are proud to say “We Are Hebron!”
The Heritage School
The Heritage School is an independent, college preparatory, non-sectarian day school that serves students from prekindergarten through graduation from high school. With small class sizes and a low student to teacher ratio (10:1), it provides students with balance—balance to think creatively, act independently, and feel compassionately.
At Heritage, students master public speaking, acquiring the poise to share their thinking in any environment, with anyone. Students make unexpected discoveries about themselves and their world—discoveries which challenge their thinking. Foreign language is offered ever year, starting in kindergarten. The school’s fine arts faculty is comprised of working professionals in their fields of study in the performing and visual arts. The athletic program, which includes 13 varsity sports, offers opportunities for students as young as fourth grade. The middle school offers fifth- through eighth-grade students 16 clubs in which to participate. The upper school offers up to 17 A.P. courses each year.
Students benefit from life experiences including numerous local, regional and national field trips as well as world travel opportunities that cultivate the thought processes and characteristics of leaders. Recent trips include travel to Peru, Quebec, Costa Rica, Belgium, and France. Students are encouraged to think freely and just be themselves. Ultimately, Heritage graduates go far. The 36 graduates of the Class of 2014 were awarded more than $3.1 million in merit scholarships. Recent Heritage graduates have earned acceptances to selective colleges and universities including Brown, Carnegie-Mellon, Duke, Harvard, Georgia Tech, UGA, Emory, Berklee College of Music, SCAD, Yale, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. For more information, please contact the office of admissions at 678-423-5393 or admissions@heritageschool.com or visit www.heritageschool.com.
Killian Hill Christian School
As one of the Atlanta area’s leading private schools, Killian Hill provides a 21st-century, progressive, relevant, and personally dynamic education experience for your child. This results in exceptional preparation for the student’s college career and life experiences. Killian Hill’s priorities include the pursuit of individual and corporate spiritual vitality consistent with sound Biblical instruction, along with academic rigor, scholarship, and achievement in an environment that promotes cognition, communication, imagination and valuation. This life preparedness is balanced with national award-winning fine arts and athletic programs in a small school environment. In addition, unique discipleship mentoring opportunities and strong relationships are fostered between teachers and students to successfully prepare graduates to be leaders. Visit Killian Hill Christian School and see how your child can become part of the school’s continued success story. Killian Hill Christian School: Training Scholars, Making Disciples, Graduating Leaders—Educating with Purpose. For more information, please call 770-921-3224 or visit www.khcs.org.
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, established in 1998, opened doors to its founding freshman class this past August 2014. Now with two campuses, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is the only faithbased K-12 program in East Cobb County. The college-preparatory high school, located at 2509 Post Oak Tritt Road, serves as an extension of the K-8 program, located at 4385 Lower Roswell Road, both in Marietta. Classes are small by design, with servant leadership development beginning in kindergarten. Spanish begins in kindergarten, Latin begins in third grade, and the 1:1 laptop program begins in fifth grade. Course offerings include, but are not limited to, Advanced, Honors and AP Math; Honors and AP Literature; U.S., World and AP History and Geography; Bible; Apologetics; Logic; Public Speaking; Debate; Honors and AP Latin and Spanish; Chorus; Band; Art; and P.E. The championship athletic program includes volleyball, soccer, cross-country, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, and cheerleading. For further information, contact Jackie Grasty, director of admission, at 770-971-0245, or visit www.mtbethelchristian.org. Tours are conducted at both campuses every Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Perimeter School
Perimeter School has been uniquely educating children since 1983 and currently serves more than 560 children from K-8.
Perimeter is a covenant school where parents embrace their biblical responsibility to the next generation by nurturing their own children as well as the children of fellow believers.
Together, home and school empower students to use their gifts to refresh and redeem the world. Though the daily instruction is primarily the task of teachers, parents are extremely vibrant in the life of a covenant school. Perimeter School embraces the
importance of free play, community service, creativity and childhood preservation. Class ratios are very small to maximize authentic relationships where children are expected to share their ideas, think critically, communicate honestly and be motivated intrinsically, without reliance on rewards. The curriculum is a feast of rich sources of literature, science, art, math and physical activities. Please call 678-405-2307 to schedule a tour, or visit www.perimeterschool.org for more information.
Pinecrest Academy
Pinecrest Academy is a private, pre-K3 through 12, college-preparatory Catholic school. Pinecrest provides an atmosphere of academic rigor and critical thinking, while offering personalized attention in a Christ-centered environment of faith and reason.
Pinecrest Academy prepares students to become committed Christian leaders, eager to transform a global society. It accomplishes this in a gender-separate environment on a coed campus. Following the educational philosophy of the Legionaries of Christ,
Pinecrest implements the Integral Formation education method to develop the spiritual, intellectual, human and apostolic dimensions of the whole person. The school challenges its students to identify and use their gifts in service to others.
Pinecrest Academy provides a safe, moral and spiritual environment that leads to positive peer groups and joyful, caring, confident students. The school serves the Archdiocese of Atlanta, local parishes, regional Christian and civic communities, and others who embrace its educational philosophy. For more information, call 770-888-4477 or visit www.pinecrestacademy.org.
The Sae School
Imagine a school where students are individually challenged to reach the pinnacle of their capabilities, and where innovation and ingenuity are employed in every aspect of the school to keep costs low, productivity high, and learning always at priority number one.
The SAE School is an independent, nonprofit school in southern Cobb County providing a truly unique and individualized educational experience based upon common-sense principles. The school’s project-based learning approach is the cornerstone of a rigorous academic program that will propel its students across the finish line at twelfth grade as leaders and problem solvers.
The SAE School is different because it was created, and is managed, governed and led by South Cobb educators, parents and residents. For the health and welfare of its students, the school will always retain and never relinquish these responsibilities to any outside organization. As a federally recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the SAE School is solely focused on the education and development of its children.
With powerful advantages such as Academic Families, which preserve teacher-student alliances across multiple years; martial arts integrated into the curriculum; and a year-round, 200-day learning calendar, you’ve never seen a school quite like this. Parents are invited to come and explore the many unique aspects that fulfill The SAE School’s mission to be the most exceptionally safe, innovative and rigorous school in Georgia. Currently serving preschool through ninth grade and expanding to twelfth grade by 2017, the school’s rolling admissions process means that spots are still available in some grades for the 2014-15 school year. For more information, call 678-239-3200 or www.saeschool.org.
St. Joseph Catholic School
Celebrating more than 60 years of Catholic education as a K-8 school within the Archdiocese of Atlanta, St. Joseph Catholic School is a 2003 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and continues to meet that standard. Accredited by AdvancED, St. Joseph embraces the Catholic faith while offering an academically challenging curriculum that is enhanced with weekly school mass, art, music, computer lab and Spanish. Extracurricular opportunities include drama, LEGO robotics, basketball, volleyball and more. Before- and after-school care are available. The school is located at 81 Lacy Street in Marietta, Georgia. Call 770-428-3328 or visit www.stjosephschool.org for more information about this remarkable school.
Springmont
To prepare for success in a world not yet envisioned, today’s students need the tools and skills to adapt. At Springmont, students thrive by gaining confidence and a sense of self along with problem-solving skills, creativity and compassion. Springmont families hail from countries on six continents, and more than a dozen languages are spoken. All major religions are represented, as well. This rich cultural and ethnic diversity is celebrated in the school community and woven into classroom studies, as well as special events that celebrate Springmont’s mission and core values. Accredited by SAIS and SACS and recognized by AMI, Springmont has 31 full-time teachers and assistants, 52 percent of whom hold advanced degrees, and the average teacher has 16 years teaching experience. Students’ intellectual abilities grow alongside their character in a warm and safe school community. As a result, graduates matriculate to their choice of Atlanta’s private and public schools. For more information, call 404-252-3910 or visit www.springmont.com.
For additional information about the schools listed here, including location, class size and open house dates, see our “Beyond the Basics” guide.
