Atlanta Independent School Directory
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.”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 smith@alexsanderacademy.org, or visit www.alexsanderacademy.org.
Arlington Christian School
It all comes together at Arlington Christian School: Christian educators working with families to provide an unparalleled comprehensive Christian education for students. The Christian worldview permeates every endeavor as the school continually strives to uphold its core values: Knowledge, Honor, Truth, Wisdom, Excellence, and Integrity.
“Leadership” is what characterizes the Arlington experience in college prep academics, quality fine arts, and multiple athletic offerings. Students are provided the opportunity to develop their God-given talents in a nurturing, safe, and student-centered environment. Extracurricular activity opportunities abound. ACS students earn solid academic credentials, wonderful school experiences, life-long friends, and a background of approaching life from a Christian perspective. For more information, contact the school directly at 770-964-9871 or visit www.arlingtonchristian.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. Attend the school’s open house on November 15 and see what makes it truly unique. For more information, call 404-845-0900 or visit www.atlantagirlsschool.org.
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 (AMI), 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 about the school, call 404-321-9304 or visit www.arbormontessori.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, 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. For more information, call Betsy Box, director, at 770-774-8001 or go online to www.thebedfordschool.org.
Brandon Hill
Brandon Hall takes a unique approach to learning, extra-curricular activities, and student life to help students succeed. Brandon Hall is a prestigious boarding school that draws students from the southeast and around the world. The campus is a historic nature preserve filled with iconic stone buildings, and the faculty and staff members are world-class. Brandon Hall’s mission as a coeducational boarding and day school is to provide a challenging college preparatory experience immersed in technology. Its community embraces diversity, celebrates individual strengths, fosters global citizenship, encourages athleticism and the arts, and inspires creativity—where every student’s dream to attend college becomes reality. Brandon Hall focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math education that will prepare students for the rapid pace of innovation in the world. It provides students with the confidence to thrive in this global world, while caring for the environment, health and well-being, and service. For more information, call 770-394-8177 or visit www.brandonhall.org.
The Friends School of Atlanta
The Friends School of Atlanta 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 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 information, call 404-373-8746 or visit www.friendsschoolatlanta.org.
Hebron Christian Academy
The mission of Hebron Christian Academy is to help parents prepare their children spiritually, academically, physically, and socially to become disciples of Jesus Christ. Established in 1999, Hebron Christian Academy has been the school of choice for hundreds of families in Gwinnett and surrounding counties and has garnered back-to-back awards as the “Best Private School” by Gwinnett Daily Post readers.
HCA offers an academically-challenging, college preparatory program with students scoring well above national averages. HCA offers accelerated academics including AP and dual enrollment classes and boasts a 100-percent college acceptance rate. More than 900 students from K-12 benefit from small class sizes, the vertically aligned curriculum, dual SACS/ACSI accreditation, and Biblical worldview training. HCA is known for its award-winning fine arts program and is the proud winner of many Georgia High School Association (GHSA) regional and state championships from a broad athletic program that includes expanded athletic offerings at the middle and elementary school levels.
HCA offers before and after school care/enrichment, a student missions program, integrated technology with PC and Mac labs, Microsoft Surface Pro 3 for 1-to-1 technology instruction, and an elementary voice, piano, and guitar conservatory. Hebron students set community standards for leadership through HCA’s comprehensive foreign mission and community service programs. Caring, competent, degreed teachers work with an active parent association as well as student mentor and student leadership systems.
To discover why HCA is the college preparatory school of choice for many Atlanta area students, visit www.hebronlions.org or contact the admissions department at 770.963.9250 ext. 2300.
The Heritage School
The Heritage School is an independent, college preparatory, non-sectarian day school that serves students from pre-K through graduation. A Heritage education provides students with balance to think creatively, act independently, and feel compassionately.
Heritage offers diverse opportunities for all students. The school has a full fine arts program complete with performing and visual arts. The athletic program, which includes 13 varsity sports, offers opportunities for students as young as 4th grade. The middle school offers 5th through 8th grade students 16 clubs in which to participate. The upper school offers up to 19 AP courses each year.
The 51 graduates of the Class of 2015 were awarded more than $4 million in merit scholarships. Recent Heritage graduates have earned acceptances to Cornell, Duke, Georgia Tech, UGA, Emory, Berklee College of Music, SCAD, Yale, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. For more information, please call 770-253-9898 or visit www.heritageschool.com.
High Meadows School
High Meadows School is a private, non-profit, co-educational, independent and non-sectarian day school for students in preschool through 8th grade. Established in 1973 and located on more than 40 wooded acres in Roswell, 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.
International Charter School of Atlanta
The International Charter School of Atlanta (ICSAtlanta) is a dual-language immersion public charter school in Roswell, offering grades K-5 in the 2016-17 school year and adding a new grade each year through 12th grade. As a Georgia state charter school, enrollment is free and open to all Georgia residents. The school offers language tracks in Spanish, French, Mandarin, and German. ICSAtlanta’s mission is to empower all students to reach their academic and social SECTIONpotential by developing them into inquiring, multilingual, and intercultural citizens who will have a competitive advantage in an increasingly global business world. For more information call 470-222-7420 or visit www.icsatlanta.org
Holy Spirit Preparatory School
If you’ll excuse the cliché, Holy Spirit Preparatory School is a hidden gem in Atlanta. The young but accomplished school is one of the few independent Catholic schools in the Atlanta metro area. It serves students from 6 months all the way through 12th grade, so is perfect for families. Its high school keeps getting named one of the top Catholic high schools in the country by the Catholic Education Honor Roll.
Really, it’s all about fit. Because they maintain a smaller enrollment than most independent schools, HSP finds the right place for each student—channeling them to the right club, the right gifted classes, the right team—and the right college fit after HSP. This school is all about personalized learning, small class sizes, and forming students in “mind, body, and soul” in a family of faith and learning. For more information, call 678-761-7992 or visit www.holyspiritprep.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 his or her full potential. Call 770-814-8001 to schedule a tour or visit www.JCMSOG.org.
Johnson Ferry Christian Academy
Johnson Ferry Christian Academy is a certified University Model School that prepares students for life academically, spiritually, and relationally in a vibrant community atmosphere. It delivers a personalized, accredited, college-preparatory education with a uniquely flexible schedule. The staff leads with a love for Christ, a desire for all students to discover God’s purposes in their lives, and a passion to prepare students for life. Established in 2004, JFCA is a ministry of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and provides an educational program for grades K-12. JFCA offers rigorous academics, low teacher/student ratio, opportunities for spiritual growth and personal development in a vibrant school culture with an array of activities including academic competition, athletics, and fine arts. Mid-semester applications will be accepted following the November 10, 2015 Open House. JFCA is accredited through the Georgia Accrediting Commission and is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International. For more information, call 678-784-5231 or visit www.jfca.org.
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, established in 1998 as a K-8th grade program, has now expanded to include pre-K and high school. Now with two campuses, it is the only faith-based pre-K-12th grade college preparatory school in East Cobb County. The high school, located at 2509 Post Oak Tritt Road, serves as an extension of the pre-K-8th grade program, located at 4385 Lower Roswell Road, both in Marietta.
Classes are small by design, with servant leadership development beginning in pre-K. Spanish begins in pre-K, Latin begins in 3rd grade, a 1:1 iPad program in 2nd grade, and a 1:1 laptop program in 5th-12th grades. 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, archery, clay target, swimming, club lacrosse, and cheerleading.
For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Jackie Grasty, Director of Admission pre-K-8th grade or Cal Boyd, Director of Admission 9th-12th grade, at 770-971-0245, or visit www.mtbethelchristian.org. Tours are offered weekly on both campuses, every Wednesday at 10. a.m.
Omega Private Academy
Omega Private Academy, located in Suwanee, is a SACS-accredited, Christian-based private school for students ages K-12. The school is a rewarding alternative to a traditional public or private school. In its small group classrooms (8:1 student teacher ratio), Omega’s certified teachers customize each student’s curriculum to meet his or her academic needs. Students learn at their own pace, accentuating the individual qualities of each child, and experience significant academic growth in a personalized learning environment. Omega’s average academic growth is two years and six months. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Carolyn Burkes at 770-932-8363 or Suwanee@omegalearning.com or visit www.omegaprivateacademy.com.
Porter Academy
Porter Academy is dedicated to educating children pre-K through 8th grade by utilizing individualized programs that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level and learning style. If one technique is not proving effective for a particular child, then the teachers will try alternative techniques until they find one that works. The team of teachers, therapists, and administrators work together to develop academic abilities, foundational abilities (e.g., processing skills, attention, motor skills), and self-esteem.
Porter Academy utilizes (1) small homerooms grouped by social-developmental level; (2) assessments to determine academic and developmental level; (3) individualized academic programs; (4) small group instruction of core academics to ensure comprehension; (5) integration of project based learning, multi-sensory techniques, and well established academic programs to engage students and enhance learning efficiency; (6) social guidance and intentional character development; and (7) therapeutic support (speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy) within a group setting.
As one proud Porter Academy parent said, “This is the first environment which has enabled my daughter to be successful in so many ways. She knows herself that she is learning and improving academically.” For more information, call 770-594-1313 or visit www.porteracademy.org.
Perimeter School
Perimeter School has been uniquely educating children since 1983 and currently serves more than 575 children from K-8th grade.
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.
The SAE School
At The SAE School, teachers lead each student on their own personal journey of self-discovery. It is not enough to simply teach. SAE’s educational vision is the discovery of the individual and the nurturing of unique strengths and interests, the tailoring of a journey that will take the student further than even they could have imagined. Its mission and responsibility is to make sure they are ready when they get there.
Come and explore The SAE School’s many 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. As Georgia’s only true Project Based Learning school, The SAE School offers a unique educational experience with the mission to be the most exceptionally safe, innovative and rigorous school in Georgia.
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 your children.
Currently serving preschool through 10th grade and expanding to 12th grade by 2017, the school’s rolling admissions process means that spots are still available in some grade levels for the 2015-16 school year. The school is located at 6688 Mableton Parkway, in Mableton (30126). For more information, call 678-239-3200 or visit 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, Ga. 30060. Call 770-428-3328 or visit www.stjosephschool.org for more information about this remarkable school.
Victory World Christian School
Victory World Christian School is a multicultural community of learners committed to Christian discipleship, academic excellence and world transformation. It aims for success and significance—that is, teaching children to make choices that lead to unleashing their God-given talents for their own good as well as for the benefit of others. It wants to raise a special kind of leader: servant leaders…who lead from a heart filled with God’s love for other people, from multiple ethnic or racial groups, economic backgrounds, ability levels, and cultures. VWCS takes on big goals and embraces diversity. If this vision excites you, attend an Open House or schedule a time to visit for a tour. For more information, call 678-684-2030 or visit www.vwcs.org.
Woodward Academy
Woodward Academy is celebrating its second century of fostering excellence, character, and opportunity. With almost 2,700 students, Woodward is the largest independent school in the continental U.S. and spans two campuses on 133 acres in metro-Atlanta. The main campus (pre-K–12) is 11 miles from downtown Atlanta, and the north campus (pre-K–6) is in Johns Creek, on a 33-acre wooded campus.
Woodward offers a full range of college-preparatory instructional tracks including 20 AP courses as well as a Transition Program for students with mild learning challenges in grades two through eight. The average class size is only 16, allowing for a personal and intimate learning experience. Teachers, coaches, and counselors provide wise guidance at every step, preparing students for best-fit colleges, mentoring them in life-shaping qualities of good character, and helping them reach their fullest potential.
At Woodward, diversity is more than skin deep. Students develop a deep respect for difference as they collaborate with peers from over 20 metro-Atlanta counties and a broad array of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Woodward offers prolific opportunities to try and triumph, including hundreds of courses in traditional and innovative subjects as well as a wide range of clubs, arts opportunities, and athletic options. The Academy’s Global Connections Program develops students’ knowledge of the world’s cultural diversity through international study abroad programs.
Because of the Woodward experience, students are more confident and well-prepared for today’s evolving world. A typical graduating class attends more than 100 different colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service projects, and earns more than $14 million in scholarship awards.
For more information, call 404-765-4001 or visit www.woodward.edu and Discover the Woodward Difference today.
For additional information about the schools listed here, including location, class size and open house dates, see our “Beyond the Basics” guide.
