Atlanta Independent School Directory 2020
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| Fall 2020

2020 Atlanta Independent School Directory

Atlanta is home to many excellent schools and learning resources,

which means you can find exactly the right environment for a challenging and nurturing education for your child. The following profiles represent a selection of independent schools in the metro Atlanta area. For additional information about the schools listed below, including location, tuition, class size and open house dates, turn to "Beyond the Basics."

Arbor Montessori School

In 1970, a group of teachers met around a kitchen table to discuss what an ideal Montessori program in Atlanta would look like. Fifty years later, Arbor Montessori School continues to serve the Atlanta area, nurturing students who are lifelong learners, creative problemsolvers, collaborators, and global citizens who want to make a difference in the world.

Today, Arbor is one of the largest Montessori schools in the Southeast. Children ages 18 months through eighth grade receive individualized attention and curricula in developmentally-appropriate environments from understanding, knowledgeable, experienced faculty. “Arbor provides an authentic Montessori education,” says Luci David, an Arbor parent. “The teachers are kind, patient, andpassionate; the classrooms and play areas are beautiful and safe. Most importantly, my child is flourishing and is excited to go to school every day.”

The flagship campus sits on a 4-acre wooded lot offering students opportunities to engage inside and outside. In addition to an outstanding academic program, Arbor offers art, music, Spanish, before- and after-school care, a strong athletics program, extracurriculars, and a close-knit community.

Arbor’s second campus offers a conveniently-located, smaller community of toddler and 3- to 6-year-old primary classes. Children benefit from intentionally-designed materials and experienced teachers. Arbor’s teachers offer lessons promoting meaningful work, encouraging children to be the optimal version of themselves. The founders’ vision has become a reality.

Go here, then go anywhere.

For more information, call 404-321-9304 or visit 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 in grades 1-9 who have been professionally identified as having specific learning disabilities and related disorders. The mission of The Bedford School is to maximize the potential of children with learning differences and develop foundations for success; this is accomplished through small classes (5-12 per class), a structured, multi-sensory approach and a dedicated staff. The school was established in 1985 and currently serves 150 students. The Squirrel Hollow Camp summer program offers academic tutoring and recreational activities. The camp is open to children who need an academic boost in the summer; a student does not have to be enrolled in the school to attend summer camp. Students receive tutoring in reading, math and written expression and participate in recreational activities on the school’s Challenge Course and outdoor pool. Bedford is located on a 45-acre campus in Fairburn, 15 minutes south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. For more information, contact The Bedford School at 770-774-8001 or visit thebedfordschool.org.

Excellent Montessori

Excellent Montessori School understands that every child is unique and is prepared to evaluate each child and develop individualized lesson plans that will optimize learning, critical thinking, and problem solving. The school realizes that the world is changing, so it now offers virtual/distance learning support for public elementary school students as well as its traditional Montessori in-person classes. Excellent Montessori School observes strict best practices of face coverings/face shields for all students and staff, individual space and materials for all students, classroom ventilation, and outdoor classrooms. Scholarships are also available.

Excellent Montessori is located at 1828 Stephenson Road, Lithonia, GA 30058. For more information, please call 678-526-0160 or visit excellentmontessori.net.

The Friends School of Atlanta

The Friends School of Atlanta (FSA) provides challenging academics in a diverse environment, drawing on 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 for children from pre-K3 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. The school is enrolling for 2020-21, class space permitting. For more information, call 404-373-8746 or visit friendsschoolatlanta.org.

High Meadows School

Since 1973, High Meadows School has inspired children to think critically, learn creatively, act globally, and live compassionately. The school is about learning and laughter, exploration and discovery, and friendship and connection. High Meadows was built on 42-acres of historic farm property in Roswell, and students from third through eighth grade experience a school environment where adventure and play go hand-in-hand with extraordinary academic preparation and exemplary student outcomes. From the outstanding faculty and breathtaking campus to the small class sizes and acclaimed International Baccalaureate curriculum, a High Meadows education is unlike any other. Visit the school to experience the magic of High Meadows! 1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell, GA 30075. For more information, call 770-993-2940 or visit highmeadows.org.

Georgia Cyber Academy

Georgia Cyber Academy is a tuition-free, online, public charter school serving students in grades K-12 throughout the state. Enjoy everything you love about traditional brick-and-mortar education, from the comfort of your own home! Once partnered with the school’s certified teachers and a family success liaison, your student will participate in live interactive classes and an engaging curriculum that supports their individualized learning path. Students access lessons and live classes via an online learning management system, and laptops are provided to qualifying families. During the school day, a parent or guardian acts as a learning coach to provide support and guidance to the student while in the safety and security of the home environment.

Since 2007, the school has been providing high-quality, accredited education to students throughout the state. Some of the programs and services it provides include an advanced & gifted program, English learner program, special education services, counseling, Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment and many more. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of in-person social activities, including field trips, extracurricular clubs, sports, college visits, and even an annual Statewide Community Event Day held in several different regions throughout Georgia!

Interested in enrolling your student at GCA? The school would love for you and your family to join its community of champions. Working together, Georgia Cyber Academy can help your student Rise Up, Aim High, and Soar toward their bright future!

For more information, visit georgiacyber.org/champions. Do you have questions about the school or the enrollment process? If so, call 404-334-4790 or email info@georgiacyber.org.

Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia

A Montessori education develops children who are responsible, creative, innovative, respectful and kind. Montessori children are truly the citizens of the future, equipped to face challenges with confidence and competence.

Located near the intersection of Hwy. 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for infants, toddlers and children up to six years old. It provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected, and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children develop independence, the school assists them in their physical and emotional development. As their sense of security in their ability to care for themselves and their environment grows, their brains have more energy or “bandwidth” for increased academic learning. Additionally, this focus on development of muscular control is a first step in developing self-discipline. The JCMSOG difference is best experienced in person. To schedule a visit with your child to observe their “Montessori Magic,” call 770-814-8001 or visit jcmsog.org.

Lyndon Academy

Linda Murdock founded Lyndon Academy in 2005 with an interest in creating an elite private educational experience for local and international students alike. Now, 15 years later, this goal has been met with flying colors. But that doesn’t mean the school is resting on its past accomplishments.

With its small classrooms and a vested interest in seeing pupils grow into leaders, Lyndon sees that its students, no matter how young, are confident and eager to engage in classroom activities. Students are taught to speak up and share what they’ve learned.
There’s a lot that goes into that level of preparedness and enthusiasm, but perhaps the biggest detail is the student teacher ratios in relation to the advanced courses offered. With a ratio of 8 to 1, students receive personal instruction in a wide range of topics, from hands-on science opportunities to immersive studies in Spanish and Mandarin. In addition to meeting local public and private institutions class for class, Lyndon offers more AP classes than the average school in the U.S.

As a family-founded school, Lyndon knows the importance of social development, and it helps to create this through athletics, special events, and extracurricular activities. The competitive sports teams have tapped into school pride and taken home local, regional, and state awards. The school is also taking strides to include a number of artistic endeavors for growing minds, including their band and the choral group.

This is Lyndon’s goal in motion: preparing young minds for the rigors of higher education, from pre-K to high school. For more information, call 770-926-0166 or visit lyndonacademy.org.

Midtown International School

What would it be like for students to learn without limits? At Midtown International School, Atlanta’s K-12 home for globally-minded, gifted learners, students are doing just that. Authentic, real-world problems provide students opportunities to collaborate and think critically to generate solutions. Teachers serve as equally curious co-learners on the quest to expand worldviews and catalyze new thinking. MIS ignites the educational and social learning of gifted students through advanced instruction in science, math, world languages, and technology; arts integration across the curriculum; and educational travel for all upper elementary, middle, and high school students. Midtown International School, 1475 Sheridan Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, 404-542-7003. Schedule a tour at midtowninternationalschool.com today!


CATHOLIC EDUCATIONS

St. Joseph Catholic School

Celebrating 67 years of Catholic education as a pre-K4-8th-grade school within the Archdiocese of Atlanta, St. Joseph Catholic School is a twice-recognized National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence! Located in Marietta, a few blocks north of the historic Marietta Square, the school draws students from Cobb, Cherokee, Paulding, and Fulton counties and focuses on educating the whole child through its curriculum.

One key to the school’s success is the dedicated, certified faculty and staff. By continuing to use new methods of instruction, combined with programs such as Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Language, Touch Math, and STREAM activities, St. Joseph offers an outstanding curriculum for its students. Each student has a computer or iPad and receives instruction on the Google, Microsoft, and Apple platforms. In addition to the core area subjects, students receive instruction in the fine arts, and for students who need extra support in school, the school offers a guidance counselor, learning specialist, and speech and language pathologist.

The school offers an extended care program, as well as extracurricular activities for its students. A rigorous curriculum, certified teachers, and a supportive environment—as one of its parents stated, “How wonderful to drop your child off at school and know that she is being cared for by such a lovely, capable teacher!” Come experience St. Joseph Catholic School — “Educating the mind… Expanding the heart.” For more information, call 770-428-3328, or visit stjosephschool.org. Follow the school at Facebook/sjcs.marietta, Twitter/ SJCS_MariettaGA, or Instagram/sjcs_marietta.

Marist School

Since 1901, Marist School has sustained a legacy of excellence in all aspects of Catholic secondary education from academics to spiritual growth, leadership, and service to others. Marist is an independent, Roman Catholic, college-preparatory day school enrolling approximately 1,100 boys and girls in grades 7-12.

The mission of the school is to form the whole person in the image of Christ through instruction grounded in religious values, the teachings of the Catholic Church, and the spirit of the Society of Mary. The mission is advanced through communal pursuit of excellence in academic, religious, extracurricular, leadership, and service programs. The distinctive Marist spirit and values are at the center of everything, ensuring Marist graduates develop the strength of character and skills they need to make a difference in today’s world.

Marist’s dynamic curriculum is experiential and interdisciplinary, balancing leading-edge innovation in pedagogy and technology with a comprehensive course of study that engages students with the spirituality and heritage of a Catholic education. Students have opportunities to explore their interests and passions through athletics and arts programs, campus ministry offerings, and many other extracurricular activities. The Marist educational experience is rich, comprehensive, and balanced, preparing students to lead and serve with compassion, integrity, and a sense of purpose.

For more information, contact Marist by calling 770-457-7201 or visit marist.com.


Midway Covenant Christian School

Midway Covenant Christian School strives in every way possible to provide an environment that helps children excel in all areas of life. The school wants to afford every opportunity to its students and understands that true success—both academic and social—must be achieved through moral excellence and intellectual challenge. MCCS was started as a ministry of Midway Presbyterian Church with the goal of assisting parents to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It provides an education that is Christian, classical, and covenantal. At Midway, faculty and staff strive for excellence in character as directed by the Bible and excellence in each student’s academic development. Midway is not a Christian school because it teaches verses and has a Scripture lesson each day. It is so because Biblical principles permeate every aspect of the school day. For more information, call 770-590-1866 or visit midwayschool.org.

The Piedmont School of Atlanta

The Piedmont School of Atlanta serves children in kindergarten through high school with challenges in the areas of learning, social skills, and social problem-solving. Certified, masters-level teachers deliver differentiated instruction using a project-based dynamic approach. The curriculum exceeds the Georgia Standards and includes PE, art, foreign language, theater, social-emotional, and ethical behavior, transition planning, job coaching, and community-based instruction. The Piedmont School has been named a Boxlight National Demonstration School serving as a model site for incorporating technology in the classroom. For information, call The Piedmont School of Atlanta 404-382-8200 or visit tpsoa.org.

Porter Academy

“We are so pleased with the progress he has made so far this year. He is beaming when he reads aloud, and his confidence is soaring. He is no longer too timid to take chances and try something new. We couldn’t be happier!” - Porter Academy parent

When parents first tour Porter Academy, many of them feel heavy with frustration, anxiety, and sadness because they have fought hard for their children, but with little success to show for their efforts. These same families, within a few months of enrollment, are able to relax and feel hopeful, knowing that their children are finally happy and learning. The school’s founder, Claudia Porter, didn’t teach a curriculum; she taught a child. She knew each child’s passions, strengths, and stumbling blocks. She knew that their past struggles had made them feel less...less capable, less important...and that these feelings had led many of them to resist trying. They had learned to slip through the cracks or to distract from the real problems by acting out behaviorally. Mrs. Porter knew that the first step to getting children to learn was to rebuild their self-confidence and self-respect. The school has grown, but the child-centered care and teaching persists, enabling each child to find joy and success in learning. For more information, call 770-594-1313 or visit porteracademy.org.

The Quadrilingual Academy

Language is so important in today’s world. Imagine the global opportunities available to a child if he or she knows four of the world’s top languages. The Quadrilingual Academy is the first school in the area (and possibly the nation) that immerses children in four different languages at once. Students learn Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, and English.

The school offers classes for toddlers, pre-K, and elementary students through first grade, with plans to expand into a full-service elementary school. Unlike schools that ask children to choose one language track, Quadrilingual strives to make kids lifelong learners of all four languages.

The owner and her husband, Jessa and Jim Depew, started the school after identifying a need for a place for their own children to learn.

When Jessa studied abroad in France while in high school, she saw firsthand the impact of speaking another language. “It’s the difference between communicating and connecting,” she says. “Once they learned I spoke French, the local people and culture opened up in ways that wouldn’t have happened with a language barrier. I want to open up the world for my children and our students.”

The school is located near Truist Park at 2581B Spring Road, Smyrna, GA 30080. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 404-777-QUAD (7823) or visit thequadacademy.com.

The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

Founded in 1903 and located just two hours north of Atlanta, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School prepares young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service. On its beautiful mountain campus, Rabun Gap inspires students to grow in character, intellect, and spirit. The school values educational accessibility and fosters a community of learners whose diversity is honored and reflects the world. Rabun Gap is the most geographically diverse boarding school in the nation, made up of a student body from 56 countries and 15 states.

The 1,400-acre mountain campus provides many opportunities for experiential learning, as well as arts and athletic activities. Rabun Gap students graduate ready for college: 100% attend the top colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world. Rabun Gap makes a boarding school education a reality for families, with more than 75 percent of students receiving financial aid and merit scholarships. For more information, call 706-746-7720 or visit rabungap.org.

Springmont School

Springmont, the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, offers students 18 months through middle school an authentic Montessori experience that is extraordinary by design. Individualized learning inspires students to become creative, independent thinkers. Classrooms are large, light-filled, and thoughtfully prepared while the campus’ many natural areas, class gardens, and farm animals afford rich outdoor life science lessons.

Specially designed Montessori materials support children’s developmental needs and offer students a wide variety of hands-on activities that concretely reinforce skills, lessons and concepts. Highly-experienced teachers guide students through an individualized curriculum that develops the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. Multi-aged classes allow younger children to learn from older ones and older students to mentor younger classmates.

Art, music, physical education, and Spanish are important parts of each student’s experience. At Springmont, each student is challenged to reach his or her fullest potential and is empowered to help steer his or her own education. Students’ innate curiosity grows into a lifelong love of learning and a quest for meaningful discoveries and deeper knowledge.

Middle school students run micro-economies, participate in internships, and compete in regional academic competitions. They have opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas, and work both independently and in diverse groups.
Springmont graduates are confident, collaborative, engaged learners, prepared for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Springmont School—Extraordinary by Design. For more information, call 404-252-3910 or visit springmont.com.

The Suzuki School

The Suzuki School is a preparatory preschool committed to providing young children with the best in early childhood education. Its belief in the innate ability and talent of every child guides them in creating an environment rich in language, discovery, and stimulation. They know that a child’s learning experience begins right away, and that every moment is an opportunity to engage and explore. Suzuki recognizes that the first years of life are the most critical in the development of an inquisitive mind and a noble heart. The Suzuki School’s faculty is comprised of well-qualified trained educators who also serve as thought leaders for other professionals in the field of early childhood education. With a full-time program for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, the Suzuki School has been built upon these Five Foundations: Love of Learning, Respect for Nature, Culture and Tradition, A Noble Heart, and Talent Education. For more information, call 404-841-3939 or visit suzukischool.com.

Vanguard School

Vanguard School, located in Lake Wales, Florida, is a learning environment that addresses student strengths and challenges to build self-confidence and learning skills. The school works with students through academics and residential settings to provide mentors, athletics and clubs, community service opportunities, and goal attainment for students in sixth through 12th grades with learning challenges.

Students can qualify for dual enrollment in post-secondary schools, complete college and career preparation, and internships in fields of their interest. Vanguard School is a co-educational boarding and day school where students overcome past hurdles and gain a wide spectrum of skills to discover their potential.

For more information, call 863-676-6091 or visit vanguardschool.org. You may also visit the school for a personal tour: 22000 U.S. 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859.

The Walker School

At The Walker School, the infinite worth and dignity of each student defines its approach to learning. Walker is the top pre-K3-12th-grade school open to all faiths in metro Atlanta. At Walker, students engage in advanced academics taught by dynamic faculty. With an average class size of 15 students, each child is challenged, supported and encouraged to explore all opportunities on its campus.

At Walker, you can star in the fall musical, represent your school on the soccer field and design your own genetic research project. Upper school students are able to customize their high school experience, choosing from a wide range of academic offerings, including 26 of the 31 College Board Advanced Placement courses. Most of all, your child is known.

One hundred percent of graduates are accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Walker students are excited and confident about college and beyond. Walker is located two miles from the Marietta Square, and it offers more than 20 bus routes in the metro area. At the school, tuition assistance is available to bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and a family’s ability to pay. For more information about the wonder of Walker, visit thewalkerschool.org/admission/why-walker.

Wesleyan School

Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. The school leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them.

The school is located just outside of I-285 at Peachtree Corners. Wesleyan started the 2020-21 school year with 1,193 students enrolled in grades K-12. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area and has morning and afternoon options. For more information or to schedule a campus tour, call 770-448-7640 or visit wesleyanschool.org.

Whitfield Academy

Whitefield Academy’s college-preparatory education is built on Christ-centered values and beliefs, enabling students to succeed in both college and life. Whitefield teachers engage deeply with their students in the pursuit of knowledge and truth with shared experiences, grace and accountability. And because students are known, valued, and loved, they thrive academically and are equipped to face the challenges of the future.

Located just off I-285 in Smyrna, Whitefield maintains a solid academic reputation with its numerous Advanced Placement and honors courses, and a rigorous curriculum that sets the framework for 100 percent of its graduates to matriculate to colleges and universities. With more than 50 sports teams, including 20 varsity squads, Whitefield athletes have multiple opportunities for both participation and success.

Whitefield’s award-winning fine arts programs and newly debuted Innovation Lab are allowing students to explore and develop their passions in theater, music, and visual arts, as well as STEM subjects, such as engineering and robotics. For more information about Whitefield Academy or to register for a virtual tour, visit whitefieldacademy.com.

Woodward Academy

With renowned college-preparatory academics and a community that is diverse in every way, Woodward Academy is Atlanta at its best. From pre-K through 12th grade, Woodward is a place where your child can study Gauguin and golf, Copernicus and coding, rhetoric and robotics—all in one day.
With 2,500 students on two campuses spanning 133 acres, yet a student-teacher ratio of just 7:1, Woodward has the resources and opportunities of a college but the intimacy and attention of home. It’s about creating your own path within a truly diverse community under the guidance of caring faculty, coaches, counselors, mentors, and advisors—all while cultivating strong character and a deep respect for difference.

Woodward challenges its students to explore new academic frontiers and reach their fullest potential. What does success look like? Look no further than the 26 Advanced Placement classes, renowned transition program for students with mild learning differences, 86 student clubs, 75 yearly arts performances, and 18 varsity sports. Its Global Connections program offers extensive international study abroad programs, and the innovative STEM programs are woven into the curriculum at every step of the way—from coding for kindergarteners to the Independent Scientific Research program, which pairs juniors and seniors with university professors to work on real-world problems.

A typical Woodward Academy graduating class attends more than 100 different colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service, and earns more than $15 million in scholarship awards. Find out more about Woodward Academy and the vast options available for students to create their own path. For more information, call 404-765-4001 or visit woodward.edu.

 

 

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