Education Answer Book, 2015 by Appen Media Group

education

2015

Answer Book

from Appen Media Group

Accreditation matters Fellowship Christian School leads the way

Superintendents sound off

Fulton, Forsyth leaders give update on their schools

College-101

Our in depth college section tells you everything you need to know

Success starts here.

678-240-9221 www.Huntingtonhelps.com

2 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

PRIORITY

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world will be a better place because I was important in the life of a child.”

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41 Church Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 • www.homesweethomeschool.net • 678-339-2777 Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 3

Letter from the publisher

elcome to the 2015 Education Answer Book – our 50th edition! Our first Answer Book published in 1992. We used to publish only one a year but now they are once a quarter and themed - Education, Relocation, Health/Medical, and Lifestyles. If you go to our website North Fulton.com and click on the “Answer Book” link on the bottom of the page, you will have access to recent editions and advertising information. The Answer Book schedule for 2015 includes “Relocation” Edition in May, “Health/ Medical” in September, and “Lifestyles” in November. These are all wonderful publications and great advertising values. Because we have been publishing them

so long there are a very large number of institutions, Realtors, homeowner associations, chambers, and relocation companies and others who actively use and distribute our Answer Books – in addition to the 45,000 home-delivered copies (total of 50,000). No other community guide has the track record, the affordable advertising rates, or history of results that these Answer Books have. In this Education Answer Book there is a great section on the highest test scoring students in the private system. The profiles share a glimpse of what makes these students tick and how they think. Thank all of you for continuing to read our Answer Books, magazines, and newspapers. Despite the internet, well written local newspapers with rel-

evant content are in as much demand as ever and remain the best way to reach a local audience. There is no better way to say “thank you” or to support our efforts than to patronize the businesses that advertise with us. Each and every time you do, it helps ensure that your local newspaper will continue to be there to chronicle you, your family, and your community into the future. You do make a difference.

education Answer Book™ PUBL I S HE R S

Ray & Christina Appen E D I TO R I AL

Jonathan Copsey Hatcher Hurd Joe Parker Kathleen Sturgeon Candy Waylock Shannon Weaver PRO D UC TI O N

Ray Appen, Publisher, Appen Media Group

David Brown Arthur J. McNaughton Suzanne Pacey

Inside

ADV E R TI S I N G

Hans Appen

Heads of School & School Profiles

Abby Breaux Mike Dorman Wendy Goddard Susan Hernandez

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, Page 32 Pinecrest Academy, Page 32

Julia Johnson

Notre Dame Academy, Pages 32-34

June Meltzer

The Lionheart School, Page 34

Becky Nelson Paige Roman

Rivers Academy, Page 34

advertising@appenmediagroup.com

Chrysalis Experiential Academy, Page 36 King’s Ridge Christian School, Page 36

To Advertise In The 2015 Answer Book Call: (770) 442-3278

William & Reed Academy, Pages 36-38 Cumberland Academy of Georgia, Page 38 Fideles Christian School, Pages 38-40 Blessed Trinity, Page 40 Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, Page 40 Covenant Christian Academy, Pages 40-41

FEATURES A letter from Fulton County’s superintendent, Page 6 New state school chief ready to get to work, Page 6

Accreditation matters when choosing a school for your children, as Fellowship Christian school knows well. Pictured from left are Head of School Kathy Teston, 12th grader William Haigler and Director of Academic Affairs Lynette Eachus. (Photo by Abby Breaux)

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE COLLEGE-101 Georgia schools and information links, Page 12

A letter from Forsyth County’s superintendent, Page 7

Forsyth County Board of Education, Page 14

Forsyth County school goes virtual, Page 7

Fulton County Board of Education, Page 16

State promises more rigor, higher bar under Georgia Milestones tests, Page 8

Fulton County School Calendars, Page 18

Gov. Deal proposes increase in state funding for schools, Page 8

Fulton School Bios, Pages 46-47

North Fulton finally gets International Baccalaureate program, Page 10

Forsyth County School calendars, Page 19 Forsyth School Bios, Page 48

Getting accepted, Pages 50-52 Region offers choice for higher education, Page 53 What colleges and companies want, Page 53 Navigating the college financial aid process, Page 54 GSU-Perimeter consolidation, Page 56 HOPE Scholarship eases burden of increased tuition, Page 57 Best Jobs in Georgia, Page 58 Fulton, Forsyth dual enrollment, Page 59

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Reproduction of the content of the Answer Book— including all maps— is prohibited without expressed written permission. The Answer Book is a trademarked title. All efforts have been made to verify content. Appen Media Group publishes the Education Answer Book, the Relocation Answer Book, the Medical Answer Book and the Lifestyles Answer Book. Online versions are accessible on NorthFulton.com at the bottom of the home page. Contact us at 770-442-3278. 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 northfulton.com Email additions/corrections for the next edition to news@appenmediagroup.com

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 5

LETTER FROM FULTON COUNTY’S SUPERINTENDENT

Fulton County leading the way in education

Robert Avossa, Ed.D., Fulton County Schools Superintendent The spotlight on education in Fulton County Schools shines brighter every day due to the many success stories occurring daily in our schools. Our 2014 SAT scores remain among the highest in Georgia, with six of our schools ranking in the state’s Top 20, and our 2014 graduation rate is the highest among the large metro Atlanta school systems. As school watchers may know, these successes are in part due to Fulton County Schools becoming the largest “charter system” in Georgia. Being a charter system gives our schools more autonomy and flexibility to do the work that improves achievement and moves our students

forward. For example, in our inaugural few years as a charter system, each school has successfully created a School Governance Council that helps craft their school’s strategic plan, while also weighing in on budgeting, staffing, school focuses and other critical issues. The charter system also supports Fulton’s belief that one size doesn’t always fit all, especially as it relates to learning and teaching. Almost 10 percent of our students elect to attend a Fulton school other than their assigned one – something we refer to as “school choice options.” Some families choose charter schools, and within our system we have seven start-up charters and two more that will open next year. Fulton County Schools also has two other opportunities to select a different school that best suits a student’s need: the hardship process and the open enrollment process. The hardship process allows parents to apply to another school due to medical reasons, curriculum differences and/or child care situations. This window for the 2015-16 school year will be open until Feb. 17. Similarly, open enrollment allows parents to apply for transfers to schools that have available space, but the list of schools isn’t announced until early May when the next year’s forecast is complete. All information regarding hardship or open enrollment can be found at: fultonschools.org/en/ divisions/ops/plan/Pages/Student_

Assignment.aspx. These choice options have served our families well over the years, but now our vision of personalized instruction will take a leap further as we broaden our definition of choice. Last year, the school board and I traveled to North Carolina to review the school choice options available to students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. It was extremely impressive to see – more than 25 percent of their 160 schools offer at least one program devoted to specialized themes and focuses. This began the discussion, and over the next few weeks, we want to continue the conversation. We have five community forums scheduled to discuss the kinds of educational options that will serve our students. Each forum begins at 7 p.m. in several locations throughout the county: Jan. 26 (Westlake High School); Jan. 27 (Lake Forest Elementary School); Jan. 28 (Centennial High School); Jan. 29 (Tri-Cities High School); and Feb. 2 (Milton Center). Providing these options in a meaningful way will necessitate a commitment to providing the space, technology and other resources to ensure success. The board has already committed to expanding our International Baccalaureate programs to Alpharetta High School, Centennial High School and Westlake High School. These programs will join our Riverwood International Charter School IB program, and by expanding to other schools, we are providing a more accessible IB option

for all of our students. The school system staff already is working on possible options to present to the school board and these could be accelerated or broadened based on what our community wants. They include: • Specialized STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs • Specialized STEAM (STEM but with the addition of arts) programs • Additional career technology offerings • Partnerships with local businesses to provide pathways from high school directly to jobs, technical colleges (two-year) or four-year universities. • Partnerships with post-secondary schools to develop streamlined paths to associate or bachelor degrees or certifications. Our district already is in discussions with Gwinnett Tech, whose new campus is under construction on Old Milton Parkway. As I mentioned, the future is bright in Fulton County Schools, and it takes the support and participation of our parents and community to make these options become a reality. Please take time to attend one of the community forums and share your opinions on what education should look like in Fulton County. Sincerely, Robert Avossa, Ed.D. Superintendent, Fulton County Schools

New state school chief ready to get to work By CANDY WAYLOCK Just days away from assuming his position as the state’s top school chief, Superintendent-elect Richard Woods shared his thoughts on education in Georgia and said he was eager to get to work. “It’s been a month and a half [since the election], and I feel like I’ve been riding in the backseat of someone else’s car. I finally get to take the wheel come Monday [Jan. 12] and see what the car can do,” said Woods, who spoke at a media forum Jan. 9 hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education. Emerging as the primary election winner from a group of nine Republican candidates, Woods faced a strong Democratic candidate in Valerie Wilson before riding the Republican wave in the general election. As the state school superintendent, his goal is to open up lines of communication between his

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office – the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE) – and top elected leaders after months of strained relationships. Wood’s predecessor, John Barge, rocked the education boat when he announced a run for governor halfway into his four-year term. That decision created tensions that lasted through the re-election of Gov. Nathan Deal, and stalled or slowed many initiatives championed by Barge. Woods said it is time now for a period of collaboration between the entities that control the direction of education in Georgia. “We’re in the process of repairing relationships and building new relationships again,” said Woods, a former teacher and small business owner from Tifton. “Since winning the election, I’ve reached out to the governor’s office, the members of the General As-

sembly and our educational partners throughout the state, and I think we’ve had some good dialogue.” Woods noted the “bridge” also has to be extended to everyone involved in education across the state, from school system superintendents and school boards to teachers, parents and students. One of Woods’ early initiatives is to have focus groups, town hall meetings and listening sessions throughout the state. “We have to listen to the concerns, and we have to make sure the individuals in the field have everything they need to teach our kids,” said Woods. He said he will never support “education fads” and will ensure all standards will be “Georgia grown and Georgia owned.” “We will control our standards in this state,” said Woods.

LETTER FROM FORSYTH COUNTY’S SUPERINTENDENT

Forsyth County: State of our schools

Dr. Jeff Bearden, Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Forsyth County Schools is proud to be one of the top districts in Georgia and the United States. We are graduating more students and posting higher testing scores than ever before. School districts throughout North America are visiting our schools to learn how to

utilize technology to increase student achievement and improve operational efficiency, and also to learn about our online personalized learning initiative and STEM programs in our schools. We are expanding our partnerships with local businesses to approach education differently and prepare the future workforce. Our success has been accomplished through dedication to our mission and a commitment to continuous improvement through the cooperative efforts of all stakeholders. As the seventh largest of 180 school districts in Georgia, Forsyth County Schools continues to deliver with the highest graduation rate, the highest district SAT score and the highest high school writing test results among Georgia’s 15 largest districts. Forsyth County Schools also maintains the lowest millage (tax) rate and per pupil expenditures in metro Atlanta. Additionally this school year, the school district eliminated staff furlough days and provided step increases for staff. Forsyth County Schools’ path to greatness is outlined in the district’s Strategic Plan, which was created with

input from students, staff and business and community members. The plan focuses on the needs of Forsyth County Schools’ primary customer, the individual student. The strategic compass for the plan is the Learner Profile, which is an advanced profile that describes the attributes of students attending and graduating from a Forsyth County school. With these academic skills and personal characteristics, Forsyth County Schools’ students are college and career ready. The March 2014 approval of $195 million in bonds will allow the district to address capital improvements for the next four years. As the third fastest growing school district in the United States, Forsyth County Schools has added over 8,000 new students in five years. Additionally during this period, six new schools have opened. Currently, the district serves over 42,400 students and is the largest employer in the county with over 4,300 full-time employees and 1,300 substitutes. Forsyth County Schools is home to 35 schools – 20 elementary, nine middle and six high schools, which includes

iAchieve Virtual Academy, FCS’s grades 6-12 online school. Brandywine Elementary and DeSana Middle will open in August 2016, and the county’s sixth high school is projected to open in August 2018. Additionally, the five existing high schools will be receiving additions and renovations over the next four years, and improvements will also be made at a number of elementary and middle schools. Forsyth County Schools is excited for the opportunities that are before us, and looks forward to working collaboratively to serve all in Forsyth County by providing “Quality Learning and Superior Performance for All.” The district invites you to visit our website, www.forsyth.k12.ga.us, to follow us on social media (FCSchoolsGA on twitter and FCSchools on Facebook) and to download our updated app, Forsyth County Schools GA, to learn more about our district. Sincerely, Dr. Jeff Bearden, Ed.D. Superintendent, Fulton County Schools

Forsyth County Schools goes virtual By KATHLEEN STURGEON Rather than spending snow days outside, students in Forsyth County will be keeping up with their school work online. At its Nov. 20, 2014 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Education decided to not have any more inclement weather days. For the 2014-2015 school year, there were two allotted days built in. After these two days are used, additional inclement weather days will become asynchronous online learning days. The district’s online learning platform is called “itsLearning” and was used during inclement weather days during the previous school year. It was received positively by instructors and students. The platform is asynchronous, which means that students do not have to do the work at the same time like they would in a regular classroom setting. The district has been training its teachers on itsLearning over the last two years and held an Online Learning for School Closure Practice Drill. Each teacher instructed students on where to find school closure activities in their itsLearning classroom and students had five days to complete the practice drill posted in itsLearning. This is not the first time itsLearning has been used in Forsyth County.

The iAchieve Virtual Academy is a fully accredited school under the auspices of Forsyth County Schools (FCS), said Susan Atkins, interim director for iAchieve. “Our school is 100 percent virtual,” Atkins said. “FCS teachers offer instruction via itsLearning. Students access their course work via itsLearning, follow the teachers’ instructional strategies and directions and complete their assignments using that Internetbased tool. Students respond to their teachers and to their peers via itsLearning email and chat features and demonstrate mastery of standards by uploading completed assignments and assessments to the teachers.” Students can also take mandated state assessments and are able to take the PSAT, SAT and ACT, Atkins said. This academic model is much different than the prevailing model of school in the U.S., Atkins said. “Our students receive standards-based instruction and are evaluated on their mastery of standards just like in the traditional schools,” Atkins said. “However, our students are able to access and complete their work on a time-based schedule that suits the individual student’s circumstances and/or the family’s needs.” Some of the students’ needs include being competitive in sports or the arts, Atkins said.

“We have students who are pursuing state, regional, national and international excellence in golf, gymnastics, dance, music and theater,” Atkins said. “The flexible school schedule allows the students opportunities to meet the high demands of their training while maintaining their good standing in and making progress toward graduation from a FCS school.” This virtual school may be the only one in the county currently, but Atkins said that will most likely change. “As our society continues to become more and more technologically centered, the needs and expectations of our school population change,” Atkins said. “Students are technologically smart and savvy at very young ages and expect that their education will be engaging and relevant and lead them to productive adult lives.” Providing courses and even a complete secondary education using technology offers new and emerging ways to meet the students’ and the families’ needs, Atkins said. “We believe that our students will be productive, contributing community members because we continue to offer new ways to learn, to communicate and to adapt to an ever-changing environment,” Atkins said. Learn more about iAchieve Academy at www. forsyth.k12.ga.us/domain/2122.

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 7

Gov. Deal proposes increase in state funding for schools Reduced ‘austerity’ cuts fuel much of increase

State promises more rigor, higher bar under Georgia Milestones tests Students will take annual assessment for the first time in spring 2015 BY CANDY WAYLOCK The latest evolution of a statewide test for Georgia students rolls out this spring with the Georgia Milestones Assessment, which will measure mastery of the state’s curriculum in grades three through 12. The Milestones tests will serve as the barometer for student achievement in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, and fulfills the federal mandate to have a state assessment. It replaces the CRCT and End of Course tests which have been the state’s annual assessments for more than a decade. Students in grades 3-8 will take an end-of-grade (EOG) Milestones assessment in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies. High school students will take an end-of-course (EOC) Milestones assessment in eight courses: 9th grade Literature and Composition, American Literature, Biology, Physical Science, Coordinate Algebra, Analytic Geometry, United States History, and Economics. The test will count for 20 percent of the student’s final grade in each tested subject beginning in 2016. The 2015 test will serve as the

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foundation year for Milestones, setting the base level for the scores, identifying gaps in achievement and providing the blueprint for next year’s test. Because 2015 test scores will not be back until the fall, schools and students will not be impacted by scores this year. But state officials warn the increased rigor and format of the Milestones will likely result in lower scores when compared to past assessments, but will be a much better barometer of student knowledge and mastery of the curriculum. Melissa Fincher, deputy superintendent of Testing and Accountability for the Georgia Department of Education (GDOE), readily admits the state’s most recent assessments, primarily the CRCTs, did little to evaluate achievement over their 14-year span. “Georgia has the very dubious distinction of having the lowest achievement expectations in the nation…as far as what it means to classify a student as proficient,” said Fincher, who notes only students who scored in the “exceeds expectations” category could be considered proficient under the CRCT format. Fincher is confident the new Georgia Milestones Assessments will be a

true indicator of academic achievement, and allow the state to move towards one assessment tool instead of a series of tests. “If I had three words to describe what we are trying to accomplish with Georgia Milestones they would be comprehensive, coherent and consolidated,” said Fincher. The test format will include: open-ended response items in language arts and mathematics in all grades and courses a writing component at every grade level and course within the language arts assessment Imbedded items that are nationallynormed (instead of just Georgia curriculum) to provide a national comparison transition to complete online administration over time, replacing paperpencil Milestones assessments are high stakes for the state. It serves as the federal requirement under Georgia’s waiver from the No Child Left Behind law which mandates a statewide assessment each year. It is also the foundation for the College and Career Readiness Performance Index (CCRPI)-essentially the annual report card for schools and school systems.

By CANDY WAYLOCK Only in politics is holding back less money heralded as a budget increase. But in the world of education funding, that is good news for schools, which should be seeing more state money flowing into their budgets this year. In announcing his budget plans for fiscal year 2016, Gov. Nathan Deal last week said much of the increase in state revenues and spending will go into education, with the intent of helping systems restore a 180-day school calendar, end furloughs for staff and provide staff raises. A significant portion of the revenue increase will come from a reduction in “austerity” cuts, which will be at the lowest level in nearly a decade. Beginning in 2003, with the economic downturn following the 2001 terrorist attacks, the state began withholding a portion of state funds earned by school systems, labeling them as “temporary austerity cuts.” In 2010, the cuts became permanent. The end result is more than $7.5 billion in state funds earned by school systems has been withheld by the state since 2003. “[This year] the austerity cuts totaled $746 million, which would have gone into our schools – an average of $439 per student,” said Claire Suggs, senior education policy analyst with the non-partisan Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. “But that is actually an improvement over the past five years.” She noted the austerity cuts totaled $1 billion each year beginning in 2010. “That is simply a lot of money that is not going into the school systems,” said Suggs, who spoke at a Jan. 9 forum hosted by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence

Continued on page 38

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 9

North Fulton finally gets International Baccalaureate program Alpharetta, Centennial could have IB in place by 2017 By CANDY WAYLOCK Academic options for North Fulton high school students will expand in the coming years with the decision by the Fulton County Board of Education to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate program at Centennial and Alpharetta high schools. The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging curriculum with final examinations that prepare students, aged 16 to 19, for success at the university level and beyond. The program is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and an IB diploma is recognized at universities around the world. Elementary and middle school components are also a part of the program. The IB curriculum in Fulton Schools is now offered only at Ridgeview Char-

ter Middle School and Riverwood Charter High School in Sandy Springs. Alpharetta and Centennial were selected for the IB program because of their central location in their learning areas. Superintendent Robert Avossa admitted it was a process that should have been put in place a decade ago, incorporating all grade levels. “The K-12 continuum is a long-term model of success, beginning with a couple of elementary schools that feed into a middle school, then onto high school,” said Avossa. “[But] we are going to start with the high schools and work our way backwards.” Fulton School Board member Katie Reeves of Alpharetta has long advocated for expanded choices for area students, particularly an IB program. She noted many parents chose to drive their children to Riverwood for the IB program until that option closed due to lack of space. “This is a welcome addition to

North Fulton,” said Reeves. “Every world class school system should have an IB curriculum available for all its students.” The coming year will be spent applying for IB status, training teachers and determining which magnet curriculum options will work best. The final application is due to the International Baccalaureate Organization in April 2015, and if approved, the IB programs could be in place by the 2017-2018 school year. Whether the IB programs will be limited to the attendance zones of Alpharetta and Centennial or offered to the entire district is a discussion for a later date, as the system determines how to manage the demands of the program. “It’s a question of how you open and close the nozzle to allow ebb and

flow of students,” said Avossa. “Could we guarantee space for 50 or 100 ninth-graders who want to transfer in, yet still be smart about zoning?” The goal, said Avossa, is to offer a wide range of choice for students across the spectrum from traditional schools to magnet and charters to IB and technical schools. The dearth of options is most prevalent in North Fulton where there are no IB or magnet school options among the area’s nine traditional high schools. In contrast, five magnet programs are in place in other parts of the system: Sandy Springs – International Studies (Riverwood HS), and Visual and Performing Arts and Math Science (North Springs Charter HS); and in South Fulton – Math and Science (Westlake HS), and Visual and Performing Arts (Tri-Cities HS).

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Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 11

Quick reference guide We have compiled important people to know, dates to mark down, where your schools are and much more in this quick reference guide.

GAschools411

Georgia schools and information links GAcollege411.org- GAcollege411 provides a vast amount of information on many subjects for high school students, college students, parents and educators. The website provides resources to guide upcoming college students through the process of planning their collegiate choice and future career. The site also provides scholarship information, grant applications, financial aid planning and loan program information. For those looking to attend college or current college students, GAcollege411.org is an invaluable resource. GreatSchools.org- GreatSchools is a searchable K-12 school database. Users can find information such as parent reviews, staff, school clubs, enrollment, state test scores and other useful information regarding schools in the area. Public, private and charter schools are all included. GreatSchools also provides a free app, GreatSchools Finder, a map-based version of the provided information. FultonSchools.org- Fulton County Board of Education’s website. The site provides resources and information for all Fulton County schools. www.Forsyth.k12.ga.us- Provides information, resources and news on all of Forsyth County schools. 12 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools- www.aaais.org GA Department of Education- www.doe.k12.ga.us GA Association of Christian Schools- www.gacs.org GA Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children- Provides information on private or independent schools specializing in educating students with special needs. www.gapsec.org GA Charter School Association- www.gacharters.org GA Independent School Association- www.gisaschools.org National Christian School Association- www.nationalchristian.org Southern Association of Colleges and Schools- www.sacs.org The Association of Boarding Schools- www.boardingschools.com -Joe Parker

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Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 13

Fulton & Forsyth Board of Education Forsyth County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Jeff Bearden Send email to: jbearden@forsyth.k12.ga.us Began term September 2014 Dr. Jeff Bearden joined Forsyth County Schools as superintendent on Sept. 2, 2014. Bearden has served as a school executive for over 25 years. Prior to joining Forsyth County, he was superintendent of Rome City Schools and Fayette County Schools. Bearden spent the first part of his educational career in Maine where he served as superintendent of the Maine School Administrative District No. 35 and the Limestone School Department. Bearden also served as an assistant superintendent, assistant principal and district athletic director. He taught social studies and language arts, and was a varsity basketball coach. A Georgia native, Bearden holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Maine, and a doctorate degree from Nova Southeastern University. Additionally, he is a third-generation veteran of the U.S Air Force. Bearden has two daughters and one son. His wife Lisa is an elementary school teacher. Bearden is a member of the Rotary Club of Forsyth County, Georgia School Superintendents Association (GSSA) and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). He was also appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal to serve on the Governor’s Education Advisory Board.

Forsyth Board of Education Members Ann Crow • District 1 Send email to: ACrow@forsyth.k12.ga.us Began third term 1/2011 Ann Crow, an Atlanta native, graduated from Auburn University. She, her husband Roger and their three daughters, became Forsyth County residents in 1984. Crow is president of Matrix TBSC-Cumming Inc., a business service and accounting firm. She serves as a director of the Georgia School Board Association.

14 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

“Forsyth County has a great school system and the capability of being one of the very best systems in the nation,” said Crow. “We simply need to continue to use our resources wisely. Our students are entitled to reach their highest potential and we as parents, educators, business leaders and voters must work together to ensure their accomplishment.”

Vice Chairperson Kristin Morrissey • District 2 Send email to: kmorrissey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Began term January 2011 A seven-year resident of Forsyth County, Kristin Morrissey studied microelectronic engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology and received her degree in computer science from SUNY/ MCC. She worked in corporate training at Eastman Kodak and later retired from the Rochester Public Library/ Monroe County Library System after 16 years of service, where she served as a library automation specialist and trainer. Morrissey is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Forsyth and the Georgia Academy for Economic Development, Regional Economic and Leadership Development. She and her husband Joe have two girls, one at South Forsyth Middle School and another at Brookwood Elementary School. “As a parent and taxpayer, I understand how important a high quality education is to our children and the overall quality of life in CummingForsyth County,” said Morrissey. “To overcome the challenges facing our schools during these difficult economic times we must carefully review district practices, resources and goals to formulate a solid blueprint for ensuring continued student achievement.” Tom Cleveland • District 3 Send email to: TCleveland@forsyth.k12.ga.us Began third term January 2013

Raised in DeKalb County, Tom Cleveland moved his family to Forsyth County in 1995 where his two sons attended Forsyth County Schools. He is employed by Sage Software as the leader of HR operations and has spent his career implementing information technology solutions, with the last 10 years specializing in the human resources area. Cleveland served as the co-chair of the Vision 2010 steering committee and was a member of the teacher of the year selection committee, sex education committee and other various roles in the school system. He currently serves as a worship team member at First Baptist Cumming, as a disaster assistance team member with the American Red Cross and a member of the Amateur Radio Emergency Services group within the county. “I desire to serve my community by providing the best possible environment that will allow each student to reach their full potential, maintain a fiscally responsible budget for the taxpayers of the county, engage community members by involving them in school system and continuing the legacy of the board members that have served before me,” said Cleveland. Chairperson Darla Light • District 4 Send email to: dlight@forsyth.k12.ga.us Began second term January 2013 Raised in Forsyth County, Darla Light graduated from Forsyth County High School and attended the University of Georgia, where she majored in special education. She and her husband David, a former educator, reside in Forsyth County. Their three children, Christopher, Payton, and Carlin, are all North Forsyth HS graduates. Light has served as an elemen-

tary PTSO officer for three years, a middle school PTSO officer for two years and coached middle school basketball. She is a member of FCS’s 2400 Challenge Committee, is active in the North Forsyth 400 Rotary Club and is a small business owner. Light owns Browns Bridge Boat and Mini Storage. “I am honored to represent the Forsyth County community on the Board of Education,” said Light. “I will work to be a voice for parents, teachers and students and will improve communication, expand possibilities and ensure our students receive the best education available.”

Nancy Roche • District 5 Send email to: NRoche@forsyth.k12.ga.us Began fourth term January 2013 Nancy Roche has served on the Board of Education since 2001. She previously worked as a systems analyst for IBM and holds a bachelor’s degree in math and computer science. Roche was instrumental in the board earning the title of “Most Tech-Savvy Board for Large School Systems” in 2005 and for the system being recognized as a “National Salute District for Technology” in 2007. She served as chair of the board in 2003 and from 2005-2008. She was appointed to the Georgia School Board Association’s (GSBA) Board of Directors in June 2007 for District 9. She has served for GSBA on the Strategic Planning Committee, the Governmental Operations Committee and the Nominating Committee and also serves as a GSBA presenter and a mentor for new board members. Roche is a member of the Deer Creek Shores Presbyterian Church, where she is involved in the choir, the preschool board of directors and the Presbyterian Women. She is also a member of the Republican Women. Her husband, Chris, is retired from IBM and they have three children – Christopher, Andrea and Terry – who graduated from the Forsyth School System.

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 15

Fulton County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa, Ed.D Send email to: avossa@fultonschools.org Dr. Robert Avossa became superintendent of the Fulton County School System in June 2011. As superintendent, he is responsible for the leadership, administration and management of approximately 96,300 students, 101 schools, 14,000 employees and an $880 million general fund budget. Before coming to Fulton County Schools, Avossa served as chief strategy and accountability officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, one of the largest school systems in the country. In that role, he led the district in driving key performance management initiatives. He also served as an area superintendent and as chief of staff, and before that spent more than a decade in Florida as a teacher and principal. Avossa holds a bachelor’s degree in exceptional education and behavior disorders as well as a master’s degree in special education from the University of South Florida and a doctorate from Wingate University. He and his wife, Kellee, have two children who attend Fulton County schools.

North Fulton Board of Education Members

Linda Schultz • District 1 Send email to: schultzl@fultonschools.org Board member since January 2005; current term expires Dec. 31, 2016 Schools served: Crabapple Crossing ES, Esther Jackson ES, Hembree Springs ES, Hillside ES, Manning Oaks ES, Mimosa ES, Mountain Park ES, Roswell North ES, Summit Hill ES, Sweet Apple ES, Crabapple MS, Elkins Pointe MS, Haynes Bridge MS, Holcomb Bridge MS, Northwestern MS, Centennial HS, Milton HS and Roswell HS. Linda Schultz represents the Alpharetta and Roswell school communities, and has served two terms as board president. A past PTSA president for Roswell

16 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

HS, Crabapple MS and Mountain Park ES, Schultz is formerly the legislative chair for the Georgia PTA and North Fulton Council of PTAs. She was the Local School Advisory Council member at Roswell HS and has sat on several school system committees, including the Construction Advisory Committee, Technology Committee, Educational Specifications Committee and SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) Committee. Schultz works as a web consultant for the Georgia School Council Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education reform and community involvement in schools. Katie Reeves • District 2 Send email to: reevesk@fultonschools.org Board member since 1999; current term expires Dec. 31, 2018 Schools served: Alpharetta, ES, Birmingham Falls ES, Cogburn Woods ES, Crabapple Crossing ES, Creek View ES, Lake Windward ES, Manning Oaks ES, New Prospect ES, Northwood ES, Ocee ES, Summit Hill ES, Hopewell MS, Northwestern MS, Webb Bridge MS, Alpharetta HS, Cambridge HS, Chattahoochee HS and Milton HS. An active member of the North Fulton community, Katie Reeves served on the Alpharetta Planning Commission for four years prior to her election to the school board. She represents the Alpharetta and Milton areas, and was the school board president from 20032005. She has also served as vice president of the school board. Reeves was a member of the Local School Advisory Committee member and PTA legislative chair at Lake Windward Elementary School. A native of Pennsylvania, Reeves majored in marketing at the University of Kentucky and worked for a number of years as an advertising account executive. Gail Dean • District 3 Send email to: deang@fultonschools.org Board member since 2001; current term expires Dec. 31, 2016 North Fulton Schools served: Heards Ferry ES, High Point ES, Spalding Drive ES, Woodland Charter ES, Paul D. West MS, Ridgeview MS, Sandy Springs MS, Woodland MS,

North Springs HS, and Riverwood HS. Gail Dean represents Sandy Springs and parts of South Fulton, and served as board president from 2005 to 2007. Dean’s professional background includes serving as president of the Atlanta Homebuilders Association, Inner Atlanta chapter, owning a real estate brokerage and two construction firms and consulting for financial institutions throughout the Southeast. An active volunteer in Sandy Springs schools, she served on numerous reform and system-level committees, was PTA president and chaired the Local School Advisory and Sandy Springs legislative committees. Linda McCain (President) • District 5 Send email to: mccainl@fultonschools.org Board member since 2011; current term expires Dec. 31, 2018 Schools served: Abbotts Hill ES, Barnwell ES, Dolvin ES, Findley Oaks ES, Medlock Bridge ES, Northwood ES, Ocee ES, Shakerag ES, State Bridge Crossing ES, Wilson Creek ES, Autrey Mill MS, Haynes Bridge MS, River Trail MS, Taylor Road MS, Webb Bridge MS, Alpharetta HS, Centennial HS, Chattahoochee HS, Johns Creek HS and Northview HS. Linda McCain is in her second term of office, and is currently serving as president of the board. She also has served as vice president. McCain has been an active volunteer in her children’s schools and in the community, serving as LSAC chair at State Bridge Crossing ES, member of the Johns Creek HS Design Review Committee and Fulton County Schools Community Construction Advisory Committee. She also served as co-president of Autrey Mill MS PTA and was a charter member of the school’s PTA Organizing Committee. A native of Ohio, McCain has a bachelor’s degree in business from Miami University of Ohio. She is currently employed by Parisia Ltd. as a sales and marketing consultant.

Julia Bernath - District 7 Send email to: bernath@fultonschools.org Board member since 2000; current term expires Dec. 31, 2018 Schools represented: Barnwell, ES, Dunwoody Springs Charter ES, Hillside ES, Esther Jackson ES, Ison Springs ES, Northwood ES, River Eves ES, Spalding Drive ES, Woodland Charter ES, Autrey Mill MS, Haynes Bridge MS, Holcomb Bridge MS, Ridgeview MS, Sandy Springs MS, Centennial HS, Johns Creek HS, North Springs HS and Riverwood HS. Julia Bernath served as the board president from 2007 to 2009 and is a past president of the Georgia School Board Association. Bernath served on the Fulton School Employees’ Pension Board and represented the school board on the Fulton Education Foundation’s Board of Directors. Bernath currently serves as vice chair of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. She also has served on the Georgia Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development’s board of directors and on the Teacher Quality Assessment Council, the Governor’s Education Review Study and the 65 percent implementation committees. A former PTA president and Local School Advisory Committee chair, she also served on the 1995 Sandy Springs Area Redistricting Task Force.

South Fulton Board of Education Members Linda Bryant (School Board president) • District 4 Send email to: bryantlp@fultonschools. org Board member since 1993; current term expires Dec. 31, 2016 Catherine Maddox • District 6 Send email to: maddoxc@fultonschools. org Board member since 2007; current term expires Dec. 31, 2018

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 17

Fulton County School Calendars March ‘15

April ‘15

Sat

May ‘15

Sat

June ‘15 F

Sat

July ‘15 S

August ‘15

Sat

September ‘15 F

Sat

October ‘15

Sat

November ‘15

December ‘15

Sat

January ‘16

Sat

February ‘16 M

Sat

March ‘16 S

April ‘16

Sat

May ‘16

June ‘16

Sat

First Day of School

18 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

Teacher Work/Professional Learning Day (students off)

Holiday/Schools Closed

Last Day of Semester

Forsyth County School Calendars March ‘15

April ‘15

Sat

May ‘15

Sat

June ‘15 F

Sat

July ‘15 S

August ‘14

Sat

September ‘15 F

Sat

October ‘15

Sat

November ‘15

December ‘15

Sat

January ‘16

Sat

February ‘16 M

Sat

March ‘16 S

April ‘16

Sat

May ‘16

June ‘16

Sat

First/Last Day of School

Early Release Days

Pre/Post Planning/Prof. Dev

Student and Staff Holidays Prof. Dev. (Student Holiday)

Inclement Weather Days End of Semester

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 19

Woodward North Embarks on an Exciting 25th Year As Woodward North celebrates its 25-year anniversary, the satellite school of Woodward Academy, located on 33 acres in Johns Creek, continues its strong, proven traditions of excellence while embracing new and innovative programs for students in Pre-K through sixth grade. Woodward North entered its 25th year under the leadership of a dynamic new administrative team: principal Beth Marien and assistant principal Sean Twiss. Sharing a passion for teaching that began in early childhood, both leaders bring experience, energy, and enthusiasm to their new positions. Mrs. Marien and Mr. Twiss described the school’s special character as well as its new offerings:

in an environment that fosters “out of the box” thinking. In addition to its rigorous academic program for mainstream students, Woodward North now offers Woodward Academy’s acclaimed Transition Program for students with diagnosed learning disabilities in fourth through sixth grades. Prolific Opportunities The school offers a wide range of clubs, arts opportunities, and athletic options. Woodward North’s lively arts offerings include show choir, dance, orchestra, handbells, and a full array of visual arts options. Students also can choose from horseback riding, fencing, golf, tap class, jump rope club, and a variety of intramural sports as well as a robust robotics program and a competitive chess club. Woodward North’s Odyssey of the Mind program has reached the World Championships multiple times.

Innovative Classroom Practices Woodward North is focused on innovative practices in the classroom with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking. The Synergy Studio was introduced this year to allow teachers and students to develop creative, interactive ways to approach daily lessons

Respect for Difference, Wise Guidance Woodward North students de-

HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO LOVE MIDDLE SCHOOL? Remember middle school? Probably some of the toughest years of our lives - right? For most, middle school left us feeling a little awkward as we struggled to ﬁnd our way. Imagine what a difference it would have made to have teachers who truly knew and cared about us - who went the extra mile. That’s the Pisgah difference. Teachers who know how to bring out the best in students, helping them engage and explore. This e had. is the middle school experience we wish we

“We invite you to meet us in the middle and discover the Pisgah difference.” Trey Arnette, Middle School Head 678-336-3352.

Call to schedule your personal tour and request a parent information packet. Our Admissions team looks forward to meeting your family.

College Prep. Life Ready.

678-336-3443

www.experiencepisgah.org

20 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

velop a deep respect for difference in a community where diversity is more than skin deep. Peers from a broad array of religious, economic, and ethnic backgrounds come together to find opportunities to explore and excel at every level, whatever their interests. With a student-teacher ratio average of only 10:1, students receive wise guidance at every step, discover their greatest strengths, and build life-shaping qualities of good character. The Certainty of Woodward The large majority of Woodward North students continue their education at the Main Campus in College Park beginning in seventh grade, where they join peers from 100 different zip codes and 23 metro Atlanta counties. The Academy provides bus transportation to and from College Park, and many students choose to ride MARTA, in designated Woodward cars with assigned security officers. A typical Woodward Academy graduating class attends more than 100 different colleges and universities around the world,

devotes 5,000 hours to community service projects, and earns more than $13 million in scholarship awards. Parents, faculty, and administrators agree that Woodward North students not only do well academically but also possess a strong sense of values and an extraordinary sense of empathy toward their fellow classmates. Because of their experiences at Woodward, they are more confident and well-prepared in today’s evolving world. In the words of Beth Marien, “We think we have the right formula. Our strong sense of school community coupled with our vision for tomorrow is the right combination for our Woodward North students to be successful, not only at Woodward Academy, but as global citizens who can one day change the world.”

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 21

Riverside Military Academy For over 107 years Riverside Military Academy has produced young men of purpose, integrity, and character. We offer a traditional, Americanstyle education where personal values, honor, and love of country still matter. Riverside is not owned or operated by any particular religious denomination, but supports the spiritual and educational goals of all families. Upon graduation, a Riverside cadet has experienced the challenges of the military model of education and is completely prepared for the rigors of college. He is poised, polite, and confident in any social environment. Riverside cadets stand tall, offer a firm handshake, respect authority, and display a level of confidence that parents may not have observed previously. Cadets of Riverside Military Academy attend grades 7 through 12 and benefit from a small class size and a 15:1 student teacher ratio. Our entire educational program centers around the way young men learn best. Riverside’s College Center assists cadets in preparing for and placing

their college applications each year. The graduating class 2014 consisted of 86 cadets who were admitted to over 105 universities across the world and earned over $4.2 million in collegiate scholarships not including HOPE scholarship. Two graduating seniors were appointed to the U.S. Military

Academy –West Point and the United States Air Force Academy, an educational value of over $450,000 each. Riverside Military Academy holds dual accreditation in SACS and SAIS. Our comprehensive program of rigorous academics, athletics and leadership development sets the stage for a

lifetime of success. Riverside Military Academy is located on 206 acres on the shores of Lake Lanier in Gainesville, GA. For more information please visit our web site at www.riversidemilitary.com or contact our admissions office at 770538-2938.

Home Sweet Homeschool, A Christian Academy The Way to Educate! Oh, the places you’ll go…..when you experience the difference at Home Sweet Homeschool. We welcome our community to visit the wonders of this exceptional and distinctive school firsthand. Home Sweet Homeschool is a non – traditional home school that glorifies God through Christ – centered ABEKA Education. HSH is growing and now serves K – 8th grade. Our primary and secondary grades are accredited through the Georgia Accrediting Commission. We are a model school for homeschooling. HSH provides a home atmosphere with a strong academic touch. We provide a foundation of Biblical truth that is integrated in strong academics and well-rounded enrichment programs. We offer Chapel, Character Education, P.E., Art Appreciation, Computer Lab, Music/Choir, and Spanish. Since we are a hybrid homeschool, we focus on the whole realm of academics under one umbrella. Our objective is to make homeschooling a smooth transition while educating the whole child academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Students are taught, trained, and led so that their lives will be touched for

22 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

eternity. HSH believes that children absorb concept from people, things, and experiences in their daily environment. Therefore, the love of Jesus is emphasized in all school activities and curriculum. This is obtained through educational excellence and timeless values. Not only do we want to serve our community through service projects, our goal is that HSH makes a difference in the hearts and lives of all who enter its doors! We welcome you to experience the difference! Schedule a tour 678 – 339 – 2777 www.homeseethomeschool.net We meet on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. from 8:10 to 1:20. Aftercare available. Open enrollment for fall semester is March 3rd. Fast Facts: Limited small class sizes • Teacher, not computer instruction • One on one individual attention • Realistic home setting • Flexible family time • Flexible sports and outside of school activity time • Providing a balance of a full accredited Christian Curriculum Education • The development and enhancement of “positive”

socialization’ • Education with strong parent involvement • Classes that foster crfeativity • 3 to 4 academic field trips a year • Clean, fun, safe, and nurturing environment • Aftercare and tutoring available • Children will learn “Community Service” • Best Education Around!!!

Riverside Military Academy

For over 107 years Riverside Military Academy has remained one of the nation’s preeminent college preparatory academies educating young men in grades 7-12. Our mission is to prepare ethical young men of character for success in college and in life through the provision of a rigorous academic program, leadership opportunities, competitive athletics, extensive co-curricular activities, and the structure and discipline inherent in a military college preparatory school environment. The 2014-15 Corps of Cadets consists of over 530 cadets from 26 countries. Please call today to schedule your personal tour of our beautiful 206-acre campus.

Friday/Sunday shuttle service to GA 400 Year-round enrollment 15:1 cadet/teacher ratio AP/Honors Programs

www.cadet.com

14 varsity sports Performing and visual arts programs SACS/SAIS Accredited 4 Week summer school program

Gainesville, Georgia

877.MY.CADET Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 23

FAQ – Bladeless Cataract Surgery What is a cataract and what is cataract surgery? Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40 and today cataracts affect more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older. At some point in our life, we will all develop a cataract. The natural lens of the eye yellows and becomes cloudy with age as a result of biological changes of the proteins inside the lens. The function of the human lens is to focus incoming light onto the back of the eye. As your lens ages, light from the outside worlds becomes more and more distorted as it enters your eye. Difficulty reading, needing more light to read, experiencing glare and haloes at night and, even poor sleep patterns can be explained by cataract formation. The treatment for cataracts involves an almost painless, 10 minute surgery to remove the “clouded lens” or “cataract” and replace it with a man made intraocular lens implant. It is the most common surgical procedure in the US and around the world and is considered to be an extremely successful and safe procedure with a success rate approaching 99.5%. What is laser cataract surgery? With traditional cataract surgery, all the steps of the surgery are customarily performed “manually” by the surgeon using handheld tools. Laser cataract surgery- the next evolution of cataract surgery with the Ziemer Z6 laser generally offers a greater amount of precision, predictability and safety to these steps leading to potentially improve visual outcomes and more precise targets. With the Ziemer Z6 Laser System, your surgeon has the potential to offer you unmatched accuracy and a more predictable and customized cataract procedure. Based on your medical history

and pre-operative evaluation, you and your surgeon will discuss the options available for your desired visual result. Together you can discuss a treatment plan which may include using the LDV Z6 to create the laser incisions in the cornea along with an advanced lens implant that may allow for improved near, intermediate or distance vision. This tailored treatment may reduce your need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery. How is laser cataract surgery different from traditional cataract surgery? In traditional cataract surgery, incisions in the cornea are made using handheld instruments including blades to access the cataract. Your surgeon will then use a surgical device to manually create a circular opening in the lens capsule of the eye that holds the cataract. The Ziemer Z6 laser can be used to make the corneal incisions precise and the opening in the lens capsule as circular as possible, in the right location, and sized to fit the replacement lens. Your surgeon can also use the laser to break up and soften the hard cataract. Softening the lens with the laser enables your surgeon to then remove the cataract more gently and with significantly less ultrasound energy than is used in traditional manual cataract surgery. What are the benefits of laser cataract surgery? • A highly customized treatment • A treatment with little or no discomfort • A potentially more precise and predictable treatment • By and large, a gentler and easier cataract removal • Generally, a more rapid visual recov-

ery due to reduced inflammation • The opportunity to receive tailored treatment with advanced technology multi-focal lenses, which may reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses after surgery Am I a suitable candidate for laser cataract surgery? Your surgeon and you will decide whether you are a suitable candidate based on your eye anatomy, type of cataract and type of lens implant that you desire. Most patients are candidates for having some of the steps of cataract surgery performed with the Ziemer Z6 laser. How long has the procedure been performed? Thousands of cataract procedures have been successfully performed using femtosecond laser systems, and femtosecond lasers have been used in eye procedures for decades. The most familiar use of femtosecond laser technology is LASIK. Femtosecond lasers represent an advanced standard in precision laser cataract surgery and the Ziemer Z6 platform was FDA cleared in 2013. What should I expect on the day of surgery? Your day in surgery should be no different than a routine cataract case. The Ziemer Z6 laser is positioned next to the surgeon and is utilized seamlessly during the cataract surgery process. You will be given mild IV sedation that will likely keep you pleasantly unaware of the goings on in surgery. Not only is it potentially painless, there are no needles or stitches as part of the procedure. What should I expect after surgery? After surgery, you can generally expect your vision to be improved

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within 24 hours. Generally, patients experience no pain after surgery. Slight scratchiness of the eye is common and they prescribed eye drops will help with any of these symptoms. Many patients return to work or normal activities the next day and even drive themselves to their post-op day one appointment! How long does the procedure take? You can expect to be at our center for about 2 hours, and you will be in the procedure room for only 20-25 minutes. Please call 470-326-0330 or visit our website at milaneyecenter.com for more information on how to schedule your Cataract evaluation at Milan Eye Center where compassion meets excellence in eye care. 1st Place Best Cover Design 2nd Place Best Color Ad for Fashion, Hair Design & Cosmetics 2nd Place Most Improved Publication Honorable Mention General Excellence

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24 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

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McGinnis Woods Country Day School

PRIVATE NON-PAROCHIAL PRESCHOOL

Infants - Pre-K 4 and Pre-K 5

ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL Kindergarten - 8th Grade

Private Non-Parochial Education

“Inspiring students with the passion to excel”

• GAC, SACS & NAEYC Accredited • Challenging Hands-on Academics, STEM • Low Student/Teacher Ratio • Advanced Technologies • Foreign Language/Music, Band, Chorus/Physical Education, Health

• Outdoor Classroom, Cafe and Wooded Trails • Monthly Field Trips • Afterschool Clubs • Competitive Sports Teams, Robotics Club and Drama • New Gym and Middle School building opened in 2014!

Tours welcome by appointment

770-664-7764

5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia

Visit us online at www.mcginniswoods.org 26 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

McGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Education. The beautiful school campus which is located in Alpharetta on the border of Forsyth and North Fulton counties, dedicated a state of the art Middle School and Gym in August of 2014. The Preschool accepts children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary/Middle School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School has top accreditations, including GAC, SACS/AdvancEd, and NAEYC. Our mission at McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the passion to excel. We accomplish this by providing superior hands-on, minds-on academics which foster knowledge and self-confidence while inspiring a lifelong love of learning. Superior educational resources coupled with interactive whiteboards and technologies are implemented to maximize the learning experience of our diverse student population. Class sizes are small with low student-teacher

ratios, allowing frequent oneto-one learning, focused attention on individual growth, and a strong partnership between home and school; Emphasis on Character Education and weekly instruction in foreign language, physical education, fine arts, health library and technology round out the curriculum. Our students learn through a variety of groupings including class lessons, small group activities, hands-on STEM activities and “buddy” classes which encourage multi-age groupings. Our approach creates a strong sense of community and security, providing a nurturing environment that enables students to flourish. Frequent guest speakers, monthly field trips which reinforce classroom learning, and community service round out the curriculum. Our Drama Club, Competitive Sports and Robotics teams train year round and after school programs and Specialty Clubs are also available. Please visit www.mcginniswoods.org or call 770-6647764 to set up a tour at 5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Experience the McGinnis Woods difference!

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RELOCATION ANSWER BOOK Call (770)442-3278 for advertising information. Also, view past editions on NorthFulton.com (home page bottom left).

JOHNS CREEK MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF GEORGIA:

Sowing the Seeds of Organic Learning

Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides excellence in Montessori education for children 15 months to six years old. JCMSOG 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 to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. By helping children to develop independence, we assist 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 multi-age groupings in our classroom allow for non-competitive, mutually beneficial relationships between children. The younger children learn by observing the older children. The older children test their learning by repeating lessons for their younger friends. Our specially trained, Montessori-certified teachers act as “guides” to the extensive curriculum, planting a seed of wonder that grows into a desire for greater knowledge. This dynamic, structured environment nurtures a strong work ethic, love of learning, and a passion for discovery not found in other schools. Each of our vibrant classroom communities are outfitted with high quality Montessori materials designed to meet each child’s individual developmental needs, so that no matter a child’s learning style or pace, we have the right equipment on hand to give him exactly what he needs. Dr. Maria Montessori wrote: “Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of hu-

man potentialities.” Help your child to reach their full potential. The JCMSOG Difference is best experienced in person. Please call 770-814-8001 to schedule a tour to observe our “Montessori Magic” or visit www. JCMSOG.org.

www.JCMSOG.org Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 27

What Appen can do for you: We Connect You to… 5 of the Top 10 Wealthiest Communities in Georgia with Incomes over $150,000 • Berkeley Lake – 41%* • Milton – 36% (Milton Herald)

• Johns Creek – 30%

(Johns Creek Herald)

• South Forsyth – 27%

• Alpharetta – 23%

• Dunwoody – 26% • Druid Hills – 26% • Sandy Springs – 25%

• Roswell – 22%

(Revue & News)

(Forsyth Herald)

(Revue & News)

• Peachtree City – 21%

The Milton Herald, The Johns Creek Herald, The Alpharetta/Roswell Revue & News, and The Forsyth Herald are the primary local newspapers in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th and 9th wealthiest cities in Georgia.

Our Readers Should be Your Customers: • • • • •

Reach over 139,650 Loyal Readers 66% of Appen Readers earn $100,000+ 33% of Appen Readers earn $150,000+ 71% Are College Graduates or Post Grad. 74% Use our Newspapers to Purchase Goods and Services

• • • •

Milton Herald Circulation: 10,000 Forsyth Herald Circulation: 17,000 Johns Creek Herald Circulation: 20,000 Revue & News Circulation: 28,000

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Online: NorthFulton.com & NorthsideWoman.com 319 N. Main St., Alpharetta, GA (about 15 miles N. of Atlanta) • Contact us now: 770-442-3278 x100

* Community income data from Atlanta Business Chronicle Sept 16, 2011. ** 27% South Forsyth residents have income greater than $150,000 and 52% greater than $100,000. All of The Forsyth Herald circulation is in South Forsyth County (from the county line up to Cumming). Data for South Forsyth income from Appen 2010 CVC Audit.

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Camille Stroud and Head of School Kathy Teston admire Fellowship Christian School’s Wall of Fame, depicting a number of alumni who went on to play sports in college. Photos by Abby Breaux

Windows of Opportunity BY JONATHAN COPSEY How to choose the right school for your child

is as important as it is difficult. Let’s start with a glaringly basic question: public or private? If choosing to explore private schools, then you

not only want to make sure it nourishes the inner-student but will also be respected by the greater education community. Continued on page 30 Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 29

School accreditations really do matter. Ask questions about: ACSI, SACS and SAIS. Don’t know what these are or represent? Then you may not be placing your child in the right school for their future... Accreditation matters for postsecondary education (college) as well as school-to-school transfers. In north Atlanta, we have an

excellent example in our midst. Fellowship Christian in Roswell is in the unique position of having achieved accreditation by three of the major academic boards, becoming one of the first private schools in the nation to do so. “This gives us credibility with other schools and universities,” said FCS Head of School Kathy Teston. “When evaluating our academic approach, universities will say ‘they must have a good program.’” When a student is looking at attending a university, the admissions office will look first at the student’s high school’s accreditations. With Fellowship Christian holding three such marks from highly-rated institutions, Teston feels her students will get a leg up on other university candidates. The Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), Associa-

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tion of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) have all given their blessing for Fellowship Christian and its academic programs. “Those are the highest accreditations we can possibly get,” said Lynnette Eachus, director of academic affairs for FCS. “They make sure that you are who you say you are, and they found with us it was true. We are very proud of this.” Eachus led the school in their accreditation efforts, which took twoand-a-half years to attain. She said other private schools have begun approaching Fellowship Christian asking how the school accomplished this monumental task. Fellowship Christian can do this by offering students a rich and fulfilling learning experience that has been recognized not only by local parents

and community organizations, but also by academic institutions. Situated on a 30-acre tract of land in Roswell, Ga., the students of Fellowship Christian School spend their days learning about the physical world around them and the spiritual one within them. Fellowship Christian prides itself on being a “covenant Christian school.” This requires that at least one parent in the family have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The relationship can be from any denomination – as more than 90 different churches are represented in the school – but it must involve Christ as savior. The school incorporates a spiritual emphasis into everything – from teaching the students how to be better people to athletics to learning advanced math and science. It is

called “Biblical integ “Everybody has they see life throug “We help our stude Biblical world view. A student can p textbook written an lessons fully, she sa scope of the Bible “We want stude stand life is not all a said Teston. “We w everything that we them and use it for and others.” And that they d Beyond being a cessful and challen teaches its student teachings of the Sc message. They do this thr outreach programs

gration.” s a world view that gh,” said Teston. ents develop a .” pick up any nd be taught its aid, all within the and its teachings. ents to underabout them,” want them to take have poured into r the benefit of God

do. academically sucnging, the school ts to embrace the criptures and their

rough many s, such as mission

About Fellowship Christian School Address: 10965 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA 30075 Phone: Elementary 770-992-4975; Middle 770-641-6855 High 770-993-1650 Website: FellowshipChristianSchool.org Grades: Pre-K – 12 Number students total: 863 Average class size: ES -22; MS - 24; HS – 27 Day School or Boarding also: Day School Application Deadline: Rolling Enrollment % of Graduates who go on to college: 100% Tuition: $3,570 - $14,985

trips and field trips, where students are encouraged to shake their preconceptions about the world. This can be praying with the homeless in downtown Atlanta on weekends or helping feed children in Africa and central America. Fifth graders will go to space camp; seventh graders will go to Jekyll Island and eighth graders will go to Washington, D.C. in addition to the many local attractions such as museums and internships. It’s that real world experience that makes them fully understand themselves and the world around them. “Our lives are a composite of our choices,” said Eachus. “We make choices every single day. We want instruction to become a natural part of a student’s life. We want to equip students with everything they need to demonstrate leadership and Biblical

truth.” By living a spiritual life within the walls of the school, the hope is they will naturally continue living that way once they graduate. “They are not here just for college or to learn a career,” said Teston. “We are molding these young people to have an impact on other people’s lives and God. Our organizational structure supports students on their educational journey to equip and enable them to become all that God has planned for them to become.” Fellowship Christian School is blazing a trail for other private schools in the state while still keeping in touch with their local community. “We love being in the Roswell community,” Teston said. “We have the privilege and the honor to be a good, thriving Christian school. We want to make the community glad to have us.”

About Kathy Teston: Married to Mike since 1974 (41st anniversary in March). They have three adult children, Sara married to Evan Morris, blessed with three children (redheads!), Laura married to Cliff Welch, blessed with four children, and David engaged to Tiffany Wannamaker to be married in June 2015. After serving on the pastoral staff at North Point Community Church for ten years, Mike launched his own coaching and counseling ministry in 2014. The Testons attend NPCC. Marriage ministry is one of their shared passions, together they lead small groups, seminars, and conferences around the subjects of marriage and parenting – stateside and crossculturally. What makes their school different: As a covenant Christian school, Fellowship strives to fulfill its mission. Our purpose identifies our distinctions and our student outcomes provide evidence that our goals are attained. Fellowship creates environments where students are challenged individually and engaged relationally. Preparing students for their future shapes the design of our curriculum and programs. Fellowship students develop a biblical worldview in all subjects, grades, and matters for two primary purposes: guidance for making their own decisions and developing meaningful relationships based on biblical principles. Fellowship Christian School partners with parents in preparing children to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. We are honored when parents choose Fellowship for their children’s education – academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 31

Heads of School & School Profiles Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School Phone: 404.255.4026 Website: www.hies.org Grades: PK(3)-12 Number students total: 1,362 Average class size: 14-17 Day School or Boarding also: Day school Application Deadline: Feb. 2, 2015 % of Graduates who go on to college: 100% About Paul A. Barton: Paul A. Barton became Holy Innocents’ Head of School on July 1, 2014. Previously, he served as Head of School at Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, IL, as Principal at Harold G. Fearn Elementary School in North Aurora, IL, and as an Administrator at Marmion Barton Academy in Aurora, IL. Born and raised in Iowa, he began his career as a teacher, coach, and residential dean at schools in both Iowa and Illinois. Barton received a BA from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, a Master of Arts, Liberal Education from St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD, and a Master of Education, Administration, and Supervision from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. He met his wife, Leanne, when she was teaching English at Marmion Academy. She also worked in the Educational Assessment field before devoting herself full-time to raising the couple’s three children, Sam (6th grade), Abby (4th grade), and Charlie (K), all of whom attend HIES. What makes their school different: Selecting the best school is one of the most important decisions that parents will make in their lifetimes. Attitudes about learning, reinforcement of personal values, and leadership development are among the critical areas impacted by the school a child attends. At Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School we have spent the last 55 years creating one of the finest independent schools in America. If you visit our website, I know you will discover many reasons why Holy Innocents’ is an outstanding school. However, I would like to mention what I believe is the most important one: our faculty. A school is only as good as its teachers, and we have assembled one of the nation’s finest pre-collegiate faculties here at Holy Innocents’. Our teachers are well-educated, many of them leaders in their subject areas. They are enthusiastic and love working with young people. We have taken great care to select such outstanding teachers because they bear the primary responsibility for carrying out the school’s mission to develop in our students a love of learning, respect for self and others, faith in God,

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and a sense of service to the world community. Great teachers are the most essential ingredient of a first-rate education, and we continually seek the best and most talented for our students.

Pinecrest Academy Address: 955 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041 Website: www.pinecrestacademy.org Grades: PreK3 – 12th Grade Number students total: 800 Average class size: 19 students Day School or Boarding also: N/A Application Deadline: March 1, 2015 and rolling admissions after that date % of Graduates who go on to college: 100% four-year college acceptance rate About Paul Parker: Paul Parker serves as Head of School for Pinecrest Academy. He completed his BA in philosophy and theology and MA in Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas. He taught at the University of Houston and at St. Thomas High School in Houston, where he also served Parker as head coach for the school’s speech and debate program. During his time at St. Thomas High School, he was recognized by his students as among the Who’s Who of America’s High School Teachers in 1996 and 1997. He also helped revitalize the school’s speech and debate program, qualifying debaters for the State tournament. In 2000, Parker relocated to Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA to be the founding principal of Canyon Heights Academy. During his thirteen years at Canyon Heights, he helped to lead and develop the school into one of the top Catholic and private schools in the Silicon Valley, with the school seeing enrollment growth every year and winning Best of the Best recognitions for its preschool, elementary and middle school programs. In addition, Parker helped develop model programs in preschool, student virtue formation, student leadership development, and technology at Canyon Heights that are being emulated in several Legion of Christ schools in the United States. Parker and his wife Stephanie have four children aged 13 to 18 years old. What makes their school different: A 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, Pinecrest Academy is a PreK3 through 12 college preparatory Catholic school, located in Cumming, GA. We provide an atmosphere of academic rigor and critical thinking, while offering personalized attention in a Christ-centered environment of faith and reason. Because of how we have structured our unique program, Pinecrest is an environment where all students have the opportunity to challenge themselves academically, push themselves athletically and express themselves artistically. We prepare our students to become committed Christian leaders, eager to transform a global

society. Our unique gender specific approach to teaching allows boys and girls to be taught in environments tailored to their ways of learning – all accomplished on a co-educational campus. Following the educational philosophy of the Legionaries of Christ, Pinecrest implements a method called “Integral Formation” to develop the intellectual, human, spiritual, and apostolic dimensions of the whole person. Recognizing the parent as the primary educator of the child, Pinecrest’s mission embraces the entire family. We provide a safe, moral, and spiritual environment which leads to positive peer groups and joyful, caring and confident students. Pinecrest serves the Archdiocese of Atlanta, local parishes, and local Christian and civic communities. The school also serves international students, their families, and others who embrace its educational philosophy. In addition to being a 2014 Blue Ribbon School (Lower, Middle and High Schools), Pinecrest has been a Cardinal Newman Society “School of Excellence” for eight consecutive years, was named the 2014 Best Private Primary School and Best Private K-12 School in North Fulton and South Forsyth by Appen Media, and was voted 2015 Best Private School in Forsyth County by readers of the Forsyth County News. To learn more or to schedule a tour, please call us at 770-8884477 or visit www.pinecrestacademy.org.

Notre Dame Academy Address: 4635 River Green Parkway Duluth, GA 30096 Phone: 678-387-9385 Website:www.ndacademy.org Grades:Pre-K3 through 9th grade with subsequent high school grades opening each year Number students total: 541 Average class size: Pre-K through 2nd is 18. 3rd-8th is 22 Day School or Boarding also: N/A Application Deadline: January 30, 2015 % of Graduates who go on to college: N/A at this time About Debra Orr: Debra Orr has worked in education for more than 30 years. She started in the Dekalb County public school system and later moved to St. Pius X Catholic High School, where she worked as a teacher, Learning Specialist and administrator. In 2000, Ms. Orr Orr was hired as an Assistant Principal and helped open Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell. Later, she was recruited to launch Pinecrest Academy’s High School. In 2005, following approval from the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Ms. Orr founded and opened Notre Dame Academy as an independent Catholic School where she remains as Head of School. Ms. Orr has a Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist from Georgia State and Post Graduate work in Education Leadership at

Continued on page 33

the University of Georgia. She has served on numerous accreditation visit teams including those at Pinecrest Academy, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School and St. Patrick’s in Norfolk, Virginia. Ms. Orr is a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett and is actively involved with numerous organizations including SAIS-SACS, GISA, AAAIS, and IBO. She is currently on the Board of Trustees for Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School. Ms. Orr was recently awarded the prestigious Klingenstien Heads Program Fellowship at Columbia University. What makes their school different: Notre Dame Academy is a Marist Catholic and International Baccalaureate (IB) World School serving over 540 students in Duluth, GA. The school was founded in 2005 on the belief that students cannot succeed on knowledge alone. ND Academy believes in teaching children to identify problems, work cooperatively as a team, listen to others, take risks and present their ideas. These beliefs are incorporated daily through ND Academy’s five pillars: Faith, Knowledge, Service, Fitness and Technology. The five pillars color everyday life at ND Academy in a myriad of different ways. ND Academy students participate in weekly Mass and daily prayer, participate in year-long Service Learning Projects, exercise during daily P.E. and use Apple® iPads and MacBooks daily. Notre Dame Academy also has the distinction of being the first Catholic elementary school in the nation to receive authorization from the International Baccalaureate Organization. After celebrating their tenth year of serving PreK-3 through eighth grade, ND Academy is now expanding to include a high school with the inaugural freshman class starting in the fall of 2015. The school is also expanding upon its current IB Primary Years Programme (grades PreK - 5) to include the Middle Years Programme (grades 6 - 10) and Diploma Programme (grades 11 and 12). Once these two programs are in place, Notre Dame Academy will be the first Pre-K through 12 International Baccalaureate and Catholic School in the State of Georgia. We are excited about the physical and academic growth ahead and welcome any interested families to visit us online at www. ndacademy.org or call (678)387-9385 to schedule a personal tour.

Sophia Academy Address: 2880 Dresden Drive Atlanta GA 30341 Phone: 404-303-8722 Website: www.sophiaacademy.org Grades: Preschool—high school Number students total: 100 Average class size: 10 Day School or Boarding also: Day School Application Deadline: February 2 for early applications % of Graduates who go on to college: Will graduate first class in 2016 About Marie Smith Corrigan:

Marie Smith Corrigan founded Sophia Academy in 1999 as a faith-based school with extensive multisensory instruction for her daughter, Caroline, who was the inspiration. A nurse by training, Marie built an institution which has served over 600 students. EsCorrigan tablished originally as a model of instruction for the way students with learning differences learn best, it has since expanded to include traditional learners and is college preparatory. Preschool through high school, The school became Catholic in 2013. Sponsored by the Society of Mary and now affiliated with Marist School, there are superior opportunities for every student including athletics, leadership and community service. Marie serves on several boards, and was the 2008 winner of the Tommy Nobis Governor’s Award, 2010 Georgia Mother of the Year, and a Turknett Leadership nominee. She and husband Vic are the 2013 St. Peter Chanel recipients at Marist School. She has attracted and retained a committed Staff and Board and stewarded funds without having to use loans until building purchase. She successfully led a Capital Campaign and the construction committee to produce an on-time, underbudget project, allowing school to start as planned. Marie speaks to dozens of community organizations on the formation of the school and the issues of education, leadership and her faith journey. What makes their school different: Our teachers work diligently students to help them achieve their highest potential. Our collegeprep curriculum is guided by national standards and we follow “Curriculum 21” principles which integrate art, music and technology in core subjects. C21 promotes “collaboration, creativity and communications” as key skills needed today. Each student receives personalized goals or benchmarks. 90% of students master these goals by year-end. All classes have a 12:1 ratio or less. Specially-trained teachers include 75% who have special education or advanced degrees. All of our Language Arts teachers are trained in Orton-Gillingham instruction and have daily SPIRE curriculum groups by ability, across grade levels. K-8th grades have double language arts and math blocks. One-on-one standardized testing allows for the best environment for students to show progress. P.E. occurs three-five times per week. Our Speech/Language Pathologist and accommodations improve student performance and allow more individual time with teachers. Afterschool tutorials are offered two times a week free of charge. We have a nationally-recognized schoolwide organizational system and Assistive Technology evaluations help students learn faster, become more organized and time-efficient. All high school students bring tablets and any other student needing a device may bring one. All students participate in community service that brings awareness of the world around them and all participate in on-stage performances. Eighty percent of eligible students participate in sports teams or intramurals. Leader-

ship opportunities are available for many including a week-long summer Leadership Institute. Our Positive Discipline program reinforces our daily Catholic education and acknowledges that truth and wisdom lie outside oneself. Every child is acknowledged for exemplifying a Christ-like character trait at a year-end ceremony.

Wesleyan School Address: 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30092 Phone: 770-448-7640 Website: www.wesleyanschool.org Grades: K-12 Number students total: 1129 Average class size: 17 Day School or Boarding also: Day School Application Deadline: February 14 % of Graduates who go on to college: 100% About Chris Cleveland: Chris Cleveland came to Wesleyan in 2002 to serve as middle school principal. He became principal of the high school in 2004, assumed the role of Assistant Headmaster for Advancement in 2010, and was appointed Headmaster in Cleveland July of 2014. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University and a master’s in administration and supervision from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Married to Julie Cleveland since 1991, they are the proud parents of Kyle and Sam, both of whom attend Wesleyan. What makes their school different: Wesleyan is fiercely and passionately committed to being a community that honors and glorifies Jesus Christ. This is the primary purpose of our existence and the core of our mission. Whether during a school play, a science lab, a mission trip or a baseball game, we want to be intentional in our desire to be an authentic, Christ-centered environment. The world tells us that in order to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ, we must “check our brain at the door.” We simply do not agree. What originally drew me to Wesleyan was the fervent belief that being genuinely Christ-centered and having a zeal for academic and intellectual curiosity are not mutually exclusive. Faith and intellect enhance one another when students are appropriately challenged by enthusiastic teachers who are passionate about their faith, their subject, and the students in their care. This philosophy continues to be proven true by our graduates’ success in college and beyond. Collectively, the board of trustees, administration, faculty, and staff of Wesleyan School are focused on meeting the needs of students and their families. The culture in which we live is actively fighting against families and working to force children to grow up too soon. We want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. In that way,

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we see ourselves as counter-cultural as we seek to provide our students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment.

The Lionheart School Address: 225 Roswell Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 Phone: 770-772-4555 Website: www.thelionheartschool.com Grades:Pre-K3 through 9th grade with subsequent high school grades opening each year Number students total: 40 Average class size: 7 Day School or Boarding also: Day School only Application Deadline: May 15, 2015, but some classes fill up before then, so apply early. About Elizabeth Dulin, M.Ed.: Elizabeth Dulin, M.Ed., is a Co-Founder and Head of School at The Lionheart School. Elizabeth is certified to teach special education, preK to 12th grade in the state of Georgia. She received both her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s in Early Dulin Childhood Special Education from Vanderbilt University. Elizabeth has worked for over 30 years with children in various settings; including private school, public school, and private practice with families. Elizabeth, along with Victoria McBride, Director of Therapeutic Services, oversees every aspect of each child’s programming at Lionheart. She works closely with families to carefully identify individual needs and address them accordingly. She has a blend of sound teaching practices and specialized training to work with children. She has a remarkable understanding of children, and uses a developmental relationship-based approach to foster the growth and progress of each child. Elizabeth is a fully certified service dog handler for Lionheart’s educational service dog, LANGLEY. What makes their school different: The Lionheart School is an AdvancEd/ SAIS/ SACS accredited non-profit private school founded in the year 2000. Our mission is to provide a developmentally appropriate education for children who need a specialized learning environment, therapeutic interventions, supported social interactions, and strategies to accommodate their individual profiles. By focusing on each child’s individual differences, and maintaining the highest possible staffto-student ratio, the Lionheart School has become a national prototype for the education of children with autism and other challenges of relating and communicating. While many schools focus on rote learning and compliance, the Lionheart School emphasizes relationships, abstract critical thinking, problem solving, and social cognition. Lionheart has a full-time school program, staffed

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with master level educators and therapists. Lionheart serves individuals who have difficulty with academics, sensory processing, motor planning, visual and auditory processing, receptive and expressive language, attention, memory, executive function, or social interaction. To benefit from Lionheart, students need to be able to work in small groups. We look at the functional developmental levels of each child rather than their diagnosis; targeting developmental issues with developmental solutions. Students are assessed by teachers and therapists to identify areas of strengths and challenges. An inter-disciplinary comprehensive program is developed based on each student’s individual profile; using evidence based interventions and nationally recognized curriculum. Additionally, Lionheart works with researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to test designs of applications and study interventions utilizing technology. Our alumni student base includes a range of individuals who have transitioned to public and private settings, successful work environments and college with academic scholarships. In addition to the full-time program, Lionheart has an afterschool and summer program. A transition program for young adults will be expanding in the 2015-2016 school year. Currently, Lionheart serves 40 students. For admissions, parent(s) must tour the school prior to applying. After a scheduled visit, an application may be submitted for review. Deadline for new applications is May 15th, 2015. All admissions are made prior to the start of school year.

Rivers Academy Address: 38 North Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 Phone: 770-475-0081 Website: riversacademy.com Grades: 4-12 Number students total: 205 Average class size: 10 Day School: Meets, T/W/Th % of Graduates who go on to college: 98% About Jennifer Cantor: I started my journey into education as a middle school Language Arts teacher in 2008. I have been a part of Rivers Academy for 7 years and have enjoyed watching the school grow. After the completion of my masters in Education Administration, I was promoted to Cantor the position of principal at Rivers Academy. I adore my students and the families I have the privilege of working with. One of my favorite parts of my job is the admissions aspect. It is so exciting to meet students and then work with them through the admissions process sharing their excitement once they are accepted into Rivers Academy.

My husband and I live in Cumming, Georgia with a house full of animals. I love spending time outside and take every chance I have to travel and take on new adventures. Just like my students, I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been fortunate to explore because of this school. What makes their school different: If you find your child in a position where they require more balance between their schooling and their extra-curricular activities, we have an excellent program available for your family. As opposed to homeschooling or on-line, we offer an excellent real school experience where your student can thrive. Through a rigorous process in 2014, we earned the highest level of Accreditation from AdvancEd/SACS. Celebrating our 7th year, we have a proven track record of our graduates getting into their first choice colleges or beginning their professional careers in the arts and athletics. In the class of 2014, we boasted two National Merit Scholarship recipients. Students are taking their involvement in the National Honor Society and service projects into their college life and succeeding as great leaders and problem solvers. Our alumni association began this year to connect and support the Rivers’ Family as they enter the market place. Whether it’s performing arts, athletics or academic endeavors many students are pursuing a passion outside of school. Rivers Academy gives them the first rate, college prep academics they need and deserve with the freedom and flexibility of a condensed school week. We offer the sought after positive peer interaction, social activities, caring teachers and small class sizes that create an optimal learning environment. Students develop superior writing and critical thinking skills while taking ownership of learning. Students receive fully accredited transcripts featuring honors and AP curriculum. In addition, we offer full science labs and enrichment classes such as chess, painting,video production, computer graphics, and a multitude of other options helping children discover their gifts. Our Staff consists of 24 teachers, 2 parent liaisons, a principal, an academic dean, and a director. Our faculty and staff are some of the most devoted, highly educated and inspirational in their field. All of our teachers are degreed in field, and most hold masters degrees. The Rivers Academy staff works together with parents to develop the whole child through mutual respect and character-driven expectations. At Rivers Academy, students find others who are very much like themselves. students around other students who are happy and passionate about their lives and pursuits can provide the ultimate inspiration. Many of our families put a premium on their time together, and very simply want to create more of it. Some also want the flexibility of traveling with their kids, and enriching their educational experience without conforming to the stringent absentee policies of traditional schools.

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“Preparing students for their future is a weighty responsibility. Providing project-based and authentic learning activities allows me to open doors to a student’s potential as they become life-long learners and adaptive leaders.” ROBIN DAUGHERTY

KRCS Lower School Faculty

ADMISSION TOURS AVAILABLE Call 770.754.5738 or email admission@kingsridgecs.org for more information. King’s Ridge Christian School practices a non-discriminatory policy of admission.

www.kingsridgecs.org

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 35

Chrysalis Experiential Academy Address: 10 Mansell Court East, Ste. 500 Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: 770-649-7077 Website: www.chrysalis-academy.org Email: general.contact@chrysalis-academy.org What makes their school different: The mission of Chrysalis Experiential Academy is “to provide students with a rigorous experiential, multi-sensory learning environment that will not only prepare them for all their future endeavors, but will also enable them to become responsible, viable members Alexander of the school and the greater community.” Chrysalis is a grade 6-12 progressive educational center that provides a safe, structured educational environment serving the needs of students with learning differences, Asperger Syndrome, high-functioning Autism, and language learning disabilities who may benefit from social and transitional skills development. We maximize personal achievement and foster independence through academics, social skills, self-advocacy, and community involvement. We invite you to visit our campus at your convenience.

King’s Ridge Christian School Address: 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta, GA 30004 Phone: 770-754-5738 Website: www.kingsridgecs.org Grades: PreK – 12th grade Number students total: 796 students Average class size: PreK & Pre-1st: 14 students Kindergarten: 16 students 1st - 12th: 20 students as target max Day School or Boarding also: Day School Application Deadline: Call Admissions % of Graduates who go on to college: 100% College acceptance rate About C. David Rhodes, III: Mr. David Rhodes joined the King’s Ridge Christian School community as headmaster in June 2006. His leadership provided immediate impact to KRCS with focus on placement of our first graduating class, student growth, master plan development, and fundraising. Rhodes Previously, David held the position of headmaster at Darlington School in Rome, Georgia for thirteen years. Over his twentyeight year tenure with Darlington, he served in many

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capacities including Principal of Upper School, Dean of Students, Science Department Chair, and coach for many championship teams in basketball, golf, football and baseball. In addition to those administrative roles, he taught biology classes for twenty-eight years. He held leadership positions as Chairman of Darlington’s Jefferson Scholarship (UVA) and Morehead Scholarship (UNC) Committees as well as part of the SACS Accreditation Committee for the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Rhodes attended Wake Forest University and earned a B.S., Science Education, and graduated Cum Laude. He also earned a Master’s of Education, Administration and Supervision from the University of West Georgia. Mr. Rhodes has earned numerous awards over his distinguished career in education. These include the James Douglas Brown Faculty Award, (1983, 1995, 2006); R. M. Yankee Excellence in Teaching Award (1989); Parents Association Award, (1990); STAR Teacher, (1992); Region Basketball Coach of the Year, (1991); Region Gold Coach of the Year, (1983 – 87, 1991 – 94) and State Golf Coach of the Year, (1987, 1993, 1994). David and his wife, Dee Dee, have two daughters, both graduates of Wake Forest. Rebecca is now a teacher at Pace Academy in Atlanta. Sarah graduated from Emory Medical School’s Physician Assistant Program and is practicing medicine in Atlanta. What makes their school different: King’s Ridge offers a unique approach to education. Together we are on a “Journey for Life Impact”. The JOURNEY FOR LIFE IMPACT is a distinctive life and college prep King’s Ridge Christian School experience with lifelong implications for our children. King’s Ridge students follow a path of selfdiscovery with intentional, planned actions toward achieving their life and career goals. Students will be prepared to navigate their lives, viewing problems as opportunities and working with courage, creativity and confidence. They will emerge as strong problem solvers, critical thinkers, life-long learners and collaborative leaders who adapt effectively to change, follow their passions, joyfully serve others and make a positive impact in the world. As a result of the JOURNEY FOR LIFE IMPACT, students will discover their unique skills and passions, which will guide them to serve and fulfill their purpose to whatever industry or field they have been called. The most important thing that we can do to prepare students for the changes that life throws them is ensure they possess the skills, resiliency and resourcefulness to handle these changes. JOURNEY FOR LIFE IMPACT forges a positive path to our students’ future — and we, as faculty and staff, are with them every step of the way.

William & Reed Academy Address: 11877 Douglas Road, Suite 206 Johns Creek, GA 30005 Phone: 678-456-5131 Website: www.WilliamReedAcademy.com

Grades: 6-12 Number students total: 50-100 Average class size: 8-10 Day School or Boarding also: Day School Application Deadline: Rolling Enrollment % of Graduates who go on to college: n/a (First graduating class will be 2016 – we anticipate that 100% of graduates will attend college) About Hunter Reed Cluthe: Hunter Reed Cluthe, Head of School at William & Reed Academy, has extensive teaching, leadership, and business experience; his 20-year career in education includes teaching and leadership positions with experience in both traditional and non-traditional schools. Cluthe Hunter earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida. In addition, he earned his Masters of Arts in Mathematics Education from Piedmont College and his Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Lincoln Memorial University. As a Johns Creek resident and well-established Johns Creek business owner (Johns Creek Test Prep & Tutoring), Hunter has developed a wellrespected brand and name-recognition within the community based on his ability to connect with students, attract and hire the best certified professional teachers, and produce maximum results. Hunter is a proud husband and father of three beautiful daughters. What makes their school different: William & Reed Academy is a unique school where students are challenged while enjoying the learning process and developing their academic skills to be successful in college. When parents inquire about W&R Academy, I simply say, “We have assembled the best teachers from the best schools and have created a small-class environment where students have teacher accessibility, a voice in the classroom, and a very high level of accountability.” Further, our vision emphasizes independent thinking and problem solving. As William & Reed Academy’s Head of School, it is imperative that I support teachers by giving them everything needed to ensure students are successful in the classroom and beyond. The key to a thriving school is to hire amazing teachers and give them everything they need to do their job successfully. Our vision is to have students not only graduate with the ability to thrive academically but for students to develop and defend personal views based on research and life experience, to make sound decisions, to be productive in a group setting while exhibiting patience and leadership, and finally, to be a positive addition to their community. William & Reed Academy differs from other schools because of the following reasons: small classes, highly credentialed and certified teach-

Continued on page 38

Experience

Awesome! Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park in Alpharetta, Georgia

You have a Convention and Visitors Bureau right here in Alpharetta! THINK OF US FIRST for your wedding, reunion, meeting or sports event. Take advantage of the FREE planning resources of the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau including FREE consultation on venues, service providers, ﬁelds and facilities, hotels and more.

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Need a group of hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests? Book these rooms with one call to the Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau. Room rates are collected from Alpharetta’s 23 hotels and provided to you with a comprehensive list of options. Every hotel has free parking, internal corridors, close proximity to stylish shopping and delectable dining; many offer a selection of suites, complimentary breakfast, local shuttle service, and a private hospitality area to gather your group.

Need brochures and information for your guests? We offer Alpharetta’s Ofﬁcial Visitors Guide, What to Do in Alpharetta, maps, and other local information for your guests staying in our 23 hotels, along with customized itineraries and insider tips galore on what is happening in town. Visit our Alpharetta Welcome Center located at 178 South Main Street for more details!

With over 175 dining choices, ﬁnd plenty to keep the foodies ﬂying high. We can provide a complete list of restaurants in Alpharetta, from chef-driven dining at Oak Steakhouse and South Main Kitchen to acclaimed chains at Buca di Beppo and Burger Fi.

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VICES

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 37

ers, flexible schedule, rigorous college preparatory curriculum, sense of community, emphasis on college admissions, and our ability to connect with students. We believe that students who have a balance in their life are more productive academically, more creative, and overall more content. We have developed a blended learning model that consists of a four-day (Monday - Thursday) flexible schedule, offering MORE instructional time than most five-day schedules while providing immediate feedback to students. Our model supports the notion that William & Reed Academy students, even with two hours of homework every day, are completely finished with their school day before other students are getting off the bus. Students at William & Reed Academy have a much more relevant and successful day in and out of school. William & Reed Academy… experience how education should be!

Cumberland Academy of Georgia Address: 650 A Mt. Vernon Hwy Atlanta, GA 30328 Phone: 404-835-9000 Website: cumberlandacademy.org Grades: 4 to 12 and postgraduate Day School or Boarding also: Day only Application Deadline: Open enrollment % of Graduates who go on to college: No stats available

About Debbi Scarborough: Debbi Scarborough founded the school and remains the headmaster. She started the school for her son who has Asperger’s. Her son was not excelling in public school and needed a special school. At that time she could not find a school that worked with Scarborough Asperger’s students. So, she started Cumberland. The school began with one student. This past fall the school celebrated the 100th enrollment. What makes their school different: Cumberland is a school for special needs students. The curriculum is college prep for grades 4-12 with an emphasis on social skill improvement. Students are also taught life skills and leave Cumberland vocation or college bound. There are full time counselors on staff to assist students in emotional growth. And, Haley, the school therapy dog, is loved by students and parents alike!

Fideles Christian School Address: 1390 Weber Industrial Drive, Cumming, GA 30041 Phone: 770-772-4555 Website: www.thelionheartschool.com Grades: PreK4 – 12th Number students total: 196 students

30 Years Providing a Comprehensive Educational Program for Unique Learners Grades 6 – 12

“TCS didn’t only prepare me for college, it prepared me for life!” ~ 2014 Graduate î 6WUXFWXUHG OHDUQLQJ HQYLURQPHQW î ,QGRRU DQG RXWGRRU FODVVURRPV î VWXGHQW WHDFKHU UDWLR î ([SHULHQWLDO FODVVHV î &RPSUHKHQVLYH VSRUWV SURJUDP î 6XPPHU DFDGHPLF SURJUDPV î 6XPPHU VSRUWV FDPSV î &$36WRQH SRVW VHFRQGDU\ WUDQVLWLRQ SURJUDP

HONOR THE PAST CELEBRATE THE PRESENT EMBRACE THE FUTURE 700 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30075 770.641.8688 www.cottageschool.org The Cottage School maintains a nondiscrimination policy in all school programs.

38 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

Average class size: 15 students Day School or Boarding also: Day School Application Deadline: No application deadline % of Graduates who go on to college: 95 + percent of graduates go to college About the Head of School: • Co-Founders/Directors: Jonny L. Whisenant/Executive Director/Business Administration/Pastoral Oversight and Ellen W. Whisenant Academic Director/Principal • Education: BSW University of Georgia; BBA, Georgia State University. • Experience: Mr. Whisenant: Business Development, Pastoral Leadership, Teaching, Curriculum Development; Mrs. Whisenant: Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Design, Staff Development, Teaching • Family: Four children ages 20-31; three grandchildren

Jonny Whisenant

Ellen Whisenant

What makes their school different: FCS is a Christian Paraclete Model School com-

Continued on page 40

Continued From page 8 in Education. Since 2002, state funding per student has fallen an average of 12 percent each year, shifting more and more funding responsibility to local governments. “In 2002, the state provided 56 percent of education funding in local school systems. In 2013, that number had fallen to 51 percent,” said Suggs. In the Fulton County School System, less than 40 percent of the budget comes from state sources, with the rest coming from local taxpayers. The federal government contributes less than 1 percent. The austerity cuts have hit the system hard, with more than $330 million withheld since 2003. This is in addition to the ongoing $150 million reduction as part of the “fair share” requirement, which redirects state funds from wealthier districts to less wealthy ones. Still, Fulton Schools is financially robust, thanks to conservative spending practices and targeted cuts during lean years. According to financial staff, Fulton

Schools has been spending 97 cents of each dollar budgeted, resulting in a healthy reserve fund. During a school board meeting last week, board members approved new spending as a result of an additional $16 million to the FY15 budget. The increase in mid-year revenue comes primarily from local tax revenues, with a small increase in state revenues. Local schools will see much of the new funds, receiving an additional $50 per pupil in flexible spending, which can be spent this year or carried over to next year. High schools will also be sharing in $4.5 million for upgrades to their media centers. Other mid-term expenditures include musical instrument replacement ($4M), building assessments in anticipation of SPLOST V ($3M), increase in school-based security budgets ($100K), additional day for high school assistant principals ($60K), additional day for data clerks ($211K), communications department interns ($10K) and other expenses.

Windows of Opportunity

10965 Woodstock Rd • Roswell, GA 30075 @FellowshipCS @PaladinSports

770-993-1650

www.FellowshipChristianSchool.org

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 39

bining the best features of a traditional teacher-led classroom education with the strengths of parentled home schooling. Our goal is academic excellence within the framework of Christian discipleship. Fideles is a fully accredited PreK-12th grade academic program in which classes meet 2 or 3 days/week (depending on grade level) at our campus. On the remaining 2 or 3 days of the week, students work in their homes under the supervision and with the assistance of their parents to complete assignments given by their teachers. In many ways, you will find Fideles to be very similar to any other traditional college preparatory school. Our students attend classes instructed and led by qualified teachers, receive assignments from them, and compile a transcript based on an accredited college preparatory curriculum. At graduation, their diploma is equivalent to and confers on them all the rights and privileges of any student in the State of Georgia and nationally under the State University Board of Regents. Fideles is committed to providing a quality Christian College Preparatory education compatible with nationally recognized academic standards. Our teachers come to us with a combined total of over three hundred years of classroom teaching experience, eighteen Master’s Degrees, thirty-three Bachelor’s Degrees, and worlds of experience from a rich variety of backgrounds.

Blessed Trinity Website: www.btcatholic.org Grades: 9-12 Number students total: 972 students Average class size: 21 Day School or Boarding also: Day students onl Application Deadline: For priority admission is last Friday in January, rolling applications taken after that % of Graduates who go on to college: 97% of graduates go directly to four-year colleges; 2% to two-year. About Frank Moore: Frank Moore, BS in Mathematics, MA in Math Education and Educational Leadership, both from Tulane University. 43 years experience: 16 years as Math teacher in New Orleans, 10 as assistant principal at St. Pius X in Atlanta, 17 as principal - two in Oklahoma City Moore and the last 15 as the founding principal of Blessed Trinity. Two grown children: son a hotel manager in New Orleans, daughter a fourth grade teacher in DeKalb County. What makes their school different: Blessed Trinity operates on an A/B block schedule, with students taking eight 90-minute classes, four a day over a two-day period. Alumni surveys indicate that this schedule was enormously helpful as they transitioned to college, since none of the classes there meet every day. With the block schedule, students can amass as many as 32 credits over their four years. The curriculum includes, in addition to the core, a three-

40 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

semester requirement in each of Fine Arts, Business and Technology Education, and Physical Education. The many extracurricular opportunities include 22 varsity sports, vibrant fine arts program, and over 25 other clubs and organizations. The school also features a house system, with the students randomly placed when they enroll into one of eight houses of about 125 students each. Each house is further divided into five families of about 25 students each. All houses and families are evenly mixed through all four grade levels. Families meet for 15 minutes each Wednesday and discuss various school issues. Houses engage in various competitions and tournaments to be named House of the Month and House of the Year. The house system helps our new students, who typically come from over 50 middle school programs, to assimilate quickly and be a part of something more intimate than just their grade level. Next year Blessed Trinity will transition into becoming a Chromebook school, with all students and teachers provided this device, as we begin the move away from print texts. In preparation for increased educational technology, in October the school ran two virtual school days, with the students remaining at home, the teachers coming to the school, and all lessons transmitted electronically. This was the culmination of three months of teacher training in delivering online lessons. Surveys of students, teachers, and parents following the two days were overwhelming positive. Snow days are now a thing of the past!

Rabun GapNacoochee School Address: 339 Nacoochee Drive Rabun Gap, GA 30568 Phone: 706-746-7467 Website: www.rabungap.org Grades: 5-12 Number students total: 410 students Average class size: 10-14 students (no class larger than 16) Day School or Boarding also: Day and Boarding Application Deadline: Rolling % of Graduates who go on to college: 100% About Anthony H Sgro: Anthony H. Sgro assumed the Head of School role at Rabun Gap in 2011. He graduated from The Asheville School, an independent boarding school in Asheville, North Carolina. He attended Hampden Sydney College and holds bachelor and master’s degrees Sgro from Virginia Tech. He earned his doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. During his doctoral program, he was a Craigie Scholar of the Walter and Beese Craigie Teaching Endowment. He is a graduate of the Diaconal Formation Institute of the Diocese of Virginia and was ordained in the Diocese of Atlanta of the Episcopal Church. He

serves as deacon at St. James Episcopal Church in Clayton, Georgia. Dr. Sgro has presented on educational issues at the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, National Association of Independent Schools Annual Conference, International Coalition of Boys Schools Annual Meeting, The Association of Boarding Schools, and Virginia Association of Independent Schools Conference. He has served on the boards of the Wilson Center for Public Service at Hampden-Sydney College, St. Andrew’s School Development Committee, the Virginia Israel Commission, and the Development Committee of the College of Architecture and Public Affairs at Virginia Tech. He serves on the faculty of the Independent School Conference on Law and Policy. Dr. Sgro is married to Faulkner Bagley Sgro. Mrs. Sgro is a graduate of Collegiate School (VA) and Vanderbilt University. They have three children: Huston (7), Bagley (5), and Grazia (5). What makes their school different: For those new to Rabun Gap, I would like to share some of the basic tenets that define our school. More than 110 years ago, founder Andrew Jackson Ritchie followed his dream to bring quality education to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northeast corner of Georgia. Today, Rabun GapNacoochee School is dedicated to serving a new century of learners while remaining grounded in the School’s historic values of Work Study Worship. Mentored by dedicated and accomplished faculty members, our students explore their potential knowing with confidence that the Rabun Gap Community supports them in their highest and most noble ambitions. We challenge students to Lead the Way while investing themselves fully in a stimulating journey of education, growth, and discovery. Students discover and pursue their own passions, whether these are in academics, the arts, athletics, or in service to others – often finding simultaneous success in all areas. I invite you to learn more about the amazing accomplishments of our students and this wonderful boarding and day school that supports students of diverse talents, interests, and backgrounds. Tour campus, meet teachers and students, visit a science classroom, cheer with us at a basketball game, or enjoy a performance of Cirque in the Rearden Theater. The calendar is always full at Rabun Gap. I hope you take the time to get to know us – and let us get to know you.

Covenant Christian Academy Address: 6905 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040 Website: www.covenantrams.opg Grades: K4-12th Number students total: 242 Average class size: 118 Day School or Boarding also: Day School

Continued on page 41

Star SAT students

Breanna Hammond • Name of Student: Breanna Hammond • Name of School: Fideles Christian School • Score on the SAT: 2180 • What did you do to prepare for the SAT and what advice do you have to do well on the test? I took SAT Prep at C2 Education. I also took several practice tests. I would recommend a student take preparatory classes before the SAT. • What do you plan to major in college? I’m technically undecided. I was thinking of getting a major in business, or study something in criminology. • Name of Student: Andy Rodriguez • Name of School: Pinecrest Academy • Score on the SAT: CR: 690 Math: 800 Writing: 790 • What did you do to prepare for the SAT and what advice do you have to do well on the test?

Andy Rodriguez

Noah Fried

I used the Princeton Review study guide and independently studied the week before the test. Make sure you know the material and brush up on your grammar rules, math formulas, etc. You can study and prepare yourself for this test.” • What do you plan to major in college? Engineering • Additional Information about Andy: He earned a perfect score (36) on the ACT during his junior year, marking the first time in Pinecrest’s history that a student made a perfect score. Out of 1.8 million students that took the ACT in 2013, only 1,162 earned a perfect score. Additionally, Andy earned a perfect score on his Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language and Culture Exam, taken in May 2014. He was one of only 91 students in the world to earn every point possible on the exam.

to do well on the test? Noah says the best preparation for him was reading and writing A LOT during his free time. He published a book last summer called Random Words in Random Order http://tinyurl.com/qjuquh2 which is sold on Amazon. He also says joining the debate team was an excellent way to prepare, and he advises other students not to stress over taking the SAT. • What do you plan to major in college?Noah plans to major in philosophy and psychology at Furman University.

• Name of Student: Noah Fried • Name of School: Mount Vernon Presbyterian School • Score on the SAT: 2080 • What did you do to prepare for the SAT and what advice do you have

Continued From page 40 Application Deadline: Rolling Applications % of Graduates who go on to college: 95% About the staff: • Headmaster of Covenant Christian Academy – Mr. Johnathan Arnold • Education – Bachelor of Science in Accounting - Belhaven University Jackson, MS • Master of Business Administration – Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA • Master of Education – Columbia International University Columbia, SC • Married to Gretchen Arnold who serves as a

William Lee

• Name of Student: William Lee • Name of School: Wesleyan • Score on the SAT: 2290 • What did you do to prepare for the SAT and what advice do you have to do well on the test? To prepare, I took a few practice tests to get comfortable with the format of the test. I think the most important thing to remember when taking the test is that performance on one test does not define who you are. • What do you plan to major in college? I plan on majoring in chemistry or chemical engineering.

Kindergarten teacher at Covenant Christian Academy • 3 children – Grace Ann (18), James (15), Lydia (14) • Has served as Headmaster at CCA since 2002. What makes their school different: Covenant Christian Academy is a private, Christian school offering K4 – 12th grades located in Cumming, Georgia in the Midway community (halfway between Cumming and Alpharetta). CCA is fully accredited by the Georgia Association of Christian Schools. We are devoted to assisting parents as they rear their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!”. Our philosophy of education rests upon basic

Nick Markwordt • Name of Student: Nick Markwordt • Name of School: Blessed Trinity Catholic High School, Roswell, Georgia • Score on the SAT: Not comfortable sharing score • What did you do to prepare for the SAT and what advice do you have to do well on the test? I took a couple of practice SAT tests and those really helped. I also spend time everyday going over questions - going over one question everyday helps a ton. • What do you plan to major in college? Georgia Tech, engineering, probably electrical

assumptions drawn from the Bible: that Christ is the source of all truth and knowledge, that Christ is the Creator of all facts, and that the Bible is the inerrant, complete, and all-embracing revelation of God. Therefore, the focus of our educational mission is building Christian Arnold character to the glory of God! Our Purpose is to provide our students with a quality education that approaches every discipline from a Christ-centered, biblical world and life view. We believe firmly that “In Christ are hidden all the riches of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians2:3)

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 41

Fulton Science Academy Private School: Education Designed for Success and Outstanding Achievement Fulton Science Academy Private School is located in Alpharetta and currently serves students in grades Pre-K through 10th grade. Our school is one of the leading STEM schools in Georgia and was a 2014 STEM Education Award Finalist. Although we are known for outstanding performance in STEM education, FSAPS also integrates the arts into our curriculum for a complete educational program. In addition to our competitive admission criteria, grade level placement decisions are multi-faceted, weighted more on student ability and social maturity than their age. FSAPS is unique due to our high population of advanced and gifted students. We provide our students with the opportunity to grow, learn, and play in a safe environment conducive to fostering academic growth. Our school has developed a high quality advanced academic program emphasizing a S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) curriculum. We implement our academic programs with unique and innovative methods designed to develop advanced logic, high-level reasoning, greater material retention, and creativity. Fulton Science Academy Private School, also, works to develop student presentation, writing, organiza-

tion, and time-management abilities from the earliest grades, so that our students are well-prepared for all their future endeavors. This educational model coupled with our nationally award winning faculty yields the highest level of student achievement possible. Fulton Science Academy’s environment is structured to minimize distractions and stress, while optimizing work ethic, self-initiative, good character qualities, and well-developed social skills. At FSAPS development of the whole student is just as important as academics. Physical education is a part of every school day to allow for the healthy physical development and increased energy of all students. Foreign language studies are provided daily in all grades to more fully develop student communication skills. In addition to these educational enhancements, many enrichment opportunities are offered, including free after-school clubs, band, orchestra, and top performing academic teams to develop student social skills. Other than our rigorous curriculum to challenge students, we continually seek opportunities to help these students develop their potential. Adding to our award winning Science Olympiad, Tech Fair, Mathematics, Future City, Destination Imagination, and Robotics teams, we are now beginning to prepare

our students for International Olympiads in such areas as Informatics, Physics, and Mathematics. These, as well as, several other factors contribute to FSAPS’s successful innovative educational model. Fulton Science Academy Private School limits class sizes to a maximum of eighteen students for Pre-K through 5th grade and twenty students for 6th grade and up thus allowing for focused individualized student attention. Our small and structured environment, along with uniforms, keeps our students focused on their studies. Also, the commitment and dedication of our faculty and administration to student advancement and continuous school improvement is unrivaled and the value is immeasurable. However, the single most important factor to our success is the partnership and communication that parents, teachers, and administration have developed to benefit our students. Through this partnership, an extended family has been created to nurture and provide every opportunity for our students to reach their greatest potential and their personal goals. Fulton Science Academy has engineered a school to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s world. www.fultonscienceacademy.org

Adult Orthodontics

Dr. Jeffrey Jordan, DMD, MSD, PC

Everybody loves a great smile and for most people orthodontics is the best way to achieve the smile that you have always wanted. Orthodontics today offers innovative, esthetic, and efficient treatment options. As a result, orthodontic treatment for adults is more popular than ever! Whether your orthodontic problem is mild, moderate or severe, there is a treatment option for you! Invisalign continues to be an excellent solution for less challenging orthodontic conditions. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that move the teeth. Each aligner moves the teeth a quarter of a millimeter and is worn for about two weeks. The number of aligners is dictated by how crowded or spaced out your teeth are at the beginning of treatment. Invisalign can also accommodate elastics to improve function and has been used for more serious situations that require extractions or even orthognathic jaw surgery. However, most of the treatments completed with aligner therapy involve less movement and shorter treatment times. Moderate to severe conditions usually require the use of traditional orthodontic appliances. However, the

42 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

vast majority of adult treatments can be completed in less than one year! Clear or ceramic tooth colored braces combined with new superelastic memory wires have made traditional orthodontic treatment more efficient and more comfortable. The teeth move a little every day and the forces on the teeth are very light. The lighter forces move the teeth faster but with considerably less discomfort. The bulky braces and heavy forces of yesteryear are a thing of the past. The clear or tooth colored braces can also be combined with wires coated to blend in with the teeth. The most severe adult orthodontic problems involve orthodontics combined with orthognathic surgery. Adults who desire improved facial esthetics and improved function can benefit from orthodontics combined with surgery to correct facial imbalances. In this situation, the braces are placed on the teeth for about six months prior to surgery and remain

on the teeth for a few months after the procedure. Severe overbites, underbites, crossbites and openbites are treated in this manner. Again, most of these situations can be corrected in less than one year. More recent innovations include Insignia customized orthodontic appliances that are computer generated to work with each patient’s unique situation. This all-inclusive orthodontic solution includes customized brackets, wires, and placement trays. A computerized scan of the patient’s mouth is initially taken to diagnose and treatment plan the orthodontics. Customized appliances improve the efficiency of the treatment and minimize the time required to detail the occlusion and complete the treatment saving approxi-

mately 25% in treatment time. Another exciting innovation is Acceledent and it can be used with any of the above treatment modalities. Acceledent is an intraoral device that generates gentle micropulses to accelerate bone remodeling. With just 20 minutes per day, the tiny vibrations caused by Acceledent can expedite tooth movement by up to 50% according to one clinical study. The treatment options today are numerous! Orthodontists today utilize clear aligners, clear, metal, or lingual braces, and even orthognathic jaw surgery to treat patients. One or more of these options might be best for you. So trust your smile to a board certified specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, an orthodontist!

Two great schools on one street By Montessori Kids Academy and Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy Montessori Kids Academy, located at 3034 Old Atlanta Road in Cumming, is a SACS/CASI accredited school and a member of the American Montessori Society. Montessori Kids Academy currently participates in the Georgia Student Scholarship Program, a taxsavings program created to enable parents to use their money tax-free for education. Montessori Kids Academy offers a traditional Montessori student-focused constructivist teaching style. Their growing school teaches children from 18 months to 3 years of age in our preprimary classroom, 3 years to 6 years of age in our primary classroom, and 6 to 12 years of age in our elementary classrooms. A low student to teacher ratio is maintained in each classroom. Stop by and see the traditional Montessori School that makes a difference around the world as well as at home. Just next door to Montessori Kids Academy is Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, located at 3036 Old Atlanta

Road in Cumming. Kids ‘R’ Kids is a SACS/CASI accredited school and an excellent quality childcare facility that combines learning with playing. At every stage of your child’s journey, Kids ‘R’ Kids develops new and challenging ways to open the mind and expand the imagination – it’s what they call Smart Fun. There is a foundation of love and trust is accompanied every step of the way by the teachers, parents and peers. Kids ‘R’ Kids now includes private Playball, Fun Bus, Soccer, Robotics, Chess, Ballet and Tap Lessons. Regardless of your need, whether full time, part time, after school care, or seasonal camps, Kids ‘R’ Kids is the place for your child.

Montessori Kids Academy offers a traditional Montessori student-focused constructivist teaching style.

Now Enrolling Private Pre-K and Private Kindergarten

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 43

Academic Excellence in a Mountain Setting This year, we welcomed over 400 students to our campus in Northeast Georgia, marking the third year of record growth for Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. Early enrollment for the 2015-2016 academic year indicates this growth will continue, and some classes (grades 5-12) have already filled. While 75% of our students come from the United States, we are particularly pleased to welcome young people from 28 different countries. Since our founding in 1903, Rabun Gap has been committed to providing students with a fine college preparatory boarding education regardless of financial background ,and this year, over 70% of our students received financial aid awards. Rabun Gap’s beautiful 1400-acre campus provides the perfect setting for rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and artistic adventures. During the school year, our students are challenged in all aspects of their lives. Academically, we offer an AP-based curriculum that seeks to hone the critical thinking skills of our students. The average class size is 14 and our students are active and

engaged learners. The School’s faculty members are highly qualified with over 75% holding advanced degrees. They are committed to each student’s achievement. Athletically, Rabun Gap fields 28 competitive teams. This year Rabun Gap’s football, and girl’s and boys basketball teams have competed for state titles, and baseball and soccer season

are just gearing up. The athletic program at Rabun Gap provides opportunities for all students to be a part of a team and learn the importance of teamwork. The Rabun Gap Fine and Performing Arts program continues to pack the Robert and Dell Rearden Theater with performances ranging from choral, to orchestra, to drama, to dance. Cirque

continues to captivate audiences, turning the theater into a wonderland of imagination and acrobatic skills for four magical sold-out performances in November. The show features virtually all manner of Cirque apparatus, including trapeze, lyra, aerial silks, and Spanish web. The show is remarkable in that the students lead the production from start to finish. In June, we will bid farewell to our seniors as they matriculate to the finest colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. Early Acceptance was phenomenal with almost every student applying gaining acceptance. Popular college choices during the last few years include Emory, NYU, Harvard, Davidson, Sewanee, Hampden-Sydney, Georgia Tech, Middlebury, Wofford, Furman, Navy, West Point, and the Universities of North Carolina, California, Washington, and Georgia. Join us on campus for one of our many activities, and experience the magic of Rabun Gap firsthand. Visit our website at www.rabungap.org and plan your excursion to Rabun GapNacoochee School today!

William & Reed Academy… Experience How Education Should Be

William & Reed Academy is a fully accredited private school, grades 6-12, in Johns Creek, GA that provides parents and students another choice for a college preparatory education. William & Reed Academy has a unique and specialized approach to teaching students in a small class setting while preparing them for the college of their choice. William & Reed Academy offers students a concentrated school week of Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with an optional Flex Period component that ends daily at 2:00 p.m. This schedule maxi-

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mizes academic instructional time by offering core academic classes in a shorter school day blended with online electives. The concentrated school week offers small classes in all core subjects (math, science, social studies, and language arts) and various online electives such as Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Forensic Science, Digital Photography, five different world languages, and 20 advanced placement courses. Class size at William & Reed Academy is currently 10 students or less with a maximum of 16 students, enabling teachers to cover more material in each lesson and to provide more specialized instruction between student and teacher. William & Reed Academy’s teachers are top-notch certified educators who have years of experience teaching in the area’s best high schools (Northview, Milton, Johns Creek, Centennial). The student-friendly schedule also allows students to spend more time with family and on other interests like sports and fine arts while still receiving an accredited, college preparatory education. Opening William & Reed Academy is a natural progression for Hunter Reed Cluthe, a 20 year veteran teacher, administrator, and business owner (Johns Creek Test Prep & Tutoring). Mr. Cluthe states, “The idea behind William & Reed Academy is to give students a personalized educational experience that

truly prepares students to be independent thinkers, to recognize their strengths, and to develop confidence, both personally and academically. As a veteran teacher, I have observed how exhausted students are at the end of their school day, only to go home and with two to four hours of homework. The amount of wasted time for many students during a typical school day is alarming. At William & Reed Academy, the goal is for our students, without sacrificing quality, to have a much more relevant and successful school day and to be completely finished with their academic day (homework included) before other students are getting off the bus. We feel this can easily be accomplished by offering longer academic periods (65 minutes) with much smaller classes, which gives our students more academic instructional time than most traditional five-day schedules.” Students at William & Reed academy have teacher accessibility, a voice in the classroom, and a very high level of accountability. Further, William & Reed Academy’s philosophy supports the notion that students with balance in their lives tend to be happier and more productive academically. Since opening, parents have consistently commented that their child is smiling more and looking forward to going to school… something many parents have not heard from their child since elementary school.

King’s Ridge Christian School Located on 70 acres in Alpharetta, you will find a unique setting and educational offering for college-bound students. King’s Ridge Christian School is a multi-denominational school serving students PreK-12th grade with a community of faculty, staff and parents who partner to surround students. Students are highly sought after by colleges because of their excellent skill preparation in writing, problem solving, communication, accountability and leadership. They complete their King’s Ridge experience with the goal of becoming self-directed learners, self-confident servants and self-aware leaders. 100% of students receive college acceptances. This doesn’t happen by accident but by the creation of an environment in which each student is known. This experience, called the Journey for Life Impact, is where students start to discover their God-given gifts and talents and work towards discovering their purpose. Students are in a familiar setting where they feel safe to stretch them-

selves and develop their potential beyond what they imagine they can do. Academic support is provided through supplemental help sessions and teachers go the extra mile for student success. The student experience starts by the relationships built with dedicated teachers who invest in the lives of each student. It happens in a community that both welcomes and invites parental involvement. Students begin to recognize their uniqueness and calibrate their view toward their future, serving their community and their family. King’s Ridge alumni report their preparation was well worth the investment as they often surpass their college peers, particularly in the areas of writing, achievement, time management, and responsibility. They understand the benefit of building a network of relationships and often join student organizations that support continued growth.

The King’s Ridge experience extends far beyond the classroom. By middle school, students travel regionally on mission trips and by high school expand to international destinations. Faith is put in action by giving back in service. Weekly chapel services with student involvement supplement Christian education classes. The goal of the athletic program is to field competitive teams who can play against the best and give any opponent a competitive game. This allows for an age-appropriate program that starts in first grade and extends to GHSA competition with progressive skills, knowledge and personal development. Student-athletes play not for pride in the individual player but for the love of their teammates, for love of the game, the love of their school and most significantly, their love of God. Fine Arts offerings extend from

visual arts opportunities with art requirements, electives and club. Drama at the high school level includes Thespians, Chorale, the One Act and musicals. Students in middle school cultivate their talent in a full musical production that would rival many high schools. Each lower school grade level performs a production on an annual basis. Student interests are nurtured in technology through robotics and video production. Leadership and student life are impacted via student government, Honor Council, the Journey Games, Beta Club, Student Ambassadors and other organizations. Global interests are stretched through curriculum studies, technology, international partnerships with other classrooms and foreign languages including Mandarin. Admission tours may be scheduled by contacting 770-754-5738. King’s Ridge serves families in north Fulton, east Cobb, Cherokee and Forsyth counties and practices a non-discriminatory policy of admission.

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Eagles soar

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Baseball team in ip state championship ► PAGE 12

School board nixes armed staffers

No weapons allowed on school property ► PAGE 5

First lady touts child immunization Sandra Deal visits Emory Hospital, family ► PAGE 12

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PROJECT DARASANI:

Where would new traffic lights go? • Walmart driveway • Genesis Way/Deerfield Place • Soneley Court/Keyingham Way • Sunfish Bend • Creek Club Drive

MILTON, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and city of Milton want to make major improvements to Ga. 9 in coming years. Those improvements, however, will not begin for almost a decade. At an open house May 21,

See CHANGES, Page 7

TUTORING

See ELECTIONS, Page 5

By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com

The red dots indicate new or modifications to existing traffic signals along a section of Ga. 9.

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Election results

POST 4 votes: Bob Gray 2,900, 58% Eric Fragoso 2,134, 42% POST 6 votes: Steve Broadbent 3,346, 66% Nancy Reinecke 1,213, 34%

Northview teen’s nonproﬁt City to let Fulton County helps African students Trip to Tanzania inspires Saloni Sharma to start club to support students she met

the public took their ﬁrst look at the proposed improvements, which include widening Ga. 9 from Windward Parkway north to the Forsyth County line into a four-lane road – two in each direction. Included with these improvements will be the elimination of the center lane to be replaced with a center median

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – In a tumultuous year of political bloodletting on the City Council, it ended with neither a bang nor a whimper. Instead, it ended July 22 with a calm, clean runoff election among four candidates for the last two council seats. The runoffs were won handily in the end by Steve Broadbent and Bob Gray for posts 6 and 4 respectively. A season of local politics that had burst on the usually quiet Johns Creek political scene the summer of 2013 ended quietly. Conventional wisdom says turnouts in runoff elections are usually light And this was a special election called in July – just a couple weeks before

Gray, Broadbent ﬁll last 2 council seats

Saloni Sharma sits amid dozens of bags of school supplies donated by families of Sugar Mill subdivision in Johns Creek. The nonprofit she started, Project Darasani, helps needy Tanzanian students acquire the basic school supplies they need to get an education.

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July 31, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 18, No. 31

Milton honors fallen veteran Cpl. Harry Vaughan, inset right, graduated from Milton High School in 1967. Within a year, he was shipped over to Vietnam where he died. Local veterans honored him May 22 at the school. See story, page 28.

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17,000 households on Wednesdays Zip Codes: 30040, 30041. Forsyth county’s largest circulation newspaper. Est. 1998

May 28, 2014 | northfulton.com | 73,500 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 9, No. 22

Ga. 9 to be widened to county line

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Education Focus

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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – When Rupesh Sharma made the trip to Tanzania to hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, it became more than chance to cross off

a goal on his bucket list. He also saw a lot of poverty and how little the country could do for school-age children. Determined to do something, he knew he would return. When he came home and told his family about

what he had seen, he saw that his then 13-year-old daughter Saloni was moved by what he had seen. They talked about it and she said she wanted to go with him on

See SHARMA, Page 31

administer HUD grants Will still OK CDBG projects By HATCHER HURD hatcher@northfulton.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Johns Creek will turn over administration of the city’s Commu-

nity Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to Fulton County, but the city does not cede control of the projects that are approved for Johns Creek. CDBG grants are federal dollars issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and

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Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 45

FULTONSchool Bios, Public Elementary Schools Abbotts Hill 770-667-2860 Principal Roytunda Stabler 5575 Abbotts Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30097 Year Opened: 2000 Enrollment: 713 http://school.fultonschools. org/es/abbottshill/Pages/ default.aspx Alpharetta 770-740-7015 Principal Adam Maroney 192 Mayfield Road Alpharetta, GA 30009 Year Opened: 1956 Enrollment: 571 http://fultonschools.org/es/ alpharettaelementary/Pages/ default.aspx Amana Academy Charter (K-8) 678-624-0989 Principal Ehab Jaleel 285 South Main Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 Year Opened: 2007 Enrollment: 484 www.amanaacademy.org Barnwell 770-552-4960 Principal Norman Sauce 9425 Barnwell Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 1987 Enrollment: 801 http://fultonschools.org/es/ barnwell/Pages/default.aspx Birmingham Falls 770- 667-2820 Principal Windy Bottoms 14865 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 Year Opened: August 2009 Enrollment: 730 http://fultonschools.org/es/ birminghamfalls/Pages/default. aspx Cogburn Woods 770-667-2845 Principal Bruce Fraser 13080 Cogburn Road Milton, GA 30004 Year Opened: 2004 Enrollment: 917 http://fultonschools.org/es/ cogburnwoods/Pages/default. aspx

Crabapple Crossing 770-740-7055 Principal Rachel Williams 12775 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 Year Opened: 1992 Enrollment: 787 http://fultonschools.org/es/ crabapplecrossing/Pages/ default.aspx Creek View 770-667-2932 Principal Debra Doss 3995 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 Year Opened: 2001 Enrollment: 970 http://fultonschools.org/es/ creekview/Pages/default.aspx Dolvin 770-740-7020 Principal Laura Zoll 10495 Jones Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 1979 Enrollment: 873 http://fultonschools.org/es/ dolvin/Pages/default.aspx Esther Jackson 770-594-5290 Principal Jennifer Cassidy 1400 Martin Road Roswell, GA 30076 Year Opened: 1975 Enrollment: 599 http://fultonschools.org/es/ estherjackson/Pages/default. aspx Findley Oaks 770-497-3800 Principal Lacey Andrews 5880 Findley Chase Drive Johns Creek, GA 30097 Year Opened: 1994 Enrollment: 672 http://fultonschools.org/es/ findleyoaks/Pages/default. aspx Fulton Sunshine Academy (closing June 2015) 770-410-1500 Principal Murat Cetin 1335 Northmeadow Parkway Roswell, GA 30076 Year opened: 2010 Enrollment: 564 fultonsunshine.org Hembree Springs 770-667-2902 Principal Laurie Woodruff

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815 Hembree Road Roswell, GA 30076 Year Opened: 2001 Enrollment: 826 http://fultonschools.org/ es/hembreesprings/Pages/ default.aspx Hillside 770-552-6362 Principal Maisha Otway 9250 Scott Road Roswell, GA 30076 Year Opened: 2001 Enrollment: 689 http://fultonschools.org/es/ hillside/Pages/default.aspx Lake Windward 770-740-7050 Principal Tara McGee 11770 East Fox Court Alpharetta 30005 Year Opened: 1989 Enrollment: 690 http://fultonschools.org/es/ lakewindward/Pages/default. aspx Manning Oaks 770-667-2912 Principal Don Webb 405 Cumming Street Alpharetta, GA 30004 Year Opened: 1998 Enrollment: 804 http://fultonschools.org/es/ manningoaks/Pages/default. aspx Medlock Bridge 770-623-2980 Principal Tiffany Hutchens 10215 Medlock Bridge Parkway Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 1990 Enrollment: 672 http://fultonschools.org/es/ medlockbridge/Pages/default. aspx Mimosa 770-552-4540 Principal Ariane Holcombe 1550 Warsaw Road Roswell, GA 30076 Year Opened: 1968 Enrollment: 1,105 http://fultonschools.org/es/ mimosa/Pages/default.aspx Mountain Park 770-552-4530 Principal Stacy Perlman 11895 Mountain Park Road Roswell,, GA 30075 Enrollment: 849 http://fultonschools.org/es/ mountainpark/Pages/default. aspx New Prospect 770-667-2800

Principal Mary Robson 3055 Kimball Bridge Road Alpharetta 30349 Year Opened: 1994 Enrollment: 509 http://fultonschools.org/es/ newprospect/Pages/default. aspx Northwood 770-552-6390 Principal Ritu Ahuja 10200 Wooten Road Roswell, GA 30076 Year Opened: 1996 Enrollment: 732 http://fultonschools.org/es/ northwood/Pages/default.aspx Ocee 770-667-2960 Principal Deborah Pernice 4375 Kimball Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 2000 Enrollment: 793 http://fultonschools.org/es/ ocee/Pages/default.aspx River Eves 770-552-4550 Principal Neil Pinnock 9000 Eves Road Roswell, GA 30076 Year Opened: 1996 Enrollment: 816 http://fultonschools.org/es/ rivereves/Pages/default.aspx Roswell North 770-552-6320 Principal Kindra Smith 10525 Woodstock Road Roswell, GA 30075 Year Opened: 1960 Enrollment: 1028 http://fultonschools.org/es/ roswellnorth/Pages/default. aspx Shakerag 770-497-3880 Principal Martin Neuhaus 10885 Rogers Circle Johns Creek, GA 30097 Year Opened: 1997 Enrollment: 825 http://fultonschools.org/es/ shakerag/Pages/default.aspx State Bridge Crossing 770-497-3850 Principal Trey Martin 5530 State Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 1996 Enrollment: 815 http://fultonschools.org/es/ statebridgecrossing/Pages/ default.aspx Summit Hill 770-667-2830 Principal Nancy Murphy

13855 Providence Road Milton, GA 30004 Year Opened: 1999 Enrollment: 713 http://fultonschools.org/es/ summithill/Pages/default.aspx Sweet Apple 770-643-3310 Principal Andy Allison 12025 Etris Road Roswell, GA 30075 Year Opened: 1997 Enrollment: 713 http://fultonschools.org/es/ sweetapple/Pages/default. aspx Wilson Creek 770-497-3811 Principal Andrea Cushing 6155 Wilson Road Johns Creek, GA 30097 Year Opened: 2004 Enrollment: 786 http://fultonschools.org/es/ wilsoncreek/Pages/default.aspx

Middle Schools Autry Mill Middle 770 521-7622 Principal Jimmy Zoll 4110 Old Alabama Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 2003 Enrollment: 1381 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/autreymill/Pages/ default.aspx Crabapple 770-552-4520 Principal Rako Morrissey 10700 Crabapple Road Roswell, GA 30075 Year Opened: 1983 Enrollment: 939 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/crabapple/Pages/ default.aspx Elkins Pointe 770-667-2892 Principal Melinda Springman 11290 Elkins Road Roswell, GA 30076 Year Opened: 2001 Enrollment: 1132 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/elkinspointe/Pages/ default.aspx Haynes Bridge 770-740-7030 Principal Lauren Seidman 10665 Haynes Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 Year Opened: 1983 Enrollment: 752 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/haynesbridge/Pages/ default.aspx

Holcomb Bridge 770-594-5280 Principal Christopher Shearer 2700 Holcomb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30022 Year Opened: 1983 Enrollment: 826 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/holcombbridge/Pages/ default.aspx Hopewell 678-297-3240 Principal Michael leMoyne 13060 Cogburn Road Milton, GA 30004 Year Opened: 2004 Enrollment: 1343 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/hopewell/Pages/ default.aspx Northwestern 770-667-2870 Principal Jasmine Kullar 12805 Birmingham Highway Milton, GA 30004 Year Opened: 1996 Enrollment: 1334 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/northwestern/Pages/ default.aspx River Trail 770-497-3860 Principal Dawn Melin 10795 Rogers Circle Johns Creek, GA 30097 Year Opened: 2001 Enrollment: 1400 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/rivertrail/Pages/default. aspx Taylor Road 770-740-7090 Principal Edward Williamson 5150 Taylor Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 1990 Enrollment: 1043 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/taylorroad/Pages/ default.aspx Webb Bridge 770-667-2940 Principal Susan Opferman 4455 Webb Bridge Road Alpharetta, GA 30005 Year Opened: 1996 Enrollment: 1379 http://school.fultonschools. org/ms/webbbridge/Pages/ default.aspx

High Schools

Alpharetta High School 770-521-7640 Principal Shannon Kersey 3595 Webb Bridge Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30005 Year Opened: 2004

Enrollment: 2254 State Capacity: 2175 2014 SAT Score: 1704 http://school.fultonschools. org/hs/alpharetta/pages/ default.aspx Cambridge 770-667-2883 Principal Ed Spurka 2845 Bethany Road Milton, GA 30004 Year Opened: 2012 Enrollment: 1788 State Capacity: 1900 2014 SAT Score: 1587 http://school.fultonschools. org/hs/cambridge/pages/ default.aspx

Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 2009 Enrollment: 2016 State Capacity: 1900 2014 SAT Score: 1691 http://school.fultonschools. org/hs/johnscreek/pages/ default.aspx Milton 770-740-7000 Principal Brian Jones (interim) 13025 Birmingham Hwy. Milton, GA 30004 Year Opened: 1921 Current Location: 2005

Enrollment: 2009 State Capacity: 1950 2014 SAT Score: 1654 http://school.fultonschools. org/hs/milton/pages/default. aspx Northview 770-497-3828 Principal Brian Downey 10625 Parsons Road Johns Creek, GA 30097 Year Opened: 2002 Enrollment: 1921 Capacity: 1900 2014 SAT Score: 1779

http://school.fultonschools. org/hs/northview/pages/ default.aspx Roswell 770-552-4500 Principal Jerome Huff 11595 King Road Roswell, GA 30075 Year Opened: 1949 New Building: 1990 Enrollment: 2075 State Capacity: 2000 2014 SAT Score: 1653 http://school.fultonschools.org/ hs/roswell/pages/default.aspx

Centennial 770-650-4230 Principal Kibbey Crumbley 9310 Scott Road Roswell, GA 30076 Year Opened: 1997 Enrollment: 1865 State Capacity: 1950 2014 SAT Score: 1577 http://school.fultonschools. org/hs/centennial/pages/ default.aspx Chattahoochee 770-521-7600 Principal Timothy Duncan 5230 Taylor Road Johns Creek, GA 30022 Year Opened: 1991 Enrollment: 1876 State Capacity: 1900 2014 SAT Score: 1680 http://school.fultonschools. org/hs/chattahoochee/pages/ default.aspx Fulton Science Academy (closing June 2015) 770-475-3223 Principal Namik Sercan 4100 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 100 Alpharetta, GA 30005 Year Opened: 2006 Enrollment: 268 2014 SAT Score: 1603 fsa.org Independence 770-521-7611 Principal Tabatha Taylor 86 School Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 Year Opened: 1991 Enrollment: 330 2014 SAT Score: 1341 http://school.fultonschools. org/hs/independence/pages/ default.aspx Johns Creek 770-623-2138 Principal Gail Johnson 5575 State Bridge Road

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 47

FORSYTHSchool Bios, Public Elementary Schools Big Creek 770-887-4584 Principal: Sherri Black 1994 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 1939 Enrollment: 609 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/1718 Brookwood 678-965-5060 Principal: Kathie Braswell 2980 Vaughan Drive Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 2009 Enrollment: 763 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/25122 Chattahoochee 770-781-2240 Principal: Barbara Vella 2800 Holtzclaw Road Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 1993 Enrollment: 922 forsyth.k12.ga.us/ Page/2469 Chestatee 770-781-2240 Principal: Polly Tennies 6945 Keith Bridge Road Gainesville, Georgia 30506 Year Opened: 1931 Enrollment: 1004 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/3214 Coal Mountain 770-887-7705 Principal: Debbie Smith 3455 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming, Georgia 30028 Year Opened: 1981 Enrollment: 848 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/4183 Cumming 770-887-7705 Principal: Pamela Pajerski 3455 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming, Georgia 30028 Year Opened: 1961 Enrollment: 1204 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/5720 Daves Creek 770-888-1222 Principal: Eric Ashton 3740 Melody Mizer Lane Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 1997 Enrollment: 1065 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/6662

Haw Creek 678-965-5070 Principal: Amy Coker 2555 Echols Road Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 2009 Enrollment: 905 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/27039 Johns Creek 678-965-5041 Principal: Alyssa Degliumberto 6205 Old Atlanta Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024 Year Opened: 2007 Enrollment: 826 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/23524 Kelly Mill 678-965-4953 Principal: Ron McAllister 1180 Chamblee Gap Road Cumming, Georgia 30040 Year Opened: 2012 Enrollment: 1200 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Domain/3436 Mashburn 770-889-1630 Principal: Tracey Smith 3777 Samples Road Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 1976 Enrollment: 592 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/8280 Matt 678-455-4500 Principal: Charlley Stalder 7455 Wallace Tatum Road Cumming, Georgia 30028 Year Opened: 2001 Enrollment: 1008 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/9188 Midway 770-475-6670 Principal: Todd Smith 4805 Atlanta Hwy Alpharetta, Georgia 30004 Year Opened: 1961 Enrollment: 832 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/10601 Sawnee 770-887-6161 Principal: Eileen Nix 1616 Canton Highway Cumming, Georgia 30040 Year Opened: 1968 Enrollment: 1658 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/11546 Settles Bridge 770-887-1883

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Principal: Lee Anne Rice 600 James Burgess Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024 Year Opened: 2000 Enrollment: 864 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/13604 Sharon 770-888-7511 Principal: Amy Bartlett 3595 Old Atlanta Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024 Year Opened: 2003 Enrollment: 938 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/14829 Shiloh Point 678-341-6481 Principal: Rebecca Johnson 8145 Majors Road Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 2006 Enrollment: 1215 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/17240

Little Mill 678-965-5000 Principal: Connie McCrary 6800 Little Mill Road Cumming, GA 30041 Year Opened: 2007 Enrollment: 854 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/21087

Silver City 678-965-5020 Principal: Paige Andrews 6200 Dahlonega Hwy Cumming, GA 30028 Year Opened: 2007 Enrollment: 967 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/16162

North Forsyth 770-889-0743 Principal: Jeff Hunt 3645 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming, Georgia 30028 Year Opened: 1981 Enrollment: 937 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/20652

Vickery Creek 770-346-0040 Principal: Kristan Riedinger 6280 Post Road Cumming, Georgia 30040 Year Opened: 1997 Enrollment: 1198 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/18942

Otwell 770-887-5248 Principal: Steve Miller 605 Tribble Gap Road Cumming, Georgia 30040 Year Opened: 2001 Enrollment: 851 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/20786

Whitlow 678-965-5090 Principal: Lynne Castleberry 3655 Castleberry Road Cumming, Georgia 30040 Year Opened: 2009 Enrollment: 1108 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/25928

Piney Grove 678-965-5010 Principal: Terri North 8135 Majors Road Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 2006 Enrollment: 1004 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/24407

Middle Schools: Lakeside 678-965-5080 Principal: Debbie Sarver 2565 Echols Road Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 2009 Enrollment: 925 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/27718 Liberty 770-781-4889 Principal: Connie Stovall 7465 Wallace Tatum Road Cumming, Georgia 30028 Year Opened: 2002 Enrollment: 859 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/20472

Riverwatch 678-455-7311 Principal: Kathy Carpenter 610 James Burgess Rd. Suwanee, Georgia 30024 Year Opened: 2003 Enrollment: 1256 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/20928 South Forsyth 770-888-3170 Principal: Sandy Tinsley 4670 Windermere Pkwy. Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 1999 Enrollment: 904 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/21183 Vickery Creek 770-667-2580 Principal: Kathy Rohacek

6240 Post Road Cumming, Georgia 30040 Year Opened: 1999 Enrollment: 1224 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/21341

High Schools Forsyth Central 770-887-8151 Principal: Rudy Hampton 520 Tribble Gap Road Cumming. Georgia 30040 Year Opened: 1955 Enrollment: 1395 2013 SAT Score: 1518 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/21574 Lambert High 678-965-5050 Principal: Gary Daviso 805 Nichols Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024 Year Opened: 2009 Enrollment: 2122 2013 SAT Score: 1609 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/24754 North Forsyth High 770-781-6637 Principal: Beth Hebert 3635 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming, Georgia 30028 Year Opened: 1994 Enrollment: 2276 2013 SAT Score: 1567 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/21850 South Forsyth High 770-781-2264 Principal: Jeff Cheney 585 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041 Year Opened: 1989 Enrollment: 1852 2013 SAT Score: 1606 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/22252 West Forsyth High 770-888-3470 Principal: Betty Pope 4155 Drew Road Cumming, Georgia 30040 Year Opened: 2007 Enrollment: 2078 2013 SAT Score: 1567 forsyth.k12.ga.us/Page/22982

Top 5 Reasons to Advertise in Appen Media Group’s

2014 RELOCATION ANSWER BOOK #1. NEW RESIDENTS always need a new restaurant or new physician or new

services provider. The RELOCATION ANSWER BOOK is one of the best ways that Ans exists to reach new residents for your business. wer #2. CLOSE TO YOUR BUSINESS The RELOCATION ANSWER BOOK is distributed only in North Fulton / South Forsyth so 100% of the coverage area is local and close to your business. #3. MONEY On average 33% of APPEN distribution households earn over $150,000 and 66% over $100,000. Your ad in the RELOCATION ANSWER BOOK WELCO ME HO reaches the people with disposable income to spend money with you. ME PLAC ES TO KNOW #4. APPEN WORKS 75% of APPEN readers make purchases from our MAYO RS S OUND products. OFF #5. ONLINE 24/7/365 The RELOCATION ANSWER BOOK is online on AppenMediaGroup.com – the highest hit regional news website. 1

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Reserve your advertising space now! Call 770-442-3278 • Publishing May 2015

Call your account executive TODAY - 770.442.3278 Appen Media Group 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, Ga. 30009 e: advertising@appenmediagroup.com p: 770.442.3278 ‌‌‌‌│ f: 770.475.1216

Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 49

College-101 Getting accepted: The process of applying to colleges and universities By Joe Parker Selecting and applying to colleges and universities can be stressful and confusing for high school students, leading to many questions. How do I apply? What types of students are the colleges seeking? To how many schools should I apply? And most importantly, will I be accepted? It

50 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

can be quite overwhelming for students as well as the student’s parents who want to ensure their son or daughter is making the right collegiate choice. For most students, counselors at their high school will play a pivotal role in assisting them in the application and college planning process. Karen Bolt, Alpharetta High School

College-101

head counselor, says the collegiate planning process begins as soon as the student’s freshman year. “It’s a lengthy process, but we try to start early,” she said. “The process should begin in the ninth grade. That way, a

Continued on page 52

There has never been a better time to become a member of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce.

BRING IT ON!

Start the new year right by considering a membership to the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce. It is a great way to network, learn, and grow your business. For more information, visit alpharettachamber.com or contact Ciara Rubin at ciara@alpharettachamber.com or 404-277-4930.

A L P H A R E T TA C H A M B E R

AFTER

H URS URS

ALPHARETTA CHAMBER’S

BUSINESS ACADEMY

Gala 2015

January 24

www.AlpharettaChamber.com College-101 Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 51

Continued from page 50 student can check to see what colleges require and take the right courses [in high school].” Amy Short, head counselor at Roswell High, advises students to let their transcript reflect their interests. “If your passion is literature, you want to have that be apparent on your transcript,” she said. “You should take those creative writing classes and advanced literature courses. Your transcript is going to be viewed by people who don’t know you, and you want them to get a sense of who you are and what your passion is.” The same idea applies to extracurricular activities, she said. “Don’t jump around,” Short said. “It’s better to stick with one club for a long time and earn a position of leadership than to jump around to many different clubs just to have that on your transcript.” Bolt and Short both advise taking the SAT and the ACT. Whichever test yields better scores should be the score the student should focus on improving. But the question remains; do colleges only look at a student’s GPA and

52 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

SAT or ACT scores? “It’s still true that colleges are looking for great grades, good test scores and extracurricular activities, but most use a holistic approach,” Bolt said, which will account for much more than grade and test numbers. Bolt says this often happens when colleges have a minimal number of openings for a large amount of applicants. When this happens, “they go deeper” into the student’s application. “Sometimes a school may need a tuba player and that could make the difference in being accepted,” she said. Although the number of schools to which a student should apply varies from student to student, Bolt and Short suggest applying to at least six colleges. Two of the schools applied to should be “target” schools, schools the student should make their priority to attend. The student should also apply to two “reach” schools, or, as Short puts it, schools that the student may not be accepted to but would love to attend, as well as two “backup” schools. “Having backups are essential given the fact that not every student will be accepted into their college of

College-101

You wouldn’t buy a car based only on online reviews. You’d want to touch it and drive it and get a better sense of it. The same applies to colleges. You want to find the right fit for you.” Amy Short, Head Counselor at Roswell High

choice,” said Bolt. Websites such as GAcollege411. org can also provide supplementary information and planning strategies for students in high school who are looking to attend college. The site also offers information regarding specific schools that can help a student find the colleges that suit them best. Students can even apply to Georgia’s colleges through the site. However, Short says she uses an analogy when students research schools online to show them there is more to the process that cannot be done online. “You wouldn’t buy a car based only on online reviews. You’d want to touch

it and drive it and get a better sense of it,” she said. “The same applies to colleges. You want to find the right fit for you.” Dr. Jamie Brown, head counselor at South Forsyth High School said, “Don’t be afraid to reach out to the schools and ask them what they are looking for, and also share your transcript with them so that you are more informed if the fit will be good for you.” Although the process can be lengthy and confusing, starting early, in-depth research and sound planning can lessen the burden of the process of applying to colleges. And, as Bolt says, counselors are always “here to help.”

Region offers choice for higher education By SHANNON WEAVER The North Fulton and South Forsyth area offers a wide variety of higher and continuing education programs. In Cumming, the University of North Georgia has a campus serving 759 students. The UNG Master of Business Administration and Masters of Arts in Teaching programs are based in Cumming, where there are also UNG associates programs. Most of the Cumming undergraduate courses are core curriculum. Georgia State University in Atlanta has an Alpharetta campus that serves about 600 students a semester enrolled in undergraduate degree programs in business, criminal justice and social work, as well as the Professional MBA and the Executive Master of Science in Managing Information. The Alpharetta Georgia Perimeter College campus offers 33 associates and certificate degree tracks. Over 2,000 students there are enrolled in courses such as English, social sciences, business and mathematics. Reinhardt University, also in Alpharetta, has associates, bachelors and masters programs in Business,

criminal justice, healthcare admin, education and music. In Roswell, Strayer University offers degree programs ranging from diplomas and associates to masters, in subjects including finance, marketing, criminal justice, technology and health services. Devry University has an Alpharetta campus that offers associates, undergraduate, graduate programs and graduate certificates in areas of study including business, computer information systems, engineering, communications, justice administration and education. The Emory Continuing Education campus in Alpharetta has open enrollment and certificate programs for technology, business, sciences, arts, languages and test prep. Gwinnett Technical College has adult education GED and ESL classes at the Milton Center in Alpharetta, and is building a larger campus on Old Milton Parkway expected to be open to 1,500 students in 2016. The complete campus is expected to serve up to 10,000. Initial course offerings of the new campus will focus on health sciences and information technology.

SAT Scores for North Fulton County Schools School

2014 Score

2013 Score

Change

Alpharetta

1704

1672

+32

Cambridge 1587 1525 +62 Centennial

1577

1560

+17

Chattahoochee 1680 1667 +13 Fulton Science

1603

1563

+40

Independence 1341 1365 -24 Johns Creek

1691

1707

-16

Milton 1654 1697 -43 Northview

1779

1773

Roswell 1653 1653 n/c Total NF 1627 1618 +9 Fulton Total

1567

n/c

Georgia 1445 1452 -7 National

1497

1498

-1

HOW STUDENTS CAN GET AHEAD:

What colleges and companies want If your family is like most, you want a college education for your children—today, 75 percent of Americans have their eyes set on a college education. That’s a good thing. Over a lifetime, college graduates average about a million dollars more than high school graduates. A problem is that most colleges haven’t significantly increased the size of their freshman classes. As a result, acceptance rates are declining to as low as 5.69 percent. What Colleges Want Many admissions officers look at the “whole student,” trying to determine character, creativity, leadership, sense of humor and moral fiber. Qualities like these can’t be conveyed in grades and test scores, so more weight is being given to letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities and essays. So if you were to have, say, a compelling story about how you traveled the world and connected with other cultures, it’s likely you’d get that experience noticed by admissions officers. What Companies Want After college, the right sort of educational travel can also boost your career. A recent study led by professor William W. Maddux of the international graduate business school INSEAD reveals that those who travel may enjoy more job opportunities. He discovered that an MBA student’s intercultural experiences predicted the number of job offers received, even when controlling for such variables as demographics, personality and the like. Students who adapted to and learned about new cultures demonstrated more openness and initiative. They were seen as being able to bring seemingly unrelated ideas together into meaningful wholes. As a result, they were better able to navigate the interview process and received more job offers. In an article for management- issues.com, Dr. David Livermore, president of the Cultural Intelligence Center, explained that some of the most promising correlations found between international travel and job prospects are: 1. Strong Sense of Self: Travel helps

you become aware of your own values and priorities. Organizations want to hire professionals who are self-aware. 2. Increased Trust: Another study found that how much you trust a stranger is positively correlated to the number of places you’ve visited. Companies want team members who can develop trusting relationships across virtual and international borders. 3. Creativity and Problem Solving: In a new environment, everyday tasks have to be done differently and you might even pick up new approaches to common problems. A proven ability to innovate makes for a strong advantage in a job search. Simply listing international travel as a part of your résumé is unlikely to yield many benefits. But using travel to expand your view of self, integrate ideas from different cultures and creatively solve problems helps you to stand apart from other candidates. Business leaders seem to agree. An IBM survey of 1,500 CEOs worldwide found the quality they most prize—and that’s most lacking in the workforce—is creativity or innovation. Stephan Turnipseed, president emeritus of LEGO Education North America, advocates fusing the traditional 3 Rs with the 4 Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. Those skills, Turnipseed says, often blossom beyond the classroom. In particular, he cites People to People Ambassador travel as an activity uniquely suited to spark students’ global thinking and creative problem solving. Turnipseed notes, “To be successful in People to People, you’re going to need to collaborate—not just with your peers and leader, but with host families,” as well as service providers, experts and other students encountered during travel. People to People has been a leader in guided educational student travel for over 50 years, helping students experience new cultures and encounter new places. To learn more, visit www. PeopletoPeople.com. –(NAPSI)

College-101 Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 53

Navigating the college financial aid process By RUSSELL SCHAFFER Kaplan Test Prep Representative For two million-plus college applicants and millions of current college students, how to afford tuition is always top-of-mind, particularly in an economy where many household incomes have remained stagnant. Competition for much-coveted financial aid remains as fierce as the admissions process itself. Below are three key tips in the race for money – which unofficially kicked off January 1 with the opening of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – with advice on how to successfully navigate the financial aid frenzy: • Tip No. 1: Apply for FAFSA, and apply early. Many students neglect to apply for FAFSA money because they assume their parents earn too much. Wrong approach. Billions of dollars from FAFSA – which includes everything from Pell Grants, to work-study opportunities, to Federal Stafford Loans, and more – are awarded to millions of students of all economic backgrounds. While it is needs-based and lower income students may benefit the most, students from varying financial situations can receive aid. FAFSA can be completed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Submitting a FAFSA doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get college financial aid, but not submitting one guar-

antees you won’t. You have nothing to lose and the potential to gain. And since FAFSA is a first come, first serve source, the sooner you apply, the better. • Tip No. 2: Treat the hunt for scholarship money like a part-time job. Many students miss out on scholarship opportunities because they simply don’t apply or invest enough quality time looking for available money. You don’t necessarily have to be a 4.0 student or have achieved a perfect 2400 on the SAT or 36 on the ACT – though that certainly helps! College and scholarship help site Cappex.com estimates that there is $11 billion in merit aid from colleges. And according to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, students’ scores on the SAT and ACT are leading factors in securing merit aid. There are also thousands of niche scholarships available for those who aren’t necessarily at the head of the class: left-handed students; individuals with the surname Gatlin; women who are over 5’10”; anybody under 4’10”; and duck callers - they all go to college too! Visit your school’s guidance office and sites like www.finaid. com to see what’s out there. You can even start banking scholarship money as early as freshman year. The more money you have by the time acceptance letters come, the more options you’ll have since your ability to pay will be less of an issue.

• Tip No. 3: Don’t view a financial aid offer as a final offer. If your dream school offers you a financial aid package but it’s not enough, negotiate. Unlike FAFSA offers, which are non-negotiable, financial aid packages awarded directly by colleges can be considered first offers, not final offers. Since they’ve already accepted you, they more than likely will work with you. Respectfully tell the college why you are a “must have” student or how your family’s financial situation may have changed to warrant more aid. The worst they can say is no. “You cannot think about college today without thinking about how to pay for it. With college tuition continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever for students and their parents to be savvy consumers and act strategically to increase their chances of securing strong financial aid packages,” said Jieun Choe, executive director of college admissions and K-12 programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “While many students may find it necessary to take out loans to pay for college, it’s always preferable to secure scholarships instead, which unlike loans, do not have to be paid back. It will be enormously more beneficial for students to graduate college owing as little money as possible, especially when loans carrying interest add to the full cost of tuition.” Visit Kaplan Test Prep for more information at www.kaptest.com.

Launch your educational future. visit gpc.edu

GPC provides a great education and multiple majors online and on campus. Clubs and student activities provide a rich college experience at the lowest tuition within the University System of Georgia. Also, our classes are fully accredited and transferable to any public college in Georgia and beyond.

54 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

College-101

We Have Exciting News! In the last five years (2008-2013) which media use is increasing? 47% 48%

17%

Survey Question: “Which of the following news sources would you say that you rely on the most for news about issues and problems in Johns Creek? 18%

15%

13% 5% 5%

Atlanta Journal Constitution

5/2/2013

10/1/2008

Johns Creek Herald

Johns Creek Patch*

7% 3%

Johns TV Stations Creek From Neighbor** Atlanta

Internet

4% Other

Unsure or Refused

APPEN MEDIA newspapers reach 40% more (over 30,000 more homes) in North Fulton / South Forsyth than the next closest competitor and is by far the preferred source for local news. If your business depends on reaching buyers in North Fulton or South Forsyth, we deliver. Why settle for less? Let us connect you. Call now for more advertising information 770-442-3278.

Circulation Comparison

AppenMediaGroup.com Survey of Voter Attitudes in Johns Creek, Georgia conducted from April 30 - May 2, 2013 by The Tarrance Group for the City of Johns Creek. Question #QD7. *Listed as Johns Creek Post in 2008 survey. ** Not included in 2008 survey.

AJC WEEKDAY 16,481

AJC SUNDAY 29,241

NEIGHBOR 43,250

APPEN 75,000

Data based on the following: 2013 CVC Audit for Appen, 2013 ABC Audit for the AJC, 2013 CAC Audit for the Neighbor. Comparison only of circulation in Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, and Forsyth county.

College-101 Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 55

GSU-PERIMETER CONSOLIDATION:

Merger leaves future of campuses in Alpharetta up in air By SHANNON WEAVER With the Jan. 6 announcement that Georgia State University and Georgia Perimeter College will be consolidating next year, many are wondering what the merger will mean for students and communities like Alpharetta, which is home to campuses for both schools. The presidents from Georgia State and Perimeter hosted a Jan. 13 town hall meeting to answer questions concerning their consolidation, which was approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. The new institution will have the Georgia State name and is scheduled to go into effect in the fall of 2016. This will be the sixth merger in Georgia in three years, the most recent of which involved Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University. Georgia Perimeter Interim President Rob Watts said GPC has historically been the largest feeder to Georgia State. Approximately 1,300 GPC students transfer to GSU every year. “Georgia Perimeter College and Georgia State University have had a close relationship that goes back decades,” Watts said. “The two institutions know one another very well, which will certainly be helpful during the consolidation process.” The GSU campus in Alpharetta, 3775 Brookside Parkway, is adjacent to one of GPC’s that has been shared by both institutions. The area has about 600 GSU students and 2,000 GPC students enrolled this semester. The future of these campuses is yet to be determined. “As part of the consolidation process, both institutions will be reviewing their operations and academic offerings in Alpharetta to determine how best to meet the needs of students and the Alpharetta community in the future,” Watts said. The Alpharetta GSU campus offers courses in business, criminal justice and social work as well as graduate programs for a professional MBA and the Executive Master of Science degree in managing information technology. The GPC campus next door offers a wide variety of day and evening classes including social sciences, humanities, science, mathematics, computer sci-

56 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

ence, business and physical education. “This consolidation, though it is not the first one in the history of the university system, actually is somewhat unique from some of the others, in that it’s based on two institutions with a very long, very productive history of working together,” said Georgia State President Mark Becker at the town hall meeting. Decisions over specific details, such as facilities, staffing and finances have not been made, but Becker said that the mission of the campuses will remain unchanged, with tuitions based on the degree program. “The model we’re looking at is one university, multiple campuses,” Becker said. “Georgia State University will not be the first major research university to have multiple campuses, and many of those campuses as two-year or access institutions.” Becker listed Emory’s Oxford

College-101

campus, Pennsylvania State University and University of South Carolina as examples of similar institutions. “The downtown campus will continue to be a premiere urban research university, with highly selective, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral programs,” Becker said. “With this consolidation with GPC, we pick up additional sites – sites that historically have an access mission, that provide mostly associate and certificate programs, and we intend for that to continue.” At the town hall meeting, the future of undocumented students who attend GPC campuses was brought up. GPC admits undocumented students, but they are explicitly not eligible for admission at GSU. “Undocumented students do enroll at the GPC campuses, and they will continue to do so,” said Shelley Nickel, the head of the consolidation effort and

the university system’s vice chancellor for planning and implementation. “They do not enroll at Georgia State University in Atlanta, and we anticipate that will remain the same.” On its website regarding the consolidation, the University System of Georgia explains, “Georgia State will continue to admit students into its bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs under its current standards as a national research university. The Georgia Perimeter campuses of the proposed consolidated institution will continue to fulfill their access mission and admit students to associate’s and certificate programs.” As such, they “anticipate the policy [regarding undocumented students] for the respective campuses will not change.” For more information, visit consolidation.gsu.edu.

HOPE Scholarship eases burden of increased tuition By JOE PARKER The HOPE Scholarship – Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally – is a scholarship and grant program that provides financial assistance for students pursuing degrees, diplomas and certificates at Georgia’s colleges and universities. Initiated in 1993, the program has awarded over $7 billion to 1.6 million students in the state. Beginning in the fall semester of 2015, many colleges and universities in Georgia will see an increase in tuition. The Georgia Institute of Technology will have a 9 percent increase, the University of Georgia will increase tuition by 7 percent and Georgia State University students will see an increase of 4 percent. These spikes in tuition have made the HOPE Scholarship even more appealing, if not absolutely necessary, for many current and upcoming college students. However, beginning in the fall of 2015, new changes to the HOPE Scholarship will also take effect, making HOPE more difficult to obtain. Over the next three years, the rigor requirements for the HOPE Scholarship will increase the amount of advanced courses a high school student must complete to be eligible for the scholarship. Students graduating on or after May 1, 2015 will be required to earn at least two credits from the following courses: • Advanced math, such as Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Math III or equivalent or higher course taken for degree-level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution. • Advanced science, such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology II or equivalent or higher course taken for degree-level credit at an eligible postsecondary institution. • Advanced Placement courses in core subjects. • International Baccalaureate courses in core subjects. • Courses taken at a unit of the University System of Georgia in core subjects (nonremedial). • Advanced foreign language courses. The number of credits required from these advanced courses will increase to three in 2016 and four in 2017. These additional requirements are a result of funding issues for the scholarship program. Since 2009, the number of HOPE recipients has decreased by 36 percent from nearly 250,000 in 2009-2010 to 158,000 in 2013-2014. However, for students able to meet the eligibility requirements and maintain a 3.0 GPA, the HOPE Scholarship program will greatly ease the burden of tuition increases at Georgia’s colleges and universities.

To receive HOPE Scholarship funding, students must: 1. Meet one of the following academic requirements:

• Graduate from a HOPE-eligible high school with a 3.0 grade point average. • Complete a HOPE-eligible home study program with a 3.0 grade point average. • Graduate from an ineligible high school, complete an ineligible home study program, or earn a GED and score in the national composite 85th percentile or higher on the SAT or ACT. • Graduate from an ineligible high school or complete an ineligible home study program, and then earn a 3.0 grade point average on 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of college degree-level coursework. This option allows for payment of the first 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours after they are taken. • Earn a 3.0 grade point average at the college level on degree coursework after attempting 30, 60 or 90 semester hours or 45, 90 or 135 quarter hours, regardless of high school graduation status. 2. Meet HOPE’s U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements. 3. Meet HOPE’s Georgia residency requirements. 4. Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at an eligible public or private college or university or technical college in Georgia. 5. Be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements. 6. Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college. 7. Not be in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program. 8. Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990. A student may be ineligible for HOPE payment if he or she has been convicted for committing certain felony offenses involving marijuana, controlled substances or dangerous drugs. 9. Meet additional rigor requirements, beginning for students who are graduating from high school on or after May 1, 2015.

Award Amounts: The HOPE Scholarship award varies and depends on the type of institution you are attending and your specific hours of enrollment. Public Institutions: Students attending public colleges or universities receive a HOPE award amount, up to a maximum of 15 hours, based upon a per hour rate at the institution he or she is attending. Private Institutions: Students attending private colleges or universities receive a HOPE award amount, up to a maximum of 12 hours, based on a half-time or fulltime enrollment status. Award Limits: A college degreeseeking student is ineligible for the HOPE Scholarship if the student has: • Received payment from any combination of HOPE Scholarship, Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Grant and Accel (through Spring term 2011) Program funds totaling 127 semester (190 quarter) hours of credit; or • Attempted 127 semester (190 quarter) hours of college degree

credit, regardless of whether or not HOPE funds were received while attempting the hours; or • Earned a baccalaureate (four-year) degree, regardless of whether or not HOPE funds were received while earning the degree, or • Reached the seven year expiration of eligibility date. Application Procedure: Applying for the HOPE Scholarship is easy but you should always check with the college you are planning to attend to make sure you are completing the applications they require. Students have three options when applying for the HOPE Scholarship: • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By using your GAcollege411 account and accessing the FAFSA application from GAcollege411, you can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete this form; • GSFAPPS electronic application; or • GSFAPPS paper application. Application Deadline: While you have until the last day of classes or

exams to submit your application in order to receive HOPE funds for that semester or quarter, it is highly recommended you submit your HOPE application as early as possible. The earlier you apply, the earlier the funds are disbursed to your school and credited to your account. Where to Go for Help: If you need help filling out an application or have other questions relating to the HOPE Scholarship, contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, talk with your high school counselor or contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission. To find contact details for the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, find your school through the search engine via the list of Georgia colleges and universities. You can contact the Georgia Student Finance Commission by: E-mail: gacollege411@gsfc.org Call: 1-800-505-4732 (GSFC) In metro Atlanta: 770-724-9000 For more information, visit www. gacollege411.org.

College-101 Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 57

Best Jobs in Georgia This list is made up of some of the best jobs in Georgia, from the highest percent growth in jobs over 10 years, with an average salary of $70,000 or more and at least 1,000 jobs projected to be added in a 10-year period – between 2012 and 2022. Data from the Georgia Department of Labor.

No. 1: Physician Assistants 10-year percent change: 67.94% Annual growth rate: 5.3% Average salary: $93,392 Projected jobs added: 1,920 Degree required: master’s

No. 2: Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 10-year percent change: 65.46% Annual growth rate: 5.2% Average salary: $99,041 Projected jobs added: 3,190 Degree required: Doctoral or professional

No. 3: Nurse Practitioners 10-year percent change: 53.88% Annual growth rate: 4.4% Average salary: $86,091 Projected jobs added: 1,750 Degree required: Master’s

No. 4: Physicians and Surgeons 10-year percent change: 40.42% Annual growth rate: 3.5% Average salary: $199,243 Projected jobs added: 4,680 Degree required: Doctoral or professional

No. 5: Personal Financial Advisors 10-year percent change: 38% Annual growth rate: 3.3% Average salary: $105,123 Projected jobs added: 2,110 Degree required: Bachelor’s

No. 6: Education Administrators, Postsecondary 10-year percent change: 35.79% Annual growth rate: 3.1% Average salary: $97,760 Projected jobs added: 1,170 Degree required: Master’s

No. 7: Physical Therapists 10-year percent change: 34.64% Annual growth rate: 3% Average salary: $81,307 Projected jobs added: 1,460 Degree required: Doctoral or professional

No. 8: Computer Systems Analysts 10-year percent change: 31.7% Annual growth rate: 2.8% Average salary: $77,064 Projected jobs added: 5,010 Degree required: Bachelor’s

No. 9: Medical & Health Services Managers 10-year percent change: 29.1% Annual growth rate: 2.6% Average salary: $90,480 Projected jobs added: 2,620 Degree required: Bachelor’s

No. 10: Civil Engineers 10-year percent change: 29.06% Annual growth rate: 2.6% Average salary: $86,986 Projected jobs added: 2,080 Degree required: Bachelor’s

58 • Education Answer Book™ 2015

College-101

Worst Jobs in Georgia On the other hand, here are the jobs that are falling in Georgia – jobs with the highest projected percentage loss in jobs, which had 1,000 or more jobs in 2012. No. 1: Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders 10-year percent change: -42.7% Projected job loss: 940 No. 2: Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders 10-year percent change: -42.1% Projected job loss: 2,000 No. 3: Textile Winding, Twisting and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders 10-year percent change: -40.4% Projected job loss: 3,660 No. 4: Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators and Tenders 10-year percent change: -33.7% Projected job loss: 750 No. 5: Sewing Machine Operators 10-year percent change: -28.3% Projected job loss: 1,550 No. 6: Postal Service Clerks 10-year percent change: -22.7% Projected job loss: 460 No. 7: Farmers, Ranchers and Other Agricultural Managers 10-year percent change: -21.5% Projected job loss: 4,560 No. 8: Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors and Processing Machine Operators 10-year percent change: -20.4% Projected job loss: 730 No. 9: Chemical Plant and System Operators 10-year percent change: -20% Projected job loss: 240 No. 10: Data Entry Keyers 10-year percent change: -19.6% Projected job loss: 1,400

Forsyth County Schools expands dual enrollment options By KATHLEEN STURGEON Most high school students are focused on typical things like prom or after school activities, but over 150 Forsyth County students have added one more thing to their plates — dual enrollment. The program is growing, said Valery Hall, career development coordinator for Forsyth County, with students enrolled in the program in all five public high schools. Hall said the large majority of Forsyth County dual enrollment students are at Lanier Technical College and the University of North Georgia. “At the information sessions we held in January to starting thinking about the 2015-2016 school year, we had over 500 people in attendance,” Hall said. This could be attributed in part to the many benefits of dual enrollment, Hall said. “Through dual enrollment, students in Forsyth County have the opportunity to take college courses to simultaneously satisfy high school

graduation requirements while earning college credit,” Hall said. “Both academic core, Accel and technical college courses and HOPE grant are available to our students.” Dual enrollment has been an option for students in Georgia for several decades, Hall said. “With the rising cost of college and allowing students to move on sooner based on individual goals, the state legislature and post-secondary institutions in Georgia have made access much easier for students and their families,” Hall said. Families play a big part in deciding whether to enroll in college while still in high school, Hall said. “If a student has plans to continue in a Board of Regents or Technical College System of Georgia institution, dual enrollment works very well,” Hall said. “For a student who is transferring out of state or to a private institution, we encourage families to contact the admitting institution to ensure the credit will easily transfer.”

Dual enrollment is not the only option Forsyth students have for extra academic work, Hall said. There are also Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses, as well as STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). “For students in Forsyth County, we encourage a balance between dual enrollment and taking AP/IB courses,” Hall said. “Dual enrollment allows a student a very structured way to participate in post-secondary rigor, while still having a very strong support system in their high school counselors and families.” Despite adding more to a student’s responsibilities, Hall said most of the students in Forsyth County are successful in completing dual enrollment courses. “This provides college credit and also allows quality points be added to their GPA,” Hall said. “Because of our amazing counselors, students are closely monitored and supported to ensure a successful outcome.”

Dual enrollment puts high school kids into college classes By CANDY WAYLOCK Not all Georgia students need – or want – to remain in high school for the traditional four-year stint before moving on to college, and Georgia education officials have answered that need. Through the Accel Program, qualified high school students can dual enroll, which means taking some classes in high school and others in a college setting, or “Move On When Ready” by enrolling full-time in college while completing the requirements for a high school degree. The program is aimed primarily at 11th- and 12th-graders, though some qualified ninth- and 10th-graders may be eligible. Through dual enrollment, students receive both high school and college credit simultaneously, courses can be taken at high school or at college campus and courses are taught by college faculty or credentialed high school teachers. Currently, 23 colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) participate in dual enrollment, including Atlanta Tech and Lanier Tech. Within the University System of Georgia (USG), there are 30 colleges that offer dual enrollment to high school students, including Georgia Tech and Georgia Perimeter College and Georgia State University, which will soon merge into one school. In 2015, more than 18,000 Georgia high school students are dual enrolled in high school and college – 11,400

in a technical college and 7,000 in a college within the University System of Georgia. This total has nearly doubled since 2012 when only 9,300 high school students were dual enrolled. Fulton County students are well represented in those numbers, with 1,032 dual enrolled students from among its 17 high schools. The majority are students from North Fulton schools, including 225 from Alpharetta High, 192 from Milton and 115 from Chattahoochee High. Georgia education officials point to the advantages of dual enrollment, including an easier transition from high school to college, confidence to take on the college level rigor and the decreased cost of college and the shorter time frame to secure a college degree. Tuition for dual enrollment is covered by the state and the local school system where the student is enrolled. For the Move On When Ready program, a student must meet admission standards for the college, and must enroll full-time – a minimum of 12 hours a semester. Tuition is covered for the first 12 hours, with the student responsible for any fees above that. Credits earned will go to both the high school and college degrees. Eligible students for dual enrollment and Move On When Ready must meet certain criteria, which are detailed on the Georgia Department of Education website (www. gadoe.org).

College-101 Education Answer Book™ 2015 • 59

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