Education Focus, May 2018 by Appen Media Group

Appen Media Group

EDUCATION FOCUS

May Special Section

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May 2018

Success in school … success in life Mill Springs Academy is an SACS/ SAIS accredited independent school community dedicated to the academic, physical, and social growth of those students who have not realized their full potential in the traditional setting. Since 1981 Mill Springs has been supporting student learning by raising expectations and developing self-motivation, while providing skills and values for life to students with ADHD and/or learning disabilities. Mill Springs offers a broad range of college preparatory options, along with fine arts and a competitive athletic program to foster interests or hidden talents. Small classes and an individualized curriculum help to capitalize on strengths while learning compensatory strategies. We offer an extended day program during the school year as well as summer school and camps in the summer months.

Success in School … Success in Life “If a student can’t learn the way we teach … we should teach the way a student can learn. “ Tweetie L. Moore, Founder

Call us to schedule a tour today!

13660 New Providence Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004

www.millsprings.org/VisitUs (770) 360-1336

“If a student can’t learn the way we teach … we should teach the way a student can learn.” –Tweetie L. Moore, Founder Our 85-acre campus is nestled in the beautiful rolling hills and pasture land of Alpharetta. For more information, please visit our website at www. millsprings.org or call (770) 360-1336. Mill Springs participates in the GSNS/ SB10 program. Mill Springs Academy 13660 New Providence Road Alpharetta, GA 30004

• Grades 1-12 Coed • Small Classes • Structured, Supportive Environment • College Preparatory • Laptop Program • Competitive Athletic Programs • Extended Day Program • Art, Band, Chorus, Drama • Summer School and Camp • AdvancED/SAIS Accredited • Participates in the GSNS/SB10 Program Mill Springs Academy maintains a non-discriminatory admissions policy in regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin.

Integrity • Service • Excellence Johns Creek High School is committed to creating a collaborative environment that develops all students into critical thinkers, life-long learners and productive citizens who aspire to the values of integrity, service, and excellence. As Johns Creek embarks upon its tenth school year, the culture of high academic achievement, award-winning fine arts and sports, and an instructional staff leading engaging lessons, all contribute to our students being equipped for wherever life takes them. Whether headed to any of Georgia’s state or private universities, the Ivy League, or straight into a career, students in 9th-12th grades have myriad opportunities for personal growth and an amazing education. Our student population reflects cultural, geographic, and economic diversity. We have very involved parent and community members. This year’s PTSA was named Most Outstanding PTSA for 2017-18 and recognized for inclusiveness in our community. Other recognitions include having the third highest SAT mean score in Fulton County, and the fourth highest ACT score in Georgia. We are ranked eleventh in the state by US News and World Report. Twenty-eight AP courses are offered in our school with over 2200 exams given to 1046 students. Our graduation rate is 96.5%, with 90% attending four-year colleges. In 2017, 80% of our graduates were HOPE Scholars. Johns Creek’s enrollment is currently at 2140. Students have the opportunity to join student government and

over 80 clubs, including Robotics, Mock Trial, and Girls in STEM. Our Audio/ Video Technology & Film program is an integral part of the daily lives of JCHS students and staff. The award-winning production team has a presence at all school events and has produced videos for the GA Department of Education on Bus Safety, and Fulton County Schools. The Johns Creek High School Orchestra students were selected to perform at the prestigious 71st Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Three of these students advanced to the final round of Governor’s Honor Program in Music. Our Chamber Choir earned 1st place honors at the Georgia Southern Choir Invitational was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in April. This year also resulted in one of our female JROTC students being appointed to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis. The Governor’s Office of Student Achievement lists Johns Creek High School as “Highest Performing.” This school year alone twenty athletes signed a National Letter of Intent to play their sport at the collegiate level. Registration for the upcoming school year has begun. Families who currently live in the Johns Creek High School attendance zone can stop by the Counseling Office for a registration packet and schedule an appointment. Registration paperwork can also be downloaded from the Fulton Schools website: www.fultonschools.org > Students and Parents > New to Fulton Schools. For more information regarding our school, please visit johnscreekhs.net or contact the main office at 470-254-2138.

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JOHNS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

SUMMER CAMPS ORCHESTRA

CHEERLEADING

TENNIS

July 27 – 28

6th – 12th Grades Register at: johnscreekorchestra.com

July 23 – 26

Ages 4 – 11 Register at: bit.ly/jchsminicamp

June 4 – 8 • 9:30am – noon

SOCCER

BASKETBALL

DRAMA

July 9 – 12 • 9:00am – noon

June 4 – 7 (Boys K – 8th) June 18 – 21 (Boys & Girls K – 8th) June 25 – 28 (Boys Elite Camp)

May 30 – June 1 • 9:00am – 3:00pm

Rising 2nd – 9th Grades • $145 Register at: http://tshq.bluesombrero.com/default. aspx?tabid=1600417

Grades 5 – 8 • $110 per or $185 for 2 Email Coach Matthieson at: MatthiesonC@fultonschools.org

Rising 4th – 9th Grades $115 ($100 if paid by May 11th) Register at: johnscreektheatre.com

#OutWorkOutHitNeverQuit! Johns Creek High School • 5575 StateBridge Road • Johns Creek, GA 30022 • (470) 254-2138

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Peachtree Park Prep To celebrate 20 Years of Loving to Learn at Peachtree Park Prep there were several Alumni events including the 1st ANNUAL “I WAS A PREPPIE” national tee shirt Day. PPP Alumni, PREPPIES, are currently attending Westminster, Pace Academy, Lovett, Woodward, Weslyan, Kings Ridge, Greater Atlanta Christian and well over 90% of PPP Alumni tracked are in accelerated classrooms at Johns Creek, Northview, Alpharetta, and Norcross public high schools. PPP Alumni are currently attending or have earned degrees from Harvard, Clemson, Georgia Tech, UGA, Auburn, North Carolina, Duke, Lehigh, Emory, LSU, SCAD, and many more, with several PPP graduates currently working on their PhD and one PPP Alumni has obtained a degree at Yale Medical. Graduates from PPP are elite high school and college athletes, some of them already participating in the NFL and MLB, as well as a PPP graduate in training as a hopeful Olympic competitor. A recent PPP graduate has had photos published in a luxury Atlanta magazine and the PPP community is following a former graduate “super model” on the international stage, as well as a PPP Alumni

appearing in a feature film due in theaters in 2018. The accomplishments and achievements tracked and recorded through 22 years of PPP Alumni are outstanding! The point being two-fold. The importance of early education and a solid foundation founded and fostered in “Loving to Learn” cannot be over-stated or under appreciated. Second, the importance of retaining a Fabulous Faculty with years of dedication and enthusiastic service to students’ early education shows in the students achieving the Love of Learning that will last them a life-time. These two concepts cannot be separated. Peachtree Park Prep has received many accolades through the years, but no award is more important and meaningful than hearing about the accomplishments of the students, past and present, and their parents attributing an important part of their success to the early foundation of Loving to Learn that they received at Peachtree Park Prep. Visit PPP website at peachtreeparkprep.com. Enjoy Parent comments at greatschools.org. Now accepting Kindergarten applications and fall enrollment for Infants ~ PREPPIES.

Inspiring Students with the Passion to Excel

• Private non-parochial education for infants – 8th grade • Nurturing environment featuring small class sizes, hands-on academics, STEM, and monthly ﬁeld trips • Middle School • After school, competitive sports, and robotics teams

SUMMER CAMPS AVAILABLE Now Enrolling for Fall 5380 Faircroft Drive • Alpharetta, GA 30005 www.McGinnisWoods.com 770-664-7764 SACS, GAC and NAEYC accredited

McGinnis Woods Country Day School McGinnis Woods Country Day School is dedicated to inspiring students with the passion to excel through engaging hands-on, minds-on instruction. McGinnis Woods is a non-parochial school located in Alpharetta that offers a challenging curriculum for infants through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School holds top accreditations, including GAC, SACS, and NAEYC and provides students with an exceptional learning environment. Small class sizes emphasizing individualized attention are a priority at McGinnis Woods. The rich core curriculum includes art, music, physical education, Spanish, health, computer education, and library instruction. Students learn through a variety of engaging teaching techniques and technologies with emphasis placed on differentiated groupings, STEM curriculum and unique projects which make each day memorable. Engaging guest speakers, monthly field trips, community service, and leadership opportunities round out the curriculum. Drama, Science Olympiad, Competitive Sports, and Robotics teams train year round. After school programs and Specialty Clubs are also available.

Please visit www.mcginniswoods.org to learn more, or call 770-664-7764 to set up a private tour today. Experience the McGinnis Woods difference!

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Come Play at PPP Infants • Toddlers PREPPIES • Kindergarten After School

JOHNS CREEK CAMPUS

ALPHARETTA CAMPUS

9670 Ventana Way Johns Creek 30022 (Off Medlock Bridge)

225 Park Bridge Pkwy Alpharetta 30005 (Off Old Milton Pkwy)

770-497-6680

Loving to Learn for 20 Years

770-497-6680

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May 2018

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 infants 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, Montessoricertified 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 human potentialities.” Help your child to reach their full potential. The JCMSOG Difference is best experienced in person. Please call 770814-8001to schedule a tour to observe our “Montessori Magic” or visit www. JCMSOG.org.

Sowing the Seeds of Organic Learning • Academic and all day, year round authentic Montessori program • Montessori certified teacher in every classroom • Community environment that fosters non-competitive and collaborative relationships • Scientifically designed, hands-on, multi-sensory learning materials

• Flexible academic program schedules for infants to six years old. • Multi-age, vibrant learning communities with uninterrupted blocks of work time that inspires organic learning • Nutritious lunch, organic milk and healthy snacks offered daily

www.JCMSOG.org

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A one-of-a-kind model for students who learn differently The Cottage School (TCS) has provided a comprehensive program for 4th-12th grade students with learning differences for the past 33 years. TCS offers a unique program that focuses on small class sizes, a collaborative student-teacher environment and a work-based model that promotes self-advocacy and fosters self-confidence. TCS’ accredited college preparatory curriculum meets Georgia graduation standards and HOPE scholarship requirements. TCS students enjoy experiential classes and clubs including archery, drama, forensics, horticulture, and many others. The school’s 23-acre Roswell campus includes computer and science labs, a multi-purpose athletic and performing arts facility, indoor and outdoor classrooms, and trails for mountain biking and cross-country. TCS enables students of all abilities to participate in athletics, by offering year-round sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, cross-country, tennis and golf. In June and July, TCS offers an academic summer program. An extensive summer course offering makes it convenient for students to catch up on credits or get ahead. Classes for credit include English, Math, Science and Social Science. TCS has built a one-of-a-kind model perfect for students who learn differently. We offer 12-month rolling admissions for all grade levels. Please visit www.cottageschool.org for more information, or call 770-641-8688 for a private tour.

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Riverside Military Academy For over 111 years Riverside Military Academy has produced young men of purpose, integrity, and character. We offer a traditional, American-style 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 2017 consisted of 119 cadets who were admitted to over 120 universities across the

world and earned over $6.7 million in collegiate scholarships not including HOPE scholarship. Three graduating seniors received appointments to the U.S. Military Academy –West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. 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 770-538-2938.

Riverside Military Academy The Best in Boys’ Education Since 1907

For 111 years Riverside Military Academy Fo has remained the nation’s preeminent military ha college preparatory academy educating young mi men in grades 7-12. ed

The 2017-18 Corps of Cadets consists of over Th 500 cadets from 30 countries and 30 states. ov Call today to schedule your tour of our beautiful sta206-acre campus. ou

May 26 – Campus Open House Gainesville, Georgia www.cadet.com • 770.538.2938

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education focus • Sponsored Section

The Davis Academy When a child enters The Davis Academy, an educational experience begins that lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning and discovery. Students grow and flourish through an accelerated and enriched secular curriculum that is integrated with a comprehensive Jewish studies program that broadens their worlds and nourishes their spirits. Over time, students emerge as confident, capable learners with a strong sense of self and an enlightened appreciation of the world around them. Education of the whole child is at the heart of The Davis Academy’s mission, where the school’s outstanding faculty and staff strive to foster the development of each child’s unique talents. Davis Academy graduates excel at the best high schools

and universities and become leaders in their communities. Serving students from age four through eighth grade, The Davis Academy facilities span across two campuses in the Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area, which includes a 600-seat state-of-the-art performing arts theatre, full service dining hall and kitchen, a chapel and innovative learning spaces. The Davis Academy is recognized as the largest Reform Jewish Day School in the country, accredited through SACS and SAIS. The Davis Academy 8105 Roberts Drive Atlanta, GA 30350 770-671-0085 davisacademy.org

To raise creative kids, let them play (NAPSI)—Fostering a child’s courage to express creativity is perhaps one of the most important goals that parents can set for themselves. Understanding Creativity Often, when people think of creativity, they think of the arts, but it starts with play early in life and leads to other things as children grow. It’s through play that children begin to develop their creative muscles, whether with blocks, dolls or action figures. Beyond play, kids may find creativity in the way they play sports, clean their room, prepare their food or do their schoolwork. According to experts at The Genius of Play™, a national movement to raise awareness about play’s critical role in child development and encourage more play in children’s lives, creativity can help build confidence, flexibility, individuality and mental agility, and even contribute to better physical health. Expert Advice Dr. Erik Fisher, Ph.D. and The Genius of Play expert, believes the best way to foster children’s creativity is to encourage them to try things and not feel afraid to fail. Failure itself is an amazing learning experience as it helps children develop tenacity and perseverance, which are some of the most important skills they’ll need later in life. At the same time, parents should be aware of their own emotions, attitudes and beliefs and be willing to create with their child. Many times, parents want their kids to “fit in” and don’t realize they’re stifling creativity.

To help ensure that creativity is part of your child’s play routine, Dr. Fisher suggests: • Don’t focus on just the arts. Play has a key role in helping develop children’s creative muscles. As children develop creativity in one area, it often extends to other areas. • Help your kids stretch their creativity muscles and yours by experimenting with many different kinds of toys and playful activities. Trying new things lets kids discover what they like and explore their own talents. • Observe and appreciate your children’s uniqueness and celebrate how they do things differently. • There’s no better way to dry up creativity than with criticism. Try to find constructive ways to give feedback and seek ways to be positive. • Help your child see failure through play as a learning experience, not a time to quit. Learn More You can get ideas on how to enhance creativity and other developmental benefits, expert advice and play resources at www.TheGeniusofPlay.org, @GeniusOf Play on Facebook and on Instagram.

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May 2018

Your decision today will influence the next decade By: Kids ‘R’ Kids Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, located at 3036 Old Atlanta Road in Cumming, is 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 we call Smart Fun. Our foundation of love and trust is accompanied every step of the way by our teachers, parents and peers. Kids ‘R’ Kids has been educating children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years for the past 10 years. Brain Development the Kids ‘R’ Kids Way Our philosophy is “Hug First, Then Teach” as we understand that secure and safe emotional attachment is vital for the growth and development of your child’s brain. Our classrooms are filled with stimulating materials that allow teachers to facilitate children’s exploration through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch as these sensory experiences send information directly to the brain and form the platform for healthy brain growth. We understand that each child is unique, so our teachers cater to different interests and learning styles. From infancy, your child will be exposed to many forms of language (including sign-language), and immersed in an environment rich in language and literacy. Our learning stations are filled with math manipulatives, science elements, and stimulating visuals that support brain pathways for cognitive development. Problem

solving is considered one of the best ways to support brain development, so our teachers conduct activities to help children explore cause and effect and employ questioning strategies that promote higher level thinking. Technology and the Brain Technology is everywhere, so children need healthy exposure to be prepared for life in the 21st century. Research shows, however, that hours of exposure to digital technology can lead to over stimulation of the brain, fatigue, and irritability. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we take a balanced approach to technology. Our curriculum has been integrated with ABCmouse, one of the latest

early childhood technology tools, to enhance learning. With the guidance of a teacher, children engage in digital activities that build language, math, science, and fine motor skills. Maximizing your Child’s Mental Capacity We believe in a nurturing learning environment, hands-on play, and novel experiences that ignite your child’s curiosity. With our exclusive Brain Waves™ curriculum and quality teachers, our goal is to provide stimulating experiences that support brain development and maximize your child’s mental capacity. From the well-trained staff members to the innovative school, children are given the opportunity to explore the world around them, establishing the basis for their future learning experiences. Infants through school age children can learn and play in the spacious school which includes: a cafeteria, playgrounds with age appropriate equipment, computer lab, library, water park, large covered patio, smart board technology, and much more! We have both a Jr. and Senior aftercare program. We service 6 local Elementary Schools. We are proud to support Toys for Tots, Wounded Worriers, St. Joseph's Food Pantry, and Dawsonville No kill Animal Shelter. We are open for care from 6am to 6:30pm. Please feel free to stop by for a complimentary tour between the hours of 9am to 11am and 2:30pm to 4:30pm, Feel free to call us and schedule a tour. Regardless of your need, whether full time, part time, after school care, or seasonal camps, Kids ‘R’ Kids is the place for your child.

Come Experience the World with Us in 2018! Wow! The first summer camp ever designed to teach kids that they are an important part of the Global Community. Explore a Rockin New World each week while using elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math; all while having loads of fun! Join us this summer as we build confidence Space is and learn to make a difference. Limited – Together with friends there is no Enroll Today limit to the amazing things we can accomplish! Space is limitedAges 5-12 Register today!

www.krk52.com

3036 Old Atlanta Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 (678) 648-3175

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Montessori Kids Academy Montessori Kids Academy is located at 3034 Old Atlanta Road in Cumming, next to the Publix shopping center. We are an AdvancEd accredited school and a member of the American Montessori Society. We currently participate in the Georgia Student Scholarship Program, a tax-savings 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. Our growing school teaches children from 18 months to 3 years of age in our pre-primary classroom, 3 years to 6 years of age in our primary classrooms, and 6 to 12 years of age in our elementary classrooms. We strive to maintain a low student to teacher ratio in each classroom. The school is housed in a 20,000 square foot, stateof-the-art building complete with a children’s garden, outdoor classroom, spacious library, learning kitchen, computer lab, indoor café, outside picnic patio, two music rooms, and traditional Montessori furnishings. The following daily enrichments are offered as part of our Montessori curriculum at no additional cost: French, Spanish, Music, Art, Cooking, Coding and Robotics, P.E., and Organic Gardening. Transportation to and from regular field trips is provided by the Montessori Kids Academy school bus. Students enjoy daily yoga in their classrooms and the computer lab. Montessori Kids Academy also offers an academic summer camp where students can learn while having fun. While at camp, the students will continue with

Montessori Language Arts and Mathematics materials and lessons. Each week’s theme will bring new excitement to the students as they learn about the world around them as well as tap into their creativity and imagination.

We will have an open house on Saturday, March 10th from 11:00 to 2:00. We invite you to call to schedule a tour or to stop by and see our traditional Montessori School that makes a difference around the world as well as at home.

Serving ages 14 months to 12 years

Stop In

Now Enrolling for Summer Camp & Fall 2018/19 Enrollment

3034 Old Atlanta Road, Cumming, GA 30041 678-208-0774

info@montessoricumming.com www.montessoricumming.com

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Tell our readers about your camp in the 2019 Summer Camp Special Section Quarter page and larger ads include editorial and photo

Reserve your space today Advertising Deadline:

February 26, 2019

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