AGS Viewbook

ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL

framing her future

I am an AGS girl. I am courageous. I am creative, outgoing and positive. I am competitive, friendly and proactive. I am adventurous, awesomeful and strange. I am restless, colorful and friendly. I am unique, confident and caring. I am fashionable and stylish. I am an environmentalist, imaginative and active. I am independent, extraordinary and friendly. I am beautiful, zany and outgoing. I am fiery, flighty and free. I am caring, respectful and hardworking. I am garden, ocean and book. I am spontaneous, artistic and funny. I am adventurous, determined and caring. I am brave, athletic and humorous. I am considerate, understanding and smart. I am plucky, unique and powerful. I am optimistic, strong and fun-loving. I am a book worm, thoughtful and awesome. I am smiley, a bookworm and artistic. I am special, peculiar and interesting.

I am fashionable, fabulous and creative. I am bubbly, unique and fashionable. I am unique, incredible and caring. I am creative, a leader and have integrity. I am a pencil stealer, a Snickers lover and am crazy. I am a swimmer, a vegetarian and a ukulele player. I am a writer, a video gamer and a proud nerd. I am a big sister, a pianist and an athlete.

I am an only child, an athlete and a leader. I am an athlete, a dog-lover and am creative. I am a big sister, a best friend and a Vera Bradley lover. I am a good friend, an artist and a chocoholic. I am an AGS girl. I am short, quiet and nice. I am silly, funny and curly-haired. I am a Cancer, an author and a leader. I am a tomboy, a Leo and a little and older sister. I am spunky, a leader and talkative. I am original, a head-turner and a person.

I am a chocoholic, and LOUD and a Believer. I am a Gleek, a sister and a champion. I am strong, a Cancer and talkative. I am a Libra, an over-achiever and am determined. I am intelligent, filled with creative ideas and am not that tall, you’re just short. I am energetic, a Gemini and an actress. I am music, fashion and a dreamer.

I am confident, passionate and fun. I am pink, a Vera Bradley enthusiast and sparkly. I am a musician, a guitarist and am outgoing. I am an athlete, a volunteer and a friend. I am a singer, a soccer player and I am adopted.

I am crazy, happy and special. I am creative, organized and proud of myself. I am a dancer and I am awesome and spaztastic. I am small, a daredevil and I am happy. I am different from the rest, a wonderful little sister and Michael Jackson obsesser. I am motivative, spunky and a soccer player. I am an AGS girl. I am a basketball player, a Bieber Fever victim and an artist. I am a drummer, a Sagittarius and a reader. I am smart, a dancer and a Smoothie King addict. I am strong, independent and loving. I am a pianist, a Native American and I am adopted. I am an individual and an artist and I am unique. I am a dancer, a fashionista and a big sister. I am an artist. I am crazy, fun and talented. I am athletic, crazy and a fashionista. I am chatty, beautiful and important.

I am magical, special and the president of my own world. I am an honest person, a fun person, a person who has Bieber Fever, a fashionista, an athlete and a dancer. I am classy, sporty and a leader. I am energetic, happy and fun-loving. I am funny, crazy and smart. I am cool, nice and funny. I am nature-loving, an avid reader and a cat lover. I am smart, a perfectionist and nice. I am sporty, genuine and I glitter. I am unique, weird and loving.

I am a strong independent woman, a person who doesn’t take no for an answer when it comes to meaningful matters and I am loving. I am an AGS girl. I am spunky, glittery and glamorous. I am inquisitive, skilled and informative. I am peerless. I am the crust on the pie of life. I am unique. I am amazing, smart and love science and math. I am a leader, I am capable and I am fearless. I am indescribable. I am my own species and colorful, I am me. I am confident. I am uniquely myself. I am athletic, intelligent and fun-loving. I am proud of myself. I am trustworthy, a friend and a sister. I am not the person you think I am, I hate most organized sports, I am eclectic, hilarious, cute, brilliant, I am me. I am spontaneous, caring, open-minded, curious, adventurous, intelligent, cute and happy. I am caring and a little adventurous. I am strong, sporty, loving, fashionable and caring.

I am nice. I am Bernstein. I am not waiting for the storm to pass but dancing in the rain. I am an artist/actress, tech savvy, friendly, unique, author of my own life.

I am smart, strong, artistic, dramatic, a good friend, defensive, funny, athletic, musical, I am different and proud of it. I am unsure. I am the rose in the tulip bouquet. I am funny. I am passionate, spirited and strong. I am not crazy, my mind just works differently than yours. I am a fun-loving, friendly, special person, I am one of a kind, no one can be like me. I am artsy, magical and ginger. I am artistic, thoughtful and creative. I am independent, creative and talkative. I am creative, organized and musical. I am nice, sweet and smart. I am crazy, understanding and fun. I am interesting, weird and smart. I am reliable, a friend and smart. I am unique, kind and intelligent. I am understanding, caring and smart. I am an AGS girl.

ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL

Your place is here.

3254 Northside Parkway NW Atlanta, GA 30327 404.845.0900 atlantagirlsschool.org On the front: AGS Middle School students describe themselves.

THE AGS ADVANTAGE With a student/teacher ratio of 9:1, students at Atlanta Girls’ School benefit from individual attention, a caring and available faculty, and an environment where every girl is heard.

Average Upper School class size=12

It’s a family here.

Everyone is good friends with everyone else.

Nancy, 15 Interests: art, soccer, volleyball, world studies, biology

Average Middle School class size=14

“There’s something about the teachers— it just works,” says Nancy. “The teaching style is tailored to each girl, and every teacher wants you to succeed.

Confidence just comes naturally here.”

welcome from the new students of the 2011-2012 school year!

photos submitted by students.

I noticed a huge difference when I transferred here.

AGS is unique.

Komal, at bottom right, and fellow Varsity basketball team members took a summer trip to Chicago for a basketball camp.

“The opportunities that I received at AGS are so far beyond what I would experience anywhere else,” says Komal. “We are pushed to work hard academically in a way that sets us up for success.”

FAST FACT Over 85% of AGS students participate in competitive sports.

Komal, 17 Planning a career in medicine

We like it when girls are admitted to UVA, Scripps, Williams, and Princeton,

but we are satisfied only when a student goes to the school that is right for her.

C O L L E G E Agnes Scott College* American University Appalachian State University* Arcadia University Armstrong Atlantic State University Auburn University Bard College Barnard College* Belmont University Beloit College* Bennett College Berry College* Bethune-Cooke University* Birmingham-Southern College* Boston University Bowdoin College* Brenau University Brevard College Brigham Young University* Bryn Mawr College* Carleton College* Case Western Reserve University Centre College* College of Coastal Georgia* Clark Atlanta University Clemson University* Colby College College of Charleston College of William & Mary* College of Wooster* Colorado State University Columbia College Columbia University* Columbus State University* Connecticut College Cornell University Dartmouth College Davidson College Dickinson College* Drew University Drexel University Duke University* Eckerd College* Elon University* Emory University Emmanuel College Endicott College Eugene Lang College The New School for Liberal Arts* Fisher College

A C C E P T A N C E S

2 0 0 6 - 2 0 1 1 North Carolina State University Oberlin University Occidental College Oglethorpe University Ohio Wesleyan University* Oxford College of Emory University* Pace University Pacific University* Pepperdine University* Philadelphia University Pitzer College* Pratt Institute Presbyterian College Princeton University* Randolph College Randolph-Macon College Reinhardt College* Rhodes College* Richmond, the American University in London* Roanoke College Rocky Mountain College Rollins College* Saint Mary’s College Salem College Samford University Santa Barbara City College Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art & Design* School of the Museum of Fine Arts Scripps College* Shorter College* Sewanee: The University of the South* Simmons College Skidmore College* Smith College Southern Methodist University Southern Polytechnic State University* Spelman College* St. John’s College* St. John’s University (Queens) St. Mary’s College of Maryland* State University of New York (Buffalo) Stephens College Sweet Briar College Syracuse University Texas A & M University Texas Christian University* The New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts Transylvania University Trinity University

Florida Institute of Technology Florida Southern College Fordham University Franklin & Marshall College Furman University George Mason University Georgia College & State University* Georgia Institute of Technology* Georgia Southern University* Georgia State University* George Washington University Goucher College Greensboro College Grinnell College* Hampton University* Haverford College Hawaii Pacific University Hendrix College* High Point University* Hofstra University Hollins University Houston Baptist University Howard University Ithaca College John Hopkins University Kennesaw State University* Knox College LaGrange College* Lake Forest College Lambuth University Lenoir-Rhyone University Lesley University Lincoln University of Pennsylvania Louisiana State University* Loyola Marymount University Loyola University of New Orleans Lynchburg College Lynn University Macalester College Manipal University Mars Hill College McDaniel College Mercer University* Miami University of Ohio Millsaps College Moravian College* Mount Holyoke College Muhlenberg College New York University* Northeastern University

A l u m na

S potlig h t

“AGS helped me develop a confidence that allowed me to feel comfortable in all settings: the classroom, the sports arena, in interviews, and among new friends.”

Brittany Flood ‘07

Graduate of the University of Virginia (Urban & Environmental Planning) Working in the management development program of a leading industrial supply company

Tulane University* Union College University of Alabama* University of Arizona* University of California (Santa Cruz) University of Chicago University of Colorado (Boulder)* University of Connecticut University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Denver University of Evansville University of Georgia* University of Massachusetts (Amherst) University of Massachusetts (Boston) University of Miami* University of Minnesota University of Mississippi* University of New Hampshire University of North Carolina (Asheville) University of North Carolina (Greensboro) University of North Carolina (Wilmington)* University of Puget Sound University of Redlands* University of Richmond University of San Diego University of South Carolina* University of St. Andrews (UK) University of Sterling (UK)* University of Tampa* University of Tennessee (Chattanooga) University of Texas (Austin)* University of Vermont* University of Virginia* University of Washington Valdosta State University* Wagner College* Warren Wilson College* Washington College Washington University in St. Louis Wesleyan College* Wesleyan University* Western Carolina University William Woods University* Williams College* Whittier College Wofford College *Colleges and universities attended

WHY A GIRLS’ SCHOOL?

WHY ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL? In a world becoming exponentially more complex, our girls will face challenges that cannot be solved with traditional methods alone. They will need to be curious, creative, collaborative, and confident.

At AGS, we teach girls to be world-class creative problem solvers. Our curriculum and culture are based on a distinct vision of what girls must learn individually and collectively to become thoughtful and capable leaders. We achieve this by using proven and emerging educational techniques tailored to how girls learn, integrating big-picture thinking, high expectations, and leading-edge technologies. More than any other school in Atlanta, AGS is purposefully built to provide the academic, social, and environmental advantages girls need.

HERITAGE

The benefits of single-gender education have been wellknown for generations. But brain research conducted just over the last twenty years has revealed new insights into how we think and learn and view the world. There are indeed differences in male and female learning—in how information is processed, for example, or the ages at which key brain structures develop and mature. AGS uses this knowledge both inside and outside the classroom to insure that all aspects of the learning environment are right for girls.

In an all-girls’ atmosphere, each student is expected to pay attention, participate, and excel—in every class and every subject. Such high standards are borne out in the performance and future plans of alumnae.

• Girls who attend single-sex schools outscore their co-ed counterparts on the SAT by an average of 28 to 43 points.

• Three times as many alumnae of single-sex schools plan to become engineers.

• Girls’ school students spend more hours a week doing homework, attending study groups, tutoring others, and working with their teachers than co-ed school students.

FAST FACTS • There are 187 independent girls’ schools in the US. • The first girls’ school was founded in 1746.

• A third of female corporate board members of Fortune 500 companies went to girls’ schools.

CONFIDENCE

INNOVATION

AGS uses innovation— teaching methods and programs designed specifically for girls—that instills the knowledge, skills, and strengths of character needed for tomorrow.

A girls’ school may be the best preparation for the real world of the workplace and for life. —Dr. Leonard Sax

About ags A t

AGS students are extraordinary leaders. Their work has been featured in national media such as The New York Times, Glamour, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Weekend.

G lance

• 220 students in grades 6 through 12 • Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools • Student body represents many socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, political, and cultural backgrounds • Honors and AP courses in all areas • Upper School foreign travel and exchange program for all girls to Europe, Australia, Central and South America, or Africa • 100% college acceptance rate • Extensive college counseling beginning in the sophomore year • Graduates admitted to over 140 colleges and universities • One of the first 1:1 laptop schools in the country • The only Apple Distinguished School in Georgia • Member of the Online School for Girls, a coalition of the top US girls’ schools offering premier online courses specifically developed for girls • Leadership, community service, and personal growth programs for all grades • Regular community service partnerships for each grade with a community partner such as Hands on Atlanta or the Atlanta Community Food Bank • Health and wellness program • Rich selection of student-managed clubs and organizations • Visual and performing arts programs at all levels • Teams in 11 sports, including cross-country, volleyball, softball, swimming, basketball, dance, golf, tennis, track and field, soccer, and archery

Atlanta Girls’ School is a college preparatory school of the highest standards. We are built on the heritage and well-developed educational methods of the best girls’ schools in the country, and innovation is our hallmark. Through our classrooms, sports, stage, and community involvement, our girls learn to take appropriate risks, be courageous leaders, give back to their communities, and be personally confident in all they do.

FAST FACT

A

P o r t r ait o f an A G S G r a d u ate Our Portrait of an AGS Graduate describes the knowledge, skills, and strengths of character that characterize our graduates and guide our programs.

See the full vision of the Portrait at www.atlantagirlsschool.org/portrait

AGS is the expert on girls’ education in Atlanta.

What did you do last summer?

Olivia spent three weeks in Kenya studying East African culture and tutoring students at Batian’s View, an outdoor educational facility.

Education for the Development of Leadership & Service -a signature program at AGS EDLS is a service and leadership program that spans all grades, providing hands-on experiences in service and philanthropy. Through EDLS, we work with students to help them identify those areas of public service they wish to have as part of their lives on a long-term basis.

In grades 11 and 12, the girls have community placements and integrate their service projects back into the classroom. Each senior culminates her AGS experience with a capstone project of her own design and presents her work to the school community.

Students enjoy further opportunities to learn through required travel experiences tied to global service and the curriculum. In addition, AGS offers meaningful and authentic internships across Atlanta, in every setting imaginable—from the emergency room at Grady Hospital to the Woodruff Arts Center.

VISITING ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL

APPLYING TO ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL

AGS is the best place for girls; come for a visit and we’ll show you why. There are many ways to learn about AGS: family tours, admission teas, open house, student shadow days as well as chatting with current students and parents. Here’s a brief overview to help you plan your AGS visit.

Open House Held at 2:00pm on Sunday, November 13 AGS Admission Open House is the most comprehensive look at the AGS program, best practices for educating girls, and important facts about adolescent girls’ development. There are separate parent and student programs, which include an introduction to single-gender education, class demonstrations, department presentations, and panel discussions.

We invite girls in grades 3 and above and their parents to join us for this special event. We invite you to register for Open House here: Admission Tea and Tour Held at 9am on October 7, December 2, January 6, February 3, and March 2 You will begin your morning having tea (or coffee) with our Head of School, Academic Dean, Dean of Students, Director of Admission, AGS teachers, and AGS parents. We will share with you the AGS Mission and Portrait of an AGS Graduate as well as the compelling reasons why girls learn best in an all-girls’ environment. Next there is a group tour, led by an AGS student ambassador, and the morning concludes with an optional opportunity for one-on-one Q&A with AGS staff. Parents of girls of application age or younger are invited to attend. Register now for a tea date here: Student Shadow Days Scheduled by appointment: from 9am-3pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, October-April We hear from girls that the best way to get a feel for the unique experience of an all-girls’ school is to try it out, so we encourage all girls interested in applying to join us for a shadow day. We invite girls in grades 5 and above to attend a

day of classes, hosted by an AGS student in either the grade to which they are applying or their current grade. Beginning October 5, 2011 through April 1, 2012, student shadow days are offered Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:00am – 3:00pm. Please contact AGS admissions at 404.604.2804 or by email to reserve your daughter’s shadow day. Watch a video about shadow days here: During her visit, your daughter will be given an assignment to “tweet” about her shadow day experience on an iTouch. See what the girls are saying here: Family Tours Scheduled by appointment: Mondays at 1:15pm, Wednesdays at 9:15am, Thursdays at 10:15am, and Fridays at 12:15pm On a family tour, you are guided by a student ambassador— visiting classes and meeting deans, teachers, staff, and students—followed by time to chat with the Director of Admission about your daughter and your goals for her experience at AGS. Please contact AGS admissions at 404.604.2804 or by email to schedule a date for your family tour.

Dads’ Breakfast Forum: What Every Dad Needs to Know About an All-Girls’ Education Held at 7:30am on January 20 Join a panel of AGS Dads for a breakfast session on Friday, January 20, at 7:30am for an opportunity to focus on issues most prevalent on a father’s mind. The goal is for all dads to leave with a clear vision of the value of an all-girls’ education. Reserve your space now here:

Kirsten Beard • 404.604.2810 kbeard@atlantagirlsschool.org Director of Admission

Yvonne Hopkins • 404.604.2804 yhopkins@atlantagirlsschool.org Admission Assistant

A d m ission

P r ocess

Online Application Due February 1, 2012 Submit an online application with the nonrefundable application fee of $75. Applications received after February 1st are not guaranteed an April admission decision, and will be reviewed on a rolling admission basis where there are spaces available.

Transcripts and Principal/Counselor Evaluation Form Due to AGS by February 15, 2012 Fill out the “AAAIS Transcript Release Authorization” form and the “Confidential Principal/Counselor Evaluation Form” (found on AGS website and through the online application link) and deliver them to the principal or counselor at your daughter’s current school. All records, including grades and standardized test scores (for the current year as well as two years prior), should be sent directly to Atlanta Girls’ School.

Teacher Evaluation Forms Due to AGS by February 15, 2012 Fill out the top portion of the two “Confidential Common Teacher Evaluation” forms (found on AGS website and through the online application link). Deliver one to your daughter’s current English teacher and the other to your daughter’s current math teacher. Once the forms are complete, they should be sent directly to Atlanta Girls’ School.

C h ec k list

Secondary Schools Admission Test (SSAT) Test dates: October 15, November 12, December 10, January 7 and February 4 Visit www.ssat.org to register for the test or for additional information. Atlanta Girls’ School’s SSAT school code is 1410.

Student Interview Saturdays in February, by appointment Once we receive your online application, we will contact you to arrange a date for your daughter’s interview. Interviews are conducted by AGS faculty members and last about 30 minutes.

Decision Letters Mailed Friday, April 6, 2012 Admission Response Period April 6, 2012 through April 19, 2012 AGS is a member of the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) and adheres to the AAAIS Principles of Good Practice. According to AAAIS rules, applicants and their parents are not permitted to visit AGS during the admission response period. In addition, AGS is not permitted to initiate contact with applicants or their parents during this time; however, you are welcome to call or email AGS if questions arise before April 19, 2012.