Parent Book

How?

Where?

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Why? Are? When?

Why? When?

What?

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PARENTS’ QUESTIONS. ANSWERED.

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STUDENTS’ QUESTIONS. ANSWERED.

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PARENTS’ QUESTIONS. ANSWERED. Here you will find the questions that are most frequently asked by prospective parents and answers in our parents’ own words. We encourage you to read these and then come join us for a tour to see AGS for yourself!

WHY CHOOSE AGS? What makes AGS different from other independent schools?

Beyond the obvious of being a school for girls only, it is a school built on developing an individualized program specifically suited to your daughter. They strive to assure that she reaches her own individual definition of excellence.

While most independent schools say they provide individualized attention, our own experience at other schools, including the best in Atlanta, highlights that AGS offers a different and better experience.

Importantly, AGS is also a school intentionally built to provide the type of education that our children are going to need to live successful personal and professional lives.

They don’t just say they provide a “21st century education” or that

they “educate the whole child,” AGS lives it every day, all day long.

“AGS has been a fabulous experience for our daughter. I have seen her grow in ways I didn’t think were possible. I have seen her grow to enjoy math when she never thought she could do it and to want to play on sports teams she avoided in the past. It is wonderful to see.”

What do you mean by “living it all day long?”

The school has a very clear vision of who and what it is. Through the Portrait of an AGS Graduate, they have defined the strengths of character, the knowledge, and the skills that they expect our daughters to secure in their time at AGS. They use this Portrait to define programs, to structure lessons in

the classroom, and to create the experience the girls have every day. Programs are purposefully designed to make sure that girls practice the skills they are going to need throughout their lives.

“I really sense a difference between what our daughter had before coming to AGS and what she has now. The faculty really understands girls.”

Can you give me some specific examples?

Turn anywhere in AGS, and you’ll see it. For example, technology isn’t just a “class” or in a lab or on a cart. It is integrated into the classroom in all sorts of interesting and purposeful ways, their laptops being just one of them. Girls use iPods in foreign language classes to record and hand in spoken language exercises. Girls use them to measure the slope of stairs.

Additionally, just as technology is integrated into their daily school lives, so is specific technology training to learn both appropriate and safe use.

Similarly, the individual girl’s development of a strong inner core isn’t left to chance. Through EDLS (Education for the Development of Leadership and Service), which we talk about more on the pages that follow, girls are taught to appreciate their role in the community and the world. They also learn basic life skills such as public speaking, financial literacy, and how to behave at work. Those are just two examples, and frankly the examples go on. Continue reading and you’ll see.

“My daughter has really learned Internet and computer safety. She is making good decisions about what to do online and what to believe.”

Why a girls’ only school?

Numerous studies have been done on the benefits of single-sex education for both boys and girls, and AGS can point you to many excellent books that describe how girls benefit from it (see the next question). The upshot is that at an all girls’ school the students focus on what’s important about themselves and their education. They leave the distractions of the world on the doorstep when they walk into the halls. When they go back into the world, they are sustained by their core strength of knowledge about academics and themselves, and their confidence is well earned.

In 2000, Atlanta was one of the very few major cities that didn’t have any single gender school alternatives. Memphis, for example, has four girls’ schools, and on both the West and East Coasts a substantial number of all girls (and all boys!) schools exist. Katharine Graham, Margaret Mead, Shirley Franklin, and hundreds of other impressive leaders went to girls’ schools. AGS thought it was time that Atlanta’s daughters had the same opportunity.

“I really didn’t understand girls’ schools before coming to AGS. It seemed unnatural and frankly sort of odd. What I see now is that it has really let her be “her.” I see her friends going to co-ed schools – make up, clothes, what they talk about – and I am glad my girl is at

AGS. It has removed a whole layer of ‘stuff’ and let her concentrate just on being herself.”

What are the advantages of an all girls’ school?

If you are looking at AGS, you may have already read about the research over the last 25 to 30 years in neurobiology, psychology, and physiology. If you haven’t, you should look at books like Leonard Sax’s Why Gender Matters or JoAnn Deak’s How Girls Thrive.

There are very clear ways that teachers can conduct classrooms that make lessons “stick” for girls and help them learn better and more completely. These same techniques are less effective or don’t work at all in co-ed classrooms.

some benefit from the separation at a co-ed school. However, we know that much of the school day is not in class, but in the hallways or lunchroom. That is where so much of the negative social aspects of a co-ed school take place.

At AGS and other girls’ schools, a positive atmosphere in all areas of the school is the dominant driver.

Also, girls in girls’ schools don’t have the “appearance pressure” that will still be there in a co-ed school with single gender classrooms. AGS takes a purposeful approach to personal and community responsibility, and as a result almost everyone desires to build up, not tear down.

Can’t you get the same benefits from single gender classrooms, which many co-ed schools are using?

Many schools have begun using single gender classrooms, especially in middle school. The result, though, is nowhere near the same.

Part of it is that usually the only thing that has changed is that boys aren’t in the room. The teaching does not take into consideration how girls learn best as they do at AGS.

If you have an environment of all girls, won’t the bullying and gossip just be worse?

This is a common concern prior to parents learning more about AGS. Most girls in middle school encounter dilemmas, often difficult ones, as they seek to define themselves and stretch their wings.

AGS offers many layers of support for our daughters: advisors, deans, teachers, and coaches. It’s not unusual for an AGS student to share a conflict with a trusted adult on campus. The result is that the issue can be discussed and remediated prior to it escalating. The faculty at AGS cares deeply about each girl’s experience at school. They take bullying and gossip very seriously.

We think you will be pleased and satisfied to see the level to which they take both discipline and support around those issues.

If school were only the classroom, then perhaps girls would gain

“I have been impressed with the detailed attention the school pays

“I have seen my daughter try and even become excited about topics she didn’t like before. I think it all has to do with approaching the topic in ways that bring the girls in and make them interested.”

to behavior and ‘mean girl’ activities. They don’t just ‘let it happen’ as I’ve heard from friends with children at other schools. They take it seriously and stop it.”

What do you like most about AGS? Here are a few quotes: “The transformation I saw in my daughter was amazing. She is so much more confident. She is a naturally shy person, but I saw her last summer at a summer drama program with girls from other parts of the country and she stood out.”

“AGS has been true to its promise of individualized attention. In the 8th grade we met with the Academic Dean to discuss our daughter’s academic and extracurricular “plan” for Upper School.

She is a junior now, and we have returned to that plan many times to help guide what she is doing so she both accomplishes what she wants and is ready for the college application process.”

“I have easy access to the people who count when I need it. Whether it is the academic head, a teacher, our daughter’s advisor, or even the Head of School, people are willing to listen and respond.”

“I love the other parents. While I know that is secondary, it is nice to have people with a similar focus and interest in their daughter’s education. I enjoy being among the parents.”

“For my taste, the school puts the emphasis on the right things. It is easy for a school to get caught up in bigger facilities and more programs or this and that. The school

puts the girls first and foremost.

They focus on addressing their real needs and on refining their programs constantly.“ “I’m not sure it is what I like best, but I’d definitely say it is the most memorable: my daughter wanted to do something special to honor one of her teachers. (Keep in mind she is just an 8th grader.) Well, she went in and met with the Head of School, and she proposed a plan for how to do it. I don’t think my daughter will ever be afraid to walk in and ask for something again – a raise, a promotion, or an opportunity. I wasn’t familiar with girls’ schools, and all I can say is that there is really something there that is different and special.”

SCHEDULE What are the school hours?

Monday through Thursday: 8:00am – 3:00pm. Morning drop off starts at 7:15am. Teachers are often available to meet a student before school.

Friday: 9:00am – 3:00pm. Faculty meeting/professional development is on Friday mornings before school begins.

Every day tutorials with teachers: 3:00pm – 3:30pm. Tutors are also available in the Media Center for general academic support.

Monday – Friday: sports meet according to their individual practice and game/meet schedules.

How long are classes?

Each class meets for three 50-minute blocks and one 75-minute

block each week. Students usually have seven courses, which include the arts and P.E. (P.E. is required through 9th grade) each semester.

What is the average class size?

Class sizes average 12-15 students.

Classes in upper school tend to be a little smaller than those in middle school.

What would a sample day in Middle School look like?

This is a sample of one student’s schedule on Wednesdays. You’ll notice that her science class does not meet on Wednesdays. Each course meets four times a week, and the schedule rotates so that it is different every day.

8:00-8:10..............................Advisory 8:15-9:05....................................Math 9:10-10:25.................. World Studies 10:30-11:20............................ English 11:25-11:50.............................. Lunch 11:55-12:45.................................... PE 12:50-2:05..................................... Art 2:10-3:00.................................French 3:00....................................Go home, to sports practice , or stay for tutorial What would a sample day in Upper School look like?

This is an example of an 11th grader’s schedule on Wednesdays.

You’ll notice that her drama class does not meet on Wednesdays.

Each course meets four times a week. The schedule rotates so that it is different every day.

8:00-8:10............................. Advisory 8:15-9:05.......................... US History 9:10-10:25....... Honors Pre-Calculus 10:30-11:20................. AP Chemistry 11:25-12:15.......................Study Hall

12:20-12:45..............................Lunch 12:50-2:05........................AP English 2:10-3:00.......................... Spanish IV 3:00....................................Go home, to sports practice, or stay for tutorial How are classes selected?

Every spring you meet with your daughter and her advisor to select courses for the following year. As with all schools, there are required courses that build on each other in math, science, English, and world history. Students may choose their classes in the arts and languages.

New students take a placement test in math and their chosen language. Students who excel in these areas may be placed in an advanced or Honors course, and upper school students have many Honors and AP classes to consider.

Elective opportunities increase in upper school, including the chance to take two courses within a department depending on the student’s interests and level already mastered. The Winterim course catalog is posted online so that you can discuss the offerings with your daughter.

What is Winterim?

Winterim gives AGS students a two-week period at the start of January to explore new academic, artistic, and athletic concepts. Your daughter will select up to four classes for these two weeks. AP classes continue through Winterim, and students in a Varsity sport, e.g. swimming or soccer, practice during class time at the end of the school day. Students needing remedial training are referred to specialized classes at this time,

giving them a chance to work in a more concentrated way on areas of deficiency. You can see a selection of recent classes in the online Winterim Catalog on the AGS website. Some of the classes include: Robotics, Neuroscience, SAT Prep, Videography, Songwriting, and Music of the ‘60’s.

“Both my daughters have loved Winterim. They’ve gotten excited about all sorts of things – from auto mechanics to opera – that I never thought would interest them.

It is fun for me, too, as I’ve followed what they’ve been doing.”

How often does AGS have physical education?

P.E. is required in 6th through 9th grade. In addition, girls study health and wellness.

Does AGS have an after school program?

Yes. It is open from when school ends until 6:00pm for an extra charge. Team sports also meet after school. Most practices begin at 3:30 or 3:45pm. Additionally, all faculty have office hours from 3:00 until 3:30pm. Middle school students who are not in sports or after school classes, and who stay at school past 4:00pm, must go to the AGS aftercare program. Any middle school student finishing an athletic practice before 6:00pm should be picked up, or she will be asked to report to the aftercare program.

After 3:00pm students can also meet in the Horizon Media Center. Upper school students do not need to sign into the aftercare

program regardless of participation in after school activities.

FACULTY & ACADEMICS Tell me about the faculty.

AGS teachers graduated from some of the country’s best colleges, and most have graduate degrees. They all have training in how girls learn and how best to conduct a classroom of girls. AGS also hires experts from the Atlanta community to fill key adjunct roles, such as practicing visual artists.

“I’ve been so impressed with the teachers. They both know girls and their topics. And they always take the extra time to work with my daughter or to return my emails.”

Can you give me a representative list of colleges AGS graduates go on to attend?

AGS students are accepted to and attend Georgia colleges and universities, ones farther afield, and those in the Southeast: - UGA, Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Agnes Scott, Emory, and Spelman - University of Chicago, Carlton, Columbia, Bowdon, Dartmouth, Pitzer, Princeton, Barnard, Scripps, Pepperdine, and the University of Arizona - Davidson, William and Mary, University of Virginia, and Tulane.

Students at AGS on the main reach their goals for the SAT, ACT, and AP exams. They have students who make a perfect score on the SAT and those who achieve real success

with lower scores. Each student is on the right path to achieve individually in college. They pride themselves in preparing students for the right college for them, wherever that may be.

“College counseling is very individualized. There are no arbitrary rules on when you can begin the conversation with the college counselor.

She and the teachers work with you to find the best places for your daughter. And I was thrilled with the focus in senior English on preparing the college application essay. They made sure my daughter put her best foot forward.”

What is advisory?

Every AGS student is assigned to an advisor when she enters AGS. The advisor meets with the advisory group Monday through Thursday mornings, and Fridays at lunch.

Each fall and spring, your daughter and you will meet with her advisor. The fall conference focuses on goal setting for the current year.

AGS uses the spring conference for reflection on what the student has achieved and class registration for the following year.

Advisories do change some from year to year, but they do their best to keep middle school advisees together each year. Ninth graders are assigned to an upper school advisor after completing middle school, and they keep this advisory together throughout upper school as well. In addition to the regular faculty, many other members of the staff are involved in advisories.

What is the iLearn Center?

The iLearn Center houses AGS independent study and online courses. Also, after school the Learning Lab meets in the iLearn Center. The Learning Lab is where students can participate in free tutoring.

Can you explain how online learning functions at AGS? AGS understands that once school is over, learning still continues.

Every student needs to be able to self-teach as their lives evolve beyond AGS and college. With the pace of change, much of what today’s students learn in terms of specific facts may be obsolete by the time they graduate from college. AGS encourages girls who are ready to expand their horizons, and who want a specific class they cannot secure through the regular curriculum, to participate in one of the online classes the school approves. Many of the classes are provided through the Online School for Girls, a program developed by a consortium of the best girls’ schools in the country, including AGS. They also offer courses at the collegiate level for girls who are ready.

“I was reluctant to think that online learning was good, but the school does a good job with it. There is a teacher there to supervise and assure that my daughter is both doing the work and truly learning the material. And it meant she could take college level work. She had a great experience.”

You may find as you contemplate what you’ve learned that you have more questions about classes and

instruction. For your convenience, you can consult the website under “Programs” for more information.

AGS particularly encourages you to consult the portion of the website that presents the faculty. There you can read in the words of teachers, “Why I Teach.” These essays will let you see how deeply inspired and committed AGS faculty are.

Of course, please feel free always to call the Admission Office, which will either answer your question or refer you to the right person. That number is 404-845-0900, ext. 227 for Director of Admission, Kirsten Beard, or ext. 279 for Admission Assistant, Yvonne Hopkins.

EDLS You have mentioned EDLS. Can you explain more about that?

EDLS stands for the Education for the Development of Leadership and Service. AGS believes strongly that to have a complete education, all of our daughters need to have an appreciation for the community in which they live and an understanding of their obligation to support and improve it. The leaders they are developing participate in a thoughtful and well-integrated program that teaches the basic skills and knowledge needed to function in the world. Starting in 6th grade, middle school girls learn public speaking, how to lead a meeting, what happens in the community and how it relates to them, and other basic skills. In the Upper School, girls move on to issues of community identity, diversity, financial literacy, stress management, philanthropy, and activism.

In addition to EDLS, middle school-

ers meet weekly in a program called “Girl Talk.” This program has peer leaders from the Upper School working with middle school girls to discuss topics that matter to them.

It is a great way for girls to address the issues and challenges they all face.

“My daughter learned so much from Girl Talk as a middle school student. When it came time for her to become a peer leader in upper school she was anxious to become a leader and help those younger with the challenges she had at that time in her life.“ What are internships?

During her sophomore year, your daughter will work with the internship coordinator and you to plan and set up an internship experience that allows her to delve deeply into a personal area of interest. The internship will be a true work and service experience in her field of choice, and she will spend at least 70 hours with the organization over the summer before or during her junior year. Your daughter will then select a second internship either before or during her senior year. It may be a continuation of her first experience, or she may choose a new location. However, typically she remains within the same field.

Recent placements include the Georgia Aquarium, SunTrust, AT&T, Red Cross, Zoo Atlanta, Greenlaw, Center for the Visually Impaired, and Atlanta Women’s Foundation.

Many girls spend far more than the required 70 hours, and sometimes their placements evolve into paid positions. The girls learn the basics of the workplace as well as how

a business organization actually works. They are transformed by these important experiences.

“Of all the things my daughter has done at AGS, the internship program stands out as having had the most impact on her. She has learned how to navigate the world and has found her passion. She now thinks she knows where she wants her career to go. While I know it is likely she will change direction, it is thrilling to see her focus and sense of purpose. It transformed her.“ SPORTS What sports do you play at AGS? Fall: volleyball, softball, cross-country, and archery Winter: swimming, basketball, and dance Spring: track and field, soccer, tennis, and golf The school has a no-cut policy for sub-varsity teams, so every girl gets a chance to play – and do they ever! Nearly 85% of AGS students join a team. This is an amazing number compared to area co-ed schools, where, by the time girls reach upper school, well less than 50 percent of girls participate in sports. At AGS, they know that this activity can do so much to build confidence and teamwork. The coaches reach out to make sure that every girl feels warmly welcome to join, as do the current team members. Many girls find themselves digging deeper athletically as a result, and they choose to try out for the upper school Varsity and Junior Varsity teams.

Can 6th graders play sports?

6th graders may sign up for and play on any middle school sports team.

Do you compete with other schools in sports?

AGS is a member of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) in region 1AAA for Varsity sports, competing with schools like The Weber School, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian, and Dominion Christian. The school competes in the Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC) for middle school sports, with schools like Galloway, Epstein, St. Martin’s, and Holy Spirit.

FINE ARTS Tell me about the drama program.

Students in drama classes perform productions throughout the year, and the auditions for the annual musical are open to everyone. Girls interested in the technical side of productions can help with sets, lighting, costume design, and other aspects of production.

Do you have a chorus?

AGS has a middle and an upper school chorus. These choruses perform separately and together throughout the year in concerts for the AGS community and occasionally in the larger Atlanta community.

Many of the girls in chorus also participate in the musical.

What skills are covered in the visual arts program?

Girls work with every kind of material and media, including pencil, pastel, charcoal, paint, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, printmaking, and

much more. In the Upper School, the girls work with practicing artists in both upper school introductory art and advanced art.

Is dance a class or do you have to do it after school?

Both. Dance is part of the P.E. program, as well as an after school activity and sport.

UNIFORMS Explain your uniform policy.

Uniforms help to minimize anxiety for the girls by removing clothing comparisons and the time-consuming decision of what to wear in the morning. Valuably, a uniform also teaches girls to look beyond the exterior of a person to view them without the conflicting signals that clothing can sometimes send. Most of the girls really like having a uniform for these reasons.

Middle schoolers can wear a khaki skirt, skort, shorts, or pants. Upper schoolers have the option of a plaid skirt or khaki pants. Seniors have a special grey skirt. Both middle school and upper school students wear white or navy polos or oxford shirts with the school monogram.

Girls can also wear navy sweaters, sweater vests, sweatshirts, or a blazer. Everything except the blazer has the school monogram. They can chose to wear something else, including jeans, when there are dress down days, which fall on the last Friday of every month.

What kind of shoes can students wear?

There are lots of choices: Saddle Oxfords, all-white sneakers, black ballet flats or loafers, Topsider-style

shoes, Wallabee-style shoes, and Merrell shoes.

Are there any opportunities for girls to express their individuality in dress?

Girls are allowed to wear jewelry, as long as it does not cause a distraction, and many girls wear bows or other accessories in their hair. A uniform does not limit the individuality of each girl, but it does encourage her to channel her expression of individuality in directions other than clothing. Instead, the girls are often known for their interests, hobbies, or where they excel. The school is not extraordinarily strict on uniforms, but it does help the girls always look prepared for school and serious about learning.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES What kinds of events are there for the girls?

AGS hosts lots of social and school related events. Some examples are dances, socials with and without boys, trivia nights, and lock-ins where the girls spend the night at school doing fun things. Schoolrelated events include field trips, service events, and pep rallies.

AGS has an entire week of events and activities planned around homecoming, which includes theme days and an all-AGS family bonfire picnic. In the spring they have the annual Bluegrass Festival, which is open to the public. The girls plan many of their own activities with the help of elected social event coordinators and faculty advisors. Parents also participate in conducting and sponsoring social activities.

Are there dances?

Certainly! AGS students invite kids from other schools to the dances, and our girls are invited to dances at other schools. In the Middle School, often parents help through their own friend networks to invite boys to social events. By the time the girls are in the Upper School they typically don’t need any help.

“Before we came I was a bit concerned that my daughter would have trouble having a normal social life. I was wrong. She has met lots of people, including boys, outside of school through friends and other networks.”

Do you have a prom?

Yes! There is a junior/senior prom each year. The juniors pick the theme, help choose the location, and handle all of the arrangements with the guidance of upper school social event coordinators.

What is Earth and Sky? The entire AGS community is divided into two teams, Earth and Sky. From the moment a student joins our community, she belongs to one of these teams. The teams participate in a yearlong friendly competition designed to foster school spirit and pride in the community.

Both teams elect a senior “goddess” each year who acts as the spirit leader for her team. This is a common tradition in girls’ schools, and it contributes to a lively and fun environment.

CLUBS What kind of clubs does this school have?

There are many great clubs at AGS that fit many different interests. A few clubs are: Yearbook, Model United Nations, Science Club, Harry Potter Club, Animal Rescue Club, Outdoor Club, Service Club, Environmental Club, Garden Club, Glee Club, and Debate Club.

Does AGS have a student council?

AGS’s student council is called the “Circle of Sisters.” There are representatives from every grade, and they meet once a week.

TECHNOLOGY Explain how you use laptops?

In school, girls use laptops to research, create presentations, run experiments in science, make music, create movies, write papers, and much more. The girls use them for instant response in classes and for just about everything else you can do with a computer. There is a wireless Internet network on campus and in the areas immediately outside the school building where students gather. The MacBooks come fully loaded with all the software needed for coursework. AGS uses a learning management system called Haiku to collect materials for each course in one place. You can follow your daughter’s classes and see assignments and class announcements on a real time basis on Haiku.

How do you get the laptop?

All laptops for students are managed through the school. Through the Technology Fee Program, you will lease a computer and it will be loaded with all of the software your daughter needs. All students must abide by the Acceptable Use Policy,

which is set out on the website. See the next question for more information on this topic.

Are students allowed to take home their laptop?

After students have earned their computer “driver’s license,” they can take them home - and they come with AGS cases to keep them safe. Computers are returned to the Tech office in June so they can be re-imaged with the newest applications. When computers need work that cannot be completed at school, the school does its best to provide a loaner computer.

Middle School students have boundaries, including an evening shut off time, activated on their computers by the Tech office. The aim is to help to keep the students safe while they learn best practices around both safety and etiquette with computer and Internet use. At the same time, parents have the opportunity to receive training from AGS about how Apple computers work. Parents are administrators on their middle schooler’s computer, and they may give permission through the Tech office at any time to lift any of the boundaries placed on their child’s computer.

Upper School students are administrators on their own computers.

They receive training on safe practices around downloading software, self-limiting computer use, and other useful information about contemporary computer technology and usage.

How do the students use iPods at school?

There are many applications of the

iPod Touch in the classroom. For example, teachers can post a question on the Promethean Board, and students use the iPod Touches to text an answer. This lets the teacher know instantly whether or not the students understand the material. Students use them to record themselves speaking language, for doing computations and other work in experiments, and for “tweeting” in the voices of characters in novels.

GENERAL QUESTIONS What is the AGS acceptance procedure?

The admission committee reviews your application: the student questionnaire, the parent questionnaire, SSAT scores, teacher evaluations, grades, and your daughter’s interview. Students who are accepted to AGS traditionally have good grades on their report cards and strong recommendations from their teachers.

It’s also important for new students to want to get involved outside of the classroom. AGS has a lot to offer, and they want students to enjoy getting involved in our exciting community.

How many openings are there next year?

The number of new students depends on the number of spaces that are open in each grade. Since AGS begins in 6th grade, there are more spaces available in that grade.

They also expand the class in the 7th grade.

How can my daughter learn more about the AGS experience?

Contact the AGS admission office.

They will help you schedule an opportunity for your daughter to

shadow a student and for both of you to have a tour. There is also an Open House in November and a monthly Admission Tea where you can learn more.

Do you offer scholarships?

AGS offers a need-based financial aid program and a merit scholarship called the AGS Scholar Award that is awarded to returning students in upper school on a competitive basis.

What else do I need to know about paying for an AGS education?

You can select your payment plan from the following options: pay for the year at registration; agree to make payments in an initial deposit plus two large payments; or make monthly payments. For more information on financial questions, contact the admission office or refer to the website.