January 2014 by Atlanta Parent

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Our Annual Education Issue

atlantaparent.com January 2014

The Miley Effect: Do Celebrities Shape Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Values?

Laurie K. Botstein M.S./C.C.C.-SLP

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4 Atlanta Parent January 2014

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Inside 3 O January YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Vol. 31 Number 1

Features 16

Lessening Celebrity-itis You can’t shield your children from poor-role-model entertainers or celebrity imitation, but you can guide them with good values.

24 28

Our Annual Education Issue

Our 2014 guide has information and articles to help you and your children get the most from school.

Mommy Zen

Discover your inner peace amid the stress of being a mom with these techniques.

PAGE

Finding Your Roots Explore the branches of your family tree to uncover enlightening anecdotes. Here’s how to get started.

Caring, Compassion and MLK

Raising a compassionate adult starts at an early age, with parents modeling behavior. January is a perfect time to try these ideas, as we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Playful Ways with Toy Cars

Tiny cars multiply and soon your child has more than he knows what to do with. Try these 20 creative ideas.

n A Genius at Age 3? Teaching your preschooler too much, too soon could backfire, and stymie his innate love of learning. n Hybrid Schooling: Some families find the right learning formula by pairing homeschooling with brick-and-mortar or online academies. n Gifted or Not: Find out if your bright child exhibits the traits of an exceptional learner and how Georgia selects gifted students. PLUS: How to raise boys who love reading; giving to your child’s school, but not until it hurts; helping children avoid procrastination; and learn how three families chose the right educational environment for their children.

Don’t Miss Our Camp Expo on Saturday, January 25

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Inside January Departments 10 Publisher’s Note 12 News You Can Use 14 The Frugal Family

Start 2014 off right with these money-saving ideas

106 Humor in the House Pretending Prada

Family Fun Guide

87 Not-to-Miss Events 88 Eating Out: OK Café 89 Review: Interactive

Does your child have Asthma???

Neighborhood For Kids

90 Try It: Meditation for Beginners

91 Exhibit: Go West! at the High Museum

92 Winter

Fun: Snow

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Mountain Tubing & Outdoor Ice Skating

94 Free Fun:

How Things Work Tours

96 98

January Calendar MLK Events

Qualified participants will receive at no charge:

• Asthma medications • Pulmonary Evaluation • Physical Exam • Compensation for time and travel Contact Emory AsthmaNet Study Coordinators for more information:

Jennifer Dodds 404-727-5176 • jcdodds@emory.edu Denise Whitlock 404-712-1773 • drwhitl@emory.edu 6 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Coming Next Month: Overnight Camp Guide

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Atlanta’s Award-Winning Parenting Publication PUBLISHER Liz White

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PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com BUSINESS Amy Smith DEVELOPMENT asmith@atlantaparent.com MANAGER ACCOUNT Julia Sparks EXECUTIVES jsparks@atlantaparent.com

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DIGITAL SALES jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com

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EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING Amanda Miller Allen EDITOR

CALENDAR Jennifer Haslam EDITOR EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com

EDITORIAL Robin Mintz

PRODUCTION rmintz@atlantaparent.com

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OPERATIONS Caroline Ward

MANAGER cward@atlantaparent.com MARKETING MOM Felicia Barman

Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge at more than 1,000 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area. First class subscription only $30 per year. Subscription orders must include check or money order made out to Atlanta Parent magazine. Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.

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ItFigures by Cynthia Washam

New Year’s News $1,000

Tax credit for a baby born Dec. 31, 2012

$500

Tax credit for a baby born the next day, or later, under the new tax schedule

2011 and 2012

Birth years of twins Beckett and Freya Humenny, born nearly six hours apart in Minnesota on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

1929

Year bandleader Guy Lombardo first played Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve, sealing its association with the holiday

1890

Year a group of civic-minded Southern Californians conceived the annual Tournament of Roses New Year’s Day parade

$55 to $90

Cost for reserved seating along the parade route this year

Amount users of the iPhone Gympact app earn or pay every time they keep or break their New Year’s resolution to work out at a gym

851

Average number of days between royal weddings and the birth of the first child, suggest Kate and William will produce Britain’s next royal baby this August 27

$5.99

Typical cost for two impersonal MAM pacifiers

$19.95

Cost for two MAM pacifiers personalized with baby’s name

$89.95

Cost for one cashmere baby johns, available in pink and blue, from Red Envelope Sources: 20SomethingFinance.com, TheFW.com, Infoplease. com, TournamentofRoses.com, SharpSeating.com, Computer Weekly, TIME.com, Amazon.com, MAMBabyPersonalized. com, RedEnvelope.com.

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 9

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Miley Cyrus was among this year’s top contender for Time magazine’s “Person of the Year.” I was relieved that another celebrity was not rewarded with the cover of a national magazine. I count the Pope’s selection as a small victory for parents working to instill values in their children. All the researchers tell us that values and education will determine if our children become happy, successful adults. But families are constantly bombarded by celebrities with messages that run counter to their values. If you think your kids don’t hear those messages, you’ll be a bit unsettled by “The Miley Effect” in this month’s magazine (Page 16). Our children are influenced by entertainers, sports figures and actors, even reality show stars, and many aspire to be them. If a celebrity sports a new hairdo, their fans want one, too. If another is seen out partying all night, well, then it must be cool, too. Some of our children are growing up without goals, unless you count “being famous.” They don’t realize that only a fraction of a percent of basketball and football players get NBA or NFL contracts, and most actors and singers – even those with a great deal of talent – never make it big. As parents, we struggle to help our children find a balance, to dream big but to understand that big dreams only come true with education, hard work and sacrifice. Even Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream we celebrate every January, didn’t come to the forefront of the civil rights movement without preparation. He had parents with religious, ethical and educational values, and he graduated from Morehouse College and Crozer Theological Seminary and received a doctorate from Boston University. (Speaking of Dr. King, consider activities with your children Jan. 20; Page 26.) Many parents don’t have the resources the Kings did – a two-parent family, a minister’s income, support from their church and community. Thankfully, many people in our community can support families as they promote good values – friends, neighbors, teachers, clergy and organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Ultimately, though, it’s up to us. We need to make sure our kids read at least 30 minutes a day, monitor what they see and do, guide them when they get off-course – in other words, help them prepare to be the adult we’re proud to call our son or daughter.

How How to to Reach Reach us: us: Telephone Telephone 770.454.7599 770.454.7599

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We Wewelcome welcomeyour yourviews viewsand andcomments. comments.Letters Lettersthat thatappear appearininthe themagazine magazinemay maybe beedited editedfor forcontent contentand andspace. space.

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News You Can Use

by Amanda Miller Allen

percentage of Americans who made New Year’s resolutions in 2013 and broke them just six days later. Source: YouGov.com

Suitcases for Foster Kids

Background Checks Now Required for Childcare Workers

Fingerprint background checks will be required of newly hired employees at 6,000 Georgia-licensed childcare centers starting Jan. 1. Potential workers will undergo a background check and their fingerprints will be screened through the FBI’s database to ensure that they have not committed crimes in Georgia or any other state. The legislation aims to stop any convicted felons applying to work around children. Current childcare workers have three years to submit their fingerprints. Previously, workers had to undergo a local and state background check and only center directors were required to be fingerprinted.

Behavioral Problems and Bedtimes Irregularity in bedtimes can negatively affect a child’s mood and behavior. University College London discovered that children with behavioral troubles often have irregular bedtimes, and those with the least regular sleeping schedules are the most likely to misbehave at school. The study also found that the longer the child had an irregular sleep schedule, the greater the behavioral problems. Researchers suggest that parents get their children on a set sleep routine and maintain that schedule. 12 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Foster children sometimes arrive at their new home with their belongings in a plastic bag. You can change that. Totes 2 Tots Day, an annual drive sponsored by Georgia Cancer Specialists and Northside Hospital collects new or gently used suitcases or backpacks for Georgia’s 7,500 foster kids, will be Jan. 17. Drop off donations at the 26 Georgia Cancer Specialists offices statewide, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. To find a location, visit gacancer.com.

The New American Family The American family is changing at warp speed, researchers say. Families are more ethnically, racially and religiously diverse than only half a generation ago. The very definition of the traditional family is changing, with growing numbers of single parents and gay parents. Some statistics: n More than 40 percent of babies are

now born to unmarried women. n The birth rate is dropping – it’s about

half what it was in 1960 – and families are smaller. By 2050, only 21 percent of the population will be under age 18, compared to 36 percent in 1964. n Some 40 percent of women are the

primary breadwinners for their families, up from 11 percent in 1960. n When all family members are at home,

they’re together in the same room only 14 percent of the time.

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Euneek! 2014 Baby Names May Need a SpelChek

Aiden and Axl are sooo 2013. Parents in 2014 may welcome Emhily, Carmen, Caleb and Thor. That’s the prediction of Belly Ballot, a social baby-naming website that collects worldwide data on what prospective parents are considering. “Distinctiveness” will drive name selection, the website says. Look for these trends in 2014:* n Fewer names ending in “den;” less creative

use of “x.” Bye, bye Jayden and Xander. n Unusual spellings of conventional names. Look for Mykel and Riyan, BrookeLynn and Karder. n The perennial “named after a TV or movie character” or a celebrity’s son or daughter. Get ready for the vampire names Hayley and Camille from The Originals, Ichabod and

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Get Ready for Cookies!

Katrina from Sleepy Hollow. Jennifer Love Hewitt’s child is Autumn; Kristen Bell’s son is Lincoln. n Expect non-Latino parents’ naming offspring with Spanish-sounding nombres such as Sierra, Ernesto or Diego. n Move over Jacob and Noah; Biblical names for 2014 will expand to include Levi, Isaiah, Shiloh and Judith. n Even mythological names will surface, with Luna, Tristan or Damon. * Based on naming data from over 3,500 parents, along with 25,000 votes from their friends and family; for more information, visit bellyballot.com

Green-clad girls on a mission will begin fanning out across metro Atlanta Jan. 1, taking orders for Girl Scouts’ cookies. Metro-Atlanta cookie buyers will get a bargain this year – $3.50 per box. Many other Girl Scout councils nationwide will charge $4. The cookie sales teach Scouts five skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, dealing with people, and business ethics. On Feb. 14, the girls will learn hard work, too, when more than three million boxes of cookies are picked up by the troops. Store-front cookie sales also begin on this day. Sales end March 17. To find cookie sales near you, visit gsgatl. org, or download a cookie-locator app.

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 13

the

frugalfamily by Amana Miller Allen

Have a Happier New Year

Start off right in 2014, with these eight money-saving ideas:

1 2 3

Don’t Buy, Swap: Two

virtues in one: De-clutter and save during Kennesaw Parks and Recreation Center’s Book, CD and DVD Swap at Ben Roberston Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive in Kennesaw. All metro Atlanta families can participate. Drop off items you want to recycle from noon-8 p.m. on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10 at the community center. (CDs and DVDs must be in original cases; hardback and paperback books must have front and back covers.) You’ll get a ticket redeemable for the same number of items from 8-11 a.m. on Jan. 11 at the center. The event is a free media swap, so items cannot be purchased. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity. More information at kennesaw-ga.gov.

4 5

Track Your Spending:

January is the perfect time to develop a family budget or tweek the one you have. If you’ve never had a formal budget, you’ll find plenty of advice on the Internet. Howdini.com (search: budget) has some pointers on getting started. If you have a budget, recommit to making the budget real and write down what everyone spends daily, or key it into a smart phone (two free apps are Toshl Finance and Expensify). We all tend to underestimate how much we spend on groceries, clothing, snacks and more, plus spending habits/ needs change as children grow. Tracking expenses will let you separate necessary spending from discretionary spending, so you’ll have more money for the things you need.

Pay off Credit Cards:

Ten percent of $100 is just $10, but what’s 10 percent of the average family’s credit card debt of $15,000? The math is not pretty. Paying off credit cards with the highest interest rate first makes the most financial sense, but research shows many families fail, often because they feel like they’ll never dig out of debt. Financial talk show host Dave Ramsey (daveramsey.com) suggests paying off the credit card with the lowest amount of money encourages families to keep plugging away by creating a “debt snowball” effect – you pay off one card fairly quickly, then put that payment toward the next lowest amount card and pay it off, and so on. Thousands of families have successfully followed his advice. WSB consumer advocate Clark Howard (clarkhoward.com) also has plenty of advice on credit cards and an inspirational book, Living Large for the Long Haul, with stories of people who’ve trimmed debt and expanded happiness.

14 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Look at Insurance:

January is a good time to assess whether your homeowner’s and auto insurance coverage is adequate – or too adequate. If you have an older car, do you really need collision coverage? Can you get discounts for a safe driving record or completing defensive driving course? Are there discounts on your homeowner’s policy if you have an alarm system? It never hurts to compare your insurance company with others, either. You may be able to get the same coverage for much less. Several websites will let your comparison shop with just a few keystrokes.

Get Healthy:

Yes, this is big money-saver. Vow to eat a healthier diet – more vegetables and fruits – and exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week, and you and your family will save two ways: on doctor’s visits and on health insurance premiums. If anyone in your family smokes and is able to quit, or is obese and loses weight, you’ll save even more. Exercise together as a family – you’ll have more quality time and you’ll encourage each other to stick with the new health routine.

Cut Entertainment Costs:

Free and low-cost family entertainment is abundant in metro Atlanta. You’ll find complete listings in Atlanta Parent’s calendar of events. And look for savings elsewhere, when it’s must-be-there entertainment for your family: Discounts for online ticket purchases, coupons for a few dollars off admission, free admission on certain days at some venues, less expensive seats to a show or play, or matinee price instead of full price for the long-anticipated movie. If restaurant meals figure into family togetherness, and you eat out frequently, try cutting back by at least one outing a week or a month. Make frozen pizza at home, and have family game night. When dining out, look for restaurant deals for families, from “kids eat free” to “buy one, get one” and dollars-off coupons or repeat diners discounts.

atlantaparent.com

7 8

Save on Clothing, and More: Even families that live

on a strict budget often overlook easy savings: Gently used clothing in a thrift store or consignment shop. Expect to pay half price or less. You’ll even find some neverworn items still with original tags. Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrifts also have home goods for a fraction of retail cost. Why buy a brand-new spatula, $3-$4 vs. 50 cents, or pay retail for a set of everyday water glasses, $20 or more vs. $8? The quantity and quality will surprise you.

Ask Your Kids for Advice: To cut expenses, the

whole family needs to be involved. Let the kids know your paycheck or paychecks may not be going as far as last year. Ask them what they could do without – maybe they really don’t want another stuffed animal that you thought would be perfect for their room. If they’re older and working a parttime job, ask them to cover some of their expenses, such as gas when they take the car. Or offer to pay them to perform jobs you’d otherwise pay more for, such as mowing the lawn or babysitting younger siblings. Make budgeting a competition – who can find unexpected savings each week? c

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 15

The Miley Effect

Do Celebrities Shape Kids’ Values?

One afternoon, as I pondered the daily “what to cook” dilemma in the kitchen, the strains of an unfamiliar teeneybopper tune drifted down the hallway. I investigated. My 6-year-old daughter’s friend had pulled up “Hannah Montana” on Netflix, and Miley Cyrus was now streaming into my living room in all her pre-teen glory.

by Malia Jacobson

Photoillustration by Vernon Carne

16 Atlanta Parent January 2014

“Is this OK?” asked my daughter, with a pleading expression. Was it? I’m picky about television programs, but this one seemed fairly tame. The plot centered around a strong father-daughter bond, and the characters’ clothing and language seemed appropriate. I agreed that they could watch the show occasionally, as long as I was in the room. Fast forward two weeks. Miley’s raunchy on-stage antics at the 2013 Video Music Awards made it clear that she wasn’t interested in being a role model to young girls – at least, not the sort I wanted for mine. I swiftly put the kibosh on their budding relationship with Hannah Montana. The decision was met with some wheedling (especially from the friend who’d introduced the girls to Hannah in the first place), but I held firm. The images of Miley “twerking” (don’t ask) were all I needed to see to ban her franchise from our home. Did I overreact to the media hoopla around Miley’s performance? Not according to researchers. Statistics show that celebs hold plenty of sway over impressionable young children. A 2006 study by USA Weekend found that half of teens agree that their peers are more likely to smoke or drink because they see celebrities do it. Over three-quarters of teens think that their peers are likely to diet after a star loses weight, and some 60 percent want to copy a celebrity’s tattoos and piercings. The USA Weekend survey found that thirteen percent of teens had dieted to make themselves look more like a celebrity. In another study, tweens cited pop singers as a top influence on their clothing choices. atlantaparent.com

Pop culture does more than glamourize damaging behaviors like drinking and smoking for kids and young adults – it can also distort their worldview. Research from the University of Calgary found that 60 percent of college students admitted a celebrity had influenced their beliefs, attitudes, and personal values.

Little copycats So celebrity influence is a problem for tweens and teens – but parents don’t need to worry about it during the Sesame-Street years, right? Wrong: modeling begins much earlier than parents think, says parenting educator and mom of five Vicki Hoefle, author of Duct Tape Parenting. “Children start to emulate others as early as age two. Little girls want to play in mom’s makeup bag, and little boys start carrying around a hammer.” A little later on, during elementary school, children begin to look beyond their parents as the inspiration for their identity. “There is a moment when a child makes a connection with a certain type of person. Suddenly they want to know more about that person, and they want to look like and dress like him or her,” says Hoefle. The influential “celebrity” could be a ballerina in a story, an accomplished athlete, or a young, hip teacher. For my girls, it’s their stylish aunt, who inspires them to contort nearly all of their shirts into halter tops. Being enthralled with appealing adults – both real-life adults and characters in books and movies – is a normal, healthy part of learning about the world. (Phew – so I can quit worrying about my 6-year-old’s keen interest in sporting what she calls “a Rapunzel braid.”) It’s when kids continue their celebexploration without parental guidance that things get murky, Hoefle says. Left to their own devices, kids won’t always choose appropriate role models. When it comes to selecting celebrity idols, “kids follow their instincts,” she says. “Then suddenly, we see an adolescent who is really looking to identify themselves and it seems very easy to just grab somebody else’s identity and put it on.”

Rethinking media bans Ready to lock down the television set? Not so fast. Kids who don’t watch television or listen to popular music aren’t necessarily protected from negative influence. In fact, sheltering kids from modern media in an atlantaparent.com

Above the influence: Helping kids resist celebrity pressure l Find a healthy tribe for your kids: Give kids healthy real-world role models by connecting with like-minded parents of children a few years older than yours. l Expect celeb slip-ups: The reality is the many pop stars will make public mistakes. Use them as opportunities to discuss decision-making and personal values. l Reinforce your values: When watching television or movies or listening to music with kids, point out the messages that align with values you want your kids to learn. l Allow healthy decision-making: Kids will be more likely to resist celebrity influence if they have a strong sense of self. Allow them to create their own look and identity by choosing their own clothing, hairstyle and accessories whenever possible. Source: Vicki Hoefle, author of Duct Tape Parenting

effort to avoid the latest pop princess and bad-boy athlete can backfire. “Preparing kids to navigate the world they are going to live in is a safer bet than sheltering,” says Hoefle. “Eventually kids will encounter the thing you’ve hidden from them, and they’ll have no clue how to interpret what they’re seeing or hearing.” Megan Temple, a mom of three, takes a balanced approach to TV role models. “My husband and I both have background in television production, so we feel like television viewership is just a part of our lives. But that doesn’t mean we have to throw our kids to the wolves,” she says. Allison and Emily Temple, 8 and 5, watch “Good Luck Charlie” and admire one of its stars, actress and singer Bridget Mendler. They recently saw her live in concert, and went home sporting T-shirts emblazoned with Mendler’s face. Currently, Mendler seems to be the epitome of a wholesome, all-American teen. Temple is aware that the image may not last – but she’s prepared. “I think it would be a great opportunity to talk to my daughters about the importance of integrity and making good life choices,” she says. It’s a safe bet that many celeb idols will eventually be dethroned, says Hoefle. “Parents should be realistic. It’s likely that something will happen.” And that could actually be a good thing: celeb slip-ups are a chance for tweens and teens to see negative behaviors and their consequences from a safe distance.

Pop culture does more than glamourize damaging behaviors like drinking and smoking for kids and young adults – it can also distort their worldview.

Cont’d on page 18

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 17

The Miley Effect

My 6-year-old daughter’s friend had pulled up “Hannah Montana” on Netflix, and Miley Cyrus was now streaming into my living room in all her pre-teen glory.

“This is how you use celebrities as a positive influence, regardless of the celebrity’s actions – you talk to your kids about what they’re seeing,” says Hoefle.

Power plays The best way to help a child resist celebrity influence is to encourage them to be an active participant in their own life, says Hoelfe. Kids with a strong sense of their own identity won’t be as likely to impersonate celebs. Encourage kids to develop their own style: Allow them to help particulate in choosing their own clothing, hairstyle, and bedroom décor, from a young age. Don’t freak if your teen admires a tattooed celeb and wants a tattoo of his own. “That’s the time to sit down and say, ‘Walk me through this. Convince me that you’re responsible enough to make this choice,’” says Hoelfe. If the answer is “not yet,” help teens see how they can earn more trust and responsibility at home. Making a parental power play – like an outright ban of any and all ink – can alienate teens and give the influential celebrity more sway.

Teens want power, and they are looking for ways to differentiate from their parents, says family therapist Caroline Plummer, LMHC. “Parents need to allow teens to increase their power and decision making in a safe way.” “I can’t stress enough the importance of finding real-world ‘celebrities’ for kids to idolize,” says Hoefle. Spending time with families with girls or boys a few years older than your daughter or son helps build healthy role-model relationships that don’t involve a screen or the airbrushed excesses

of Hollywood. “Find other parents you respect, and tell them you want your kids to be in the company of older kids who can help them learn,” she says. That, I can do. I’m already on the lookout for potential older friends with role-model potential (pre-requisite: must like sparkles). With luck, it will be a while before the next pop star du jour makes her way into my home, and my girls’ hearts. But when it does happen, I’ll be prepared. c

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Easy Ways for Moms to Find a Little

ZEN by Sue LeBreton

It’s easy for moms to become frazzled and stressed. They are continually striving to meet and tackle so many demands and expections. All too often, moms put themselves last on their to-do lists, claiming they just don’t have the time to take care of themselves. It’s time to rethink. Here are some quick ways for moms to find more peace.

20 Atlanta Parent January 2014

1 2

Ask for help. Let someone else be the giver for a change, it will make them feel better as well. Deepen your breath. Consciously take a deep inhale and a deep exhale before you start any activity or conversation. Do this every time you remember, waiting in line, at a stop sign, starting your car.

Stretch out. Get down on all fours. As you exhale, round your back to the sky, drawing your chin to your chest, belly to your spine. Inhale back to your starting position and repeat several times.

Get moving. Pick an activity you love and start doing it for 10 minutes each day. If you already move daily, can you add 10 minutes to your current routine?

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5 6 7 8 9

Giggle. Call a friend who always makes you laugh. Read or watch something funny.

Set a timer, sit comfort13 Meditate. ably (yes a chair is fine) and just watch what thoughts arise in your mind. Don’t judge, simply observe.

Choose more healthy, nourishing food. Take time to sit down to eat each meal. Really look at your food, taste your food and give thanks for it.

say no. It’s OK to turn down 14 Just a request for your time or energy –

Decide to forgive someone who has angered or slighted you – and more on.

a spiritual or motiva15 Find tional book that truly interests

Drink more water and consume less juice, coffee and soda. A hydrated body is more energetic and alert.

yourself a new pair of 16 Buy lounging pajamas that you

Take a Facebook break. Can you do it for one day? Try no news or TV for a whole day, too. How does it make you feel? Does the day seem to have more time?

a “success jour10 Start nal.” Each day, jot down at least one success. From time to time, review your successes. kind to yourself. Treat 11 Be yourself the way you treat your

especially if it’s something you are not excited about.

you. Let its uplifting material soothe and buoy your soul.

love. Make sure your body feels cuddled and treasured wrapped in the fabric.

Say “Oh, well” sometimes. If you are feeling stressed, does the floor really need to be vacuumed today? It’s OK to let it go sometimes.

Commit to a regular “time out” with your partner, children or other family members such as a sister to keep your connections strong and fresh. No electronics, no distractions.

21 22 23

Take a walk, even if just for 1015 minutes. Reconnect with nature and yourself. Challenge yourself. What is the most decadent, delightful act you can think of? Now go do it.

Brighten up with yellow. The color of the sun makes you cheerful and optimistic because your body releases more feel good hormones when surrounded by yellow.

Set a goal to get a little more sleep – even if you start by getting to bed just 10 minutes earlier than usual. See how that makes you feel. c

Notice if it improves your sleep.

act. Ask yourself: Will this be important in 10 minutes? In 10 months? In 10 years?

Examine your volunteer commitments. Assess how much and how often is for you. Be open to taking a break or choosing a new focus if need be.

use electronics 30-60 17 Don’t minutes before bedtime. hitting your internal 18 Try “pause” button before you re-

Change your perspective – literally. Learn to do the yoga pose down dog. Visit yogajournal.com/ poses.

best friend. the “legs up 12 Practice the wall” pose. Sit sideways against the wall and then swivel; swing legs up the wall and lie down, moving your pelvis away from the wall until you are comfortable. Stay in the position for 5 -10 minutes, longer if you’re comfortable.

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 21

Guidebook to the Past: How to Research your Family Tree by Pam Molnar

o you ever wonder what life was like for your ancestors? Where D did they come from? How did they live? Did their choices have an impact on how you live today? Genealogy, or the exploration of your family history, is a pastime for those people who want to make that connection to the generations before them. The hobby that was once associated with retirees and maiden aunts has recently grown again in popularity. After watching television shows like “Who Do You Think You Are?” or “Finding Your Roots” people of all ages have discovered how interesting family history research can be. While tracing your own family history may not be as easy as it is on TV, it can be a fulfilling project for you and your family. Follow these five steps to get your started on your journey into the past.

Ask the family. The first step is to sit down and get an oral account of the past. Gather your parents, grandparents, and any other family member that may be able to help you with the basic family facts. Mary Hammer, a professional Family History and Genealogy Researcher, suggests recording the interviews. “A small digital recorder is ideal for making sure you don’t forget or misunderstand what your family members are relating.” Though it is important to document the names and dates, Hammer encourages asking about family stories, too. “While most family stories are not 100% fact, they do usually have an element of truth to them and can give you clues to research in the future.” Dig through the attic. Every attic has a least one box that is full of family history. It is where you will find the old pictures, letters, journals, receipts, military records, and baptismal certificates that have not seen sunlight in years. Ask your family if you can look through these boxes and make copies of the documents for your research. Carefully review the treasures and write down all the clues you uncover. Don’t overlook handwritten notes on the backs of pictures or the previous addresses of family members. While this information might not seem important now, it may be the once piece that brings the puzzle together. Go online. “If your family has passed away or can’t be contacted for some reason then you could use an online site such as Family Search from the LDS Church or Ancestry.com,” offers Hammer. Family Search is free and a great place to start for beginners. Ancestry. com, while an excellent source for online family research, does have a membership fee. Beginners should inquire if their local library carries an Ancestry membership that they can use at no charge. Don’t discount Google searches for family history. Your family member may be a topic of discussion in a genealogy forum or connected to a notorious person from our country’s history. Put it all in order. Now that you have gathered your information, put it in an order that makes sense to you. “A binder and some file folders are a great place to start keeping track of your research,” suggests Hammer. As your information grows, you might want to transfer the information to genealogical family sheets or pedigree charts that you can find online for free. If you prefer to keep your family research in digital form, there are many

22 Atlanta Parent January 2014

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genealogical software programs to choose from. Hammer recommends Family Tree Maker as it is easy to use, can produce reports and links with Ancestry.com. Other family tree programs that you might want to try are Legacy or Roots Magic. Check online for genealogy software that offers free trials and choose the one that is right for you. Share your research with others. While genealogy research has no end, it is fun to share your current findings as you go along. Type up a simple Word document with family facts and email it to your family. Looking for a nicer presentation or gift? Why not make a scrapbook or slideshow using photos, document and other interesting research. Don’t limit sharing your discoveries to your family alone. Ancestry. com offers an option to post your discovery on Facebook and other social media. Setting up a family tree on Ancestry.com allows you to share your family history with millions of other families. Who knows? You might even make a connection with distant relative and expand your family tree even more. c

What should I ask Grandma? While interviewing my family, I was told about the family home on Broom St. in Chicago. Although it was interesting to know their street name, I never thought I would need it and tucked it away. A few years later, while trying to identify family members with a common surname, I found my ancestor by comparing the address on his death certificate with the information my family shared with me. When gathering details about your ancestors, you can never get enough information. Here are a few key facts you should ask for: n Name

(first, middle and maiden names)

n Birthdate

and place

n Adoption

information

n Religious

ceremonies

n Nationality

n Education

n Spouse’s

name

n Immigration/Naturalization

n Marriage

date and place

n Military

n Family

church

n Death

date and place

n Cause

of death

n Family

cemeteries

n Occupation

information

n And

and place of employment

don’t forget to let some of those skeletons out of the closet. Ask about divorces, disputes over wills or time spent in institutions. Those are great ways to find more paperwork about your ancestor!

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 23

n Catch

Them In The Act

If you notice your child going above and beyond, let him know you feel proud. I had nagged my daughter about extending kindness to the new girl in dance class. When I met her mother at the fall mixer, she commented that her daughter always speaks highly of my daughter. Rather than mostly focusing on correcting negative behavior, I try to make a point of telling my daughter when she makes me proud. This was one of those times. n Be

COMPASSION Begins at Home To Raise Thoughtful Children, Show Them the Way by Christina Katz

essons in compassion can be grounding for the whole family in tumultuous times. Let your kids catch you being kind so they will have real-life memories to remind them to be a positive force in the world, no matter how others choose to behave. Cultivating a spirit of generosity encourages us to see the humanity in any situation rather than defaulting to judgment or condemnation. If you want to raise thoughtful, generous kids, show them the way.

comfortable giving money, give healthy food items or even a cup of hot chocolate. Ask your kids what they would like to give and act on their ideas.

n Help

n Give

Grandmother and author Jessica Morrell likes to give her granddaughters a cool lesson in generosity when their car comes to a stop on highway ramps or at intersections. “I create little bags to pass out – a few dollars, a protein bar, hand sanitizer, tissues, etc. I change the items depending on the season, add cough drops in winter, try to give out water bottles on hot days.” If you don’t feel

When a national or international tragedy strikes, get your kids involved in donating to the American Red Cross (redcross.org) or other emergency organizations. Explain that when disasters happen, it helps to do a small good deed, even if it’s just making a modest contribution. If your child just had a bar mitzvah or a big birthday, encourage her to give a small amount to a cause she believes in and see how it makes her feel.

Those Who Need It Most

24 Atlanta Parent January 2014

A Good Tipper

Let kids help you work out 15 percent for tips on restaurant meals and then teach them how to tack on a little extra. The waitress at the restaurant works hard, and so does your local barista, hair stylist and babysitter. Talk to kids about creating a holiday thank you gift together to express your family’s appreciation and then add in a small cash bonus or gift card. n Don’t

Overlook The Little Things Hold doors open for those behind and ahead of you. Teach kids to reply, “You’re welcome,” when someone thanks them for anything. Ask them to smile at seniors and say hello to folks who walk by with well-behaved pets. When a friend wears something pretty to school, teach your child how to offer a genuine compliment. Sincerity is important. Make sure your kids know what it means and don’t try to use compliments to snow people. n Sharing

Close To Home

Feed the birds around your home all year long. Get kids involved in taking stray pets to a local no-kill shelter if they need a new home. Bring frozen meals or warm muffins to an ailing senior or to a neighbor who has just delivered her third baby. Get the kids to mow someone’s lawn a couple of times. Bring in the mail, and feed the pets for a neighbor on vacation. Small unselfish acts can boost kids’ self-esteem and make them feel like a more integral member of the community. c

Nationally or Globally

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Celebrate Dr. King’s Life with Service, Learning and Change “One of life’s most persistent and urgent questions is: What are you doing for others,?” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said. Dr. King’s philosophy is worth examining closely, as the nation prepares to celebrate his life on Jan. 20. In his later years, Dr. King led a rather privileged life, but he always had compassion for those less privileged, including the poor, the unemployed, the homeless. He wanted everyone to have a hand up, an opportunity to realize their dreams.

On the day that celebrates Dr. King’s legacy, consider these activities with your children: n Participate in a Day of Service, giving your family’s time to help someone less fortunate. In 2013, 4,000 volunteers helped 55 organizations throughout metro Atlanta. Volunteers are being coordinated through Hands On Atlanta (handsonatlanta.org/ mlkday2014); contact Genora Crooke, gcrooke@ handsonatlanta.org or call 404-979-2820. For other activities, see MLK Events, Page 98. n Read or listen to Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered Aug. 28, 1963, in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and discuss its significance, simplifying his message for younger children and going more in depth with tweens. Talk about discrimination and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. n Take the children to visit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in downtown Atlanta to learn about the civil rights movement and Dr. King’s life. Be sure to visit his boyhood home. Go early – the National Park Service says that on MLK Day the site isn’t crowded until a church service ends at 2 p.m. Find more at nps.gov/malu. Cont’d on page 26

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 25

Celebrate Dr. King’s Life

n Read about Dr. King, maybe one of these illustrated children’s books, published in 2013: My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Amistad/ HarperCollins Publishers, $17.99, ages 4-8) by his son Martin Luther King III and illustrated by AG Ford describes Dr. King as a “warm and playful man.” Children will read about Martin King III’s experience as the only black child in his classroom. Martin & Mahalia, His Words, Her Song (Little Brown & Company, 17.99, ages 6 and older) by Andrea Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney, tells the story of Dr. King and singer Mahalia Jackson during the civil rights struggle, leading up to the March on Washington in 1963. Ms. Jackson delivered a stirring song before Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. n Help your children gather up gently-used toys they no longer play with – discarded Legos or Matchbox cars, dolls or board games they’ve outgrown – and donate them for a second round of play with other children. Used children’s books also are welcomed by many organizations. Consider donating to Ronald McDonald House, which supports children undergoing medical treatment; The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy, which supports children physically or sexually abused; CHRIS kids, which focuses on foster care children; or church daycare facilities and women’s shelters. Call ahead to make sure the organization needs the toys or books. n Help your child make a new friend, someone who seems “different” from him: A child of another race, a child who grew up in a foreign country, a child with a learning or physical disability, a child in foster care. Teaching your child that other children may look different but are children just like him is a priceless lesson. n For young children, make a paper doll chain, then color the “people” all colors of the rainbow to teach the value that skin color does not define who you are or whether you’ll realize your dreams. n Set up a video camera or use your phone recorder and ask your children to talk about their hopes and dreams. Do it every year, and you’ll have a keepsake to treasure when they’re thoughtful, caring, compassionate adults. – Amanda Allen

26 Atlanta Parent January 2014

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Things to Do with a

Toy Car

by Kirby Cooperman and Taniqua Russ

The buckets and buckets of tiny toy cars just keep on growing. Kids have so many of these little vehicles, they don’t even know what to do with them anymore. With the help of a few fun mom-bloggers, here’s Atlanta Parent’s list of creative and fun activities for kids and their toy car collection.

5 1

Tire painting: dip wheels in paint and then roll the car over paper. The more cars and colors, the more fun.

Build a city with blocks or Legos and drive through it.

3 4

Put bubble wrap on the floor and drive some vehicles over it to hear the “pop.” Put together an ice investigation to see if salt or sand makes the ice less slippery for vehicles driving on it. (Freeze water on a cookie sheet, and roll the cars on the ice to see how slippery it is. Cover half the ice with salt and half with sand. Use a blow dryer to create heat from the sun. Investigate which method – salt or sand – clears icy roads better.)

6 7 8

28 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Make a ramp from a cardboard box and test out how the cars and trucks make it down.

Use painter’s tape to create a maze on your floor or driveway. Push the toy car through the maze. Draw a race track on paper and have the cars go round and round. Race with friends; each kid picks their favorite car. Drive them through a sensory tray. Strange as it may seem, a tray of unused rice and a few cars can keep a kid happily occupied.

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9 10 11 12 13 14

Explore geometry and form a grid with them. Tape a marker to the front or back and then push the car around on some paper to make a drawing. Make a road and habitat out of poster board.

Create a board game out of poster board, get a dice or spinner, and have the cars be your playing pieces.

Create a numbered parking lot on a piece of construction paper. Call out a number, and have your kid park his car in that spot. Great way to practice numbers, and works with letters as well. Print out various road signs and traffic lights from the Internet. Place them on the floor and have your child drive around following the road sign rules. It’s a good way to learn road signs.

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Put cars on a tray of flour and drive around. Notice all the cool tracks you can make!

Use an old tissue box and a straw to create an imaginary gas pump. Cover the box with construction paper and insert a straw through the box. Create a price for your gas and fill up your cars. Use paper towel tubes to create tunnels for toy cars. Attach them to boxes, doors or walls and see how many fun paths a car can take.

Use old recycled bottles and objects to create buildings. Use black foam paper to create the road. Drive your cars through this recycled city.

Make a car puppet! Fold an index card in half and cut 1/3 inch-long slits into the four corners of the cards. Then tie black thread to the wheels of the car and through the slits in the index card.

Have a car wash for the toy vehicles – use a bucket of water and add shaving cream for some extra fun.

Sources: handsonaswegrow.com/activitiesvehicles-cars-trucks-trains; whatdowedoallday. com/2012/09/10-ways-to-play-with-toys-cars. html; toddlertoddler.com; littlefamilyfun. com/2010/02/parking-lot-numbers.html; littlefamilyfun.com/2011/02/car-race-game. html; funathomewithkids.com/2013/04/ recycled-car-city-our-little-guy-is.html; kidsactivitiesblog.com/5789/car-marionettepuppet; alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot. com/2010/09/racing-tubes.html

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 29

Our A+ Education Guide

Our annual education guide is filled with articles, resources and information to help you make the most of your child’s school years.

33 Will ‘Academic Rigor’

56 School Fundraising:

38 Boys Love Reading, Too! 40 Teaching Your Tot:

58 Identifying the Gifted Child:

Open Your Wallet

Help your ‘Whole Child’?

a Genius at Age 3?

44 The Right Fit for Education

is as Individual as the Child

46 Five Tips to Prod your Child

out of Procrastination

48 Hybrid Homeschooling 52 Public School Profiles atlantaparent.com

What Parents Need to Know

62 Choosing a Private School 65 Private School Guide

Special Advertising Section

77 No Stress

Before the Big Test

78 Sampling of Atlanta’s

Private Schools

[ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 31

32 Atlanta Parent January 2014

[ Focus on Education ]

atlantaparent.com

Will ‘Academic Rigor’ help your ‘Whole Child’? The terms schools bandy about sometimes leave parents scratching their heads. Maybe we need a “virtural school” to sort them out. Here are some trendy terms and their meanings to give you a clue when you’re feeling clueless. n Alphabet Soup: Academic shorthand for the tests all students must take may make your head spin like the possessed child in Rosemary’s Baby. Here’s a breakdown: CRCT stands for Criterion Reference Competency Test, which measures academic progress from first grade to eighth grade. GHSGT is Georgia High School Graduation Test, which 11th and 12th-graders must pass to get a diploma. GHSWT, the Georgia High School Writing Test, is also a requirement for a diploma. EOCT are End of Course Tests for students in grades 9-12 that assess whether they’ve mastered a subject area. n Academic Rigor: A school might use this term to suggest it pushes students to excel, though it’s a subjective term and you should assess the school’s standards yourself. n Bilingual and Dual Language: In most U.S. schools, bilingual may mean programs that teach non-English speakers in their native language until they become proficient in English. Dual language may mean they spend 50 percent of time speaking English and the other 50 percent with their native tongue.

n IEP: An Individualized Education Program, for a child with special needs, details the services and aid that a school system will provide for the student and the educational goals and objectives the school expects him to achieve. It’s developed in consultation with the child and his teachers, parents, therapists and other school faculty. n Inquiry-Based Learning: Teachers create an atmosphere in which children follow their curiosity to master a subject. n One-on-One Laptop: Every child will have a laptop, whether provided by the school or by the parent. More important is how that laptop will be used for instruction.

n Whole Child: This term describes a well-rounded education, usually including exposure to the arts.

Techno-Speak n BYOT or BYOD (Bring Your Own Technology or Device): Children are encouraged to bring devices from home to increase the number of tools being used in the classroom and to promote collaborative learning. n Cloud-Based Program: This refers to software or a service that is accessible online. It’s stored on a computer server outside the school and students can access it without having to download it and store it on their computer hard drive.

n Content-Based Language Teaching: The teacher uses the “target language” (see below) for classroom instruction in another subject, such as history.

n Edmodo: Similar to a social network like Facebook, Edmodo is a “walled” virtual community that allows open communication between parents, teachers and students. Edmodo.com.

n ELL, ESL and ESOL: These terms describe English Language Learners, English as a Second Language students and English for Speakers of Other Languages, in other words, people who are not native speakers of English. atlantaparent.com

n Target Language: This describes the language in which a school is attempting to develop proficiency. Alliance Française in Atlanta, for instance, has a goal of producing French speakers.

Cont’d on page 34

[ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 33

Will ‘Academic Rigor’ help your ‘Whole Child’? n Flip Teaching or Flipping: Lengthy in-class lectures are going by the wayside. Kids are being asked to watch videos at home to learn basic concepts, and classroom time is used for more personal interaction, including tutoring and homework help. n NETS-S:The National Educational Technology Standards for Students, adopted by the Georgia State Board of Education in 2011.

High Meadows was recognized as a 2013 Georgia STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) Education Awards finalist.

n Parent Portal: Almost all school systems now have a portal, giving parents access to grades, lesson plans and a host of other resources to support the learning process.

n Prezi: Just one of many alternatives to PowerPoint that teachers and kids are using today to create more interactive presentations. n Skype: You’ve probably heard of this Web tool that features video chat functions. With a special site just for the classroom (education.skype.com), students can interact with people all over the world. n Smart Board or Interactive White Board: An electronic whiteboard that interacts with a computer or projector, in most cases replacing a chalkboard.

Types of Schools n Beka Academy: A school offering a Bible-based curriculum and educational materials inspired by the infallible word of God. Beka educational materials are also available online for homeschool students. n IB School: The school offers International Baccalaureate classes and/ or an IB diploma, but not all students take these courses. Cont’d on page 36

34 Atlanta Parent January 2014

[ Focus on Education ]

atlantaparent.com

[ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 35

Will ‘Academic Rigor’ help your ‘Whole Child’? n International School: A school that promotes an international environment where all nationalities are integrated and classroom discussions focus on global issues. The school follows an International Baccalaureate, or IB, curriculum leading to an IB diploma. n Charter School: A tuition-free, statefunded school that operates independently of public schools. A board of parents and community leaders oversee the school. n Hybrid School: Students learn through a combination of homeschooling and taking some online classes or taking classes at a brick-and-mortar school, or all three. n Magnet School: A public school that offers a specialized curriculum and draws students from across normal school zone boundaries, in many cases from anywhere within the school district. Magnets can be at the elementary, middle school or high school level. n Montessori School: A school with teachers trained in the educational approach developed by Maria Montessori, a physician and educator. Classes might be mixed ages and students are able to choose activities from a range of options and work in blocks of time on a subject or project. n Waldorf School: A school with a humanistic approach to teaching based on the educational approach of philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Teaching is divided into three stages of child development, each lasting about seven years. Individual schools decide their curriculum within this framework. n Virtual School: Students learn through online teaching instead of a brick-and-mortar classroom.

Scholarships n Georgia Special Needs Scholarship: This is a school choice program available for special needs students attending Georgia public schools who are served under an Individualized Education Plan; the scholarship pays at least part of the cost of an authorized private school. n Georgia Private School Tax Credit Scholarship: The program allows eligible private citizens and corporations to receive tax credits for donations to Student Scholarship Organizations, which provide scholarships to attend private schools. Parents apply to an SSO directly for a scholarship for their child. c 36 Atlanta Parent January 2014

[ Focus on Education ]

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Choose a Montessori Education for Your Child Imagine a School Like No Other! Our schools offer individual instruction and foster a joy of learning. Serving infants, toddlers, pre-school, elementary and middle school students. We are the largest Montessori community in the United States. Choose a school in your neighborhood. Barrow Old Peachtree Montessori .....................770-963-3052.........www.opmontessori.com

Bibb

Fayette

Montessori of Macon..............................478-757-8927.........www.montessoriofmacon.org St. Andrews Montessori .........................478-474-4465.........www.standrewsmacon.org/montessori

Counterpane Montessori .......................770-461-2304.........www.counterpane.org Fayette Montessori School ....................770-460-6790.........www.fayettemontessori.com

Cobb

Forsyth

(under renovation)

Casa dei Bambini ...................................770-973-2731.........www.casamontessori.com Riverstone Montessori Academy ...........770-422-9194.........www.riverstonemontessori.com Noble World Montessori.........................770-509-1775.........www.nobleworldmontessori.com

Coweta Carolyn Barron Montessori School ........770-253-2135.........www.cbms.net

DeKalb

Arbor Montessori School........................404-321-9304.........www.arbormontessori.org Atlanta Montessori Intâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l School...............404-325-6777.........www.amischool.com Decatur Montessori School....................404-370-0620.........www.decaturmontessori.com Montessori School at Emory ..................404-634-5777.........www.montessorischoolatemory.com Montessori School of Dunwoody ...........770-804-1444.........www.montessorischoolofdunwoody.com Northwoods Montessori School .............770-457-7261.........www.northwoodsmontessori.org

Ivy League Montessori ............................770-781-5586 ...... www.ilmsnet.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs .....770-205-6277 ...... www.montessoriacademygeorgia.com Montessori School of Cumming..............770-205-6773 ...... www.montessorischoolofcumming.com

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Carlisle Montessori School .....................404-949-0053 ...... www.carlislemontessori.com Children Today Montessori .....................770-817-8200 ...... www.childrentodaymontessori.com The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House at Serenbe...........770-317-4310 ...... www.thechildrenshouseatserenbe.com Crabapple Montessori School.................770-569-5200 ...... www.crabapplemontessori.com Cross of Life Christian Montessori ..........770-475-3812 ...... www.colmontessori.com Discovery Montessori Academy .............404-767-5005 ...... www.discoverymontessoriacademy.com Springmont ..............................................404 252 3910 ....... www.springmont.com Montessori In Town .................................404-784-1038 ...... www.montessoriintown.com Montessori School of Alpharetta .............770-667-1277 ...... www.montessorischoolofalpharetta.com Renaissance Montessori School ............404-755-1915 ...... www.renmont.com The Suzuki School ..................................404-869-1042 ...... www.suzukischool.com Village Montessori School.......................770-552-0834 ...... www.vmschool.com

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Visit www.montessori-mag.org for more information.

Boys Love Reading, Too! by Kevin Powell

t is no secret that boys are more likely to have negative attitudes toward reading than girls do. So, what can you do to help your son avoid this common problem? In The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child, Donalyn Miller offers one essential thing we can teach children about reading – that it’s fun. Giving boys individual choice in what they read and emphasizing the love we as parents have for reading may be the answer.

n Have conversations with your

son about the things he likes, and explore books and websites that fit his interests. Take him to the library to pick out whatever books catch his eyes. If he ends up not liking a book, tell him it’s okay to move on to something else without finishing the book. n Consider the reading your son

does beyond just print-based material. Have worthwhile conversations with him about the websites he likes, the movies he watches, the YouTube videos he loves, and the blogs he follows. n Talk to your son’s school

librarian, public librarian and teachers. They often have great ideas for book suggestions and literacy events. 38 Atlanta Parent January 2014

n Take your son to a bookstore.

There are a handful of independent book stores in the Atlanta area including Little Shop of Stories (littleshopofstories.com), Atlanta Vintage Books (atlantavintagebooks. com), Tall Tales Book Shop and Book Nook (booknookgadecaturga.com) that have great books to offer. Barnes and Noble (barnesandnoble.com) and children’s specialty stores often have children’s book sections, as well.

“I like Highlights and National Geographic for Kids. I like the information, funny stuff, and pictures in the issues” – Jayson, Age 7

n Buy books online and read

them together. Read through reviews on Amazon (amazon.com), Better World Books (betterworldbooks.com), Half.com (half.ebay.com) and other online booksellers and choose something to read together with your son. Every kid loves getting a package in the mail, especially if it’s a brand new book to dive into.

[ Focus on Education ]

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For other cool ideas on sparking a love for reading in boys, check out John Scieszka’s website with book recommendations for boys guysread.com) and NPR’s backseat book club, a website devoted to new books for tweens and teens, (npr.org/ series/141728003/nprsback-seat-book-club).

“I like to read news stories from websites and the newspaper. I also enjoy nonfiction books and some fiction as well. I read from the Internet almost as much as from a book. – Daniel, Age 14

n Join a community of readers. Set

up an account with your son on Good Reads (goodreads.com), a book lovers website. This is a great site to create a community of readers with friends and family, and read reviews of many of the new children’s and young adult books out there. n Have a boys only neighborhood

reading club (Then a girls only book club the following month). Read books aloud, watch cool boys movies, and take trips with the group to book readings and book signings around town. After the club finishes a particularly awesome book, take them all to a sporting event to celebrate.

n Turn off electronic devices

(just for a few minutes even). Read books aloud or silently for fun after dinner with your family. You’ll be surprised how liberating it is.

“I like reading treasure maps and maps of the world”

When your son sees you reading, talking and getting excited about reading, he’ll follow your lead. From your relationship to your son to his grades at school, everything may get a little easier when you connect with your son and reading. Helping him internalize a love for reading isn’t always easy, but it’s sure worth the extra effort. c

– Andrew, Age 7

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13660 New Providence Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004-3413 [ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 39

Teaching Your Tot:

How Much is Too Much? by Myrna Beth Haskell

I remember vividly a day, now 12 years ago, that left an indelible impression on me. I met a group of novice parents, all toting toddlers, at a nearby park for a play date. One mother spoke of her son as if he was the next budding Einstein. “My Franky can read Goodnight Moon cover to cover already.” One of the other moms in the group tried to explain to her that he had simply memorized the text, and an intense quarrel ensued. All our children wanted to do was play in the mud, but we had created a competition to see whose child was the most intelligent – better yet, who was the best parent for having made him so. Why Parents Want To Rear Child Prodigies Many parents compare the age at which their children learn their first ABCs and the legibility of their little ones’ signatures. Our desire to make our children the best they can be at the earliest possible age seems to establish an unspoken proof that we have succeeded in being good parents. Dr. David Elkind explains how attitudes have changed over the years in The Hurried Child: Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon. “During the 1960s parents were bombarded with professional and semiprofessional dicta on the importance of learning in the early years. If you did not start teaching children when they were young, parents were told, a golden opportunity for learning would be lost.” This fostered aggressive teaching in 40 Atlanta Parent January 2014

the home before a child even stepped onto school grounds. Today our schools expect more from our children. The curriculum for kindergarten is similar to what it used to be for the first grade. This puts additional pressure on parents who become worried that their child won’t be able to keep up with the curriculum if he is not given a head start. When discussing what my son was responsible for grasping during his kindergarten year, a friend responded, “Homework? Didn’t we play in kindergarten?” Of course there are also those parents who want to see their child excel to establish bragging rights or to accomplish things that they were unable to themselves. I believe, however, that it is more often the pressure of wanting the very best for their children in a society that expects more and more that drives most parents to obsession.

[ Focus on Education ]

Pushing Too Hard and Too Soon There are some negative aspects to teaching our preschoolers too much too soon. That is not to say that teaching your child at home is inherently negative. Rather it is intense, formal teaching, such as rote memorization practices, which is inappropriate for the preschool age group. Experts agree that one of the problems with this type of pedagogical teaching is that it can stymie the child’s innate love of learning. Instead, it often produces anxieties and a general lack of enthusiasm from being pushed too hard at an age where constructive play should serve as a valued learning tool. In his book Toddler Taming, Dr. Christopher Green states the following about teaching children to read too early. “There is a real danger that being forced to read and pushed atlantaparent.com

too hard at too early an age can turn some children off the whole idea and a definite resistance will appear, which might hinder an otherwise normal approach to the subject.” Parents who create a stressful learning environment are often doing more harm than good. Experts have found that the child who is pressured to learn things before he is ready develops a fear of failure because of the constant burden to perform well. He may also have trouble developing his own goals because goals have always been set for him by his parents. Burnout can also be a problem. A child who has been pushed too hard before school even starts may not enter kindergarten with the same enthusiasm as the child who does not equate learning with pressure to perform. Many parents are overly enthusiastic about their child learning to read early, for this skill often presents a child as bright for his age. The child who begins to read before kindergarten will have a head start over the other children in his class. However, experts agree that this head start is transient, as the other children will soon catch up. Green explains the dynamics of reading and why a child of 3 does not use the same cognitive skills as a child of 6. The 3 year old utilizes his photographic memory to recognize “sight

A child who has been pushed too hard before school even starts may not enter kindergarten with the same enthusiasm as the child who does not equate learning with pressure to perform. words.” However this skill can be mastered by any child who has a good attention span. On the other hand, the child of 6 can actually master the skills needed to read unfamiliar words. Green states, “Unfortunately, the human brain is not sufficiently mature to handle all this computation before the developmental age of 6, and it is then that we will see who are destined to be good readers. All this will probably have little relationship to the number of sight words the child could recognize at an earlier age.” I learned the hard way that pushing a child to learn something before he is mentally capable can result in negative consequences. When my son was only 2, he was pointing to letters in a magazine and naming them. I attributed this to his

love of Dr. Seuss’s The ABC Book, but was also amazed at his recognition of the letters out of context. I was excited for my little genius to move on to the next step, so I began to teach him the lower case letters by using flash cards. He became completely confused and started to mix up some of the upper case letters. I now understand that he remembered his letters from The ABC Book because they were presented in an amusing, rhythmic cadence that he wanted to hear again and again. Consequently, he was able to memorize all of the letters. As soon as additional information was prematurely presented in a more formal way, he lost interest and regressed. Cont’d on page 42

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 41

Teaching Your Tot The Best Way to Teach Your Preschooler

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Teaching your child on a daily basis is one of the greatest gifts you can give him. It is how we teach, not what we teach, that sometimes needs to be modified. Many experts agree that it is beneficial for your child to be exposed to letters, numbers, colors and shapes before kindergarten. How then do we get there without hurrying the child or causing undue pressures? A valuable passion you can pass on to your child is a love of books. Elkind instructs, “In our own studies, and in those of others, we have found that what is crucial to beginning to read is the child’s attachment to an adult who spends time reading to or with the child.” Read to your child at least once a day. Attend your local library’s “Story Time” (a reading session for preschoolers often given at town libraries), and check out new books on a weekly basis. Make up creative stories with your child, and develop your own book. Have your child do illustrations while you write down the words. Your child will want to be able to read all by himself if he has developed a love of books. Instead of using flash cards and workbooks, try some of the following to help your child learn his ABCs and 123s: n Play alphabet bingo n Put magnetic letters on your refrigerator so your child can make words with them n Label things in your child’s room (i.e. bed, toys, lamp, hat) n Have him count his pretzels at snack time n Play card games with letters and numbers n Write your names in the sand n String necklaces with letter beads n Make alphabet soup Try to make everything a learning experience – trips to the supermarket or the circus. Make yourself available for lengthy conversations with your child. This encourages him to communicate and ask questions. Most importantly, let your child take the lead. Does he seem interested in what you are doing and eager to continue, or bored and anxious? Preschoolers are not ready for marathon learning experiences and homework. They need exposure and encouragement. They are also entitled to a childhood filled with mud pies, ice cream and ponies. However, finding the time for some creative teaching in between carefree jaunts is definitely worth the effort. c atlantaparent.com

Exceptional Education for Innovative Learners Midtown International School is intended for superior students who learn best in very small class environments, with exposure to a globallyminded curriculum and problem-based instructional strategies. Call or email to schedule a tour.

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January 2014â&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; Atlanta Parent 43

The Right Fit for Education Is as Individual as the Child by Sherry V. Crawley

e make choices every day, almost every minute, that shape our children in big and small ways. Watch TV or go outside? Yell or breathe? And while many decisions must be made in the moment, the really big ones, like

selecting the right educational setting for each child, requires reflection and research. Meet four Atlanta-area families who selected different educational environments for their children. Despite the different options they chose, they share some beliefs: They all emphasize the importance Online

Public School Molly Leathers DeCarvalho, John DeCarvalho and their son Jonathan DeCarvalho, a first-grader at Gwinnett County Public School’s Simpson Elementary, Norcross Molly said her family feel they have a role in making public schools better. Balancing that belief with the needs of her son requires her to be an active part of his educational experience. n Why did you choose this education option for your son? “I believe public school allows him to get more of a real perception of what the world is like. And Simpson is like so many great public schools out there – the teachers care about the kids and it is a welcoming environment.” n What are the challenges of being in public school? “We are trying to teach Jonathan to be a leader, not a follower. That can be tough in public school. They don’t accommodate ‘outside the box.’ I want the best for him and that takes a lot in the public school arena. You have to raise your hand when you need to.” n The majority of kids in Georgia are in public schools. What makes you so committed? “I’m going to fight for my kids the whole way. I know I have five years to make the middle school better before we get there. As parents, we need to collectively invest our time, our talents and our power to improve public schools for the future of our country.” What guidance would you offer other parents who are entering public school? “I have to be his advocate. Otherwise your child can get left behind. There’s no one there to scoop him up and push him forward.” 44 Atlanta Parent January 2014

of considering your family’s values when debating school choice. They all were adamant about honoring the special qualities of each child and the obligation to search for the right fit for each little person. Atlanta Parent hopes their stories inspire you to pursue the best environment for your children.

April Ogletree and Eric Gray and their son Xavier Van Alstyne, a fifthgrader, in Georgia Connections Academy, McDonough The transition from public school to their first year of home school has been a little rough, Xavier’s mom April says. But the absence of distractions and bullying makes the Georgia Connections Academy, a public charter virtual school, right for her son. n Why did you choose an online school? “Xavier was having health issues so we started thinking about homeschooling,” April says. “I researched virtual schools and read experiences of other parents and decided that this would be an awesome option for him.” n So how does it work? April said Xavier has school in an area of their home set aside for learning from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day. “You can always email a teacher, and she will live video chat with him. He works at his own pace in each subject area. They do have assignments due by certain times, but they aren’t rushed.” She added that there are group field trips and lots of opportunities to interact with other children. n What should other parents know when considering this option? “A child has to be more of an independent learner for this to work,” she says. And as for mom, “I don’t have a lot of ‘me time’ anymore now that he is home.”

Private School Gayatri Sethi and Charles Earl and their daughter Virika Earl, a first-grader at The Waldorf School of Atlanta and her brother, Azad Earl, who is homeschooled, Decatur Gayatri and her husband carefully considered each of their children’s personalities before deciding to send Virika to Waldorf, a private school that focuses on hands-on learning. Like many other schools, this private school has a high expectation of parental involvement. n How did you approach choosing a school for your children? “I had some very clear goals for both of my children – that they be lifelong lovers of learning and confident in the world and serve the larger community in some form.”

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n Why was this private school the right choice for your daughter? “The Waldorf philosophy believes that childhood is sacred. There is a great deal of thoughtfulness and intentionality behind how children are taught, treated and nurtured.” She also said that the respect for diversity drew her family to Waldorf. n What challenges might families face at a private school? Considering your family’s culture is important to school choice, according to Gayatri. For example, “If a family’s culture is dependent on media, they will struggle at this school. There is an expectation that you do not overexpose your children to popular culture. You won’t find iPads in our classrooms but you will find knitting needles!” n What advice would you give other parents as they consider their options? “Be clear on what your educational values and goals are for your family. What kind of person do we want to raise? And then look to the outside to see what the options are.”

Public Charter School Dana Lee, husband David Lee, and their son David, a sixth-grader, Eva, a secondgrader and Dominic, a first-grader, at Wesley International Academy, an Atlanta Public School charter, Glenwood Park Dana says her family was seeking a rigorous educational environment that would challenge her children to see the world from many perspectives. Charter schools empower parents to create learning choices that are right for their community, she says. n Why did you choose a charter school for your children? “I wanted them to be in an environment that honors all aspects of diversity. Wesley is really a very unique culture that you don’t find often in the city of Atlanta. Being in this neighborhood is a plus, too – the school is close to us so we can invest in it and stand behind it.” Wesley is an International Baccalaureate school with single-gender classrooms, and students receive daily Mandarin Chinese instruction. n What should a parent know when considering a charter school? “It takes work. We have to fight for resources, and that means having priorities and making choices. But the parents are heavily invested in the school so

we find support in each other.” Her husband served on the founding PTA board, and most charter schools come with an expectation of parental financial support. n What advice would you give parents considering the same option? “You have to visit the school and see if the culture fits your values. Think about if you are going to be able to put in the time and effort it takes. Have patience and realize that with the financial challenges of a charter school, creativity is required.” c

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[ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 45

Five Tips to Prod Your Child out of

Procrastination

by Gayla Grace

As I overheard a conversation with a parent discussing her child’s routine and the late hour the child completed her homework the night before, I thought about how easily we allow our kids to slip into procrastinating habits that result in disastrous consequences. Instead of encouraging behavior toward meeting their responsibilities, we allow distracted effort or inaction. If we teach our kids to overcome the temptation of procrastinating, we give them a valuable skill that reaches into adulthood. Here are a few tips to help your child complete required tasks without procrastinating.

46 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Consider the “why.” Is there a legitimate reason your child hasn’t started his assignment? Does he have the resources he needs? Is there a clear goal in mind? Does he need some organizational help to get started? Does he have a quiet place to work? Every child has different needs, and as parents, we help our children succeed when we provide them with what they need to accomplish the task at hand. That doesn’t mean we dive in and tackle the assignment with them, but it might mean we take them to the store to buy necessary supplies to get started.

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Break it down. It’s easy to procrastinate a task that appears overwhelming. My son had an assignment recently that required multiple tasks to complete the finished product. When he looked at the project all at once, he became overwhelmed with the amount of work to do. But as I helped him put together a step-by-step outline to proceed to the goal, it empowered him to tackle the assignment. Placing large projects into smaller assignments makes them more manageable to complete and thus, less likely to be procrastinated. Maintain a balanced routine. If we allow our children to participate in every sport, music, drama, and school activity that occurs, we create an unmanageable schedule with little time left over for responsibilities at home. When our children can’t visualize the satisfaction of completing a task when they begin, it’s likely they won’t want to start. So, ask your children what activities interest them most and prioritize their desires to create a schedule that allows time for starting and completing other tasks as well. Rearrange the schedule as necessary to maintain balance. Determine your child’s most productive period. Sometimes parents insist their children complete their homework immediately upon arriving home from school to prevent distractions from interfering with finishing the work later. However, it might not be the most productive time for your child, which encourages procrastinating his best effort. Talk with your child about how he feels when he comes home from school. Does he need a snack break? Does he want to shoot the basketball first? Or does he want to immediately start his required tasks at home to allow more time to play later without having to think about the chores or homework that must be done. Be clear with your expectations. If your child doesn’t immediately start his task, make sure he understands why he’s allowed a break (so he will be more productive later) and how much time he has before he must begin the task. Model good habits. Avoid procrastination in your everyday routine. Our children are watching us and will emulate what we do. I love the poem by Edgar Guest that captures the importance of example. Here’s a portion of it: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. I’d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear, fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.” If we want to raise young adults who will avoid procrastination, we must avoid it ourselves. Procrastinating habits become harder to break the longer they’re practiced. But through intentional effort we, as parents, can teach our children to avoid the pitfalls of procrastination. c

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[ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 47

Hybrid Schooling =

Traditional Homeschooling + Classroom Instruction

Sam Hagood with classmates at Legacy Preparatory Academy.

by LaKeisha S. Fleming Two days a week, third-grader Sam Hagood attends Legacy Preparatory Academy in Newnan, with a full day of instruction, 8 a.m.-2:15 p.m. The other days of the school week, Sam and his mother, Elizabeth, start their routine about 9 a.m. in their Peachtree City home. Following a syllabus provided by Legacy Prep, Sam works for three to four hours, covering various subjects, with breaks in between. Film/television writer and producer Rhonda Baraka says her two teenagers love learning at home. Toni, 17, starts her day at 8:30 a.m. She works straight through with her Georgia Cyber Academy curriculum at their home in Woodstock. With her workload, some days end at 5 p.m. Meanwhile, 15-yearold Koran does his Cyber Academy studies at a coffee shop with Mom while she writes, then comes home to finish up. Sometimes the teens spend the day on a film set with their mom, learning life lessons. The Haygoods and the Barakas employ innovative methods of teaching. And both families say they’re homeschooling. Homeschooling once meant a parent provided all academic instruction at home, says Fayetteville mom Charlene Peavy, a board member of the Georgia Home Education Association. She used traditional methods to homeschool her four children, with the last one graduating in 2012.

48 Atlanta Parent January 2014

“For the first 10 or 12 years, it really was homeschooling, where the parents were deciding what to teach and getting their own curriculum,” she says. Many homeschooling parents still follow that traditional route. In 1999, 850,000 children were homeschooled nationwide. In 10 years, that number jumped to 1.5 million students, according to Education Week magazine. Along with the changes in numbers, have come changes in methods. Some homeschooling families who shunned traditional curriculums and classes are now taking part in school activities, and even using schools for academic instruction through hybrid homeschooling.

What is Hybrid Homeschooling? Hybrid homeschooling partners traditional teaching methods from outside the home with learning at home. The King’s Academy in Woodstock provides a hybrid program. Starting as a program “for homeschoolers by homeschoolers,” the Academy has morphed over the years. “We call ourselves a hybrid education,” says Sandra Breaden, student affairs administrator at the Academy. “It’s a blend of brick-and-mortar-school and homeschool.” The school allows students to attend a Tuesday/Friday or Monday/Wednesday program on campus, then complete the school week at home. Older students do lab work on Thursdays.

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+ Online Academics Breaden did traditional homeschooling for her children, but switched to The King’s Academy. “The great thing about this kind of system – they’re home with you,” she says. “But at the same time, (teachers) give you the basic structure of what you’re going to teach each day.” Cornerstone Preparatory Academy in Acworth subscribes to the university model program, similar to the one used by the Hagoods at Legacy Prep. Students in grades 1-6 are on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays and home for three days. Grades 7-12 attend classes on campus Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and are home for their “satellite days.” “I think we offer a good blend … we offer a strong academic program comparable to any private school in the area, but at a much lower cost,” Jeanine Marlow, the school’s director of communications, says. Cornerstone considers itself a private school that is friendly to homeschoolers. Marlow homeschooled her children traditionally before sending them to Cornerstone. “I always knew when we got to high school we wanted an accredited high school, because it’s easier to get into college,” she says. Another alternative considered a hybrid program by some is the Georgia Cyber Academy. It’s a state public school program with online instructors, and learning is done at home. Baraka started out with traditional homeschooling, but moved to this program when her children got older. “To me homeschooling is learning at home – it’s doing your schooling in your home environment,” she says. “Simply because I’m not teaching my child everyday all day, it doesn’t mean my child isn’t being homeschooled. They’re still learning in a nontraditional setting.” Sharon Cochran in Stone Mountain says her children used the Cyber Academy while she homeschooled them. However, she found herself doing more instructing for her children, and it became a stressful experience. Her children now attend Smoke Rise Prep, and have a live teacher using the Cyber Academy curriculum.

Benefits of Hybrid Programs Traditional homeschooling offers a parent-led learning environment, while a hybrid program can add an additional component. “I think hybrid schools are for people who want a little bit of both in a way – they want more time with their kids at home, and want them in that classroom structure to experience another authority figure,” Hagood says. The family sends first-grader Jonathan to a private school; they homeschool Sam. Cont’d on page 50

Education and Blended Learning “Blended Learning” is one area that traditional public and private schools and hybrid schooling have in common. The Innosight Institute, a non-profit think tank, says in a 2012 report that blended learning is “anytime a student learns at least in part at a supervised brick and mortar location away from home and at least in part through online delivery with some element of student control over time, place, path and/or pace.” The six blended learning models outlined in Innosight’s report, titled “The Rise of K12 Blended Learning,” include: n Face-to-Face Driver: Teachers and students meet face-to-face, with

the teacher using online learning to supplement lessons. n Rotation: Students rotate on a fixed schedule between one-on-one

online learning and traditional face-to-face classroom learning n Flex: An online platform provides most of the instruction, while

teachers provide on-site support as needed. This method is often employed with dropout-recovery programs. n Online Lab: This platform delivers all of the course instruction online,

but in a brick-and-mortar lab environment. Usually this method uses online teachers as well. n Self-Blend: Used mostly by high school students, this structure

allows students to take one or more courses online to supplement their traditional school curriculum. Courses are taken remotely, which separates this method from the Online Lab model. n Online Driver: Students usually work remotely, with an online

platform, and virtual teacher directing the curriculum. Some of these programs may use brick-and-mortar extracurricular activities.

The Basics Following are Georgia’s basic requirements for homeschooling. Visit doe.k12.ga.us for a more comprehensive list of state laws and regulations. n Parents or guardians who wish to homeschool their children must

annually submit a Declaration of Intent to the Georgia Department of Education by September 1 or within 30 days of establishing their program. n The teaching parent or guardian must have a high school diploma or

general equivalency diploma (GED). n Homeschool programs must provide a basic academic educational

program that includes (but is not limited to) instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. n Programs must operate the equivalent of 180 days or at least 4.5

hours per day. n Nationally normed assessments must be given at the end of third,

sixth, ninth and 12th grades. n Parents must write annual progress assessments for their child in

each required subject area. n Georgia does not require an exit exam for homeschooled high

school students seeking to graduate. n Submission of attendance reports is no longer required; however

you should retain your own attendance records. Sources: gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Pages/ Home-Schools.aspx; ghea.org/pages/testing/law.php Rhonda Baraka’s daughter, Toni, performs in a theatrical production with Curtain Call Youth Players in 2011.

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[ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 49

Hybrid Schooling Pros and Cons of Homeschooling n Parental stress. Can you handle the primary responsibility of

your child’s education, and all that is involved? Is having less time for yourself an issue? n Socialization. It’s not the concern it once was because there

are so many ways to socialize your child, whether as a traditional homeschooler or in a hybrid program. The key is to know what level of social interaction your child receives each day. Be prepared to do the work to provide additional social opportunities as necessary. n Child’s well-being. Make sure your kids are happy and

well-adjusted, enjoying and learning with whatever option you’ve selected. Homeschool mom Rhonda Baraka says, “I constantly checked my kids pulses throughout the process, to make sure it was still working for them and they were okay with it. I always kept the option on the table for them to attend a traditional school.” n Too much togetherness? Make sure you are prepared for large

amounts of concentrated time with your children. Many parents enjoy this opportunity but it can be difficult for some. Brittany Anderson, a mom who does traditional homeschooling with her two daughters, says, “The number one thing you need to homeschool, is just a desire to be with your children all day.” n Switching gears. Be willing to think outside the box and be

flexible. The same curriculum may not work for each child, and the same methods may not motivate siblings.

50 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Kids in hybrid programs can get the same real-life experiences as those in a traditional homeschool environment. Baraka loves taking her children on film sets with her. “The nicest thing about it is, they get to participate in my dream. If Mom can do it, I can do it.” Children can avoid some undesirable social aspects of full-time traditional schooling, while still enjoying positive socialization. “I’ve always made a special effort to make sure my kids are involved in outside activities,” Baraka says. “They’ve learned to accept people for who they are because they’re not influenced by the social morays that exist in the walls of a traditional school.” Another benefit of hybrid programs is the schools keep academic records for the students, which is especially important at the high school level. “It’s a lot easier on the parent, to keep up with the records and to get the Hope scholarship. If you homeschool [traditionally], it requires more diligent record keeping to get those things and [get into] college,” Marlow says.

Concerns about Hybrid Homeschooling Proponents of the traditional method of homeschooling say parental involvement isn’t the same in a hybrid situation. “The hybrid school is nothing more than people deciding they have expertise in a variety of subjects. I don’t like it because it’s not homeschooling anymore,” Peavy says. “Homeschooling is hard, it takes dedication, it’s a different lifestyle.” Also, because of the classroom setting, students’ needs may not be met. “Private school is just like a public school in the way they teach and their settings. They still can’t take 25 children and meet every child’s needs,” Peavy says. “You’ve got your visual, auditory and kinesthetic learner, and every child can’t learn the same way. If you’ve got other children who don’t learn that way, they’re going to be left behind or lost.”

[ Focus on Education ]

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Sharon Cochran’s daughter, Jayla, at the science fair.

Hybrid homeschooling also puts a structure in place that makes it more difficult to create your own plan for each day. “You do lose some flexibility. Definitely,” Breaden says. “But everything in life is about choice.”

Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schools Is homeschooling or hybrid schooling right for you and your children or would traditional schooling work best? To help you decide, experts say you should look at the temperament of your child and your own temperament, and consider the amount of time and effort you will make with each of the choices involved. What financial sacrifices can you make? Is a specific program in your budget? Attend events to view the options available. Public and private schools have open houses and other opportunities to learn about curriculum and meet teachers. The Georgia Homeschool Education Association holds an annual conference, and there’s also the Southeast Homeschool Expo. Georgia Cyber Academy has information sessions available. Ultimately study what works best for your family. “As much as I advocate what we’ve done, it was my choice because I don’t subscribe to the one size fits all … it’s not for everybody,” says Baraka. “Try it out. If it works for you, great,” she says. “Courage is in trying it and courage is also in letting it go if it didn’t work.” c

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To read our digital version of the Big Book of Schools visit atlantaparent.com January 2014 Atlanta Parent 51

Hall County Schools

Public School Profiles A snapshop of school districts in metro Atlanta

Atlanta Public Schools 404-802-3500 www.atlanta.k12.ga.us Atlanta Public Schools is the sixth largest school system in Georgia with 48,843 students. There are 3,694 teachers, of which 59 percent have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 553 elementary (3 year-round schools); 12 middle; 2 single-gender; 21 high schools; 2 non-traditional; 2 evening schools; 13 charter schools; 1 residential charter school n Pupil to teacher ratios: kindergarten, 25 to 1; grades 1-3, 26 to 1; grades 4-5, 33 to 1; middle, 33 to 1; high, 33 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $13,070 Bartow County School System 770-606-5800 www.bartow.k12.ga.us There are 14,500 students attending Bartow County’s 20 schools, with 56 percent of 1,072 teachers holding advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 12 elementary; 4 middle; 3 high schools; 1 preschool. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 18 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,619 2011-12 information

52 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Buford City Schools 770-945-5035 www.bufordcityschools.org There are 3,920 students enrolled in Buford City Schools. 82 percent of the 236 teachers have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 2 elementary; 1 middle; 1 high school. n Student to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,642

n Number of Schools: 35 elementary; 14 middle; 9 high schools; 1 K-8 school; 2 LEA charters; 1 alternative school/center for learning; 3 psychological education centers; 1 multi-purpose education center; 3 magnet schools.

Cherokee County School District 770-479-1871 www.cherokee.k12.ga.us Cherokee County has 39,632 students attending 44 schools. There are 2,304 teachers in the county, of which 71 percent have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 24 elementary; 1 intermediate; 5 middle; 6 high schools; 3 alternative schools; 3 pre-K centers; 1 special services center. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 17 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,151

Cobb County School District 770-426-3300 www.cobbk12.org

Clayton County Public Schools 770-473-2700 www.clayton.k12.ga.us Clayton County has the fifth largest school system in Georgia with approximately 51,413 students. Of the district’s 3,100 teachers, 70.5 percent have advanced degrees.

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n Pupil to teacher ratios: 17:1 n Per pupil expenditure: $6,915

Cobb County has more than 107,681 students attending 112 schools. There are 7,879 certified employees with 61 percent having advanced degrees. There are also 133 National Board Certified teachers. n Number of Schools: 67 elementary; 25 middle; 16 high schools; 2 special education centers; 1 adult education center; 1 open campus high school; 2 ESOL centers. n Pupil to teacher ratio: Varies by school. Meets or is lower than state mandated numbers. n Per pupil expenditure: $7,965

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Coweta County School System 770-254-2800 www.cowetaschools.org Coweta County has 22,460 students and about 3,065 employees, 55 percent of whom are certified teaching employees. 60 percent of Coweta’s teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 19 elementary; 6 middle; 3 high schools; 1 career academy charter high school; 2 alternative schools (middle and high); 1 adult education school; 1 performance learning center; 1 performing and visual arts center. n Pupil to teacher ratios: Grade K:, 19 to 1 with paraprofessional; Grades 1-2: 20 to 1; Grades 3-5: 23 to 1; Grades 6-8: 29 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,730 City Schools of Decatur 404-370-4400 www.csdecatur.net City Schools of Decatur have 4,200 students attending eight schools. Of the district’s 350 teachers, over 70 percent hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 8 total; 1 pre-K; 4 Kindergarten-third; 1 fourth-fifth; 1 middle; 1 high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 13 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $12, 574 DeKalb County School System 678-676-1200 www.dekalb.k12.ga.us DeKalb County School District is the third largest school system with 99,469 students. More than 6,200 teachers in the system, about 65 percent hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 77 elementary; 19 middle; 23 high schools; 1 alternative school; 4 exceptional student centers; 5 magnet programs; 7 theme schools; 104 pre-K classes. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,574 Douglas County School System 770-651-2000 www.douglas.k12.ga.us There are approximately 25,102 students attending Douglas County’s 33 schools. 72 percent of the 2,000 certified employees have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary, 8 middle, 5 high schools; 1 performance learning center; 1 college and career institute. n Pupil to teacher ratio meets or is lower than state mandated standards. n Per pupil expenditure: $8,453

Cobb County School District

Fayette County Public Schools 770-460-3535; www.fcboe.org Fayette County School System has 20,294 students. More than half of the 1,346 teachers have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 14 elementary; 5 middle; 5 high schools; 1 alternative school; 1 open campus high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 14:1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,018 Forsyth County Schools 770-887-2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us Close to 41,000 students attend Forsyth County’s 35 schools. There are over 2,760 certified employees in the system, of which 70 percent have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary; 9 middle; 5 high schools and 1 6-12 virtual school (open to out-of-county students. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 20 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,249 Fulton County Schools 404-768-3600; ww.fultonschools.org Fulton County has 95,000 students and 7,000 certified staff members at 100 schools. 37 percent of the teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 58 elementary (with pre-K programs); 19 middle; 17 high schools (2 with open campuses); 6 charter schools.

n Pupil to teacher ratios: Kindergarten, 22 to 1; with paraprofessional; Grades 1-3, 23 to 1; Grades 4-5, 30 to 1; Middle, 30 to 1; High, 32 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $8,775 Gainesville City School 770-536-5275; www.gcssk12.net 7,719 students attend Gainesville City’s eight schools. 476 teachers are employed by the system, and 63 percent of them have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 5 elementary; 1 middle; 1 high school; 1 alternative learning academy, 1 non-traditional middle/high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,896 Gwinnett County Public Schools 678-301-6000 www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us With more than 169,150 students attending 132 educational facilities, Gwinnett County is the largest school system in Georgia. It has 11,012 teachers with 47 percent holding at least a master’s degree. n Number of Schools: 77 elementary; 26 middle; 19 high schools; 10 other educational facilities, including 4 charter schools. n Pupil to teacher ratio: Varies by classroom, per Investing in Education (IE2) contract. n Per pupil expenditure: $7,548 Cont’d on page 54

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 53

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Public School Profiles Hall County Schools 770-534-1080; www.hallco.org There are 26,515 students and 2,012 certified staff at Hall County’s 34 schools. 65 percent of the teachers have obtained Master’s Degrees and 20 percent have achieved Specialist or Doctorate Degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary; 7 middle; 6 high schools; 1 evening school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,639 Henry County Schools 770-957-6601; www.henry.k12.ga.us There are 41,000 students and 2,960 certified teachers in Henry County Schools. 75 percent of the certified employees have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 28 elementary; 1 conversion charter elementary school; 11 middle; 10 high schools; 1 alternative school; 1 charter college and career academy; 1 6-12 online school (Impact Academy.) n Pupil to teacher ratio: Kindergarten, 24 to1; Grades 1st-3rd, 25 to 1; Grades 4th-8th, 32 to 1; Grades 9th-12th, 34 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,666 Marietta City Schools 770-422-3500; www.marietta-city.org Some 8,800 students attend Marietta City’s 11 schools, 732 certified employees with 75 percent of certified staff holding a Masters Degree or higher.

n Number of Schools: 8 elementary (one is grades 3-5 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Magnet school); 1 sixth grade academy; 1 middle; 1 high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 20 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,255 Paulding County School District 770-443-8000 www.paulding.k12.ga.us The Paulding County school district has 33 schools, 28,488 students and 1,953 classroom teachers. 69 percent of the teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 19 elementary; 9 middle; 5 high schools. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 26:1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,621 Rockdale County Public Schools 770-483-4713; www.rockdale.k12.ga.us There are 16,151 students attending Rockdale County public schools. Approximately 71 percent of the 1,253 certified personnel hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 11 elementary; 4 middle; 3 high schools; 1 career/ vocational academy; 1 alpha school; 1 open campus; 1 magnet school; 4 school choice programs. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 15:1 n Per pupil expenditure: $7,570 c

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54 Atlanta Parent January 2014

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 55

Open Your Wallet with a Smile

Setting a Budget for School Fundraising Will Allow You to Help Cheerfully by Sherry V. Crawley

uy a raffle ticket. Contribute to the classroom supply fund. Get a magazine subscription. Purchase wrapping paper or candles. Pay to get in to the silent auction, and spend more money. Does it ever stop? Well, no. Regardless of your children’s ages or the type of school they attend, families are expected to donate, purchase and peddle to support the school. It can get a little overwhelming and a lot expensive. “It begins with carrying in a box of supplies before school even begins each year,” says Scottye Davis, mother of twin first-grade boys at Springdale Park Elementary, an Atlanta public school. Kelli Naughton, mother of a first grader at Glenwood Elementary in Decatur, says her daughter’s first days of kindergarten were challenging. “It

56 Atlanta Parent January 2014

[ Focus on Education ]

was a new school, new daily rhythm, new teachers and seemingly constant requests for checks to be written – one for school spirit T-shirts, one for the birthday fund in the library, one for PTA membership. In total, it didn’t add up to much, but the sheer volume was overwhelming at the beginning of the school year.” “If you think it is bad in elementary school, just wait until they get older,” says Chris Cooper, father of a high school sophomore at the Gwinnett County School of Science, Math and Technology. “The older my son gets, the more things he is involved in, which means more financial investment.” So is it possible to be supportive of your school without feeling like a cheapskate? These parents say that with some discipline and a bit of planning, it can be done, and in the end, it is worth every penny.

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“By the end of the year when you see what these teachers do, the lengths they are willing to go to for your children, you just take a breath and realize that whatever you give really matters,” Davis says. For Naughton, it’s about the big picture. “I like to believe that as I stay involved with enriching my children’s lives now when they’re younger, that we’re building something really solid as they journey to adulthood. Helping our schools with our time, our abilities, and yes, our money, is simply a part of that.”

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one expects you to do it all. If you are all stocked up with wrapping paper, don’t buy it. “For most families, it is just impossible to give every time they are asked,” Cooper says. “We try to focus on the ones that best align with our family’s values.” Get over the guilt and feel good about the many ways you help your child’s school.

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in mind at the beginning of the year of how much we’ll donate throughout the year,” Naughton said. “I mentally keep track of how we’re doing.”

n Consider Multi-Task Giving: Schools make money from purchases at the book fair so stock your birthday party gift shelf or covertly buy items and set them aside for Santa. Invite grandparents to the fall festival, ensuring they will contribute.

• • • •

The Bedford School accepts students in grades one through nine. Students receive proper academic remediation in a small class setting, as well as specific help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. The Bedford School also offers Squirrel Hollow Camp, a remedial summer camp program. For Children With Learning Differences

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admission fee and take your kids to a high school football game or a choir performance at the middle school they will go to in a few years. “What the middle and high schools are doing now will help my kids when we’re there too,“ Naughton says. c

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 57

Identifying the Gifted Child What Parents Need to Know by Jan Pierce

s your child gifted? Maybe he can identify all the birds in your neighborhood. Or maybe your daughter is only 4 years old and already reading. How can you know for sure if your child is an exceptional learner? In any classroom setting, one or two children probably are gifted, at least in one subject area. Another handful of children may be eager, bright learners, but not gifted by academic definitions. Educators have wrestled with the definition of “gifted” for decades, but there is agreement on general traits that help us recognize talented learners. The National Association of Gifted Children says: “Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of competence in one or more domains.” Gifted children have high intelligence as measured by standardized testing. They learn information easily and remember it well. They have large vocabularies and are able to grasp abstract ideas. They are often creative and may be seen as leaders. They may excel in the visual or performing arts. They’re often ahead of others in hands-on physical skills. If you’ve noticed advanced learning patterns in your child’s early years, you may want to do systematic information-gathering to identify aptitudes. Here are some ways to begin putting the pieces together. You may find out that your son or daughter is a high-performing, engaged learner, but not gifted. Or you may find that he or she truly is gifted and would benefit from an enhanced learning environment. 58 Atlanta Parent January 2014

[ Focus on Education ]

Behavior at Home Children are usually most comfortable in their home environment where they can “be themselves.” Does your child have endless questions? Does he search out answers through books or hands-on experiments? Is he learning to read easily and quickly? Does she use words above and beyond her peers? Is she very aware of information presented by adults and can she engage in a conversation at their level? Does he have a vivid imagination and a keen sense of humor? Does he make an effort to record information, chart or graph it? Does she create new worlds filled with characters? Can she lose herself in books? Many children do some of these things. The gifted child will actually live in a world of heightened awareness and consider questions the average learner does not. Advanced learners enjoy working independently and can often sustain their work for a long time. They enjoy freedom to explore, make new connections and add to their knowledge base. They’re excited by intellectual challenges.

Successes at School Many gifted children excel in their school setting. They get the highest grades, do the best work and “stand out” in the crowd. Sadly, some gifted students don’t function well at all in the rigid structure of a classroom schedule. They may seem disinterested or uncooperative because they need freedom to learn in their own way and on their own timeline. Teachers will quickly pick up on advanced reading and writing ability and on logic and reasoning above the norm. Cont’d on page 60

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Georgia’s Gifted Program

n any given year, about 12 percent of all students enrolled in Georgia’s public schools qualify for “gifted” status. A student can be identified as gifted as early as elementary school, or in middle school or high school. If a parent believes a child might be gifted, getting the child in the program starts with the local school, according to Gail Humble, program specialist with the Georgia Department of Education’s Gifted Program. Though the guidelines for Georgia’s gifted program are determined by the State Board of Education, local schools decide whether a child qualifies. Students may be referred for gifted education services by teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, themselves or others who know the child’s abilities. Students who score in the top percentiles on a norm-referenced test (as defined in the GaDOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services) also might be eligible. Students must be in the 99th percentile on norm-referenced tests for grades K-2 and the 96th percentile for grades 3-12, or they must be selected through a multiple-criteria assessment of mental ability, achievement, creativity and motivation.

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Once a student is identified, the referral goes to the local school’s Eligibility Committee for a decision. The committee may ask for more testing or evaluation. Gifted programs may vary from school district to school district, but generally classes for gifted students will focus on developing cognitive, learning, research and reference, and metacognitive skills at each grade grouping in one or more of the following content areas: mathematics, science, English/language arts, social studies, world languages, fine arts, and career, technical and agricultural education, Humble says. Teachers of gifted students must have a Gifted Endorsement Certification, earned by successfully completing four classes: Characteristics of the Gifted Learner, Curriculum and Instruction for the Gifted Learner, Assessment of the Gifted Learner and Gifted Education Programming. The local school reviews a gifted child’s performance annually to determine if he should remain in the program. For more detailed information, visit the Georgia Department of Education website, gadoe.org. and search for Gifted Program Guidelines.

[ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 59

Identifying the Gifted Child It’s important to distinguish between the bright learner and the truly gifted learner. This chart, created by Diane Heacox, an educator and author of several books on classroom instruction, including Differentation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics. The chart, widely used in literature about gifted learners, compares the learning styles and abilities of these two distinct groups.

Bright Gifted

From the classroom teacher’s perspective, the gifted child can present a challenge. Even extending lessons may not be enough to meet needs. The gifted learner is beyond the group, probably isn’t motivated by grades and learns information in one or two hearings. He will be frustrated by moving one step at a time with slower learners.

Testing

Knows the answers

Asks the questions

Has good ideas

May have wild, silly ideas

Learns with ease

Already knows

Copies accurately

Creates new designs

Absorbs information

Manipulates information

If you find your child on the gifted child side of the chart, you may want to pursue testing and other means of evaluating potential. Schools generally have set schedules for administering standardized tests to identify their gifted population. Their screening may begin with an intelligence test, but will often include surveys completed by teachers and parents, anecdotal information and portfolios of completed work. In some cases the surveys will include items from a broader understanding of learning, giving a child gifted in specific areas such as music and art the chance to shine.

Pleased with perfection

Can be self-critical

Placement in Gifted Programs

Enjoys sequential learning

Thrives on complexity

Enjoys peers

Prefers adult company

Answers accurately

Discusses in detail, elaborates

60 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Don’t be disappointed if your child goes through a testing process and is determined not to need a gifted learning environment. In truth, bright children experience the most success in their traditional classroom setting. They enjoy learning and don’t deal with the challenges of the gifted population. Your goal is to know your child and to support his or her learning journey. c

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 61

Choosing a Private School

by Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D.

Step 2: Seek Info

omparing private schools is challenging because each institution offers unique programs in a unique environment. One may present a specialized science curriculum geared toward a future in engineering, while another focuses on developing cooperation and compassion through active community service. The comparisons parents must make are apples-to-oranges at best. Faced with so much detailed information about so many exciting opportunities, it’s hard to stay focused on the end goal: finding the best educational option for your student. Approach the school-selection process with this three-step strategy to make sure your kids’ needs come first. Step 1: Assess your Values Start your school selection process at home. “Ask yourself what you expect of a school and what you expect of your child, in terms of attitude, behavior, motivation and achievement,” says educational psychologist Jennifer Little, Ph.D., founder of Parents Teach Kids. You may want a school that has high cultural or ethnic diversity, or whose students and staff have religious values similar to those of your family. Clarifying 62 Atlanta Parent January 2014

your values will help you put schools’ marketing materials in context. Acknowledge practical matters as well. Determine how far you’re willing to drive and how much tuition you can afford. Be honest with yourself about the level of involvement you will have in your child’s school. Many private schools require parents to volunteer a specified number of hours. Create a personal checklist of your requirements and limitations so you don’t overlook important factors.

[ Focus on Education ]

For each potential school, collect information on curriculum, studentteacher ratio and academic outcomes. Study data that show how students scored on placement tests for math, English and foreign languages, and pay particular attention to how many students graduate and what schools they attend next. Also, pay attention to accreditation. The National Association of Independent Schools and similar state associations require member schools to uphold rigorous standards and to undergo periodic review. This makes school officials accountable to other educators who are in touch with national standards and teaching trends. Examine course descriptions, materials and teacher preparation to evaluate the quality of a school’s curriculum. Also, ask about choice. You want your child to have a firm foundation in primary subjects and a choice among interesting electives. Kids are motivated to learn when they can pursue subjects they select. Learn about the availability of special programs that interest your child, such as language immersion or music instruction. Visit schools on your short list to evaluate the academic workload and environment. Ask students how much atlantaparent.com

homework they do each night and attend classes to see how teachers affect learning. Do they use readings, lectures or group discussion? Do students do projects, community service or internships at local businesses or universities? A school’s instructional strategy should match up with its educational objectives and your child’s learning style, Little says. Highly competitive classes can undermine learning for some students. Others might be frustrated by a collaborative approach. Keep in mind a school is more than its academic programs. It is a community of learners. Observe social dynamics among students and ask how teachers encourage cooperation and manage behavior problems. Kids can’t learn when they’re struggling with classroom chaos or feel left out of exclusive cliques. Look at how adults are involved in the school. A strong parent-teacher association ensures that ideas and information flow both ways. Involvement from alumni suggests a strong sense of pride in the institution. Find out how long teachers have been at the school and whether they receive regular professional development. High turnover may reflect bad management. It can also create a poor climate for learning.

These tips and tools in these resources help parents make smart school choices. n Choosing between public and private schools: sitemaker.umich.edu/dickersonhouilles.356/home n School visit and observation checklist: testingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/The-School-Tour-Checklist.pdf n Guides to student success: pta.org n Picky Parent Guide: Choose Your Child’s School With Confidence, the Elementary Years, K-6, by Bryan and Emily Hassel, Armchair Press, 2004 n How To Choose The Perfect School: What 21st Century Parents Need to Know about K-12 Education by Mary Lang, Trafford Publishing, 2006 n The Educated Child: A Parent’s Guide From Preschool Through Eighth Grade by William Bennett, Chester Finn, Jr., and John Cribb, Jr., Free Press, 2000

Step 3: Focus on Fit “Ideally, you want to match the school to the learner,” says Faya Hoffman, founder of the Washington, DC, learning concierge service, My Learning Springboard. “A school with a phenomenal reputation may not be the right fit for your child.” Be honest about whether an institution’s approach fits with your student’s interests and temperament. If your child has an Individualized Educational Plan due to learning (or other) disabilities, find out what services

are available to meet his needs. Smaller schools may not have full-time staff to provide speech or occupational therapy or counseling services. Speak directly with staff members who provide services your child needs, so you understand how your child will get help. Knowing what to expect sets everyone up for success. Although it may be inconvenient, Hoffman says siblings may need different educational approaches – and different schools – to learn and thrive. Focus on each student as an individual to make the best educational decisions for your family. c

AAAIS

The Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) – a consortium of more than 80 private schools in the greater metro Atlanta area – encourages families to consider the many independent school options available in Atlanta and surrounding suburbs. Discover the richly diverse world of Atlanta independent schools by visiting the organization’s website.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Guide to Private Schools

When searching for the best school for your child, there’s much to consider, from the school’s academic approach to its learning environment, size and location. Our comprehensive guide to private schools will help you make the right decision for your child.

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 65

Atlanta

Private Schools Alexsander Academy

Arbor Montessori School

lexsander Academy, located in Alpharetta serves students with learning issues and special needs. Their students are those that do best in a small, flexible learning environment. The school focuses on academics as well as independence, classroom and social skills. Class sizes range from 3 to 8 students, depending on the students academic and social needs. Each class has one certified teacher. Programs are available for students working at, above or below grade level. Programs are also available for students who have been in one on one or ABA programs and are ready to learn how to take their skills into a classroom environment. Alexsander Academy believes ALL children are capable. They build up self-esteem by fostering an environment where students are successful, but also challenged, where there are high but realistic expectations, and where children are able to form true friendships with their peers. Alexsander Academy is accredited, accepts SB10 and has other scholarships and programs to help parents with tuition costs. Summer academic sessions as well as tutoring year round are available. For more information contact Stefanie Smith 404-839-5910 or smith@alexsanderacademy. org. Website www.alexsanderacademy.org

ounded in 1970, Arbor is one of the largest and oldest Montessori schools in the Southeast, serving 302 students from ages 18 months to 14 years. Arbor is one of only two Montessori schools in Georgia that are accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), SACS and SAIS. For over 100 years, the hallmarks of a Montessori education have been creativity and innovation; critical thinking and problem-solving; communication; collaboration; and focus on character. These are the same core competencies being advocated in today’s education arena as the necessary “21st Century Learning Skills” for students to meet the challenges of a changing world. An Arbor Montessori education cultivates concentration, motivation, self-discipline and love of learning in every child. This is accomplished through specially designed sensorial materials, multi-age classrooms, and teachers who are specifically trained to put the child in touch with exactly what he or she needs at that very moment to learn. In addition to an outstanding academic curriculum, Arbor offers art; music; Spanish; a before and after-school program; clubs and teams; and a close-knit community of families. Register for an information session and tour by calling 404-321-9304. Sessions run December-February. Open House is January 25, 10am-Noon. Rolling admission for toddler-elementary. 7th grade application deadline is February 15, 2014. Visit www.ArborMontessori.org

Atlanta Montessori International School

Atlanta Girls’ School

tlanta Montessori International School (AMIS) nurtures the potential of the whole child and cultivates the growth of a diverse international community. In multi-age classrooms, children learn together in respectful, peaceful Montessori environments specifically designed to follow the child’s needs from 8 weeks to 15 years. AMIS programs promote independence, initiative, confidence, responsibility, strong academics, self-discipline, leadership and a lifetime love of learning. AMIS is open Monday to Friday 7:30 am - 6:00 pm. Core school hours are 8:30 am - 3:15 pm. Extended day option available to all students. The Infant and Toddler communities enjoy a year-round school program. AMIS offers a Summer Program to all Montessori children in the area. AMIS promotes a multi-cultural, multi-language Montessori atmosphere from language exposure for young children to international travels for older students. Elementary and Jr. High participate in an extensive Music, Orchestra, Voice, and Visual Arts programs. RSVP: Open Houses Jan 26 and Feb 11 and weekly school tours Nov~March For more information please call 404-325-6777 also visit us at www.amischool.com. 1970 Cliff Valley Way, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329. AMI affiliated and AdvancED SACS accredited.

tlanta Girls’ School offers girls in grades 6 through 12 a college-preparatory curriculum of the highest standards. Graduates attend Ivy League schools, prestigious liberal arts colleges, leading southeastern universities, and respected research institutes. Atlanta Girls’ School was custom-built for one purpose: girls’ achievement and success. Girls attending AGS learn to take appropriate risks, be courageous leaders, give back to their communities, and project personal confidence and competence in all they do. Through their classrooms, sports, stage, and community involvement, AGS leverages the legacy and experience of girls’ schools all across the country, preparing girls to be respected leaders in every field. With access to real-world experiences, AGS students complete two customized internships with local, national, or global organizations. These unique internships are unmatched opportunities that—combined with the school’s signature Winterim minisemester, community service projects at every grade level, and global travel program— fuel extracurricular learning that culminates in each student’s Senior Speech to the entire school. For girls entering grades 3 through 7, AGS also offers SMART Girls Summer Camp. This weeklong day camp offers courses in science, math, art, and real technology.For more information, call 404-845-0900 or visit www.atlantagirlsschool.org.

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The Bedford School

Brookwood Christian

he Bedford School is located on Milam Road in Fairburn, Georgia. The school serves children with learning disabilities in grades1-9. Students are grouped by skill levels in classes of 12 or less. At Bedford, students receive the proper academic remediation,as well as specific remedial help with physical skills, peer interaction and self-esteem. Students must be diagnosed professionally as having specific learning disabilities. The Bedford School is based on the idea that every human being should have the opportunity to become the very best person possible. For the child with the learning disability, this is difficult without proper intervention. The goal of the school is to help each child maximize his potential through a combination of teamwork, structured materials, organized activities and a dedicated staff. Extracurricular activities include basketball, soccer, volleyball and track and field. A four-week summer program is available through Squirrel Hollow, where children can receive tutoring in the areas of Language Arts, Math and written expression in a camp-like setting. The summer program is open to students in grades 1-9 who need an academic boost. For more information, call Betsy Box at 770-774-8001 or visit the website at www.thebedfordschool.org.

rookwood Christian School, founded in 2004, is a small 1st through 12th grade GAC accredited school. It is appropriate for bright students with Dyslexia and Dyscalcula and for students who speak English as a Second Language. Students are encouraged to work to the best of their abilities in a creative, nurturing, unpretentious, low stress environment. Individual learning styles, preferences, and strengths are nurtured while specific deficits are remediated. Wilson Reading, Teaching Textbooks and Spectrum math, as well as AGS Publishing make up the backbone of the curriculum. Homework is assigned according to student needs and abilities. Monthly field trips enhance the curriculum. Friday afternoons are devoted to chapel, fine arts, experiential learning, and life skills. Brookwood Christian School offers College Prep and Tech Prep programs. Students may attend full time or choose a home school option. Reasonably priced tutoring for 1st graders through college students is available after school to the whole community. The little red schoolhouse is located at 4728 Wood Street, just off North Main Street in Historic Downtown Acworth near Dallas Landing on Lake Allatoona. Call 678401-5855 or email kim.wigington@brookwoodchristian.com to schedule your personal tour.

The Children’s School

The Cottage School

he Children’s School (TCS) is a progressive independent elementary school serving a diverse community of 400 students age three-years-old through sixth grade. The School strives to prepare children to excel in a complex world. While offering them the security of a familiar educational community, TCS leads children to test their skills, concepts and beliefs in larger settings. From these experiences, they value and learn from a diversity of lifestyles and beliefs and attain the confidence to act as responsible citizens of the world. Students in grades three through six enjoy the Outdoor Education program, building competencies in camping, ecology, teamwork and leadership. The Building Character & Community Program is its formal character education curriculum that is embedded into all elements of a TCS education. TCS offers a number of fine arts including studio art, band, chorus and drama. The Discovery Extended Day Program is available until 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and is open to day-school students as well as elementary aged children who attend other Atlanta schools. After-school Enrichment lessons and classes including Mandarin Chinese, Drumming, and Video Game Design are also available to TCS families. Founded in 1970, The Children’s School is located in the heart of Midtown, Atlanta. Visit www.thechildrensschool.com or call 404-873-6985.

or over 29 years, The Cottage School has provided academic and social opportunities for unique learners in Grades 6-12. The Cottage School’s talented and dedicated educators guide students to reach their full potential in math, language arts, reading and/or study skills. Accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independents Schools, The Cottage School provides students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma that will prepare them for a successful post– secondary experience. All students who graduate from The Cottage School must have a post-secondary plan in place and our career and college counselors work tirelessly to find the right program for each student. Located in Roswell on a 23 acre campus, The Cottage School offers students a full sports program, drama and music classes and access to such electives as mountain biking, culinary arts and the History of Rock Music. The Cottage School offers weekly open houses and school tours on Thursday mornings for both Middle and High School. Visit www.cottageschool.org for more information.

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Atlanta

Private Schools Covenant Christian School

Cresco Montessori School

stablished in 1975, Covenant Christian School (CCS) in Smyrna celebrates nearly 40 years of Christian education. CCS is committed to partnering with Christian families in the nurture and education of their children by providing a classical academic program in a distinctly Christ-centered environment. CCS students are taught to think biblically and analytically, to articulate fluently, and to embrace a life-long love of learning in order to influence our culture for Christ. The distinctive classical approach to learning draws upon proven methods which are structured around three traditional stages of development in children: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. These are also teaching methods implemented throughout each subject and grade level Pre-K 4-8th. The experienced faculty and staff bring many years of committed Christian teaching to our students each day. They are personally devoted to applying sound biblical principles in all areas of teaching as they lead students to seek knowledge, understanding and wisdom. CCS also enables students to broaden their interests outside the classroom including athletics, chess, Communicators for Christ, ballet, piano, and others. Come see the benefits of a Covenant education by attending an Open House on January 23rd. For more information, call 770-435-1596 or visit www.ccssmyrna.org

resco Montessori School is a year-round GAC certified private school, and full-service childcare center. Serving families in Marietta, Buford, Johns Creek and Woodstock for 10 years. Cresco Montessori School is open 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., for children from 6 weeks old to 6 years old. Students can attend for a half day, school day or full day. Cresco Montessori offers free Georgia Pre-K, scholarships and a GA Tax Redirection Program. Cresco also provides an afterschool and summer camp program along with many enrichment activities for children up to 12 years old. A focus on family is an important component of the school. Each year, Cresco Montessori hosts fall flings and spring carnivals for students, parents and siblings to enjoy. Each Montessori classroom is prepared with a range of materials to allow children to progress through the curriculum as their skills develop. Montessori classrooms intentionally include a mix of ages, so that younger children can learn from older children, and older children develop leadership skills and confidence. Visit www.crescomontessori.com for more information. Daily tours are available at each location from 9:30-11:30 am.

The Galloway School

The Green School

he Galloway School is home to a vibrant community of learners, ages 3 through grade 12, who come together to pursue its collective values: individuality, fearlessness, mastery, and community. The educational philosophy and approach stem from the belief that learning should be both challenging and joyful. It is only then that children learn to love learning. The exceptional accomplishments of the graduates speak to the power of a Galloway education. They believe the journey of learning and personal development is what makes Galloway truly different, and the results speak for themselves. Galloway graduates are mature, independent, and well prepared for college and for life as enlightened citizens of a changing and competitive world. The Galloway School offers an environment of high expectations and low anxiety that challenges its students to grow by teaching them to challenge themselves today and for the rest of their lives. For more information, call 404-252-8389 or visit the website at www.gallowayschool.org.

he Green School at LLIP is a newly established independent Spanish/English dual language immersion school for independently motivated students in grades Pre-K through 4th grade. The Green School is committed to engaging students in unique project based educational experiences featuring guest speakers, themed field trips, farm-to-school, experiential learning curriculum and international travel. In small classroom communities, qualified teachers design individualized learning plans to implement the Core national standard. All curriculum objectives are delivered in both Spanish and English with defined proficiency goals. Best practice and innovative methods support the school’s goal of creating bilingual world citizens with a diverse perspective. In addition enrichment activities listed organic gardening, physical education, drama and Mandarin. Please call 404-768-2111 for more information or to schedule a tour. Applications are available online and will be accepted after January 1, 2014 for 2014-2015. www.littlelinguistspreschool. com

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High Meadows School

igh Meadows students know how to grow turnips, groom ponies, lead class discussions, write knock-out research papers, and explain how math was used in the development of ancient civilizations. They ask great questions, climb trees, and know what it means to be academic risktakers. For 40 years, High Meadows School has offered something different – meaningful connections and exceptional outcomes.

High Meadows is a private, non-profit, co-educational, independent, and non-sectarian day school (preschool eighth grade) located on more than 40 acres of meadow and woodlands in Roswell, Ga. Committed to excellence, High Meadows’ innovative, inquiry-based, integrated curriculum emphasizes love of learning, creativity, and accomplishment. The school is deeply engaged with the world around it, from its diverse community of students, staff, and families to its extensive, long-standing environmental education program to its

internationally focused curriculum. High Meadows students are easily recognized as confident, creative problem-solvers, accomplished speakers, experienced team players, critical thinkers, and self-advocates who connect with their teachers and peers. They come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Likewise, the diverse community and International Baccalaureate curriculum help prepare High Meadows students for the global community in which so much is interrelated and the ability to consider multiple perspectives is essential. High Meadows graduates stand out not only as excellent students but also as exceptional thinkers. Founded in 1973, High Meadows is highly respected and consistently recognized for best practices, innovation, and excellence by major educational organizations. In short: High Meadows is what school should be. For more information, please call 770-993-2940 or visit www.highmeadows.org. 1055 Willeo Road, Roswell.

King’s Ridge Christian School

The Lovett School

ducating students in a PreK-12th grade school allows for the developmental continuity in a vision-driven environment. At King’s Ridge Christian School this progression is a distinctive approach called the Journey for Life Impact. As a Christian school it’s recognized that each individual is unique by design. The unfolding of each child’s story, or Journey, allows students to discover their God-given talents and reveal their purpose to then prepare and enroll in college studies that will align with interests, abilities and ultimately what they were each called to do with their lives. The partnership of parents, community and teachers invest in each child’s individual story and future success. With a 100% college acceptance rate, graduates of this multi-denominational college preparatory school enter higher education with the ability to write well, speak well and relate well in ways that allow them to stand out and be prepared for their future. Located on a 70-acre campus with easy access to north Fulton, Forsyth, Cherokee and east Cobb counties, students benefit from relevant opportunities for growth in faith and development of skills that prepare them to be self-directed learners, self-aware leaders and self-confident servants. For additional information contact us at 770.754.5738. www.kingsridgecs.org

he Lovett School seeks to develop young men and women of honor, faith, and wisdom with the character and intellect to thrive in college and in life. Founded in 1926 by Eva Edwards Lovett, we continue today as an Atlanta independent school serving children in Kindergarten through Grade 12. Lovett provides integrated experiences in academics, arts, athletics, and service. Lovett’s reach extends beyond the Buckhead neighborhood – students come from 70 zip codes across Atlanta – and even into Central America, where Lovett maintains 825 acres of Ecuadoran cloudforest as a preserve and research center. Lovett received LEED-Gold certification on its Middle School building, part of the schoolwide focus on sustainability, which also includes school vehicles running on biodiesel converted from the cafeteria’s used cooking oil! Lovett’s curriculum includes a required year of American Studies, options for African and Asian studies, multivariable calculus and linear algebra, and organic and biochemistry. Lovett is one of the first schools in Georgia to offer AP Chinese, the culmination of a Chinese program that begins in the Lower School. In addition, Lovett offers a one-to-one laptop program in Grades 4-12, and many single-gender classes in Grades 6-8. For more information, visit www.lovett.org or call 404-262-3032.

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Atlanta

Private Schools

McGinnis Woods Country Day School

cGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle School. The school is located on the border of Forsyth and North Fulton counties in northeast Alpharetta. The Preschool at McGinnis Woods accepts children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary School teaches students in PreK 4 through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School has top accreditations, including GAC (Georgia Accrediting Commission), SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)), and NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) in the Preschool. McGinnis Woods is a member of many professional and educational organizations including the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA). Class sizes are small with low student-teacher ratios, allowing frequent one-on-one learning. The children learn through a variety o f g r o u p i n g s including class lessons, small group activities, hands-on experiments and “buddy” classes which encourage multi-age groupings. The school is equipped with an in-house broadcast system, computer labs, tablets, wireless laptop labs and interactive whiteboards. Frequent guest speakers and monthly field trips reinforcing classroom learning round out the classroom experience. Off-campus overnight class trips are offered for students in 1st-8th grade. Recent trips have included Zoo Atlanta, Elachee Nature Center, Desoto Caverns, Nature’s Classroom and Space Camp. The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the passion to excel. This goal is accomplished by providing superior academics through hands-on approaches which foster self confidence and self esteem and that inspire a lifelong love of learning. Superior educational resources are implemented to maximize the learning experience for our diverse student population. These programs include, but are not limited to: The Letter People, Saxon Phonics and Math, Wordly Wise, McGraw Hill, Pearson, Harcourt, Glencoe, and Core Essentials. The excellent curriculum provides the children with a strong framework on which to develop academically, socially and emotionally. The administration and staff 70 Atlanta Parent January 2014

are committed to helping each student achieve their full potential. Students at McGinnis Woods enjoy many enrichment classes as part of their curriculum including library and computer skills, Spanish, character education, health, music, art, band and chorus, physical education and quarterly electives for students in 5-8th grade. Community Service projects are emphasized throughout the year. All special programs are taught by specialists and provide opportunities for students to explore and discover talents and strengths. Competitive sports and robotics teams train year round. Athletic teams include: soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, and track and field. Fine Arts offerings include: drama, chorus, band, visual arts, and special performances providing an avenue for creative expression. Elementary school hours are 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (3:30 p.m. for students in 4th-8th), with Before and After School programs available for families needing additional child care. Discovery Clubs are offered during After School and include an impressive variety of choices including drama, band club, robotics, ballet, chess, cheerleading, football, tennis, and cooking. The Preschool and After School programs are available from 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Exciting Summer Camps are also available. Junior and Senior Summer Camp Programs include a variety of theme based activities featuring fun field trips, enriching educational opportunities and on-site water activities. Our theme for summer 2014 is Sunsational Summer. The school encourages all prospective parents to visit and tour the beautiful campus and review the curriculum for each grade level. Parent involvement is strong and parents are invited and encouraged to take an active role in their child’s education. McGinnis Woods is known as a wonderful, caring family where community is strongly valued and nurtured. An open house for prospective students will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. You may also visit www.mcginniswoods.org or contact the school to schedule a personal tour by calling 770-664-7764.

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Montessori Schools of Georgia

ontessori Schools of Georgia offers you two conveniently located schools: the Montessori School at Emory, the Montessori School of Alpharetta and the Montessori School of Cumming. Montessori provides the finest quality education available for children ages 15 m on th s to 12 years. Three specific educational programs designed for Toddler, Primary and Elementary age children are based on the developmental needs and characteristics of each age group. Children are given one-on-one instruction from their teacher which creates an individualized program that engages their interests and skill levels. The Montessori Schools of Georgia offer several options. Full day, half day, 10 month or year round formats are available. Afternoon enrichment programs are also offered from 3pm to 6pm, in which children enjoy experiences in the creative arts and sciences such as music, art and foreign language. Also, early morning drop-off is available at 7 a.m.

The Montessori School at Emory, founded in 1993, has a new campus setting complete with beautiful classrooms, large garden areas, a soccer field, basketball court, a working kitchen for young aspiring chefs, and its own gymnasium. For more information about the Montessori School at Emory, call 404-634-5777. The Montessori School of Cumming is situated on four wooded acres with nature trails and an outdoor classroom. The classrooms have beautiful views with cathedral ceilings. A huge playground provides room for soccer as well as imaginative play. For more information about the Montessori School of Cumming, call 770-205-6773. Montessori enjoys world renowned success because it draws on children’s inherent love of learning. Please call to schedule a tour or join us for our Open House anytime between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 25 at both Montessori School at Emory and Montessori School of Cumming. Learn more at www.MontessoriSchoolsofGeorgia.com.

Midtown International School

Mill Springs Academy

idtown International School is intended for gifted and superior students who learn best in small class environments, with exposure to a globally minded curriculum and problem-based instructional strategies. All MIS students learn Spanish, French, and Mandarin. The school also employs a team of dedicated STEAM teachers (in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), and students spend at least three days a week in the science lab. Midtown International School eliminates the gap between opportunity and potential that many gifted and high-achieving students feel in traditional classrooms. Experienced faculty focus on engaging students with content exemplifying depth, abstractness, and complexity. Classroom time is supplemented by frequent trips to community partners and other in-town educational venues. Students in third grade plan and take a domestic class trip each spring, while the fourth and fifth graders travel internationally. MIS middle school students are invited to the Global Student Leaders Summit – an international trip culminating in a leadership conference with students from around the world. With a writing lab for dissecting writing, numerous book clubs, competitive and award winning robotics, and the focus on moving every child forward, MIS has created an environment where students take ownership of their learning. Call or email to schedule a tour! 404-542-7003. admissions@midtowninternationalschool.com. 500 Amsterdam Ave. NE, Atlanta 30306.

ill Springs Academy is an SACS/SAIS accredited college preparatory, independent school community dedicated to the academic, physical and social growth of those students who have not realized their full potential in the traditional classroom setting. Since 1981 Mill Springs has been supporting student learning by raising expectations and developing self motivation, while providing skills and values for life. The school is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization governed by a board of trustees. The population consists of average to superior ability students in grades 1-12. Small classes and an individualized curriculum help them to capitalize on their strengths while learning compensatory strategies. Mill Springs offers a broad range of college preparatory and fine arts options, along with college placement support. A variety of sports and an extended day program are also available. In the summer months, summer school, summer camp and sport workshops are offered. 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/visitus or call (770) 360-1336. Mill Springs is a participant of the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship program (SB10). Follow us on Twitter (@millspringsacad) and Facebook. Mill Springs Academy, 13660 New Providence Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.

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Atlanta

Private Schools Mt. Bethel Christian Academy

Mount Paran Christian School

n their 16th year as a K – 8 Christ-centered, private school, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy and Mt. Bethel UMC are pleased to announce a preliminary agreement to purchase the Shirley Blumenthal Park property in East Cobb for a new private high school. The agreement is subject to acceptance by the congregation of Mt. Bethel UMC. This Christ-centered, college preparatory high school would serve as an extension of Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. “This campus is a perfect fit for the new school,” said Jim Callis, Head of School. “While our kindergarten through eighth grade classes will remain adjacent to the church, this proposed site would provide a convenient location only six miles away.” The high school hopes to open in the fall of 2014 and would be the only Christcentered, private high school in East Cobb County. Applications are currently being accepted for their K-8 program for Fall 2014 and enrollment for high school is expected to begin in early February. Mt. Bethel Christian Academy opened in 1998 and holds a dual accreditation with SACS and SAIS. For more information about the school, visit mtbethelchristian.org. Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is located at 4385 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, Georgia.

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School

erving children from infancy through Grade 12, Mount Vernon is a school of inquiry, innovation, and impact. Grounded in Christian values, MVPS prepares all students to be college ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. One powerful way Mount Vernon amplifies learning is through design thinking. As a partner of Stanford’s d.School, MVPS opened the Center for Design Thinking in 2010, engaging students in real-world, peoplecentered problem solving. The School also offers several other intriguing ways for students to experience the world, including a unique offering called Interim Term. Traveling through cultural arts trips, national college tours, mission trips, and participating in internships, students broaden their learning experiences beyond the classroom. Impacting the wider Atlanta area, Mount Vernon students perform more than 10,000 hours of community service each year. Additionally, opportunities on the playing field abound with 90% of students participating in one or more of the School’s 45 teams. Attend a group tour, attend the January Open House on Sat., Jan. 25 10AM-2PM, or schedule a private tour. For more information visit www.mountvernonschool.org or call 404-252-3448. 72 Atlanta Parent January 2014

n interdenominational community with a passion for serving and learning, MPCS has been providing a balance of traditional education and contemporary approaches where faith and intellect grow as one for 37 years. Students of all ages participate in spiritual growth opportunities such as weekly chapel services, daily Bible classes, community service projects, and short-term mission trips. In this Christ-centered environment, students discover how using their God-given talents and abilities to excel in the areas of academics, arts, and/or athletics brings honor and glory to God. With full SACS/SAIS accreditation, MPCS offers challenging academics for grades PK3-12. Expanded opportunities exist for those who qualify with an ENCORE/Gifted program in lower school, advanced classes in middle school, and over 50 honors and AP courses along with a summer study abroad program in high school. Additionally, the Dozier School of Performing Arts is a performing arts magnet program. In this program, students explore the performing arts with a scope and depth that prepares them for college and professional arts programs. Finally, MPCS now offers 15 sports programs with the addition of a varsity wrestling program for the 2011-2012 school year. As a GHSA member of region 6A, MPCS competes at one of the highest levels in high school and middle school athletics. If you feel your child would benefit from the experience of Mount Paran Christian School, call the Admission Office at 770-578-0182 for your personal tour or visit online at www.mtparanschool.com.

Pace Academy

ith 1080 students in grades Pre-First through 12, Pace Academy is the ideal size to maximize all facets of a child’s development. Pace’s intimate setting enables students to be involved on many levels – in the classroom, in athletics, in the arts and in service. With average SAT scores exceeding 1300, Pace students regularly attend colleges such as the University of Virginia, Duke, Northwestern and Brown. In Pace’s close environment, students know they have support from their teachers and friends. They learn to ask questions, think critically and communicate effectively. Because Pace is small, student, faculty, and parent partnerships come easily. The family-centered environment develops academically, culturally, socially, athletically and emotionally strong students. Pace offers championship sports teams, acclaimed fine arts programs, an awardwinning service program and a Global Education program that links the Pace curriculum to international travel. To be at Pace is to belong at Pace. The school fosters an environment in which students grow to appreciate and respect each other. Many Pace students will become great leaders, scholars, athletes and artists, but the goal of the school is to develop confident global citizens who lead balanced lives and are well-prepared for the world ahead. For more information, visit www.paceacademy.org or call 404-262-1345.

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The Piedmont School of Atlanta

Porter Academy

he School accepts cognitively typical children and teaches them to challenge the academic, social, and emotional differences they encounter. The comprehensive curriculum stimulates the development of these skills, and prepares students to be independent adults actively engaged in their communities. A talented team of certified teachers and therapists provides positive behavior support and delivers individualized programming that meets the requirements of the National Core Curriculum and Georgia Standards. The School reflects best practices in education and evidence-based programming under the guidance of a world renowned National Advisory Board. Not limited to academics, the curriculum includes social skills coaching, physical education, art, and communitybased instruction. Weekly visits to the outstanding resources of Metro Atlanta afford motivating experiences where skills acquired in the classroom are applied in the community. Collaboration with The Boys and Girls Club of Brookhaven offers a lovely campus in which to learn. Currently, the School recruits students in grades 1-6. A kindergarten is opening in the fall. For more information about the School’s program call 404-382-8200 or visit www.thepiedmontschoolofatlanta.org

orter Academy is dedicated to educating children Pre-K through 8th grade by utilizing individualized programs that are appropriate to each student’s developmental level and learning style. If one technique is not proving effective for a particular child, then the teachers will try alternative techniques until they find one that works. The team of teachers, therapists, and administrators work together to develop academic abilities, foundational abilities (e.g, processing skills, attention, motor skills), and self-esteem. Porter Academy utilizes 1) small homerooms grouped by social-developmental level, 2) assessments to determine academic and developmental level, 3) individualized academic programs, 4) small group instruction of core academics to ensure comprehension, 5) use of physical movement and multi-sensory techniques to enhance learning efficiency, 6) social guidance and intentional character development, and 7) therapeutic support (speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy) within a group setting. “This is the first environment which has enabled my daughter to be successful in so many ways. She knows herself that she is learning and improving academically.” – Porter Academy Parent For more information, visit www.porteracademy.org or call 770-594-1313.

The SAE School

St. Joseph Catholic School

ou’ve never seen a school quite like this! The SAE School is an independent, nonprofit school in southern Cobb County providing a truly unique and individualized educational experience based on common sense principles, where children are individually challenged to reach the pinnacle of their capabilities, and where innovation and ingenuity are employed in every aspect of the school to keep costs low, productivity high, and learning always at priority number one. Our Project Based Learning approach is the cornerstone of a rigorous academic program that will propel our students across the finish line at 12th grade as leaders and problem solvers. Come and explore the many unique aspects that fulfill our mission to be the most exceptionally Safe, Innovative and Rigorous school in Georgia! Our rolling admissions process means you don’t have to wait until the traditional independent school enrollment season to apply and receive acceptance. We are now accepting applications for Preschool through 9th grade for the 2014-2015 school year. Visit saeschool.org, and call 678-239-3200 for more information or to schedule a visit.

JCS, a 2003 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, is accredited by AdvancEd, the parent company of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Established in 1953, it is part of the educational system of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. With a current enrollment of 490 in grades Kindergarten through eight, St. Joseph School prides itself on the spiritual growth and academic excellence of both students and teachers. The core curriculum includes religion, mathematics, science, social studies, language arts and reading. Recently built dedicated space is used for middle school and for supporting classes in Spanish, computer science, art, physical education and music. Students enjoy enriching experiences such as weekly Mass, community service, field trips, choir, band, student council, and arts festival. The middle school offers elective classes in a variety of areas including Lego Robotics. Graduates continue their academic excellence by attending rigorous high school programs at Catholic and private schools and also IB and magnet programs in the public school systems. For more information visit St. Joseph Catholic School on the web at www.stjosephschool.org or call 770-428-3328.

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 73

Atlanta

Private Schools St. Martin’s Episcopal School

Tallulah Falls School

t. Martin’s Episcopal School is a place where each child can discover his or her unique gifts. Serving approximately 650 students from 3 years old through 8th grade, St. Martin’s has offered a quality education in a loving, Christian environment for more than 50 years. Every parent knows that the ability to learn, create, lead and serve is as individual as each child. With small classes and a nurturing community, students can safely explore, take risks, face challenges and celebrate each other’s success. They are not only well-prepared to be high achievers and strong leaders during high school, they also build a foundation that encourages lifelong learning. Students’ spiritual growth remains an important part of the school’s mission. While St. Martin’s is a Christian school with an Episcopal identity, children of all faiths are welcomed. St. Martin’s is enjoying its second year on a renovated campus with a new, 42,000-square-foot Middle School building. We invite you to tour our outstanding new campus to learn more. Open House will be held Jan. 11, 2014. Small group tours are also available this month. Contact Director of Admission Blythe Marsau for more information at (404) 237-4260.

allulah Falls School is located on a beautiful 500-acre campus in spectacular northeast Georgia. As an independent, coeducational boarding and day school for grades 6-12, it is a spectacular learning environment. Located just 90 miles from Atlanta, students find a uniquely well-rounded college preparatory education with challenging academics, a caring faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular activities - from athletics, the arts and campus organizations, to outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and more. A TFS education utilizes a highly individualized approach enabling students to learn in a way that best fits them. Each student is issued a laptop computer and every classroom features modern SmartBoard technology. Wireless connectivity ensures access to the internet across the campus. The well-trained faculty are all certified in their field and are highly motivated to ensure the success of each student. In addition to the quality college preparatory curriculum, ten college level classes are offered on campus by college certified faculty. Tallulah Falls School is a national leader in need-based financial aid, and the school’s innovative tuition freeze program makes a college preparatory education even more affordable for the average family. Visit the school’s website at www.tallulahfalls.org or call 706-754-0400 for more information.

The Waldorf School of Atlanta

The Walker School

elebrating 27 years, The Waldorf School of Atlanta offers a revolutionary notion: that in the midst of our highspeed world, children should be provided a timeless space to work and play. We believe that childhood is sacred and must be protected; that children’s imaginations must be actively engaged to support life-long learning; and that innovative teaching methods are important to a curriculum that addresses every aspect of a student’s being – head, heart, and hands. Located in Decatur, our school serves children from age 3 through 8th grade. Our curriculum – rich in every branch of academics and enlivened with the arts and practical skills – honors children at each stage, nurturing their current capacities and preparing them for new learning to come. Music, art, movement, handwork, and foreign language are significant elements of our curriculum. Students are gently guided to develop capacities for reasoning and judgment in a supportive and structured environment, strengthening the child to meet not only the challenges of school but also those of life. Based on the philosophy of educational pioneer Dr. Rudolf Steiner, there are more than 1000 Waldorf schools worldwide. Visit www.waldorfatlanta.org or call 404-377-1315.

he Walker School is Cobb County’s college-preparatory independent school for families seeking an engaging, perspective-widening academic program within an intimately scaled, caring environment where meaningful relationships engender transformative learning. Walker’s dedicated teachers exude contagious intellectual energy, demonstrate authentic interest in the life of the mind that extends beyond their core subject areas, and model genuine respect for students and one another. Through their actions and interactions, Walker teachers cultivate students’ spirit of wanting to know in every setting— the classroom and the hallway, the laboratory and the library, the art studio and the stage, the court and the playing field. Walker students, feeling known and encouraged by their teachers and classmates, come to value the experience over the applause, developing along the way the confidence to explore new avenues of thinking, the wisdom to articulate meaningful insights, and the fortitude to act with integrity and honor. At the culmination of this carefully guided, increasingly independent journey from pre-K through grade 12, Walker graduates have evolved from curious young learners into young adults thoroughly prepared for the challenges of college and life. Please visit walkerwonders.org or call 678-581-6891 today!

74 Atlanta Parent January 2014

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The Westminster Schools

Whitefield Academy

estminster is a K-12 Christian preparatory school where students discover their gifts in an atmosphere of challenge and encouragement. Students are prepared to serve and lead in the rapidly changing world, helping them tap into innate talents in an environment that is vibrant and personal – where teachers and coaches know them well and support them on their Westminster journey. Equipped with Apple® laptops to support creativity and collaboration, Westminster students have time to deeply investigate and explore their passions while nurtured and guided by gifted faculty. Our distinctive arts program – music, visual arts, and drama – involves students in all divisions. With 84 teams in 25 sports, Westminster holds 246 state athletic championships. In 2013, MaxPreps named Westminster the #1 high school athletic program in the nation. Studentled service learning opportunities create partnerships with dozens of nonprofit agencies. An array of international travel, exchange, and study abroad programs are available to Upper School students, with additional offerings available through our membership in the Global Online Academy. In 2014-15, the Upper School will initiate a three-week January Term to provide further immersive learning experiences. To learn more about the academics, faculty, and extracurricular activities or to register for a tour, please visit www.westminster.net.

hitefield Academy, a Christ-centered college preparatory school located in the Smyrna/Vinings area of northwest Atlanta, serves more than 680 students in grades PreK4 through 12. Situated on a wooded 80-acre campus, Whitefield offers a sterling academic reputation, numerous AP and honors courses and a rigorous curriculum with 100 percent of its graduates matriculating to college and universities. Graduating classes amass $4-6 million in scholarships and grants every year. Consecutive, annual perfect SAT scores have been recorded for several years across each of the different disciplines. Over 50 sports teams, including 14 varsity teams, provide opportunities for competitive athletics. Whitefield athletes have graduated to NCAA competition in baseball, basketball, football, golf, soccer and track and field. The award-winning fine arts department, which includes band, chorus, drama, orchestra and visual arts, has produced successful performers and artists who have honed their skills at the collegiate and professional levels. Whitefield Academy is accredited with the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Please contact Linda Simpson, admission director, at 678-305-3027 for more information.

Woodward Academy

oodward Academy is metro Atlanta’s long-proven college-preparatory independent school for families who want the certainty of more complete preparation for college and life. Tapping into more than a century of educational wisdom, Woodward transforms each student’s experience into a tangible opportunity for learning and growth. Woodward students develop a deep respect for difference as they collaborate with others who come from 23 metro Atlanta counties, and from a broad array of religious, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Because of the Woodward experience, Academy graduates are notably confident and well-prepared as they enter the complex and evolving world. A typical Woodward Academy graduating class attends more than 100 different colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service projects, and earns more than $12.5 million in scholarship awards. The Woodward North Open House will take place on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Main Campus Open House will take place on Sunday, Feb. 9 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Please call 404.765.4001 for more information or to make a reservation. atlantaparent.com

FOR MORE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES VISIT atlantaparent.com

To be listed in our Open House Directory please contact Amy Smith asmith@atlantaparent.com or 678-222-1918.

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OPEN HOUSE January 2014 Atlanta Parent 75

Our 2013-14 Corps of Cadets consists of over 430 cadets from 22 countries.

At Riverside Military Academy, we change what our cadets think is good enough in terms of effort and achievement. Please call today 800.462.2338.

76 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; January 2014

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No Stress Before the Big Test Tame the Butterflies with These Proven Strategies by Sara Kendall

Worrying about doing well on a test can do a number on your child’s nerves and test performance. Helping your child prepare can alleviate stress, and put his feelings in perspective. Stay On Top of It Encourage your child to maintain good study habits. Provide a quiet, well-lit area with few distractions to help your child stay on task. Make sure your child keeps up with daily homework. Cramming the night before a test adds more stress and that usually leads to less learning. Help your child understand that it is important to learn the information at the pace the teacher has given to the class. If your child does not have a clear understanding of homework assignments before leaving class, make sure he knows to speak with the teacher for a better understanding. By not knowing what the homework is or how to complete it, a child could easily fall behind and receive lower test scores.

your child remember how hard he has studied for the test and tell him to show what he knows. Encourage your child to relax, breathe deeply, and stay focused.

After the Test Review the test with your child after a grade has been given. Go over any mistakes your child made. Make sure your kid understands why they missed what they did. Help identify areas of weakness to make improvements for a better performance next time. Praise your child for work done well.

Problems Persist

Give him the chance to discuss his feelings with you. Explain a certain degree of test anxiety is normal and everyone has some fear before a test. Turn his thinking around. Help

Is your child bringing home low-test scores on a regular basis? Have a parent-teacher conference. Insight from the teacher could prove valuable. A teacher knows a child’s specific area of weakness. Extra work could be given to help reinforce a concept or provide some additional help. If the teacher’s time is limited, consider a tutor to provide personalized attention to bring your child up to speed. Integrating these strategies into your child’s weekly routine will go a long way in preparing your child for success in school. Staying prepared, getting parental support, and being given the opportunity to openly talk and work through concerns, will help a child get fears under control. Anxiety will subside, confidence will return, and test performance will improve. c

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[ Focus on Education ]

A Good Start Now that your child has done all his homework and prepared for the test, the next most important thing is a good night’s sleep. A well-balanced breakfast with protein will help your child stay full. Make sure to arrive to school on time; being late will only increase stress.

Think Positive

Test Taking Tips Here’s a list of important strategies for your child to know and remember when taking a test. Review them with together, and have them handy for easy reference prior to an exam. n Read directions and every

possible answer – the best one could be the last one. n Focus on one question at a

time rather than thinking about the whole test. n Reread questions and

answers when there is any doubt. n Try to get the correct answer

by reasoning and eliminating wrong answers. n If you don’t know an answer

to a question, skip it for the time being and come back to it later. Always answer the question. A question left unanswered is always wrong, but even a guess may be correct. n Don’t worry about how fast

others finish their test, concentrate on your own performance. You’re not being graded on how quickly you complete the test, but by how many answers you get correct.

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 77

A Sampling of Atlanta’s Private Schools Finding a private school can be overwhelming. We’ve gathered all the information you’ll need to start your search and divided schools into four categories: non-sectarian, religious-affiliated, Montessori and special needs school. Tuition prices are approximate.

Lovett School

Non-Sectarian Schools Schools listed below offer classes at least through the third grade. They include the largest in the metro area as well as Atlanta Parent Magazine advertisers.

Atlanta Girls’ School. 3254 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-845-0900. 6th-12th. 224 students. $19,800-$20,500/yr. atlantagirlsschool.org. Atlanta International School. 2890 N. Fulton Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-841-3840. K3-12th. 1,150 students. $19,652-$22,434/yr. aischool.org. Brandon Hall School. 1701 Brandon Hall Dr., Dunwoody. (Fulton). 770-394-8177. 5th-12th. 170 students. $28,750/yr. brandonhall.org. Cambridge Academy. 2780 Flat Shoals Rd., Decatur. (DeKalb). 404-241-1321. 2 1/2yrs.-7th. 225 students. $7,760-$8,860/yr. acambridgeacademy.com.

78 Atlanta Parent January 2014

The Children’s School. 345 Tenth St., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-873-6985. 3yrs.-6th. 400 students. $18,110/yr. thechildrensschool.com. Cliff Valley School. 2426 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 678-302-1302. 2yrs.-8th. 295 students. $4,000-$16,000/yr. cliffvalley.org. Cornerstone Schools. 4888 Browns Bridge Rd., Cumming. (Forsyth). 770-205-8202. PreK-10th. 350 students. $8,000-$11,000/yr. cornerstonesch. com. Eastminster School. 2450 Lennox Rd., Conyers. (Rockdale). 770-785-6780. K-12th. 139 students. $9,108-$12,146/yr. eastminsterschool.org. Eaton Academy. 1000 Old Roswell Lakes Pkwy., Roswell. (Fulton). 770-645-2673. K-12th. 150 students. $14,000-$22,900/yr. eatonacademy.org. Foundations for the Future. 1500 Stanley Rd., Kennesaw. (Cobb). 770-429-4799. 6wks.-6th. 218 students. $7,200-$9,800/yr. foundationscorp.com.

[ Focus on Education ]

Galloway School. 215 W. Wieuca Rd., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-252-8389. K312th. 750 students. $11,000-$22,100/yr. gallowayschool.org. George Walton Academy. 1 Bulldog Dr., Monroe. (Walton). 770-267-7578. K4-12th. 876 students. $3,500-$9,400/yr. gwa.com. The Green School. 2806 N. Martin Street., East Point. (Fulton). 404-768-2111. PreK-4th grade. 32 students. $10,000/yr. littlelinguistspreschool.com The Heritage School. 2093 Hwy. 29 N, Newnan. (Coweta). 770-253-9898. PreK412th. 429 students. $7,485-$14,180/yr. heritagehawks.org. High Meadows School. 1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 770-993-2940. 3 yrs.-8th. 390 students. $5,000-$16,000/yr. highmeadows.org.

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Lakeview Academy. 796 Lakeview Dr., Gainesville. (Hall). 770-532-4383. K312th. 585 students. $6,220-$15,765/yr. lakeviewacademy.com. Lovett School. 4075 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-262-3032. K-12th. 1,650 students. $20,000-$23,670/yr. lovett.org. McGinnis Woods Country Day School. 5380 Faircroft Dr., Alpharetta. (Forsyth). 770-6647764. Infant-8th. 517 students. $9,000-$11,700/ yr. mcginniswoods.org. Midtown International School. 500 Amsterdam Ave. NE., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404542-7003. K-7th. 60 students. $15,500/yr. midtowninternationalschool.com. Omni International. 3940 Cascade Rd., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-8651463. PreK2-4th. 32 students. $7,500-$10,800/yr. omnischoolatl.com Pace Academy. 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-262-1345. Pre112th. 1,080 students. $20,200-$23,250/yr. paceacademy.org. The Paideia School. 509 S. Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-377-3491. 3yrs.-12th. 983 students. $11,676-$20,835/yr. paideiaschool.org. Peachtree Academy Private School. 801 Ellington Rd., 1760 Ebenezer Rd., and 14101 Hwy. 278, Conyers and Covington. (Rockdale). and (Newton). 770-860-8900. PreK-12th. 430 students. $4,900-$6,900/yr. peachtreeacademy.com. Piedmont Academy. 126 Hwy. 212, Monticello. (Jasper). piedmontacademy.com. 706-4688818. K3-12th. 298 students. $4,480-$6,360/yr. perimeterschool.org. Saint Francis Schools. 13440 Cogburn Rd. and 9375 Willeo Rd., Alpharetta and Roswell. (Fulton). 678-339-9989. K-12th. 775 students. $10,900-$18,980/yr. saintfrancisschools.com. Shreiner Academy. 1340 Terrell Mill Rd., Marietta. (Cobb). 770-953-1340. Toddler-8th. 200 students. $11,929-$14,632/yr. shreiner.com. The SAE School. 6688 Mableton Pkwy., Smyrna. (Cobb). 678-239-3200. 2 yrs.-9th. 300 students. $8,000-$9,900/yr. SAEschool.org. Tabula Rasa Language Academy. 5855 Riverside Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-409-0827. Preschool-5th. 150 students. $4,000-$14,000/yr. trlanguages.com.

Pace Academy

Westminster Schools. 1424 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-609-6202. Pre 1st-12th. 1,855 students. $20,165-$23,385/yr. westminster.net.

Bible Baptist Christian School. 2780 Mount Carmel Rd., Hampton. (Henry). 770-9464700. K4-12th. 197 students. $3,304-$6,080/ yr. biblebaptistchristianschool.com.

The Wood Acres School. 1772 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta. (Cobb). 770-971-1880. 2yrs.-8th. 400 students. $3,500-$9,500/yr. woodacresschool.org.

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School. 11320 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 678-2779083. 9th-12th. 970 students. $11,300/yr. btcatholic.org.

Woodward Academy. 1662 Rugby Ave. and 6565 Boles Rd., College Park and Johns Creek. (Fulton). and (Gwinnett). 404-765-4000. PreK-12th. 2,700 students. $13,000-$22,900/yr. woodward.edu.

Bridgeway Christian Academy. 755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770-7511972. K3-8th. 200 students. $3,500-$10,600/ yr. bridgewayca.org.

Religious-Affiliated Schools Schools listed below offer classes at least through the third grade. These listings include the largest religious-affiliated schools in the metro area plus Atlanta Parent Magazine advertisers.

Trinity School. 4301 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-231-8100. 3yrs.-6th. 643 students. $14,475-20,425/yr. trinityatl.org.

Alpharetta Christian. Academy 44 Academy St., Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770-475-5762. 2yrs.5th. 350 students. $180-450/mo -$8,000/yr. alpharettachristianacademy.com.

The Waldorf School of Atlanta. 827 Kirk Rd., Decatur. (DeKalb). 404-377-1315. PreK-8th. 237 students. $6,450-$14,445/yr. waldorfatlanta.org.

Arlington Christian School. 4500 Ridge Rd., Fairburn. (Fulton). 770-964-9871. K-12th. 165 students. $6,950-$8,500/yr. arlingtonchristian. org.

The Walker School. 700 Cobb Pkwy., Marietta. (Cobb). 770-427-2689. 4yrs.12th. 985 students. $10,730-$19,190/yr. thewalkerschool.org.

The Atlanta Academy. 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell. (Fulton). 678-461-6102. PK2-8th. 295 students. $6,400-$12,400/yr. atlantaacademy.com.

Wesleyan School. 5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners. (Gwinnett). 770-448-7640. K-12th. 1,149 students. $15,350-$20,565/yr. wesleyanschool.org.

Berean Christian Junior Academy. 401 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404799-0337. K-8th. 191 students. $4,500-$5,750/ yr. bcjaschool.org.

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Cherokee Christian Academy and Cherokee Christian High School. 3075 Trickum Rd., Woodstock. (Cherokee). 678-494-5464. K-12th. 375 students. $7,100-$11,300/yr. cherokeechristian.org. Christ the King School. 46 Peachtree Way, Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-233-0383. K-8th. 556 students. $8,400-$11,710/yr. christking.org. Collins Hill Christian School. 1612 Collins Hill Rd., Lawrenceville. (Gwinnett). 770-9620642. K4-8th. 221 students. $2,000-4,150/yr. chcscrusaders.org. Colonial Hills Christian School. 7131 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. (Douglas). 770941-6342. K3-12th. 285 students. $6,395$8,020/yr. chrams.org. Community Christian School. 2001 West Jodeco Rd., Stockbridge. (Henry). 678-4320191. Nursery-12th. 900 students. $4,500$8,000/yr. communitychristianschool.net. Cornerstone Christian Academy. 5295 Triangle Parkway, Norcross. (Gwinnett). 770-441-9222. K-8th. 285 students. $8,995$10,185/yr. cornerstonecougars.org. Cont’d on page 80

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 79

A Sampling of Atlanta’s Private Schools Covenant Christian Academy. 6905 Post Rd., Cumming. (Forsyth). 770-674-2990. K4-12th. 235 students. $6,600-$7,200/yr. covenantrams.org. Covenant Christian Academy. 3425 Hwy. 20 SW, Loganville. (Gwinnett). 770-466-7890. K3-12th. 300 students. $6,800-$7,650/yr. covenant-cougars.org. Covenant Christian School. 3130 Atlanta Rd., Smyrna. (Cobb). 770-435-1596. K4-8th. 247 students. $5,000-$8,100/yr. ccssmyrna.org. Creekside Christian Academy. 175 Foster Dr., McDonough. (Henry). 770-961-9300. K3-12th. 680 students. $3,400-$5,400/yr. creeksideacademy.org. Cumberland Christian Academy. 2356 Clay Rd., Austell. (Cobb). 770-819-6443. PreK3-12th. 444 students. $1,790-$7,410/yr. cumberlandchristian.org. The Davis Academy. 8105 Roberts Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 770-671-0085. K-8th. 600 students. $16,500-$19,000/yr. davisacademy.org. Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. 2400 Hwy. 42 North, McDonough. (Henry). 770957-2927. K3-12th. 1,100 students. $2,790$10,344/yr. elcaonline.org. Eastside Christian School. 2450 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. (Cobb). 770-9712332. K-8th. 365 students. $5,680-$8,228/yr. eastsidechristianschool.com.

80 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy

The Epstein School. 335 Colewood Way, NW., Sandy Springs. (Fulton). 404-250-5600. 18mos.-8th. 550 students. $4,995-$19,425/yr. epsteinatlanta.org. Excel Christian Academy. 325 Old Mill Rd., Cartersville. (Bartow). 770-382-9488. K-12th. 225 students. $8,700-$9,400/yr. excelca.org.

[ Focus on Education ]

Faith Lutheran School. 2111 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. (Cobb). 770-973-8921. 18 mos.-8th. 230 students. $4,400-$7,200/yr. faithmarietta.com. Fellowship Christian School. 10965 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 770-993-1650. PreK12th. 787 students. $3,300-$13,250/yr. fellowshipchristianschool.org.

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First Baptist Christian School. 2958 N. Main St., Kennesaw. (Cobb). 770-422-3254. 2yrs.-8th. 185 students. $2,015-$6,300/yr. fbcskennesaw.com. The Friends School of Atlanta. 862 Columbia Dr., Decatur. (DeKalb). 404-373-8746. PreK-8th. 195 students. $15,000-$18,000/yr. friendsschoolatlanta.org.

Experience pisgah

OPEN HOU

January 25, 2014 •S E 11 am

Daily Tours

Gerard Preparatory School. 1288 Braselton Hwy., Lawrenceville. (Gwinnett). 770-2774722. PreK-12th. 250 students. $3,500-$8,000/ yr. gerardprep.com.

Ages Six Weeks through12th Grade

Grace Christian Academy. 355 McDonough Rd., Fayetteville. (Fayette). 770-461-0137. K3-12th. 219 students. $2,324-$6,581/yr. gracechristian.info.

College Prep. Life Ready.

Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy. 401 Hamilton E. Holmes Dr. NW, Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-799-0337. 9th-12th. 150 students. $5,500$6,500/yr. gaaaschool.org.

mount pisgah

9820 Nesbit Ferry Road • Johns Creek, Georgia 30022

(678) 336-3375 • experiencepisgah.org

christian school

Greater Atlanta Christian School. 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross. (Gwinnett). 770-243-2000. K3-12th. 1,775 students. $11,540-$16,960/yr. greateratlantachristian.org. Greenfield Hebrew Academy of Atlanta. 5200 Northland Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-843-9900. Infants-8th. 350 students. $14,302-$18,816/yr. ghacademy.org. Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy Center. 3250 Rainbow Dr., Decatur. (DeKalb). 404-486-6737. K-12th. 288 students. $6,7508,330/yr. greenforestacademy.org. Harvester Christian Academy. 4241 Central Church Rd., Douglasville. (Douglas). 770-9421583. PK4-12th. 307 students. $4,000-$6,800/yr. harvesteracademy.com. Hebron Christian Academy. 570 Dacula Rd., Dacula. (Gwinnett). 770-962-5423. K-12th. 928 students. $6,100-$7,580/yr. hebronlions.org. The Heiskell School. 3260 Northside Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-262-2233. 2 yrs.-8th. 350 students. $4,830-$14,200/yr. heiskell.net. Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. 805 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-255-4026. 3yrs.-12th. 1,332 students. $11,400-$22,300/yr. hies.org.

Fully accredited academy designed for grades 4–12 and post graduate students with high functioning Autism, Aspergers, ADD, ADHD and other learning challenges. • SACS & GAC Accredited • Open Enrollment

• Robotics, Drama, Chess • SB10 Approved

• Social Skills • Athletic Programs

Please call for a private tour. 650 A Mt. Vernon Highway NE, Atlanta 30328

An Exceptional School for Exceptional Students

404-835-9000 • www.cumberlandacademy.org

Holy Redeemer Catholic School. 3380 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek. (Fulton). 770410-4056. K-8th. 509 students. $7,400/yr. hrcatholicschool.org. Holy Spirit Preparatory School. 4465 and 4449 Northside Dr.; 4820 Long Island Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 678-904-2811. PreK212th. 601 students. $5,418-$19,418/yr. holyspiritprep.org. Hopewell Christian Academy. 182 Hunter St., Norcross. (Gwinnett). 770-903-3387. K4-12th. 155 students. $6,500-$8,000/yr. hopewelleagles.org. Horizon Christian Academy. 2160 Freedom Pkwy., Cumming. (Forsyth). 678-947-3583. K-12th. 195 students. $8,150-$8,350/yr. horizonchristian.org. Immaculate Heart of Mary. 2855 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-636-4488. K-8th. 500 students. $6,795-$9,035/yr. ihmschool.org.

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[ Focus on Education ]

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 81

A Sampling of Atlanta’s Private Schools Intown Community School. 2059 Lavista Rd., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-633-8081. K-8th. 240 students. $4,800-$9,200/yr. intownschool.org. Killian Hill Christian School. 151 Arcado Rd., Lilburn. (Gwinnett). 770-921-3224. K-12th. 375 students. $5,700-$9,000/yr. khcs.org. King’s Ridge Christian School. 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770754-5738. PreK-12th. 771 students. $6,500$16,649/yr. kingsridgecs.org. Landmark Christian School. 777 Robinson Rd. and 50 SE Broad St., Peachtree City and Fairburn. (Fayette). and (Fulton). 770-3060647. K4-12th. 862 students. $4,375-$13,975/ yr. landmarkchristianschool.org. Loganville Christian Academy. 2575 Hwy. 81, Loganville. (Walton). 770-554-9888. PreK-12th. 567 students. $3,200-$8,800/yr. lcalions.com.

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School

Marist School. 3790 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 770-457-7201. 7th-12th. 1,081 students. $16,800/yr. marist.com.

Mount Paran Christian School. 1275 Stanley Rd., Kennesaw. (Cobb). 770-578-0182. K312th. 1,190 students. $2,857-$14,881/yr. mtparanschool.com.

Midway Covenant Christian School. 4635 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs. (Cobb). 770590-1866. K4-8th. 303 students. $2,844$5,700/yr. midwayschool.org.

Mount Pisgah Christian School. 9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek. (Fulton). 678-3363443. 6wks.-12th. 1,021 students. $9,045$17,385/yr. experiencepisgah.org.

Mohammed Schools. 735 Fayetteville Rd., SE, Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-378-4219. PreK3-12th. 160 students. $5,500-$17,600/yr. mohammedschools.org.

Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. 471 and 510 Mt. Vernon Hwy., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-252-3448. 6 weeks -12th. 893 students. $7,045-$17,885/yr. mountvernonschool.org.

82 Atlanta Parent January 2014

[ Focus on Education ]

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. 4385 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. (Cobb). mtbethelchristian.org. 770-971-0245. K-12th. 514 students. $9,730-$11,500/yr. mtbethelchristian.org. North Cobb Christian School. 4500 Lakeview Dr., Kennesaw. (Cobb). 770-975-0252. K3-12th. 895 students. $4,185-$12,120/yr. ncchristian.org. Notre Dame Academy. 4635 River Green Pkwy., Duluth. (Gwinnett). 678-387-9385. PreK3-8th. 523 students. $2,320-$11,790/yr. ndacademy.org.

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Old Suwanee Christian School. 4118 Old Suwanee Rd., Buford. (Gwinnett). 770-9455451. K4-12th. 149 students. $5,750-$6,000/ yr. oldsuwanee.net.

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School. 240 Arnold St., Hapeville. (Fulton). 404-7674312. PreK-8th. 321 students. $6,963-$8,250/ yr. sjecs.org.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School. Hwy. 279, Fayetteville. (Fayette). 770-4612202. 9th-12th. 411 students. $11,700/yr. mercycatholic.org.

St. Joseph Catholic School. 81 Lacy St., Marietta. (Cobb). 770-428-3328. K-8th. 490 students. $5,966-$7,756/yr. stjosephschool.org.

Our Lady of the Assumption School. 1320 Hearst Dr., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-364-1902. PreK4-8th. 530 students. $7,900-$9,400/yr. olaschool.org. Our Lady of Victory Catholic School. 211 Kirkley Rd., Tyrone. (Fayette). 770306-9026. K-8th. 225 students. $8,097/yr. olvcatholicsch.org. Peoples Baptist Academy. 850 Mill Rd., McDonough. (Henry). 770-914-7388. K3-12th. 225 students. $4,500-$5,500/yr. peoplesbaptistacademy.org. Perimeter Christian School. 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Duluth. (Fulton). 678-4052300. K-8th. 550 students. $4,500-$7,800/yr. perimeterschool.org Pinecrest Academy. 955 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming. (Forsyth). 770-888-4477. PreK312th. 800 students. $6,775-$14,200/yr. pinecrestacademy.org. The Piedmont School of Atlanta. 1330 North Druid Hills Rd. NE, Brookhaven (DeKalb). 404-382-8200. K-6th. 25 students. $20,000-$27,500/yr. thepiedmontschoolofatlanta.org. Providence Christian Academy. 4575 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lilburn. (Gwinnett). 770-279-7200. K-12th. 625 students. $9,400$14,000/yr. providencechristianacademy.org. Queen of Angels Catholic School. 11340 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 770-518-1804. K-8th. 504 students. $7,250/ yr. qaschool.org. Shiloh Hills Christian School. 260 Hawkins Store Rd., Kennesaw. (Cobb). 770926-7729. K3-12th. 253 students. $3,135$7,945/yr. shilohhills.com. Sophia Academy. 2880 Dresden Dr., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-303-8722. PreK12th. 88 students. $4,750-$21,000/yr. sophiaacademy.org. Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. 3911 Campbellton Rd., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-346-2080. Preschool-12th. 160 students. $5,850-$10,000/yr. sacanet.com. St. Benedict’s Episcopal Day School. 2160 Cooper Lake Rd., Smyrna. (Cobb). 678279-4300. 3 yrs.-7th. 360 students. $3,075$9,100/yr. stbenedictsdayschool.org. St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School. 1618 Ben King Rd., Kennesaw. (Cobb). 770419-8601. K-8th. 435 students. $6,970/yr. scsiena.org. St. John Neumann. Regional Catholic School 791 Tom Smith Rd., Lilburn. (Gwinnett). 770-381-0557. K-8th. 394 students. $7,020$9,160/yr. sjnrcs.org.

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St. Jude the Apostle Catholic School. 7171 Glenridge Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 770394-2880. K-8th. 512 students. $7,480/yr. saintjude.net. St. Martin’s Episcopal School. 3110-A Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-237-4260. 3 yrs.-8th. 650 students. $10,000-$16,500/yr. stmartinschool.org. St. Paul Lutheran School. 700 Ardenlee Pkwy., Peachtree City. (Fayette). 770-4863545. 12 mos.-8th. 162 students. $1,200$7,300/yr. stpaulptc.org. St. Pius X Catholic High School. 2674 Johnson Rd., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-6363023. 9th-12th. 1,120 students. $11,770/yr. spx.org.

www.SugarHillChristian.com

St. Thomas More Catholic School. 630 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. (DeKalb). 404373-8456. K-8th. 488 students. $6,950-$9,550/ yr. stmga.org. Strong Rock Christian School. 4200 Strong Rock Pkwy., Locust Grove. (Henry). 678833-1200. PreK-12th. 765 students. $5,325$10,675/yr. strongrockchristianschool.com. Seigakuin Atlanta International School. 5505 Winters Chapel Rd., Atlanta. (Gwinnett). 770-730-0045. PreK-6th. )100 students. $7,100-$9,400/yr. seig.ac.jp/english/atlanta. Sugar Hill Christian Academy. 4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill. (Gwinnett). 678745-4121. K-8th. 280 students. $7,268-$7,571/ yr. sugarhillchristian.com. Torah Day School of Atlanta. 1985 Lavista Rd., Atlanta. (DeKalb). 404-982-0800. K-8th. 350 students. $11,950-$13,250/yr. torahday.org. The Weber School. 6751 Roswell Rd., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-917-2500. 9th-12th. 228 students. $24,000/yr. weberschool.org. Whitefield Academy. 1 Whitefield Dr., SE., Mableton. (Cobb). 678-305-3000. PreK412th. 687 students. $9,920-$19,800/yr. whitefieldacademy.com.

MontessoriSchools Schools Montessori Montessori schools use the teaching technique developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. Schools listed below have elementary classes through at least the third grade.

Arbor Montessori School. 2998 Lavista Rd., Decatur. (DeKalb). 404-321-9304. 18 mos.-14yrs. 279 students. $8,450-$16,735/yr. arbormontessori.org. Atlanta Montessori International School. 1970 Cliff Valley Way and 1240 Euclid Ave., Atlanta. (DeKalb). and (Fulton). 404-3256777. 8wks.-9th. 227 students. $10,320$17,990/yr. amischool.com.

Cont’d on page 84

[ Focus on Education ]

Helping your child grow in character and faith while being successful in the modern world. Ranked in the top 2% for ITBS nationwide PK4-8th Grade • ACSI & SACS Accredited Low Student / Teacher Ratio Affordable Tuition Sugar Hill Preschool program offers mother’s morning out, preschool and kindergarten preparatory classes.

678-745-4121

4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill, GA 30518

Fulton Leadership Academy “Where Young Men Soar To Greater Heights”

A Tuition-Free Public Charter School • Career focus academy in Aeronautics/Aviation • Technology/Engineering • Extracurricular/Sports Programs • Positive Male Role Models • Family and Community Involvement • Grades 6-10

Open Enrollment Begins Jan. 1, 2014! Georgia’s First Charter School for Males

Phone: (404) 472-3529

1706 Washington Rd., East Point 30344

Website: www.fultonleadershipacademy.net

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 83

A Sampling of Atlanta’s Private Schools Casa Montessori. 150 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta. (Cobb). 770-973-2731. Primary6th. 152 students. $8,200-$10,400/yr. casamontessori.com. Covered Bridge Montessori School. 488 Hurt Rd. and 3941 Covered Bridge Pl. Smyrna. (Cobb). 770-801-8292. 3 yrs-3rd. 100 students. $6,200-$10,500/yr. coveredbridgemontessori.com. Crabapple Montessori School. 12387 Crabapple Rd., Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770-5695200. 18mos-12yrs. 160 students. $4,080$12,000/yr. crabapplemontessori.com. Country Brook Montessori School. 2175 N. Norcross-Tucker Rd., Norcross. (Gwinnett). 770-446-2397. 2yrs-3rd. 100 students. $6,800$8,750/yr. countrybrookmontessori.com. Discovery Montessori. 1453 East Cleveland Ave., East Point. (Fulton). 404-767-5005. 2 mos.-9yrs. 98 students. $7,080-12,000/yr. discoverymontessoriacademy.com. The Duluth Montessori School. 1768 Old Peachtree Rd., and 2997 Main St., Duluth. (Gwinnett). 770-476-9307. 14 mos.-15yrs. 140 students. $7,600-$10,040/yr. duluthmontessori.com. Montessori Academy of Sharon Springs. 2830 Old Atlanta Rd., Cumming. (Forsyth). 770-2056277. 3yrs-15yrs. 270 students. $715-$1,160/ mo. montessoriacademygeorgia.com. Montessori School at Emory. 3021 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur. (DeKalb). 404-634-5777. 15mos-12yrs. 150 students. $785-$1,285/mo. montessorischoolsofgeorgia.com. Montessori School of Cumming. 4601 Post Rd., Cumming. (Forsyth). 770-205-6773. 15mos-12yrs. 57 students. $4,450-$10,700/yr. montessorischoolsofgeorgia.com. http://slpai.com

The Adaptive Learning Center Building Communities Through The Inclusion of Children With Special Needs & Their Families

Arbor Montessori School

Oak Meadow Montessori School. 2145 Collins Hill Rd., Lawrenceville. (Gwinnett). 770-963-8303. 15mos.-5th. 115 students. $6,000-$9,000/yr. oakmeadowmontessori.com. Old Peachtree Montessori. 33 Hills Shop Rd., Hwy. 324, Auburn. (Gwinnett/Bartow). 770-963-3052. 3 mos.-8th. 100 students. $5,400-$8,500/yr. opmontessori.com. Riverstone Montessori. 455 Casteel Rd., Marietta. (Cobb). 770-422-9194. 2.5yrs.8th. 118 students. $7,976-$13,969/yr. riverstonemontessori.com. Springmont. 5750 Long Island Dr., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-252-3910. 18 mos.-14yrs. 270 students. $8,110-$18,530/yr. springmont.com. Village Montessori. 1610 Woodstock Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 770-552-0834. 18mos.12yrs. 135 students. $4,750-$11,150/yr. vmschool.com.

SpecialNeeds NeedsSchools Schools Special

Nesbit Ferry Montessori. 9330 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770-552-8454. 18 mos.-4th. 155 students. $7,100-$11,950/yr. montessori.com.

Alexsander Academy. 1090 Powers Place, Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770-777-0475. 2nd-12th. 15 students. $5,000-$18,000/yr. alexsanderacademy.org.

Northwoods Montessori. 3340 Chestnut Dr., Doraville. (DeKalb). 770-457-7261. 2.5yrs.12yrs. 150 students. $7,055-$13,360/yr. northwoodsmontessori.org.

Atlanta Speech School. 3160 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-233-5332. 2yrs.-6th. 400 students. $7,250-$31,250/yr. atlantaspeechschool.org.

Inclusive Preschool

ALC offers an inclusive preschool program in partnership with Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool, The Preschool at Peachtree Road, United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian of Atlanta Preschool, and the 2 preschools of the Marcus Jewish Community Centers of Atlanta (MJCCA).

Atlanta • Buckhead • Dunwoody • Marietta

www.adaptivelearningcenter.org

770.509.3909

84 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Village Montessori

[ Focus on Education ]

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Bedford School. 5665 Milam Rd., Fairburn. (Fulton). 770-774-8001. 1st-9th. 151 students. $16,950/yr. thebedfordschool.org.

Lighthouse Program. 116 Peachtree Ct., Fayetteville. (Fayette). 770-632-7100. 5th-12th 58 students. $11,200/yr. thelighthouseprogram.com

Brookwood Christian School. 4728 Wood St., Acworth. (Cobb). 678-401-5855. 4th-12th. 52 students. $13,000/yr. brookwoodchristian.com.

The Lionheart School. 225 Roswell St., Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770-772-4555. 6-21yrs. 40 students. $25,500/yr. thelionheartschool.com.

Center Academy. 3499 South Cobb Dr., Smyrna. (Cobb). 770-333-1616. 5th-12th. 52 students. $15,995/yr. centeracademy.com.

MDE School. 1517 Johnson Ferry Rd., Ste. 100, Marietta. (Cobb). 770-971-4633. K-12th. 28 students. $17,000-$20,000/yr. mdeschool.com.

The Cottage School. 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 770-641-8688. 6th-12th. 169 students. $23,450-$24,450/yr. cottageschool.org.

Mill Springs Academy. 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770360-1336. 1st-12th. 350 students. $21,084/yr. millsprings.org.

Cumberland Academy of Georgia. 650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-8359000. 4th-12th, post grad. program. 90 students. $21,500-$21,500/yr. cumberlandacademy.org. Hayden’s Way. 1005 Alderman Drive, Ste. 203, Alpharetta. (Fulton). 770-351-6304. K-12th. 30 students. $11,000-$21,000/yr. haydensway.com.

Porter Academy. 200 Cox Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 770-594-1313. PreK-8th. 72 students. $18,101-$19,000/yr. porteracademy.org. The Lionheart School

Heart of Hope Academy at the Elaine Clark Center. 5130 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Chamblee. (DeKalb). 770-458-3251. 6-22 yrs. 67 students. $18,000/yr. elaineclarkcenter.org.

Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center. 407 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 770-998-1017. PreK-12th. 85 students. $10,000-$40,000/yr. jacobsladdercenter.com.

The Howard School. 1192 Foster St., Atlanta. (Fulton). 404-377-7436. 5yrs.12th. 252 students. $27,040-$27,820/yr. howardschool.org.

Joseph Sams School. 280 Brandywine Blvd., Fayetteville. (Fayette). 770-461-5894. Birth-22yrs. 72 students. $8,600-$20,600/yr. josephsamsschool.org.

The Schenck School. 282 Mt. Paran Rd., Atlanta. (Fulton). . 404-252-2591. K-6th. 2 50 students. $27,950/yr. schenck.org Stepping Stones Educational Center. 141 Futral Rd., Griffin. (Spalding). 770-229-5511. 6wks.-16yrs. 70 students. $5,550-$9,000/yr. steppingstonesschool.org. The Swift School. 300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell. (Fulton). 678-205-4988. 1st-8th. 260 students. $22,350-$22,750/yr. theswiftschool.org. c

Combining Academics • Friendships • Life Skills

ONT

Grades K-6 • Rolling Admission S

HO OL

THE P I

We offer a curriculum more individualized in response to student needs and interests, more flexible in format, and more varied in modes of teaching than that encountered in traditional schools. The curriculum cultivates learning, language skills, and social emotional development .

ATLANT

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The Piedmont School of Atlanta (404) 382-8200 www.ThePiedmontSchoolOfAtlanta.org [ Focus on Education ]

OPEN HOUSE: Thursday, January 16 • 10-11:30 am Tuesday, February 11 • 9-10:30 am Thursday, March 13 • 11 am-12:30 pm January 2014 Atlanta Parent 85

86 Atlanta Parentâ&#x20AC;&#x192; â&#x20AC;&#x192; January 2014

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Family Fun Guide * Eating Out

Review

Tr y It

Free Fun

Not-to-miss events for January

Calendar

How s Thingk Wor Tours94 Page

Stan the Lovesick Snowman: Love Warms Even the Coldest Heart Center for Puppetry Arts Jan. 2-Feb 2. Tues.-Fri., 10 and 11:30 a.m.; Sat., 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; Sun., 1 and 3 p.m. A puppet show about an unlikely and unrequited love. Stan the snowman falls in love with a wood burning stove. Although the romance is unanswered, love does prevail in this sweet story. Two puppeteers portray 13 characters. 1404 Spring St. NW, Atlanta. 404-873-3089. $16.50, younger than 2, free. puppet.org. Center for Puppertry Arts

Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Camp EXPO

Trains, Trains, Trains

North Point Mall Jan. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

A family day focusing on all aspects of trains includes multiple operating train layouts, trainthemed story times, railroad music, crafts, and tips to build a model train set at home. 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. Adults, $7-50; ages 4-12, $5.50; ages 3 and younger, free. southernmuseum.org.

It’s never too early to think about summer camp! Visit Atlanta Parent’s first Camp Expo of 2014 at North Point Mall to browse camp booths, chat with former campers, and meet with camp representatives from more than 50 day and overnight camps throughout the Southeast. Star 94 provides giveaways and music. 1000 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 770-454-7599. Free. atlantaparent.com.

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Family Fun Guide

Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History / Jan. 25. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 87

Family Fun Guide OK Café

1284 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta 404-233-2888; okcafe.com Sun. -Thurs., 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Money doesn’t grow on trees, but try telling that to kids after they visit the OK Café and sit under the “money tree” (a mammoth man-made tree decorated with fake money, planted in the middle of the main dining room.) The arty décor and big booths are attractions for young diners, and there are more than enough choices to make any picky eater happy at this casual restaurant institution. When we’re in the Buckhead area, this is my kids’ first choice for any meal of the day. n What’s on the menu: Breakfast can be ordered till 11 a.m. on weekdays and until 2 p.m. on weekends, and includes three-egg omelets ($8-$9), French toast, and griddle cake platters ($7-$9.) The lunch and dinner menus include Blue Plate specials like chicken pot pie (with a big OK stamped on the pastry crust!) and country fried steak come with a choice of two veggies and cornbread ($11.50-$16.) Sandwiches, burgers with tons of topping options, and salads range from $5-$13. Homemade dessert selections average $5 apiece.

EATING OUT

n Why parents like it: There are always families here, and the kids are welcomed warmly. A big electronic sign outside the front door shows how long you’ll wait if there’s a line to be seated – a huge plus for impatient diners! The menu is so expansive, you can cover everybody’s cravings in one spot. If the crew is too squirmy to sit, visit the takeaway side of the restaurant to get your food to go. For veggie lovers, this is one of best places to get a four-veggie plate ($10) with 18 choices of vegetables and starches ranging from black eyed peas to squash soufflé. A small selection of beer and wine is available. n Why kids like it: The diner-uniformed wait staff is ultra-friendly, and the check is dropped off with enough Tootsie Rolls for the table. While there isn’t a separate kids’ menu, triple cheese macaroni ($2.79, side dish size), PB&J ($4), and crispy chicken nuggets ($8) are top child-friendly choices. Thick and malted milkshake versions ($5.50-$6) are the real deal, served “and a half”,

Attention all campers and their parents!

Atlanta Parent Presents Camp Expo 2014

t’s never too early to get wheels in motion for summer camp because spaces can fill up quickly. Don’t miss three upcoming dates for Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo 2014, where you can gather information about a wide variety of camps in order to start planning a great summer for your camper. Meet camp directors and former campers, watch camp videos and load up on brochures from programs suited for any interest. Let Atlanta Parent be your guide to a fun-filled summer. Grab the latest issue of our Big Book of Camps. Don’t miss our Atlanta Parent Overnight Camp issue (Feb.) and the Atlanta Parent Day Camp issue (April).

meaning the tall milkshake glass is accompanied by the rest of the shake in the stainless steel mixing cup. Other popular drinks with kids are real Cherry Cokes, fresh lemonade, Pink Ladies (lemonade plus Cherry syrup: a Southern-style Shirley Temple) and Coke or root beer floats. – Dalia Faupel

MARK YOUR CALENDAR The Circus Comes to Town! n Big Apple Circus. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Feb. 1-17. 2200 Encore Pkwy., Alpharetta. 800-745-3000. $25-$80. n Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The Arena at Gwinnett Center and Philips Arena. Feb. 9-15. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth; Feb. 12-17. 1 Philips Dr., Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $14-$150. n Universoul Circus. Turner Field. Feb. 12-Mar. 2. 755 Hank Aaron Dr., Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $20-$35.

Dinosaur Train Live

Camp Expo Dates: n North Point Mall: Jan. 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. n Town Center Mall: Feb. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. n Perimeter Mall: March 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

88 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Family Fun Guide

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train Live! based on the PBS KIDS show comes to Atlanta next month. The interactive puppet show features music, costumed characters, multimedia backgrounds and a full-sized Dinosaur Train. The performance is 75 minutes with a brief intermission. Feb. 22. 1 and 4 p.m. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 800-745-3000. $18-$28.

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Kids Run the City at INK

wo hours flew by as my 3-year-old son Sidney and his friend Westin explored INK Museum’s neighborhoodthemed exhibits. Hands-on experiences are everywhere, including a grocery store with kid-sized shopping carts, a fire truck, police car and police motorcycle to ride in and on, a dentist office with dental chair and play instruments, a stage with dress-up clothing, and a post office with play packages and stamps. The museum gives kids access to smallscale versions of the places they would find in their “neighborhood,” like a real city. A bank, a classroom, a beauty salon, a library, a diner, and more everyday spots make up the exhibit areas. Sidney enjoyed the train table most of all because of the cause-and-effect fun he could have. Sidney would press a button and the train would whirl. He would press another button and the crane would move around. Each button gave him control over a different item on the train table, and he loved creating action! Westin enjoyed visiting Buttercup,

If You Go Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) Museum 999 Chestnut St., Gainesville 770-536-1900; inkfun.org n Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun., 1-5 p.m. n Cost: Mon.-Sat., $8; Sun., $6

the model cow at the barn, and having a ride while saying, “Easy, girl!” Westin’s mom and I were both happy to be able to watch them from a distance because they could engage with the exhibits easily and independently, and they just moved on from one activity to the next when they wanted a change. Older kids would enjoy the exhibits in role playing mode, pretending to be bank tellers, grocery store clerks or doctors. On our way out, we visited the gift shop, which was stocked with toys and costumes for at-home play. Snacks are also

available for purchase. In a separate area, for a separate price, kids can paint their own pottery projects as a standalone activity, or as part of a birthday party. The boys didn’t want to leave, and they were so busy playing that they never even stopped to ask for a snack (very unusual!) We plan to visit again. – Ayanna Cato-Hawkins

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 89

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y teenagers and I decided we could use some help relaxing from school and life, so we headed to the Drepung Loseling Tibetan Buddhist Center for a beginner’s guided meditation class that is free and open to newcomers the first Sunday of each month. The center, dedicated to the study and preservation of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of wisdom and compassion, is warm and welcoming. While waiting for class to begin, we checked out an enormous collection of Tibetan dolls in traditional costume, and the shrine room – a unique feast for the eyes – that included a mandala in honor of the Dalai Lama, who was in town. Participants can settle on comfy mats or just pick a regular chair. The room was full of community spirit, so newbies feel at home. Most attendees at the class were adults, but some younger children attended – some with mandala coloring books to keep them occupied. Before meditation, the teacher offered some thoughts on how hard it is to stay centered in the here and now (right?!). He used the metaphor of a pond that stays murky if you keep stirring it up: once the waters are calm they can accurately reflect your surroundings, giving you a clear perspective. The basics of meditation could easily be done at home; back straight but not rigid, shoulders relaxed, eyes cast down or closed,

Family Fun Guide

If You Go Drepung Loseling Monastery 1781 Dresden Drive, Atlanta 404-982-0051; drepung.org n Basics of Meditation: First Sunday of each month, 11 a.m. n Cost: Free

hands resting in a cupped position or on the thighs. The teacher urged us to concentrate on the breath moving through our nostrils and into our belly to quiet our minds and bodies. My son had trouble following all the instructions, but my daughter and I both felt we caught a glimpse of why people swear by meditation. After 30 minutes of this guided process, the teacher closed the session by encouraging people to ask questions or comment. Several shared that it was nice to be surrounded by people all working toward the same goal of finding peace. We left relaxed (not really my natural state – so that was a bonus!) and felt we had been part of a unique experience, and community. – Melanie Rohrbach

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Adapted and Directed by Jon Ludwig

The Wild Wild West

quipped with the audio tour and a love of all things Western, my little cowboyin-training and I moseyed over to the Go West! exhibit for our art and artifact journey covering 100 years of American art (1830 to 1930.) Right from the start, the stampeding buffalo along the walls, paired with audio narrated by two engaging and humorous characters, transported us to the days of expansion. The audio is a must! The characters catch the attention of young frontiersmen by asking them to find certain artwork elements throughout the exhibit, such as the Indian with the red bowllike hat somewhere in a collage of 20 or more paintings. My son was on the job, shouting “He’s there – he’s there!” when he found the right image. The audio guides you along the path of Westward movement and challenges listeners

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If You Go Go West! at the High Museum 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 404-733-4400; high.org n Hours: Through April 13. Tues-Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun., noon -5 p.m. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. n Cost: Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

to notice the brave settlers, the colorful Indians, the wild animals, the amazing landscape, and the struggles and sweeter parts of exploration. We imagined ourselves in a packed covered wagon, traveling in search of land. For kids, this exhibit feels like an afternoon of roleplaying, but has a history lesson at every turn. Highlights include the very large buffalo head display (my son’s favorite) as well as native Indian clothing like beaded deer-hide moccasins, life-like sculptures and sporting rifles. Much of the collection is on loan from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, so we learned a lot about W.F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. For example, did you know he created a circuslike touring show to give the rest of the country (and the world) a peek at how wild the west really was? He put Indians and bison on parade and made outdoor entertainment very popular in the 1800s. We got to see guns used by both Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley, who was a star of the show as a sharp shooter. The exhibit is a great way to learn about our nation’s colorful history in what feels like a firsthand experience, with lots of exciting elements. After finishing our tour, I asked my son if he would have wanted to brave the frontier. His answer: “Yeee Haw, Mommy!!!” – Valerie Shepherd

Family Fun Guide

Stan the Snowman is stuck out in the cold, but with a “crack-crackle” in his heart, he can’t help but fall in love with the wonderfully warm stove inside. Based on a Hans Christian Andersen tale!

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January 2014 Atlanta Parent 91

Winter Fun: Snow Mountain Tubing

utfitted in gloves, coats and boots, my family was eager to tackle the cold white stuff blanketing Stone Mountain Park’s Memorial Lawn. We started our adventure at Tube Runners, Snow Mountain’s signature tubing hill. Having an early tubing time (10 a.m.) worked to our advantage, as there were no lines. The crowd grew throughout the day. The entire family can go tubing individually or together at Tube Runners (smaller children must meet the height requirement of 42 inches to make a solo trip downhill). A moving sidewalk gets you to the If You Go top of the hill where attendants Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park help get you started on your 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain breathtaking ride. My children 770-498-5690; stonemountainpark.com were mesmerized by their first n Cost: $28 includes two-hour tubing tubing experience, shouting session and all-day access to snow with excitement each time they areas; younger than 3, free. Parking, $10. went flying down the hill, and Advance reservations required; special immediately jumping up to head offers available online. back to the top. n Hours: Through Feb. 17 on select Younger children will want dates; check calendar. to try Avalanche Alley, the 400foot tubing hill. The height requirement here is 36 inches, and up to five people can fit into one tube and enjoy a family tube ride. My 4-year-old daughter and her 8-year-old brothers had a blast at Snow Zone, an open play area perfect for all ages to get active together. Although the man-made snow doesn’t have a powdery consistency like real snow, it is a good substitute and shapes well. My daughter built a snowman, made snow angels and threw snowballs with her brothers at the Snowball Shootin’ Gallery. In the Little Angels section, toddlers can ride down a gentle slope in SnoBoggans. A tubing carousel and the Snow-Go-Round are features added this year to give the young ones more snow fun. We wrapped up our day by warming up with some s’mores we made ourselves at Snow Fire Point. Insider Tips: Wear water-repellent boots or shoes and pack dry clothes for the ride home. You can’t believe how wet your clothes and socks can get from snow play! Bring your camera – Avalanche Alley attendants can snap your family’s photo before you head down the hill. – Marteeta Cannon Spradling

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& Outdoor Ice Skating Skate Atlantic Station

tlantic Station’s outdoor ice rink – set among the shops and restaurants – glows with colorful lights. On a weeknight evening, my kids (ages 7 and 11) couldn’t wait to get on the ice and check out the “loop” rink. Skates are buckle closure, so we could get them on and off quickly. Lockers and benches are adjacent to the rental tent (bring quarters to stash your stuff.) The rink is a track-style design, like an oval doughnut, with walls on both the inner and outer rings. It’s easy for inexperienced skaters -like us! – to hold on to either side for support. We had never skated at an outdoor rink before, and during breaks, my kids kept gazing up at the skyline, and commenting on how cool it was to have the view of the buildings from the ice. Rink attendants told us that the least crowded times to visit are weekdays and Sundays, as early in the session as possible. As expected, Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days. Weather can impact the rink’s opening, so it’s a good idea to check the forecast before heading out.

If You Go Skate Atlantic Station 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta 678-600-5307; atlanticstation.com n Cost: Adults, $13 including skate rental; ages 4 and younger, $10. Season Pass, $99. n Hours: Through Feb. 14; Mon.-Thurs., 4-7 p.m. and 8-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 3-7:30 p.m. and 8-11 p.m.; Sun., 3-6:30 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

Southwest Rink at Park Tavern

P Because you get a wristband that’s good for the entire day’s session, it’s no problem to get off and grab a bite or go the bathroom and then return. We paused for treats at the nearby rink outpost that sells hot chocolate, egg nog, and cold drinks and snacks. Then we got back on the ice and went around several more times before reluctantly calling it a night. – Dalia Faupel

For more places to skate, see page 99 Southwest Rink at Park Tavern (Piedmont Park) 500 10th Street NE, Atlanta. 404-2490001; parktavern.com/about/swarink/ n Cost: $15-$20/All day skate n Hours: Through Feb. 17; Mon.Fri., 4:30 p.m.-midnight. Sat.-Sun.11 a.m.-midnight. (Adult skate nightly 8:30 p.m.-midnight.)

ark Tavern’s festive skating rink is entirely tented, heated, filled with music and decorated with bowls of fire around the perimeter. Before visiting, make sure to reserve tickets online. The site notes ‘fully committed dates’ when the rink is not open to the public, and an optional fast pass can get your group to the front of the line if there’s a wait. The skating area is about half the size of an Olympic rink, but still gives plenty of space to accommodate both experienced and nonexperienced skaters. When we visited, there were no more than 50 people on the ice, but it can hold up to 200. My 5-year-old son didn’t feel intimidated by the teenage or adult skaters and stayed close to the wall while warming up. After five times around, he was ready to fully skate the ice with our older kids! A snack break is a good idea for tired skaters. As my son said, “This is hard work, Mommy!” A full Park Tavern menu with waiter service is available at both ends of the rink, and hot chocolate (we had some for $8 apiece) and s’mores are served as well. Adults can order beer or wine. All of us enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere and warmth of this rink. A skating outing will now be one of our family must-dos during the winter! – Kim Curnutt

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Family Fun Guide

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 93

FREE FUN How Things Work Tours When the kids ask “how does that work?” or “how do they do that?” consider arranging a free tour of a local business or organization to get answers firsthand! Here are eight to start with:

Fire Station n Ages: n Tour

All time: 30-45 minutes

Fire safety is the main theme of a tour to a local fire station, where visitors can see where firemen work and live while on duty, including the kitchen, living areas, dispatch office, and fire trucks. Call your nearest station to schedule a tentative time to visit. Remember, firefighters may be called for an emergency at any time, so prepare the kids to be flexible. usfiredept.com/georgia.html.

Chick-fil-A n Ages:

All

n Tour

time: 30 minutes

Most CFAs offer behind-the-scenes kitchen tours of their restaurants. Small groups can visit to see the preparation stations, including the hundreds of lemons used to make homemade lemonade, learn about CFA history, and see how customer orders get taken and filled each day. Contact the manager at your local Chick-fil-A to schedule a tour. chick-fil-a.com/Locations/Locator.

Whole Foods n Ages: n Tour

All time: One hour

Tours are offered to small groups at mid-morning or mid-afternoon times, Tuesdays through Fridays. They include an introduction to organics, local farms, quality standards, healthy eating, food samples and goody bags to take home! To schedule, contact the marketing leader at your nearest store at least two weeks before you’d like to visit. Wholefoodsmarket.com.

94 Atlanta Parent January 2014

U.S. Post Office n Ages: n Tour

All time: 30 minutes

The Postal Service welcomes organized groups for a close-up look at how their local post office works. Tours offer a glimpse of the duties of retail clerks as they interact with customers and letter carriers as they sort mail and prepare to deliver cards, letters and packages. Most locations welcome tours; contact your local postmaster or station manager to arrange a weekday morning visit. usps.com/locator.

Family Fun Guide

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Water Treatment and Waste Water Treatment Plants n Ages: n Tour

8 and older time: About one hour

Plant tours cover how people around the metro area get clean water, what happens to the water when it leaves our toilets and tubs, and water conservation practices. Two to try: Clean Water Atlanta, multiple Atlanta plants. 404-546-3216; The Cecil B. Wood Water Treatment Plant, Roswell. 770-641-3816.

Georgia Dept. of Transportation Lab n Ages:

10 and older

n Tour

time: 2 hours

Tours, available for small groups, include a brief orientation to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Office of Materials and Research followed by visits to testing units in the central lab building. Guests observe real physical and chemical tests on real materials (like asphalt and concrete) that are part of the construction and maintenance of Atlanta’s roads. Schedule tours ahead of time by phone; visits are arranged during working hours. 15 Kennedy Dr., Forest Park. 404-608-4817; dot.ga.gov/doingbusiness/materials/ Pages/tours.aspx.

California Pizza Kitchen n Ages: n Tour

5 and older time: 30 minute tour; one hour with pizza-making

Free behind-the-kitchen tours are offered at most CPK locations for non-profit groups and schools, giving kids the chance to visit the drink stations, walk in the freezer, see how to wash dishes, and even make their own pizza. Each kid also receives an activity book, CPKids pencil, and a certificate for a free CPK Meal on a future visit. To submit your tour request visit the CPK website or call the manager of your local store. cpk.com/company/cpkids.

North Fulton Community Charities n Ages:

5 and older n Tour time: 30 minutes Schedule a tour with NFCC for a group, large or small, and visit the food pantry, sorting area and thrift shop of this organization that assists needy local families. Check the website to see which non-perishable items are most in need when you plan to visit, but tours are provided with or without a donation. 11270 Elkins Road, Roswell. 678-3874459; nfcchelp.org.

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Family Fun Guide

Do you plan to go behind the scenes at a neighborhood business? Post your experiences on facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine for possible inclusion in our next round-up of neighborhood tours. – Dalia Faupel and Jennifer Haslam January 2014 Atlanta Parent 95

Calendar

January S M T W TH F S

Visit our Calendar at atlantaparent.com for calendar updates and ongoing events and attractions in Atlanta.

Events may be canceled or changed after our deadline.

Submit your Family-Friendly Calendar Event at least 8 weeks prior to the event by visiting atlantaparent.com/event/submit.

Please call the event beforehand to confirm dates and times.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

THREE KINGS DAY Atlanta History Center JAN. 5. 1-5 P.M.

classes Toddler Thursdays. High Museum of Art. Create masterpieces to compliment the museum’s current exhibits. Ages 2-4. Thurs. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7335000. Free with museum admission. Adults, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

The Three Kings Day Festival is a holiday celebration featuring storytelling, music, live performances, traditional Mexican food and other familyfriendly activities. This year’s program is in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate and the Instituto de Mexico. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; Ages 13-18, $13; Ages 4-12, $11; 3 and younger, free. atlantahistorycenter.com.

Teen Open Studio. High Museum of Art. Jan. project create clay sculptures. Jan. 2. 4-7 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-7335000. Ages 14-18, free with high school identification. Kid’s Yoga. Cross Life Christian Montessori School. Parent and me yoga class open to the public. Jan. 3. 9:30 a.m. 1000 Hembree Rd., Roswell. Pre-register. 770-475-3812. Ages 2-6 with parent, free. Yoga for Kids. Johns Creek Yoga. Preschool and children’s yoga classes weekly on Sat. Ages 3-6, 9:30-10:30 a.m.; ages 7-9, 11 a.m.-noon. 11705 Jones Bridge Rd., Johns Creek. 678951-8841. $12. Saturday Morning Art Classes. Vinings School of Art. Take a drawing, painting or pottery class. Supplies included. Ages 2½-13. Sat. 10 and 11 a.m. 1675 Cumberland Pkwy., Smyrna. 678-213-4278. Pre-register. $15, siblings $12. Crafts at Lakeshore Learning. Lakeshore Learning. Make a different craft each week. Sat. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 4287 Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-578-3100. Free. Basket Weaving. McDaniel Farm. Hear about the early native Americans while learning how to weave a traditional basket. Jan. 4, 11, 18, and 25. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 3251 McDaniel Rd., Duluth. 770-904-3500. Pre-register. Ages 10 and older, $13. Girl of the Year Craft. American Girl. Make crafts inspired by the stories of the newest contemporary girl doll. Jan. 4. 9-11 a.m.; Jan. 5. Noon-2 p.m.; Jan. 9, 16, 23, and 30. 4-6 p.m. 1202 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 877247-5223. Ages 8 and older, free. Home Depot Kid’s Workshop. All locations. Learn tool safety while building a craft and receive a kid-size orange apron. First Sat. of each month. Jan. 4. 9 a.m.-noon. Homedepot. com. Ages 5-12, Free. Gavel Club. Beulah Family Life Center. Learn the art of public speaking. Every Tues. 7-8 p.m. 2340 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur. dawnbreakerstm.com/youth. Ages 11-18, free; project books $10. Second Thursday Program. Southeastern Railway Museum. Parents and tots program including circle time, songs, activities, and a craft. Jan 9. 10:30 a.m.-noon. 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770- 476-2013. Ages 2-12, $7 per child, 1 adult free, additional adult, $8.

96 Atlanta Parent January 2014

2014 Turtle Tours. Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Through stories, hands-on exhibits and crafts, museum mascots Sandy the chipmunk and Spring the turtle introduce the youngest visitors to history. Jan. 11. 11 a.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. Donations encouraged. Magic Monday. Atlanta History Center. Program for toddlers and preschoolers introducing them to history in creative ways. Jan. 13. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $6.50; ages 12 and younger, $5.50. Lil’ Bean Heads Crafts. Bean Head Toys. Create an art project. Jan. 15. 3 p.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. All ages, younger children may need assistance. Free. Basic Archery. Panola Mountain State Park. Take aim! Join a certified instructor to learn archery basics. Basic equipment provided. Jan. 18, 25-26. Times vary; pre-registration required. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-389-7801. Ages 9 and older, $10; parking, 5. ArTLab. High Museum of Art. Jan class focuses on DJ and design classes. Jan. 25. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Ages 14-18, $20.

exhibits The Art of Jerry Pinkney. The High Museum of Art. Exhibit of the Caldecott Winner’s illustrations and art. Through Jan. 5. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. until 8 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Adult, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

Moneyville. The Children’s of Museum Atlanta. The interactive exhibit engages families in a city environment, visitors build math and problem-solving skills and learn the basics of economics. Open daily (except Wed.) through Jan. 12. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.5 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. $12.75; younger than 1, free. Target Free Second Tuesday the second Tues. of every month (free admission starting at 1 p.m.) Marco Polo: Man & Myth. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Experience the story of the ultimate adventure traveler, Marco Polo. Follow Polo’s adventures and view a collection of more than 80 objects representing an epic journey that spanned 24 years and thousands of miles. Through Jan. 5. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free. Wit in Wood. Heritage Sandy Springs. See the whittle work of Moses Robinson, from animals to dancing couples. Wed. and Sat. through April 2. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Atlanta. 404-851-9111. Adults $3; Ages 6-12, $1; 5 and younger, free.

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Calendar

IT’S RAINING REPTILES

Today’s West! Booth Western Art Museum. An exhibit displaying contemporary art from the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Open daily (except Mon.) through April 13. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m. and Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 501 Museum Dr., Cartersville. 770387-1300. Adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, free. Go West! High Museum of Art. American West exhibit with paintings, sculpture and artifacts from 1830 to 1930. Through April 13. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs. until 8 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Adult, $19.50; ages 6-17, $12; 5 and younger, free. Out Fishin. World of Coca-Cola. Exhibit spotlighting Norman Rockwell’s creations for Coca-Cola’s advertising from 1928 to 1935. Daily through May. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Wed. and Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 121 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-676-5151. Adults, $16; Ages 3-12, $12; 2 and younger, free. Centennial Olympic Games Exhibit. Atlanta History Center. Learn about the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta. Permanent exhibit. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sun. noon-5:30 p.m. 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Adults, $16.50; ages 4-12, $11; 3 and younger, free. Dairies in DeKalb. DeKalb History Center. This exhibit focuses on the history of dairy farming in DeKalb County in the 20th century. Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 101 East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-1088. Free.

Fans of gators, geckos and Gila monsters can attend two reptile-centric events this month. Reptile Day Chattahoochee Nature Center JAN 18. NOON-4 P.M.

Repticon Gwinnett County Fairgrounds JAN. 11-12. SAT. 10 A.M.-5 P.M. SUN. 10 A.M.-4 P.M. The Repticon Expo brings thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spiders, and small exotic animals to Atlanta. Families can attend events and activities to learn about and interact with live animals including the leopard gecko, chameleons, and the bearded dragon. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. Adults, $10-$15; ages 5-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free. repticon.com.

A day of reptile revelry includes a Southeastern Snake Encounter Show with Jason Clark of Animal Planet, a travelling exhibit including snakes, tortoises and alligators presented by the Reptile Wagon, alligator and snake crafts projects and more. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org.

familyconcert Based on actual historical events, this story tells of the great composer’s arrival in New York for the grand opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891, and his adventure-filled trip to Niagara Falls. FEB 9 Sun: 1:30 & 3:30pm Jere Flint, conductor Classical Kids Live!

aso.org | 404.733.5000 Tickets start at just $18

the ASO. Go! Presented by:

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Family Fun Guide

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 97

MLK Day Events Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with these family-friendly historical activities, events, and service projects planned throughout Atlanta.

Day of Service. Throughout Atlanta. Join HandsOn Atlanta’s efforts to serve the local community at various schools, streets, and other monuments named after civil rights leaders. Over 3,000 volunteers will continue King’s ideas of strength and service. Jan. 20. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit handsonatlanta. org for a complete list of opportunities.

Drop-In Craft Activity. Buckhead Branch Library. Parent and child craft activity honoring MLK. Jan. 11. Noon-4 p.m. 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-814-3500. Ages 4-12, free. Story for Preschoolers. Buckhead Branch Library. Story time with a rap about Dr. King. Jan. 14. 10:15 (age 1), 11 (age 2), and 11:45 a.m. (ages 3-5). 269 Buckhead Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-814-3500. Ages 1-5, free. Birthday Wishes for Dr. King. Perry Homes Branch Library. Stories and crafts to celebrate the day. Jan. 15. 10 a.m. 2011 Bolton Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-792-4994. Ages 2-6, free. Create Personal “I Have a Dream” Speech. Washington Park Library. Write an “I Have a Dream” speech. Jan. 15. 3:30 p.m. 1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Atlanta. 404-752-8760. Pre-register. Ages 7-12, free. Dove of Peace Craft. West Cobb Regional Library. Make a craft in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 16-17. 3-5:30 p.m.; Jan. 18. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1750 Dennis Kemp Ln., Kennesaw. 770-5284699. All ages, free. MLK Leads the Way. South Cobb Regional Library. Learn about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a craft activity. Jan. 16. 4-5 p.m. 805 Clay Rd., Mableton. 678-398-5828. Ages 5 and older, free.

Martin Luther King Jr. 5K Walk/Run. Piedmont Park. Walkers and runners join together for a race on a course that uses grass, road, gravel, wood bridge and dirt paths through Piedmont Park. A 3.1 mile drum line plays along the race course. Jan. 20. 8 a.m. 400 Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-889-1142. $30-$35.

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Concerts for Young People: I Have a Dream! Atlanta Symphony Hall. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs musical selections celebrating Dr. King’s vision for mankind. Jan. 15. 11:40 a.m.; Jan. 16. 10 and 11:40 a.m.; Jan. 17. 10 a.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4900. $8. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: a historical perspective. Buckhead Branch Library. Watch a historical documentary. Jan. 18. 1 p.m. 269 Buckhead Ave., Atlanta. 404-814-3500. Ages 12 and older, free. Commemorative Service. Horizon Sanctuary, Ebenezer Baptist Church. The commemorative service features tributes to the life and achievement of King from national and international leaders. Jan. 20. 10 a.m. 400 Auburn Ave., Atlanta. 404-526-8900. Free.

Birthday Celebration. The Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Activities throughout the day. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Create wall hangings to take home. 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.: “I Have a Dream” speech presentation with music. Jan. 20. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-6595437. $12.75; younger than 1, free. SLAM: The Art of Poetry. High Museum of Art. Special Martin Luther King Jr. writing workshops in the High Museum of Art’s galleries take place before the SLAM in the Alliance Theatre’s Black Box Theatre. Jan. 20. Writing in the Galleries, 5:30-7 p.m. SLAM in Alliance Black Box Theatre, 7-9 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-4900. Ages 1418. Free admission with high school identification. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Cobb Civic Center. The Cobb County Branch of the NAACP and Cobb County Government present a program to honor Dr. King. Jan. 21. 9 a.m. 548 S. Marietta Pkwy., Marietta. 770-425-5757. Free. Poster Contest. Southwest Library Branch. Children create a poster depicting Martin Luther King, Jr. Submit by Jan. 30 to be displayed in Feb. 3665 Cascade Rd., Atlanta. 404-699-6363. Free.

How do you ensure that your students have the opportunity to add practical application to their daily lessons? At LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta, we offer educational workshops for students of all different ages! LEGOLAND® Discovery Center is a world of color, creativity and fun! It’s like jumping into the biggest box of LEGO bricks ever! We offer a wealth of attractions, two rides, 4D cinema and much more. Call 404-848-9252 ext. 4001 to book your fieldtrip www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2013 The LEGO Group.

98 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Family Fun Guide

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PIRATE DAY

Dolphin Tales. Georgia Aquarium. The live show incorporates dolphins, actors, and special effects. Multiple shows per day, times vary. Reservations recommended. Sun.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 225 Baker St., Atlanta. 404-581-4000. Adults, $29.95-$34.95; ages 3-12, $23.95-$28.95.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History JAN 18. 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Fernbank hosts a day of pirate themed activities including costumed pirates and their ladies, pirate games, recycled materials sword crafts, temporary tattoos, a museum scavenger hunt and more swashbuckling fun. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Phipps Plaza. Come play, build and look at a variety of LEGO exhibits. Sun.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Last admission 2 hrs. before closing.) 3500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 404-848-9252. Adult, $19; ages 3-12, $15, 2 and younger, free. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit. Atlantic Station. Travel back in time and experience the wonder and tragedy of this ill-fated ship. Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.- Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Last ticket sold 1 hour before closing. 265 18th St. (second floor), Atlanta. 404-496-4274. Adults, $24; ages 3-11, $16. Bodies: The Exhibition. Atlantic Station. This exhibition provides an intimate and informative view into the human body. Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Last ticket sold an hour before closing. 265 18th St., Atlanta. 404-496-4274. Adults, $24; Ages 3-11, $16; 2 and younger, free. Anne Frank in the World: 1929-1945. Parkside Shopping Center. Learn about the life of the Frank family and others who lived in the secret annex in Amsterdam; includes replica of Anne’s room. Tues.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.-Sun. noon-4 p.m. 5920 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-206-1558. 10 and older, free. Puppets the Power of Wow. Center for Puppetry Arts. See a trash can rise up into a phoenix, a replica puppet storage room, watch a video of Jim Henson interviewing his favorite puppeteers and more. Museum hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Exhibit only, $8.25; exhibit plus show, $16.50. Quarry Exhibit. Stone Mountain Park. This outdoor display was developed to tell the story of the industry that played a significant part of Stone Mountain history. Mon.-Sun., dawn to dusk. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 770498-5690. Free; parking, $10.

ice skating Astor Holiday Rink at St. Regis Atlanta. Twinkling lights, holiday melodies, hot cocoa and s’mores. Through Jan. 5. Mon.-Thurs. noon-9 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 88 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-563-7797. Adults, $30/hour; 16 and younger, $18/hour. Reservations are recommended. The Pavillion in Olde Town. Indoor/outdoor rink in a botanical setting. Through Jan. 5. visit icedays.com for times. 949 S. Main St., Conyers. 770-554-7506. $7 skate fee; $2 skate rental.

Centennial Olympic Park. Sessions run 90 minutes. Through Jan. 20. Visit centennialpark.com for hours. 265 Park Ave., Atlanta. 404-223-4412. $10 includes skate rental. Atlantic Station. 10,000 square foot open air rink. Through Feb. 14. For daily times, visit atlanticstation.com. 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta. 404-410-4010. Adults, $13 includes skate rental; $10 ages 4 and younger. The Southwest Rink at Park Tavern. Heated tent, state of the art sound system, and rink side dining. Through Feb. 17. Mon.Fri. 4:30 p.m.-midnight; Sat.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-midnight. (Adult skate nightly 8:30 p.m.-midnight.) 500 10th St., Atlanta. 404249-0001. $15-20/All day skate.

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movies Hidden Universe. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Tour of the deep space through images caputred by Hubble and the worlds most powerful telescopes. Through Jan. 2. See fernbankmuseum.org for showtimes. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free. Penguins. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Follow a brave penguin king through a journey of a lifetime. Through Jan. 23. See fernbankmuseum.org for showtimes. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free. Jerusalem. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Discover the land sacred to three major religions through the stories of Jewish, Christian and Muslim families. Opens Jan. 3. See fernbankmuseum.org for showtimes. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free. Journey to the South Pacific. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Travel to the lush tropical islands of remote West Papua, where life flourishes above and below the sea. Opens Jan. 24. See fernbankmuseum.org for showtimes. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-9296300. IMAX tickets: Adults, $13; ages 3-12, $11; 2 and younger, free.

To exhibit or for info call Jordan Lisvosky at 678-222-1911 or jlisvosky@atlantaparent.com atlantaparent.com 100 Atlanta Parent January 2014

music Friday Jazz. High Museum of Art. Listen to jazz musicians perform. Jan. 17. 5-10 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Adults, $18; ages 6-17, $11; 5 and younger, free.

Family Fun Guide

The Fresh Beat Band. Gwinnett Center. Sing and dance to their original pop songs produced for Nick Jr. Jan. 23. 5 p.m. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-813-7500. $29.50-$39.50, children 12 months and older must purchase a ticket. Around the World in 60 Minutes with Jovita Moore and the Dekalb Symphony Orchestra. Georgia Perimeter College Gymnasium. Journalist Jovita Moore takes the audience around the world with the Dekalb Symphony Orchestra. Jan. 26. 3 p.m. 555 North Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston. 678-8913565. $5. Laurie Berkner- You and Me Tour. Center Stage. Children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner comes to Center Stage for a solo performance. Jan. 26. 2 p.m. 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-885-1365. $25-$50.

nature First Day Hike. Sweetwater Creek Park. Two hour, moderate hike focusing on the first inhabitants of our area, including a trip to the Indian Cave. Jan. 1. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. $5; $5 parking. First Day Hike. Panola Mountain State Park. Hike to the top of the mountain. Finish with a campfire and hot chocolate. Jan. 1. 2 p.m. 2600 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. 770-3897801. Pre-register. $7; parking, $5. STARLAB Chattahoochee Nature Center. See all of the stars, the big dipper and the Milky Way. The planetarium is completely dark which may frighten small children. Jan. 6. 11 a.m.-noon. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 6-12, $6.

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Calendar Trail Hike. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Journey through the CNC trails using biofacts and activities to spark curiosity. Jan 11, 18-19, 25-26. 1 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free. Night Hike. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Guided hike and private animal encounter through one of the woodland trails or river boardwalk, all by the light of the moon. Jan. 18. 7- 9 p.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Ages 5 and older, $10.

special events Teen Arts Night. City Center. Teens can bring instruments, poetry, artwork, and short stories to share. Includes a slice of pizza and a soda. Jan. 3. 6-8 p.m. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. Ages 12-15, $5. Snow Mountain. Stone Mountain Park. Enjoy tubing and games in real snow. Through Feb. 17. Visit stonemountainpark.com/events/snowmountain for times. U.S. 78, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690. $28 per person; parking, $10. Garden Lights Holiday Nights. Atlanta Botanical Garden. Stroll through Midtown’s 30 acre garden adorned in holiday lights. Nightly through Jan. 5. 5-10 p.m. 1345 Piedmont Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859. Adults, $20 Thurs.-Sun.; $17 Mon.-Wed.; ages 3-12, $14 Thurs.-Sun.; $11 Mon.-Wed.

PEACH STATE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta JAN. 23-25. FRI. 5-9:30 P.M. SAT. 10 A.M.-5:30 P.M. SAT. CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL 1-4 P.M. The Southern Order of Storytellers annual festival features familyfriendly folktales by professional tellers from around the metro area. A children’s workshop concludes with a storytelling concert during which youth participants share their newly learned telling talents. 1911 Cliff Valley Way, Atlanta. 770-231-1831. General festival admission: adults, $20-$40; ages 12 and younger, $1. Children’s festival prices: adults, $10; ages 12 and younger, $1 with paid adult admission. southernorderofstorytellers.org.

Winter Wonderland. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. View cultural displays and holiday trees. Through Jan. 5. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. noon-5 p.m. 767 Clifton Rd. Atlanta. 404-929-6300. Adults, $17.50; ages 3-12, $15.50; 2 and younger, free.

Season of Magic. Piedmont Park. Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through the park or go for a twirl on the carousel. Daily through Jan. 6. 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-875-7275. Carriage rides: 4-10:30 p.m., $25 adults and $20 for ages 2-11. Carousel: noon-9 p.m., $3 per ride.

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Family Fun Guide

January 2014 Atlanta Parent 101

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COOL CONCERTS FOR KIDS Fun family-friendly bands are performing in Atlanta this month. The Fresh Beat Band Gwinnett Center JAN. 23. 7 P.M. Shout, Twist, Marina and Kiki, the four BFFs who sing and dance on Nick Jr., hit the stage in Atlanta to perform their original pop songs. The hour-long show includes a brief intermission. A party package (separately priced) includes a meet and greet event with a photo opportunity, along with concert mementos. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-813-7500. $29.50-$39.50, children 12 months and older must purchase a ticket. freshbeatbandlive.com.

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Laurie Berkner – You and Me Tour Center Stage JAN. 26. 2 P.M. Laurie Berkner, popular children’s music artist and preschool TV star, performs a solo concert featuring songs from several of her CDs. Adults and children can sing and dance along to her original tunes with quirky lyrics. VIP packages include a meet and greet with a photo opportunity. 1374 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-885-1365. $25$50. laurieberkner.com.

LIKE us www.facebook.com/ atlantaparent Gift of Lights. Atlanta Motor Speedway. Gaze at 2 million LED lights from the comfort of your car. Nightly through Jan. 6. Sun.-Thurs., 6-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5:30-10 p.m. 1500 Tara Pl., Hampton. 770-423-1330. $15 per car Mon.Thurs.; $20 per car Fri.-Sun.

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Fulton County Free Saturday. High Museum of Art. Admission is free for Fulton County residents with I.D. on the first Saturday of each month until 1 p.m. Jan. 4. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Free. Atlanta Boat Show. Georgia World Congress Center. Nautical fun for all ages, including daily boating, fishing clinics and the Swampmaster Gator Show. Jan. 9-12. Thurs.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd., Atlanta. atlantaboatshow. com. Adults, $12; ages 15 and younger, free with an adult. Monster Jam. Georgia Dome. Includes the Party in the Pits, racing and freestyle. Jan. 11. 7 p.m. 1 Georgia Dome Dr., Atlanta. monsterjam.com. $20-$80. Atlanta Parent Magazine’s Camp EXPO. North Point Mall. Join us for Atlanta Parent’s 18th annual Camp Expo at North Point Mall. Be ready for camp before it’s too late. Meet camp representatives from Atlanta, the southeast

102 Atlanta Parent January 2014

Family Fun Guide

and beyond. Star 94 will also be there with giveaways and music. Jan. 25. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1000 North Point Cir., Alpharetta. 770-4547599. Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival. Yaarab Shrine Center Recreation Building. Weekend of juggling includes competitions, live music, kid’s corner, unicyclists and a nighttime Fire and Light Extravaganza. Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Fri. 5-10 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 400 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. atlantajugglers.org. Free. Southeastern Stamp Expo. Atlanta Hilton Northeast. Activities for young stamp collectors, including free albums, stamps and all the accessories. Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Fri- Sat. 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 770-3355606. Adults $3; ages 17 and younger, free.

storytelling Storytime with Miss Cynthia. Perimeter Barnes & Noble. Join Miss Cynthia every Wed. for fun and crafts with a new story each week. Wed. 10 a.m. 120 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta. 770-396-1200. Free.

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Storytime at Bean Head Toys. Bean Head Toys. Stories read in the indoor tree house, then kids make a craft to take home. Thurs. 10:30 a.m. 220 Johnson Ferry Rd., Sandy Springs. 404-851-2980. Free. Storytime at Little Shop. Little Shop of Stories. Storytelling three times a week. Thurs. nights kids can come in pjs. Milk and cookies provided. Tues. 11 a.m.,Thurs. 7 p.m., and Sun. 3 p.m. 133 A East Court Sq., Decatur. 404-373-6300. Free. Wren’s Nest Storytelling. The Wren’s Nest. Ramblers host storytelling every Sat. 1 p.m. 1050 Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., Atlanta. 404753-7735. Adults, $8; ages 5-18, $5; 4 and younger, free.

Glow-In-The-Dark Play Area Features: minigolf football soccer basketball air cannons glow-in-the-dark inflatables lighted interactive game floor

Children’s Story Time. FoxTale Book Shoppe. Story times are followed by dance and songs. Mon. and Sat. 11 a.m. 105 East Main St., Woodstock. 770-516-9989. Free. Storytime by the River. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join the volunteer librarian as she uses books, puppets and songs to share stories about nature. Ages 3-5. Jan. 8. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. Adults, $10; ages 3-12, $6; 2 and younger, free.

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The Snatchabook. Barnes & Noble Perimeter. Free storytime featuring The Snatchabook. Jan. 18. 11 a.m. 120 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta. 770-396-1200. Ages 3-6, free. Kindness Matters. Barnes & Noble Perimeter. A storytime promoting kindness featuring the book Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney. Jan. 25. 11 a.m. 120 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta. 770-396-1200. Ages 3-6, free.

theater Little Raindrop Songs. Alliance Theatre. Designed for young audiences as they are lead through an interactive world made of different colored paper which transforms dramatically into different settings. Ages 18 mos.-2 years. Jan. 3-4, 6, 9-11, and 18. 9:30 and 11 a.m. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404733-4650. $10. Stan the Lovesick Snowman. Center for Puppetry Arts. A snowman falls in love with a warm stove. Through Feb 2. Tues.-Fri. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Sat. 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. 1404 Spring St., Atlanta. 404-873-3391. Ages 4 and older, $16.50.

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The Geller Girls. Alliance Theatre. Set in 1895, the Geller sisters are excited about their future in Atlanta. It is the eve of the Cotton States and International Exposition, which creates change and uncertainty for the girls. Jan. 15-Feb. 9. Times vary. 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-733-5000. Ages 12 and older, $25-$40. En Mis Palabras. The Atlanta Opera. A bilingual opera about a young girl struggling to find her own voice and place in the world. Jan. 16. 7 p.m. Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Rd., Atlanta; Jan. 24. 7 p.m. Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 3434 Roswell Rd., Atlanta; Feb. 1. 7 p.m. The Atlanta Opera Center, 1575 Northside Dr., Atlanta. 404-8818885. Ages 11 and older, $7.

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Peter Pan and Wendy. Marcus JCC - Zaban Park. Musical based on the Peter Pan Story. Jan. 9. 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 12. 10:30 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m.; Jan. 16. 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 19. 10:30, 1 and 4 p.m. 5342 Tilly Mill Rd., Dunwoody. 678-8124002. Adults, $22; ages 18 and younger, $18.

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beyond atlanta Who Gives a Hoot? Owl Show. Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge. Join feathered friends for a fun and educational time in the Lodge Lobby. Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25. 1 p.m. 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Rd., Dawsonville. 706344-1500. Free; parking $5. River Exhibit. Tennessee Aquarium. A collection of over 10,000 freshwater fish. Daily. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 1 Broad St., Chattanooga. 800-2620695. Adults, $30.95; ages 3-12, $20.95; 2 and younger, free. Historic Trolley Tour. Augusta History Museum. Take the Lady Liberty Trolley to see Augusta’s famous homes and canal. Jan. 18 and 25. 1 p.m. 560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-7244067. $12, includes museum admission. c

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by Lela Davidson

Pretending Prada H

ang around kids a while and you’ll hear them playing pretend. Pretend like I was a princess. Pretend like you were a puppy. Pretend like we were getting married. And my personal favorite: Pretend like our parents were dead. But that’s another story. After we watched The Devil Wears Prada, my daughter pretended to be Meryl Streep. “Where’s my coffee?” she demanded, dumping gloves in my lap.

Grownups play pretend, too. Plastic surgeons help us pretend that our breasts are naturally full and perky, that our stomachs are flat and smooth. We pretend to like other people’s children. And most of us, at least once in a while, still pretend to be a princess. Everyone knows a princess needs props. I swooned over the invitation to a purse party. Knock-off Dior and Chloe? Cocktails and couture? Hot. Okay, not hot as in stolen, but as it turns out – just as illegal. I pretended not to know that part. My friends met me for a cocktail. Or was it two? Anyway, by the time we made it to the party, the dress-up chest was already half empty. “Hurry up!” they said. “It’s first come, first served.” Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Coach graced the softly lit living room. I handled a red Dolce & Gabbana, and no sooner had I set it down than someone else nabbed it. “If you think you might want it,” a friend whispered, “you need to hold onto it!” All around me friends and neighbors held multiple bags on their arms. “Wine?” someone offered. I accepted and picked up a crocodile Prada while scoping out black and white Chanels and preppy Kate Spades. I’m not even a label girl. Put me in a room by myself with all those “designer” bags and I’d leave empty handed, but surrounded by the other women,

I caved. Good thing they weren’t serving KoolAid. By the end of the evening I was a proud Prada owner. The next day when I sobered up and looked at my plastic bag in the cruel morning light, I felt a shopper’s hangover coming on. Crooked logo, crappy stitching, and chintzy metal rings on the handle. Worst of all, some paint was already cracked, soon to expose the telltale fraying strings on the handle. Not even 12 hours later. That’s how long a $100 game of pretend lasts. I knew my Prada was destined for my daughter’s dress-up collection, but I had to enjoy it at least a little. But I felt funny carrying my faux bag. I know from a distance it is supposed to say I’m chic and successful, but what does it say up close? I’m a fool with a plastic bag and a crooked tin triangle? I’m insecure and need a fake label to feel important? I have entirely too much disposable income, but not enough to buy a real bag? And then there’s the problem of compliments. My first impulse: “You like it ? Thanks. It’s fake.” This, of course, defeats the purpose of playing make-believe. Perhaps I should say instead, “Of course you love it, daaahhh-ling. It’s Prada, daaahhh-ling.” If they persist, wanting to know where I got it, I can respond, “I bought it on the streets of New York.” You can do the same. Never been to New York? That’s okay. Pretend like you have. c

I’m not even a label girl. Put me in a room by myself with all those “designer” bags and I’d leave empty handed, but surrounded by the other women, I caved.

Davidson is author of Blacklisted from the PTA and Who Peed on My Yoga Mat? collections of irreverent essays about motherhood and the modern family. 106 Atlanta Parent January 2014

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