Atlanta Parent - January 2020

AtlantaParent January 2020 / atlantaparent.com

Blast Off into 2020 Checklist for Financial Health Like Us on FACEBOOK

A Bucket List of Family Fun

We Know Schools: Atlanta’s BEST Guide to Education

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SUMMER PROGRAMS

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MARCH 21

FEBRUARY 8

PERIMETER MALL

NORTH POINT MALL

11 a.m. TO 4 p.m.

A free event

To exhibit or for info call 770-454-7599 or lpowell@atlantaparent.com l

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OPEN E HOUeS ville Lawrenc

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It Starts NOW! Every year of a child’s life is precious.

However, when it comes to development, the first five years are the most important. The brain develops faster during this time than at any other time in a child’s life, and how a child’s brain develops impacts their abilities to learn and succeed in the future.

At our core, we believe that within every single child, there is a genius just waiting to be unwrapped. To be provided with the skills and the resources to empower that genius to emerge.

Featuring safe and caring environments, state-of-the-art tools, individualized learning plans, highly qualified teachers, low child-adult ratios, low staff turnover, and active parent-centered partnerships, Easterseals North Georgia's 12 Early Childhood Development Centers are designed to provide young children with the optimal environment for successful learning and development.

Learn More Today! eastersealsnorthgeorgia.org 4 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Comprehensive services include: early education nutrition disability medical dental social services

Metro Atlanta, Gwinnett, and Northeast Georgia Locations! atlantaparent.com

Inside 36 January

YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT

Digital Page / 7 Publisher’s Note / 8 Good Stuff / 9 For the Fridge / 114

10

A Checklist for Financial Health

15

Your 2020 Bucket List

24

Why the Arts Matter

112

Snow Much Fun

Here’s what parents need to know about getting their finances in order.

A month-by-month guide to Atlanta’s out-of-the ordinary things to do.

Learn how to raise the next generation of arts lovers.

How to slide, skate and play in the snow, right here in Atlanta.

Find all things January in our Family Fun Guide on page 105.

PAGE We Know Schools:

35

Atlanta’s Best Guide to Education Learn about private school choices, the pros and cons of red shirting, and a peek inside charter schools.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 5

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Eligible children age 1-17 years will receive, at no cost:  Allergy testing  Health exams  Asthma medications  Breathing tests Participants will receive compensation for time and travel.

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COPY Mary Williams

EDITOR

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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.

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MUST-READ STORIES Fun Things to Do This Week 50+ Things to Do with Kids in Atlanta This Winter 6 Best Go-Kart Racing Tracks in Metro Atlanta

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KID-FRIENDLY GUIDES

CONTESTS Keep an eye out for #AtlantaParentContest every week on Facebook and our e-newsletter.

Ultimate Guide to Kids’ Birthday Party Places in Atlanta Best Ice Skating Rinks Around Atlanta 15 Volunteer Opportunities for Kids in Atlanta

This month, we’ll be giving away tickets to Monster Jam on Feb. 22-23 (value: $80), tickets to Monster Energy Supercross on Feb. 29 (value: $80) and more!

Facebook Feedback What’s your favorite restaurant with a kids’ menu that has more than chicken nuggets for my “foodie” kid?

“Marlow’s Tavern. They have a ‘surf and turf’ item for only $6. It’s a slider cheeseburger and 5 full size fried shrimp.

Served with side of fruit or fries. Best value and tasty kids item we see. And ours love it!” – Allison Burns “Eat Karma Farm! They have vegan and non-vegan. It’s delicious.” – Taylor Canterbury “Noosh Kitchen in Johns Creek” – Barry Eng

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“Peach & the Porkchop” – Kelly Hanretta “When we go out, we order off the regular menu sometimes because they wanted to become more adventurous. Since I have two, they usually split one adult meal. If not, we just box up the leftovers or I order less in case they don’t finish it.” – Libby Pass atlantaparent.com

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Publisher’s Note

A Fresh Start in the New Year

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It’s hard to believe that 2020 is here. I always look forward to January as a time to relax and regroup after the bustle and excitement of the holidays. After the decorations have been put back in storage and the clutter cleared away, I love the feeling of calm that pervades the house.

January is also when I enjoy sitting down to plan and set priorities.

This year I want to be more purposeful about planning activities for my family. Despite living in Atlanta for most of my life, there are so many things that I haven’t done. Our 2020 Bucket List is a great collection of things to do and places to see in and around the city – things that may have fallen off your radar, or maybe you weren’t even aware they existed.

While reading it, I was reminded that I’ve always wanted to take the family to camp in the trees at Panola Mountain State Park. I’ve always meant to try the fried chicken and collards at the Busy Bee Café, and I’d love to make the trip to Gibbs Gardens in the spring to see the daffodils.

My ‘bucket list’ also includes things that are worth repeating – I remember how magical it was to visit Babyland General Hospital, birthplace of the Cabbage Patch Kids, and realized I need to share the experience with my kids before they’re too old. We always find something new to enjoy at the High Museum. This year, my son Elliot is at the perfect age to enjoy the Atlanta Science Festival in March – he loves experimenting, building and learning about science and technology. I hope our Bucket List will inspire you to try a few new things, or return to some of your old favorites.

January is also a good time to make a fresh start to the school year.

Are you looking for advice on choosing an area school? Our Best Guide to Education has a wealth of information to get you started. Also, be sure to read our story on being financially healthy parents (page 10); you may be surprised to learn how a little planning can make a big difference.

No matter what your plans for 2020 include, all of us at Atlanta Parent wish you a Happy New Year!

Associate Publisher

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Please email cover letter and resume to lpowell@atlantaparent.com 8 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Telephone 770.454.7599

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Fax 770.454.7699

Website www.atlantaparent.com

Snail Mail 2346 Perimeter Park Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30341

We welcome your views and comments. Letters that appear in the magazine may be edited for content and space.

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GET NIZED ORGA 20!

0 FOR 2

It’s a stylish year with Rifle Paper Co.’s Wild Rose 17-Month Planner. Featuring lovely floral illustrations, this planner will help you keep track of important dates, write down appointments in a month by month calendar, decorate with sticker sheets and more. Available at riflepaperco.com for $34.

by Emily Webb

Good StUff

A Fashionable Future

THINGS WE LIKE

Passion Project Keep up with your yearly goals with the Passion Planner featuring a roadmap for your short- and long-term goals. Stay motivated with quotes and challenges, write down personal and work to-do lists, reflect on your progress monthly and more. Available in three different sizes and four colors, which correspond to benefitting different non-profits.

Available at passionplanner.com for $35.

Digital Planning Treat your life like a game with the Habitica: Gamified Taskmanager app. Create a custom avatar, and as you check off tasks, your avatar levels up to unlock armor, pets, skills and quests. Available for iOS and Android users for free or you can purchase a subscription starting at $4.99 a month.

Stay focused with the Forest app, where you’ll grow a virtual forest. As you work on completing a task, a virtual tree grows, but if you touch your phone before the session is complete, the tree dies. You can also plant real trees with Trees for the Future. Available for iOS and Android users for $1.99.

Routine Work Keep Up with Everyone Mom’s Family Wall Calendar is a 17-month calendarmeets-planner to help keep you organized with your family’s activities. The planning grid has five columns across the top for each member of the family, so you can know who does what and when. The Sandra Boynton calendar features cute illustrations, a drop-down storage pocket, 500 stickers and nine magnets.

Available at workman.com for $15.99.

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The Octopus Chart is a daily routine chart to help kids with tasks, chores and time periods. Use 525 activity, task and chore themed magnetic icons to designate a time for tasks.

You can also set up a time for rewards and customize blank magnets. Daily routines can help your child plan her day, and it can grow as she gets older. Available at heyjoy.io for $29.99.

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 9

A Parent’s Checklist for

FINANCIAL HEALTH

by Malia Jacobson

If the idea of getting your financial and estate plans in order sends you into an anxiety sinkhole, you’re not alone. Most Americans don’t have a will. Lots of parents are too overwhelmed to make a plan, or worse, they postpone financial planning because they feel strapped – for money and for time. If you’re waffling, confused or overwhelmed, here’s what you need to know at every stage. n Early Years: Prep and Plan New parents have a few must-dos.

First, they need to create their estateplanning documents, including a will and power-of-attorney forms, or update the ones they have. These forms need updating after any big life change, including marriage, new baby, divorce, death or major illness, and are usually crafted by a lawyer.

If you don’t have life insurance, consider it. Life insurance pays cash to your surviving spouse and children if you die during the policy’s term. It comes in two basic varieties: term, a policy that ends after a pre-set term and pays nothing thereafter, and permanent or “whole life,” a policy that pays your survivors after you die, no matter how long you live. Term life insurance is a solid, straightforward and (yay!) cheap choice for new parents.

In most cases, coverage worth up to five times your annual income costs less than a meal out (insurers use several factors to 10 Atlanta Parent January 2020

determine costs, including age, health and life expectancy). Those with a child who might need long-term care may want to consider a permanent policy, which costs more but can provide more long-term security.

If you’ve already got life insurance, check the beneficiaries on the policies, and check those on retirement savings accounts as well. You may want all or a portion of the money to go to into a trust that your child will inherit as an adult, or to the person you’ve selected as your child’s legal guardian. These payouts can be some of the biggest assets parents should consider, and the recipient is determined by the beneficiary designation – not, as many assume, by your will.

To change your beneficiary designation, it’s usually just a phone call to the financial institution or insurance company where the account is held and a few forms to sign. An estate-planning attorney can help make sure you get this done, though; parents who craft their own wills sometimes forget this step. atlantaparent.com

And you can’t escape the B word: It’s time for a budget. New parents may need to change their spending and saving habits. Find tools to help you at mint.com, budgetpulse. com and ynab.com (You Need A Budget). If you cringe at the thought of tracking every penny, take heart: After a quick ramp-on period where you input your info and link your bank accounts, budget software streamlines month-to-month planning, giving you a quick at-a-glance snapshot of your spending and highlighting opportunities to pocket extra savings.

n Elementary Years:

Start Saving Now!

It’s time to start thinking about college savings, if you haven’t already. That’s where your budget helps: If you’ve got a good handle on your spending, it won’t be too painful to set aside a small amount each month. If money is tight, don’t get bogged down in how much you can save, even $10 a month creates a habit.

Financial planners recommend putting the savings in 529 plans, “qualified tuition plans” sponsored by states or educational intuitions. These plans are tax-protected, meaning the cash grows tax-free, and won’t

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be taxed when withdrawn for educational expenses. (New legislation now allows funds to be used for K-12 and private school expenses in addition to college.)

Choosing a tax-protected plan can yield extra cash for college. Saving $200 monthly for 18 years in a tax-advantaged plan nets $14,000 more for college, compared to a savings account without tax advantage.

And since funds can be used for schooling in any state, you don’t have to choose your state’s plan; the CollegeAmerica 529 is a good choice.

But saving for college doesn’t mean you get a pass on your own retirement savings.

Too often, parents say they can’t save for retirement because they’re saving for their kids’ education; keep in mind that your child can get loans and scholarships for college, but you can’t get a scholarship for retirement.

“The number one mistake parents make is that they save for their kids’ college but neglect saving for their own retirement,” says consumer advocate and money expert Clark Howard. “Sacrificing your future for your kids doesn’t work. Save as much money as you possibly can for your own retirement. If there is money left over, put it in a 529 plan.” Howard recommends

Georgia’s Path2College 529 Plan; visit clark.com for details.

Saving 10-15 % of your income toward retirement is a good benchmark, but individual goals and budgets vary; as with college savings, it’s better to build a habit of regularly saving a small amount than to skip it altogether. Eating out one less time each week can yield a couple hundred dollars per month to put into your 401K or an IRA. Cont’d on next page

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 11

A Parent’s Checklist for FINANCIAL HEALTH n Tween and Teen Years: Big Kids, Big Expenses In the middle and high school years, bills for everything from team sports to school supplies to braces can wreck your budget. Get ahead of spending in health and dental care. If eligible, take advantage of a health savings account, pre-tax dollars set aside for medical and dental expenses.

“It’s hard for any family to deal with expenses that come along – expected and unexpected,” says Howard. “Relieving money pressure starts with every dollar you earn, not the spending you do. Save a dime of every dollar you make. If you think throughout your working lifetime and the time of raising your children, that what you really have to live on is 90 cents of each dollar you make – instead of a dollar of each dollar you net on a check – it changes the economics and lowers the anxiety in your life.”

If you’re late to the college-savings game, there’s still time to set aside some cash. But if your child is already in high school, you may want to skip investment accounts and deposit funds into a regular savings account instead, making the money easier to access in a few years’ time.

And every teen should be thinking about scholarships, especially those for whom college savings are scarce. The teen years are the right time to begin building your child’s own financial savvy, too. Bestselling author and financial guru Dave Ramsey recommends setting up a checking and savings account for your teen, along with a monthly auto-transfer of the amount you’d normally spend on their clothing and incidentals, so they can start managing their own money. Resist the urge to rescue your spend-happy teen who comes up short at the end of the month; paying a few overdraft fees could offer a valuable, if costly, lesson in self-control.

EDUCATING KIDS ABOUT MONEY “As parents, we get frustrated with our kids and their attitudes toward money,” says Clark Howard, consumer advocate and money expert.

Here are a few of his tips on teaching financial responsibility.

n Educate. “Kids don’t really understand that money is finite, so parents can feel like, ‘don’t they understand that money doesn’t grow on trees?’ Over time, teach your kids the fundamentals of money and its finiteness.”

n Go shopping. “Starting in about first grade, take your kids into a store, like a supermarket. As you shop, talk through the cost of items and unit pricing. How much does something really cost?”

n Explain the concept of budgeting. “You don’t want kids to grow up with the attitude that there is always more money, because they carry that attitude into adulthood. You’re doing them a big favor, not by saying no, but by taking opportunities over time to teach the value of each dollar that comes into your life.”

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n Only camps who advertise receive a listing in the Camp Resource Directory. n atlantaparent.com: Listing in our 2020 Ultimate Guide to Camps (#1 on Google camp searches).

Contact us at 770-454-7599 or email lpowell@atlantaparent.com Call about exhibiting at our camp shows: Feb. 8 at North Point Mall March 21 at Perimeter Mall

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WILLS: WHAT TO KNOW Confused about communicating your final wishes? Here’s what parents need to know.

n What: Your “estate planning package,” legal-speak for the documents dictating your wishes about what happens to your offspring and assets if you die or become incapacitated due to illness or injury, includes your will and your power-of-attorney forms, documents that designate someone to make decisions for you if you’re unable to make them for yourself. At minimum, you need two power-of-attorney forms: one to cover your financial affairs and one to cover your health care needs. Some attorneys also prepare a separate health care directive that specifies what you’d like your family to do if you’re in a permanent unconscious state.

n Where: To get these done, see a lawyer or online to a service like Legal Zoom. Do-it-yourself wills are easy to find online, but beware that they’re often cookie-cutter forms that don’t represent your state’s specific laws. For example, Georgia law specifies that handwritten wills are not legal; they also must be signed by two impartial (read: not affected by its outcome) witnesses. Skip this step, or another one of your state’s legal requirements, and the court won’t uphold your will, no matter how comprehensive.

n When: Plan to update your estate planning documents after any major life change (the arrival of a new baby, a death in the family, or divorce or remarriage) or every five years. If you’re creating a new estate plan with an attorney’s help, expect the process to take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.

n How much: Prices range from free for generic online forms to $500-$1,000 for an attorney’s estate planning package.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 13

YOUR 2020 BUCKET LIST ATLANTA HAS SO MANY QUIRKY THINGS TO DO! HERE’S HOW TO FIT ALL THE FUN INTO ONE YEAR.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 15

JANUARY

Keep the Dream Alive

It’s hard not to remember the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. this month. As Atlantans, we’re lucky to have his birth home, the King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church in our backyard. Visit and think of it as manna for your soul.

Fire Alert

Temps may be cold, but we’re burning up at Marietta’s Fire Museum. Take a firefighter-guided group tour to see fire apparatus, tools and gear dating back to 1854.

For Cowboys and Cowgirls

Yee-haw! Take a walk on the wild west side at Sagebrush Ranch, an interactive play area with more than 30 fun and educational activities for ages 2-12 at Booth Western Arts Museum. Saddle up on a life-sized horse, travel the rocky trails to the west, dress for the occasion and more.

Power to the People

Did you know there was a Universal Declaration of Human Rights? Get inspired and empowered at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, where you’ll celebrate the progress of civil rights.

Aloha, Georgia!

Atlanta is the home of Chick-fil-A and while there’s one on every corner, you owe it to yourself to try Truett’s Luau in Fayetteville.

It’s a Chick-fil-A on steroids with a Hawaiian-centric menu that includes teriyaki chicken, pork tacos and even a burger. (Shhh.

Don’t tell the cows.)

FEBRUARY

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

See It on the News

Welcome to the 6 o’clock news.

Learn how to become the star of your own broadcast with a behind-the-scenes tour at CNN Center.

Romantic Getaway

Sure, you can drink wine anytime, but what about wine at a French château (that’s just undergone a $25 million renovation)? Château Élan Winery and Resort is a short drive north on I-85 and ups the romance quotient with onsite restaurants and a spa. We’re positive grandma will watch the kids.

Explore Black History

Turn back time to view more than 6,000 years. Learn about the cultural history of Africa and celebrate Black History Month with the APEX Museum’s “Africa the Untold Story.” Children ages 6 and younger will appreciate the special storytelling events just for them.

16 Atlanta Parent January 2020

CNN Studio Tour

Can You Feel the Love?

Valentine’s Day is synonymous with love and chocolate but forego the traditional and have an authentic French pastry instead. Sugar Cakes Patisserie, on the Marietta Square, makes their croissants, Danish and crème brulee fresh daily. You’ll wish every day was Valentine’s Day.

Southern Comfort Food

Eat at Busy Bee Café, which opened in 1947

by Lucy Jackson and was an important place for African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. This delicious Southern restaurant has a different cook’s special each day, sure to satisfy your cravings for a classic home-cooked meal.

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MARCH

Daffodils a Plenty

Alert. 20 million daffodils … yes, 20 million… bloom every spring at the Gibbs Gardens. Surround yourself with more than 50 acres of daffodilness, along with blooming cherry blossoms and dogwoods through mid-April.

Release Your Inner Artist

Create a masterpiece, make beautiful music, test out your acting chops and more with art-making activities, tours, performances, exhibitions, interactive storytimes, drop-in acting classes, music making fun and more at the High Museum of Art’s Second Sunday and Woodruff Arts Center’s Family Festival. And cut!

Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

A Wild Time

When we say everyone needs to get up close and personal with a panda, tortoise, elephant or lion, we mean have a Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta. It’s a behindthe-scenes peek you really must try once. Go on a guided tour of the animal’s habitat and help with feedings.

2020

FEBRUARY 8 NORTH POINT MALL 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A free event atlantaparent.com

A Medieval Good Time Spark Some Curiosity

It’s a science experiment of fun at the two-week Atlanta Science Festival!

Celebrate local science and technology with hands-on activities, tours, tastings, performances and more, and make science fun for the whole family at the free Exploration Expo.

Sure, the Middle Ages were a bit before our time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see knights jousting in an arena and rub elbows with royalty. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Lawrenceville is an experience the entire family will enjoy. And did we mention you eat with your hands?

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Win a two-night stay to Gaylord Resort and their new waterpark, Soundwaves in Nashville.

atlantaparent.com January 2020 Atlanta Parent 17

APRIL

Take to the Trees

Challenge yourself with the ziplines and treetop obstacles at Treetop Quest. Courses are available for all members of the family. Really feeling confident? Try Spider Quest in Gwinnett, for a harness-free obstacle course.

Play Ball

Take me out to a ball game at the Braves home opener against the Marlins at SunTrust Park. Try rock climbing, ziplining, carnival games and more at Hope & Will’s Sandlot. Kids ages 4 to 14 can run the bases just like professional baseball players after Sunday home games. Enjoy the restaurants and shopping at The Battery.

An Egg-cellent Time

Watch a helicopter drop thousands of eggs at North East Cobb Community’s Egg Drop, hunt for eggs underwater at Bogan Park Aquatic Center and Bethesda Park Aquatic Center, and participate in egg hunts at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and more. Check out atlantaparent.com for a full list of Easter egg hunts.

Naturally Fun

Search for Dunwoody Nature Center’s Play Me Again Piano named “Bennett” for a bit of musical fun. Have the kids run off energy at the center’s huge playground or walk along one of the trails.

Game Night Out

MAY

Treetop Quest

Play family-favorite games before, during and after dinner at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. A wide variety of games for all ages. With locations in Midtown, Brookhaven and Dunwoody.

Sleep in the Trees

Ever dreamed of spending a night beneath the stars or with the trees? Make your dreams a reality with a peaceful night under the stars with ZZZ’s in the Trees at Panola Mountain State Park, where you’ll sleep in a “treeboat.” Or spend the night among the trees at the Secluded Intown Treehouse or Atlanta Alpaca Treehouse in the Bamboo Forest (ages 12 and older).

Cultivate Fun

Bloom at Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Lou Glenn Children’s Garden, where kids can try “painting” at the water wall, building in the balsa wood construction area, playing outdoor instruments and assisting with watering, planting and harvesting. After all their hard work, they can cool off at The Splash Pad.

Puppet Date Night

Puppets are just for kids, right?

Wrong! Take your significant other on a date to the Center for Puppetry Arts’ amusing Xperimental Puppetry Theater.

This 18+ show features puppets in films, installation pieces, stories and more while you enjoy wine and beer from the bar.

18 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Lou Glenn Children’s Garden

Babies Born Daily

Have an answer for your kids when they ask how babies are made. Take them to BabyLand, where they’ll witness the birth of a Cabbage Patch Kid, view the Magic Crystal Tree and play with Cabbage Patch Kids.

Dine with Dashing Favorites

What do your favorite princesses and superheroes like to eat? Find out at delicious brunch events at Venkman’s in Old Fourth Ward.

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JUNE

Over the City

See Atlanta in a new light by taking a hot air balloon ride over the city. Book Balloons Over Georgia or Balloon Atlanta to see the scenery in a new way that’s actually older than airplanes.

Rooftop Delights

See who’s the best in the family when you head to The Roof at Skyline Park at Ponce City Market. The Roof has carnivalstyle fun and midway games, including mini golf, horse derby race, basketball, skee ball, break-a-plate and more. Sorry, closed to kids on Friday and Saturday nights.

Fresh is Best

The Roof at Skyline Park at Ponce City Market

Summer at Serenbe

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood at Serenbe, where you can see a show, shop and eat! Watch “Alice in Wonderland” at the interactive, outdoor theatre, Serenbe Playhouse. Eat at Blue Eyed Daisy or The Farmhouse, shop at Hills & Hamlets Bookshop and Honeycomb Consignment and more.

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From Way Up High

How many times have you walked by the giant Ferris wheel in downtown Atlanta and thought to yourself, ‘I need to do that … someday.’ This is your day to do it! Tower 20 stories above Atlanta at Skyview Atlanta to see panoramic views of the city.

Craving fresh veggies and fruit in the summer? Shop produce, meats, cheeses, ethnic foods, international products, garden centers and more that’s Georgia grown or from around the world at Atlanta State Farmer’s Market, Buford Highway Farmers Market and DeKalb Farmers Market.

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 19

JULY

We All Scream for Ice Cream

Pair something you don’t love with something you do at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival in Piedmont Park. Enjoy wellness activities, like exercise routines, yoga, hula hooping, jump roping, frisbee toss and more, before indulging in delicious ice cream, and maybe even participating in an ice cream eating contest. Let’s be honest – everyone’s a winner when ice cream’s involved.

Shoot the Hooch

Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream. Cool off in the summer by tubing or rafting down the Chattahoochee River. Take in the natural beauty of the river while you float along.

A World of Sodas

There’s nothing like a refreshing soda in the summer. Sample more than 100 different kinds of sodas from around the globe at World of CocaCola. Discover the myths and legends behind the iconic taste in the Chamber of the Secret Formula.

Starry Night

Shoot for the stars with a planetarium show at Fernbank Science Center.

Use the Dr. Ralph L. Buice, Jr. Observatory to view the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids meteor showers with peak nights in July.

A Drive-in Meal

What’ll ya have at The World’s Largest Drive-in Restaurant, The Varsity.

Enjoy hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches, chicken, Frosted Orange and more at this famous restaurant. There are four locations in the metro area: Atlanta, Kennesaw, Norcross and Dawsonville.

AUGUST

The Varsity

Baby, It’s Cold Inside

It’ll sound crazy to your family when you tell them to bundle up in August in Atlanta, but they’ll love the chance to practice their moves and cool off at indoor ice-skating rinks at The Cooler: Alpharetta Family Skate Center, Center Ice Arena, IceForum or The ICE.

Nature Explorer

Do you have an explorer on your hands? Does your child love collecting nature items? Get your kids involved in the Nature Exchange trading program at Chattahoochee Nature Center, where they’ll earn points for what they find and trade their discoveries in for prizes. Ages 6 and older with an adult can go on a guided canoe trip to learn more about wildlife and nature.

A Gold Medal Water Show

Have the kids throw on their swimsuits before heading downtown to view the Fountain of Rings water show synchronized to music. They’ll cool off in the interactive fountain featuring the Olympic Ring symbol at Centennial Olympic Park.

Fun Fiesta

Teach your kids to appreciate Latino culture and traditions at Peachtree Latino Atlanta Festival with music and performers from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. This huge multicultural event features a marketplace, arts and crafts, sports, food and more.

Gourmet Greek Centennial Olympic Park

20 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Drop by Athens Pizza in Decatur, family owned since 1966, for spanakopita, Greek style pizza, calzones, and daily specials.

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SEPTEMBER

May the Force Be with You

Maybe you and your family can’t agree on what your favorite movies are, but everyone will have a great time at Dragon Con, the pop culture convention featuring comics, film, TV and gaming. Delight in all your pop culture favorites with cosplay, a parade, special guests, vendors, an art show and more.

Touchdown!

Put your football skills to the test with the indoor playing field at the College Football Hall of Fame, where you’ll get to kick a field goal, throw like a quarterback and defeat the obstacle course. Find your favorite team at the three-story Helmet Wall.

Dragon Con

Movies Under the Stars

Reminisce in the days of old while watching movies under the stars at Starlight Drive-in Theatre. Although the drive-in experience isn’t new, the theatre plays all the newest releases on their eight screens, and it’s a fun way for your kids to see the movies.

Detective Work

You never really think about how your body works until it’s not working right. Scientists are like detectives, using high-tech science to crack the cases of mystery diseases.

This is evident at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum, where you’ll learn about the value of prevention-based public health and the history of the CDC.

All Aboard

Introduce your kids to food from Asia at Orient Express in Vinings.

The restaurant is in an old train car on railroad tracks and offers three different kinds of cuisine in three distinctive rooms. Try Chinese, sushi or hibachi.

MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM

FEB 22 – 23 MonsterJam.com Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2019 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 21

NOVEMBER OCTOBER

The Movie Scene

Walk in walkers’ footsteps. Tour downtown Senoia and Riverwood Studios to see where “The Walking Dead” was filmed and how the story of zombies was brought to life. Tour guides might have even played zombies or extras on the show! Stop at Nic & Norman’s for seasonal American food. Also, check out Atlanta Movie Tours for more of your favorite films and shows.

Play in the Trees

Your kids – and you – will be amazed when you walk among the towering trees at WildWoods and Fernbank Forest at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The elevated walkway takes you into the treetops where you can view native plants, flowers, wildlife and more. See the changing fall colors in a whole new way.

Ghostly Encounter

Experience Oakland Cemetery after dark and learn about the cemetery’s famous residents from a costumed guide. Make sure to get your tickets in July before they sell out! It might be strange to hang out there, but cemeteries were originally designed as public spaces. Enjoy the beautiful and historic 48 acres with special events throughout the year.

Pumpkins Day and Night

Pick pumpkins at Yule Forest, and at night, dare to take on Fear the Woods. With three different haunting experiences, thrill seekers of all kinds will be scared and delighted by their adventures.

Coffee and Cats

Get your caffeine fix at Java Cats Café in Atlanta or Marietta, where you can play with adoptable cats while you enjoy coffee or tea.

Fernbank Forest at Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Tiny Doors ATL

22 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Take a Hike

Go for a hike and see fall color at Sweetwater Creek State Park.

The old mill, known locally as the New Manchester Textile Mill, was partly burned in 1864 and used as a filming location for “The Hunger Games.”

The creek’s waterfalls can reach 120 feet and create a mile-long stretch of rapids.

Immersive Experience

In the olden days, how did people learn about news and events?

Enormous hand-painted works, like the Atlanta History Center’s Cyclorama: The Big Picture, were a way for people in the past to view “movies.” The 49-foot tall, 10,000 pound painting depicts an immersive look at the Civil War.

We’re No. 1

Tour the Mercedes-Benz stadium to get a feel of the field and view the Window to the City, Skybridges, 100 Yard Club and more. Even if you’re not a sports person, the stadium tours offer something fun for everyone from the football-shaped chandelier to the Halo Board, the largest video board in professional sports.

Small Spots, Big Fun

Go on a scavenger hunt to find the 7" Tiny Doors ATL hidden throughout the city (and there’s one giant door that’s 658 times the size of the tiny doors). We suggest starting at the Atlanta BeltLine where you’ll find a few on the Eastside Trail, or take a bike tour to find them.

Food with a View

For a beautiful dining experience, visit The Sun Dial in Atlanta for contemporary American cuisine and a 360-degree panorama of the Atlanta skyline.

atlantaparent.com

DECEMBER

In a Nutshell ... Magical Travel to a new world where toys come to life. Atlanta Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will be at their new venue, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The production was reimagined in 2018, so even if you’ve seen the performance before, it’s worth watching again!

Other companies will perform the seasonal ballet all over metro Atlanta.

Holly Jolly Shows

The weather outside is frightful, but a show would be delightful.

There are holiday performances all over metro Atlanta, including Horizon Theatre’s “Madeline’s Christmas” and Alliance Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol.”

Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party / Ulrich Brinkmann Photography

High Flying

Save skydiving for better weather, but still get the exhilarating thrills with iFly. Soar with their indoor skydiving experience, where VR technology will make it seem as if you’re flying over some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. And maybe it’ll satisfy your adventurous teenager’s skydiving ambitions!

Save the Date

Oct. 3, 2020

Around-the-World Celebrations

Enjoy and learn about different holiday traditions around the world at Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s cultural explorations.

These festivities include music, dances, costumes, storytimes, art and more.

Holidays include Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

Let’s Have a Tea Party

Reserve high tea at Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party in Atlanta for tea, scones, quiche, finger sandwiches, baked goods and more at this fanciful tea shop. Filled with vintage furniture and décor, this restaurant also has books for sale.

Shaping Minds & Bodies of the Future

Future Gymnast

Future Scientists Future Ninja Warriors

Email lpowell@atlantaparent.com for sponsorship or exhibitor information. atlantaparent.com/familyfestival atlantaparent.com

4 MONTHS — 10 YEARS OLD

Now enrolling year round for classes, camps, and birthday parties! johnscreek.tumbles.net • 678-691-4072 • johnscreek@tumbles.net

3005 Old Alabama Road, Suite 20 • Johns Creek, GA 30022

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 23

Why the Arts Matter 1

2 ENCOURAGE A LOVE OF THE ARTS IN YOUR KIDS

by Christina Katz

Children who are exposed to the arts – dance, music, theater and visual art – are confident and expressive. They develop problem-solving skills, discipline and collaboration. They learn selfexpression, risk-taking and the ability to observe and interpret the world. Participation in the arts is just as important to raising well-rounded children as participation in academics and athletics.

In Atlanta, we’re fortunate to have so many ways kids can experience and participate in the arts, whether it’s performing in a children’s theater production, visiting a world-class art museum, or taking classes at a professional dance studio. With these opportunities, parents can support a young person’s aspirations and find ways to encourage their participation and appreciation of visual and performing arts.

Here are 10 tips that will help instill a love of the arts in your kids.

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Expose your family to the arts. Art appreciation can be a family affair. It’s never too early to encourage the next generation of art patrons. Visit museums, local theaters, exhibits and musical productions. Attend concerts and explore art in your community. Demonstrating your own enthusiasm for the arts will help kids understand that they’re important to you, and foster their own interest. The more variety you offer kids, the easier it will be for them to discover their own passion.

Explore the arts. If last year’s interest was singing and this year’s is painting, that’s fine.

Never force your kids to continue activities that no longer interest them. As long as the experience is enriching, variety is good.

You never know when a passion for a particular activity will last.

Creativity should be about the joy of doing – not perfection or competition.

Try a range of forms.

Art has many types, including dancing, singing, fine art (painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry), theater arts, photography, collage, film, printmaking, mosaics, crafts and calligraphy.

Within those areas, kids have lots of choices. Maybe your child doesn’t want to be on stage, but loves being involved in behind-thescenes activities. If your musical child doesn’t enjoy playing an instrument, she may find that she loves to sing.

Make room for imagination. The magic of creativity often happens in private spaces. How often do you scatter to your own corners of the house to read, create or simply have some space for imagination? Heights of beauty and transformation in art are often achieved through the imaginative process.

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24 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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Fine Arts on Spotlight Spotlight Fine Arts ATLANTA DANCE CENTRAL

770-992-0170 | AtlantaDanceCentral.com | Roswell Atlanta Dance Central educates to empower! Dance education instills life-long lessons in children. Experienced faculty deliver dance education that is technically sound, anatomically safe and developmentally appropriate. Each student is embraced as an individual and encouraged to grow emotionally as well as physically.

Fine Arts Spotlight

COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTERS OF ATLANTA 404-614-0466 | CMCAtlanta.com | Four Locations

CMC Atlanta’s professional faculty offers music education programs in classical jazz, rock, folk and roots music, from beginner to pre-professional, ages 4 and older. With four convenient locations, the comprehensive program catalogue includes private lessons, after-school programs, day camps, workshops, gap programs, an accredited high school conservatory, apprenticeship and artist residency programs.

Register online today at your neighborhood music school.

Fine Arts Spotlight

DUNWOODY SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS 770-280-1215 | dbc.org/schoolforthearts

Learn Piano, Guitar, Drums, Violin, Woodwinds/Brass and participate in group Music Theory, Drama, Audio Tech and Vocal technic courses. Young lovers of the arts can enjoy piano, music theory, and dance in the Preschool Piano, Little Maestros and Little Ballerinas Courses. Learn various dance genres that range from beginning to advanced Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop & KPop. Classes and lessons are offered for ages, preschool to senior adults.

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FOREFRONT ARTS CHILDREN’S THEATRE 770-864-3316 | ForefrontArts.com | Multiple Locations

Ages 3-18 can channel their talents with Forefront Arts Children’s Theatre – while boosting confidence and developing life skills in problem solving, listening and collaboration. School-year classes in Acting, Improv, Musical Theatre, Show Choir, Preschool Drama, Dance Technique and more. Full-scale productions – perform in “Frozen Jr” and other shows! Summer and School Break camps.

Private Vocal Lessons.

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January 2020 atlantaparent.com Atlanta Parent 25

ENCOURAGE A LOVE OF THE ARTS IN YOUR KIDS Ages 2½ - Adult (pre-professional company by audition

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26 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Test-drive a variety of techniques. With so many approaches to one art form, you will face lots of choices. For example, your local dance studio probably offers ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip-hop. Within theater you’ll find plays, musicals, ballet and opera. Painting choices include oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor and more. In music, you’ll find countless instrument choices as well as singing and even composing. Technique classes for kids can provide a solid foundation for more in-depth study later in life.

Reap the academic benefits. Encouraging your child to participate in the arts can have a direct influence on academic performance. Research shows a link between arts education and improved literacy, math and communication skills, and higher GPAs. Learning music, for example, leads to improved verbal memory, language pronunciation and executive functioning, according to a study by “Frontiers in Neuroscience.”

Relax about messes. Your perfectionism may cost your kids in creative growth. Artists often have to try something dozens of times before they get the hang of even a simple brush stroke. Adopt a practice-makes-proud attitude.

If you notice your child craving space to spread out and practice work, make room for projects to be spread out for several days or however long they take.

Find areas in your home that can support ongoing creative messes.

Invest in dreams gradually. Don’t spend a lot of cash up front or you may inadvertently set the stage for, “You’ll like it because I paid for it,” which is always a lot of pressure. Go for low-commitment opportunities initially, then streamline along lines of interest as kids mature. For a dancer, you could start with tap dancing then add a new style each year according to her time and talents. As your child’s abilities grow, she’ll be ready for a more intensive level of participation, often around middle school.

Banish pressure. Creativity and pressure are like oil and water. They don’t mix well in young children, who are more likely to benefit from variety and flexibility in self-expression. As a parent, strive to be that supportive, guiding presence without excessive pressure, so you can help your children make choices that are expressive and sensible.

Be cost-effective. There’s no need to spend a fortune to expose your family to culture. Team up with families in your neighborhood to attend shows and events at group discount rates. Check local museums for free days and local theaters for meet-the-actors shows. You can also find cultural opportunities through the public library, in local theaters, at the local community center, via local schools and colleges and by taking advantage of special broadcasts at your local movie theater. atlantaparent.com

Fine Arts on Spotlight Spotlight Fine Arts HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

404-733-4400 | High.org | Atlanta Located in the heart of Atlanta, the High Museum of Art connects with audiences of all ages from across the Southeast and around the world through its distinguished collection, dynamic schedule of special exhibitions and engaging community-focused programs. The High is dedicated to reflecting the diversity of its communities and offering a variety of exhibitions and educational programs that engage families with the world of art, the lives of artists and the creative process.

Fine Arts Spotlight THE MUSIC CLASS

770-645-5578 |12 Locations in Metro Atlanta themusicclass.com/atlanta Fun filled classes of singing, dancing, movement and instrument play. Parents learn how to enrich their child’s music environment and enhance music potential. Ages birth – seven years. Over 150 classes offered in metro Atlanta featuring our award winning music. Call for class times and to schedule a free observation class.

Spotlight on Fine Arts RHYTHM DANCE CENTER

770-998-6507 | RhythmDanceCenter.com | Marietta Rhythm Dance Center offers fun dance classes in tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary and more! Dancers (ages 12 months-adult) receive quality dance instruction in a positive and vibrant environment! Call today for a special registration offer and be a part of their 27th season in East Cobb!

Atlanta Parent

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THE SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS 770-394-3447 | SpruillArts.org | Dunwoody

The Spruill Center for the Arts provides over 800 visual arts classes annually to more than 5,000 students of all ages and skill levels. Disciplines taught include Blacksmithing, Ceramics, Children’s Camps, Decorative Arts, Drawing, Fiber Arts, Glass, Jewelry, Metalworking, Mixed Media, Mosaics, Painting, Photography, and Sculpture. State-of-the-art, advanced equipment and stellar instruction offered by top local, national and international artists.

Atlanta Parent atlantaparent.com

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The Power of Imagination

Whether your child is an introvert, an extrovert or a little bit of both she can learn how to make an impact on the world using the power of imagination.

by Christina Katz

I

magination means the power to create with one’s mind. It means forming mental images or concepts that are not present to the senses yet. Creative imagination means recombining former experiences to create new images directed at a specific goal or to aid in the solution of a problem. If you want to create a more hopeful world, you have to be able to imagine one first. Parents can help kids become more visionary by nurturing imagination from birth onward. Here’s how.

Read Out Loud. Reading can counterbalance screen overexposure, which can turn kids into passive observers. Start reading aloud when your children are very young – it promotes language development and early literacy skills. Eventually you’ll be able to take turns reading out loud with your children. Practicing literacy from a young age opens the door to the infinite stories available in books for a lifetime.

Allow Time for Unstructured Play. Full schedules are great, but too much structure sucks the joy out of kids’ lives. Studies have shown that countries that have longer recess times perform better academically than countries with shorter recesses. Play is not only healthy for kids; it also makes them smarter. So be sure to

carve out plenty of downtime at home, no matter how busy life is, to give kids the necessary space to decompress and selfexpress.

Provide Art Supplies. Pencils, crayons, paints, papers, clay, chalk, fabric, embellishments and yarn. These are basic art supplies every young artist needs. A table spread out with age-appropriate art supplies is all any heart needs to take flight.

Dabbling in creative endeavors helps kids

clear their minds so they can relax and solve their own problems.

Be an Enthusiastic Audience.

My husband and I have often been entertained by our daughter and her friends’ impromptu kitchen shows, which have helped them become more intrepid performers today. Kids often want to share what they can do and it’s important to stop what you are doing and let them put on a performance. Voice encouragement for

Come Draw with Us It’s a FUN way to learn!

PRESCHOOL ELEMENTARY SUMMER CAMP

Young Rembrandts

Serving North Fulton and DeKalb Counties Laura Vandewiele • 678-478-8275 Serving Gwinnett and Forsyth Counties Shelly Wood • 770-674-5204

YoungRembrandts.com 28 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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effort and risk-taking, and let each performer have a chance to shine. Don’t be afraid to clap and cheer. Actors feed off the energy of a supportive audience.

Encourage Balanced Escapism.

Parents need to supervise a child’s immersive habits, such as video game playing, to avoid overexposure. But a life with no escapism, when so many opportunities for experiencing virtual realities exist, is a mistake. As your kids get older, find ways to participate in their indulgences of choice, whether that’s watching a favorite television show, going head-tohead in a dance-off or competing in virtual battlefields. Escapism offers everyone in the family opportunities to rest and recharge.

Pretend Together. Let’s face it; being a grownup can feel pretty overwhelming sometimes. Why not enjoy a break and let your children lead you into a world of their own creation? Forget being in charge for a change and follow your child’s lead. Join your kids on the floor or at the craft table for some messy, hands-on fun. Anyone can remember how to play, especially when you are willing surrender to the magic of the moment.

Encouraging Imagination Through the Arts

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Sign Them up for Theater. As children grow, they may lose their joy of playing imagination games. One way to help children continue valuing their imaginations, despite emerging self-consciousness, is to introduce them to theater at a young age. Take them to children’s theater productions, encourage participation in ageappropriate theater at school, and sign them up for children’s acting workshops in your community. Workshops may be offered through studios, at professional theaters, or through your school district.

Enroll Them in Dance. When we think of dance, we may picture diva ballerinas or overly meddlesome mothers, but dancers learn many helpful, practical skills that carry over naturally into everyday life. And dance performed regularly and intensively is both a sport and a multi-sensory art form that may raise your child’s self-esteem. Ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, acrobatics and hip hop are the most common forms of dance you will find offered at your local dance studio.

Let Them Sing. Encourage your music-loving child to try using her own voice.

Singing is healthy physically, psychologically and socially whether your child’s singing is pitch-perfect or not. Elementary school choir is a good place to gage a student’s interest in group singing. Take your child to concerts, whether her interest is in classical, jazz or rock music. Encourage her to audition for musicals at school, look for community youth choral groups or investigate the possibility of voice lessons.

Hand Them a Paintbrush. If the arts and crafts table at school is your child’s favorite place, now is the perfect time to further his love for visual arts.

Painting, drawing, collaging, sculpting and a multitude of other art forms teach perseverance, relieve stress, boost self-esteem and give kids a new way to see the world around them. Visit local art museums, take in special exhibits and provide him with quality art supplies. Look into lessons at a local studio, community center or school.

A Studio Dedicated to the Art of Dance

Ballet • Tap •Jazz • Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar Adult Tap and Ballet • Ballroom Mothers Morning out Ages 2 and older • Adult classes, too

Dance & Arts Showcase Chamblee • 770-934-5010 • danceandarts.com atlantaparent.com

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 29

SPONSORED CONTENT

Destination

FLORIDA Florida is a popular vacation spot for Atlanta families. Start planning your getaway with these three exciting destinations.

Florida’s Sports Coast: Where families vacation like champions Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re like most parents, you may find yourself looking for an exciting place for your next family vacation. While Florida has always been a popular choice, one of the hottest new destinations in the state is Florida’s Sports Coast. An unbeatable place for active travelers, this adventurous vacation spot is perfect for energetic families. From amazing one-of-a-kind attractions to 24 miles of beautiful coastline to hike, bike and explore, you’ll find countless ways to play in the area’s year-round warm weather. While there are many exciting tourist attractions here, a favorite for families of all sizes is TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park.

With 8 different courses and over 100 unique elements, your kids will enjoy a fun-filled day of navigating cable walkways, wood obstacles and adrenaline-charged zip lines. To learn more about this family-friendly destination, visit FLSportsCoast.com or find them on social media.

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This year, take time to create memories.

You remember it, don't you? The family beach vacation: miles of blue water, sand castles at your feet, a sea breeze blowing your hair back, and not a cell phone or a skyscraper in sight. This summer, plan a family trip to a place where memories come naturally, and time isn't the only thing that's preserved.

Plan your trip at discovermartin.com

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January 2020    Atlanta Parent 31

SPONSORED CONTENT

Destination FLORIDA Florida’s Sports Coast: The Sports Coast holds the largest ice complex in the Southeast and was the training center for the 2018 U.S. Olympic Women’s Hockey Team.

Sports Coast’s Zephyrhills is known as one of the world’s premier drop zones, and professional parachutists from around the world regularly visit for its ideal jump conditions and specialty aircrafts.

An uncrowded paradise is just around the corner With miles of natural beaches set against a pristine horizon, Martin County has plenty of space for you to unwind in peace. Relax under a soothing sea breeze, stroll our charming downtowns, then retire at the end of each day to a beachside resort or quaint bed & breakfast. Escape the city and discover what a true vacation looks like.

Plan your trip at DiscoverMartin.com

Martin County: Stuart is the county seat of Martin County and is known as the sailfish capital of the world.

Five presidents loved fishing in Stuart, including Grover Cleveland, Chester A. Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft and Warren G. Harding.

Clay County: Southern Rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd and 38 Special call Clay County home. The family donated land for Ronnie Van Zant Park, honoring the original lead singer of the band. The park features trails, playground, picnic pavilions, a pond and a competitive disc golf course.

Unplug from life’s hectic pace in Clay County, Florida

Explore the out of doors with 93,000 acres of parks, 35 miles of trails and 30 sq. miles of waterways.

“It was so much fun hearing him talk about the adventures of treehouse camping, the spring-fed swimming pool and discovering wildlife on the hikes we took. Her perspective was different, as she enjoyed the unique shops in the charming small towns and the sunflower festival. The military museums gave us all an important history lesson.” Unplug from life’s hectic pace like they did in Clay County, Florida. Small Towns. Big Passions. For visitor information, visit exploreclay.com 32 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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GET YOUR NEXT FAMILY TRIP OFF THE GROUND An unbeatable place for your next family trip, Florida’s Sports Coast has a little bit of everything under the sun. From aerial obstacle courses to safari-style tours, paddling adventures to great hiking and biking, your family will find endless ways to play in our year-round warm weather.

8 COURSES TO CLIMB, REPEL AND ZIPLINE Learn more at FLSportsCoast.com atlantaparent.com

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 33

Diverse, International Community Promoting Academic Excellence Our respectful and peaceful Montessori environments are thoughtfully designed to develop the whole child from infancy through middle school.

Druid Hills Campus - Now Open!

1215 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30306 404-531-2067

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AMI-accredited, child-centered Montessori curriculum individually tailored and focused on fostering independence

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Traditional Montessori materials used to develop sensorial, language, math and practical life skills

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Global awareness cultivated by our enriching Cultural Studies program

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A strong sense of community and excellent communication with parents

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Low student-to-teacher ratios and passionate, AMI-certified teachers

Cliff Valley Campus 1970 Cliff Valley Way NE Atlanta, GA 30329 404-602-0553

Serving students ages 8 weeks through 15 years.

Accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), AdvancED (SACS CASI) and Bright from the Start.

For more information, visit www.amischool.com

Globally Aware, Socially Responsible, Academically Driven Delivering individualized academic and emotional development from infancy through high school: • Engaging, holistic and authentic Montessori approach • Individualized academic programs, addressing specific needs and goals of each child • Incredibly engaged and diverse parental community • All lead guides are MACTE (Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education) certified • Accredited by the American Montessori Society, AdvancED and Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs 2830 Old Atlanta Road Cumming, GA 30041 770-258-6877 montessoriacademysharonsprings.com Serving ages 6 weeks through 18 years

Please see our other location:

Montessori at Vickery 6285 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040 770-268-2642 montessorivickery.com Serving ages 13 weeks through 9 years

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We Know Schools: Atlanta’s Best Guide to Education 39 Choosing a Private School 42 Applying to a Private School in 6 Easy Steps

45 Should Your Early Learner Be Red Shirted?

50 Reading + Writing = Literacy 57 Guide to Private Schools Special Advertising Section

74 A Look at Charter Schools 80 Public School Profiles 84 Boarding Schools:

Going Away to Learn Sponsored Content

86 Ready, Set, Goals!

89 A Sampling of Private Schools 100 Helping Your Struggling Student

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[ Focus on Education ]

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 35

designing exploring serving Your child should love school learning creating Atlanta, GA | Preschool - Grade 12 atlantaparent.com

Schedule your campus tour at mountvernonschool.org

[ Focus on Education ]

January 2020    Atlanta Parent 37

38 Atlanta Parent January 2020

[ Focus on Education ]

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Choosing a Private School: 12 Tips

by Denise Yearian

There are many reasons why parents send their children to private schools. For some, it’s a smaller teacher-student ratio and more individualized attention. For others, it’s the religious grounding their children receive.

Other parents feel that a private school can better address their student’s needs and academic timetable – be it a late bloomer or one who is gifted in math or art. But since no two schools are alike, where do parents begin their search for the right academic setting?

Consider these tips: 1. Get real with recommendations.

Get input from other parents you know and trust. At the same time, realize there is no perfect school or one-size-fits-all academic setting. Every school has a different flavor, and one is not necessarily better than another. It’s that one may be a better fit for your child than another.

2. Consider your child’s individuality.

Take into account his strengths, weaknesses, interests and talents. Mull over what sort of learning environment he would be most comfortable in. A self-motivated learner may do well in a program where he gets to direct and carry out his own learning. But a child in need of constant direction might be more suited to a structured environment.

3. Make a list.

Write down what you are looking for in a school. Be specific about ambiance, class size, teaching style, curriculum, the role of art and music, homework and where parents fit in the running of the school. Then prioritize your list. Some things, such as class size, a strong art program or religious affiliation, might be a “must” while other things may be negotiable.

4. Research options.

Check out the websites of potential candidates, or call and ask for more information. Consider each one’s program, mission, services, faculty and administration. What makes the school unique? What is its teaching philosophy? Is there a vision for the future? Is there anything the school does particularly well?

What about the curriculum – will it cater to your child’s talents and interests? atlantaparent.com

5. Don’t let cost limit you.

Look at a school even if you don’t think you can afford it. Most academic institutions offer scholarships or have financial aid based on need.

6. Go the distance, if needed.

A longer drive may be worth it if the school has an environment where your child will be happy and thrive. Look for someone to carpool with, or use the drive for studying or spending quality time together.

7. Schedule a visit.

Attend open houses or schedule tours at schools that meet your initial criteria. This will give you a feel for the school’s academic and developmental philosophy. Note, however, that even schools which adhere to like-minded philosophies can be tremendously different. A school whose website make it seem like the perfect fit may prove otherwise once you’ve visited.

And the school you weren’t initially drawn to may turn out to be the “one.”

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 39

Choosing a Private School: 8. Meet with the right people.

While visiting, talk with the principal or school administrator. Discuss your child’s needs and ask whether the school can meet them.

Questions to Ask When Looking for a Private School

9. Make observations.

If possible, arrange to sit in on classes. Write down facts such as school and class size, ambiance, absence or presence of a dress code and the demeanor of students and teachers. Also note the students’ reactions. Do they seem comfortable and relaxed or anxious and uptight?

n How and when is writing and composition taught?

10. Ask for references.

Get the names of a few parents whose children attend the school. Find out what they like and dislike about the school. If you can, obtain names of parents who didn’t choose that school and enrolled their children elsewhere. Learning their reasoning may give you a more balanced perspective.

n When do children start getting homework, and how much is typical for each grade level?

11. Get your child’s take.

Return to the schools that meet your criteria and bring your child with you. Have him meet the teacher, and if possible, spend time in a classroom. What was his reaction? Did he seem comfortable with the school, the teacher and the other students?

12. Follow your intuition.

You know your child better than anyone else. If you’ve done your homework, you’ll know whether it’s the right school for your child.

Sometimes it’s not necessarily a specific program or academic feature that lets parents know it’s a good match. It’s that intangible feeling – that visceral reaction. They know this is a place where their child can grow and succeed.

40 Atlanta Parent January 2020

n What is the school’s philosophy on teaching reading?

n Is the curriculum established, or does it emerge from the students’ interests? n How often do the children use textbooks, workbooks or worksheets?

n What methods are used for academic assessment? n How much time do students spend in recess? n How do teachers communicate with parents, and what level of parental participation is allowed? n To what extent is technology integrated into the school day? n For older students, what is the policy on the use of mobile phones or other devices? n What extracurricular activities are offered? n How much time is spent on art and music? n Are there opportunities for cooperative learning? n How is discipline for improper behavior carried out? n What qualifications do the teachers have? n Who makes decisions about the school?

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atlantaparent.com

How to Prepare for an Open House Visit During an open house, parents can learn critical information about a child’s potential school. Attend your next open house equipped with what to expect. n Expect to hear words of welcome from administrators and a plug from the PTA. Schools usually include a brief history of the school, an overview of educational philosophy, a mission statement and perhaps a list of extracurricular activities. This overview period is a good time for parents to ask about the bus schedule, school lunches, physical education requirements, dress code and other general information. n Most schools offer a guided tour, usually including the media center, gymnasium, computer labs and classrooms. n After the open house, look at SAT scores, attendance records and gradepoint averages. Follow up with phone calls and emails if you have questions.

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Go Beyond the Open House n Schedule a time to observe a class in session. This will give you a good idea of the teaching style and classroom setting. Are the desks arranged in groups or in rows facing the teacher? This is typically an indication of the amount of student interaction that is encouraged in that classroom. n Take a tour yourself. Look for physical indicators of the school’s sense of pride. Do teachers set a good example by

[ Focus on Education ]

picking up trash from the floor? Examine the condition of the restrooms. n Talk to other parents about the school. Most parents are happy to share their thoughts. n Look at the big picture.

You may be hoping to stay with the system through high school, so research graduation and college placement rates.

This information is usually found on the school’s website.

– Alexi Wilbourn

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 41

Six Steps

for Applying to Private School

by Rebecca Ruffin Leffler

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arrowing down the best options for your child’s education can be stressful, and the answer is as individual as the child.

If you’ve settled on private schooling, applying for admission doesn’t have to be an ordeal.

Metro Atlanta has an abundance of private schools, and 67 schools are members of the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools.

There’s a school perfect for your child.

However, the process can involve a lot of paperwork, school tours and testing.

Our tips will make the process not quite so daunting: Start early. It may seem crazy to think so far ahead but starting a year in advance is not too soon. Once you’ve narrowed down to your favorite options, you’ll have more time to visit the campuses, get to know the staff and talk with parents of students already enrolled. Attend a football or basketball game to see if the environments and cultures at the schools on your list will fit your child’s comfort level.

Meet deadlines. Most schools detail admissions requirements and deadlines on their websites. If testing is required, make sure tests are done well in advance of enrollment deadlines. If financial aid is needed, apply early.

Many schools use Ravenna, a software hub managing applications for students applying to private and independent PS-12 schools. The hub allows you to create and manage multiple applications at a time.

Don’t pay for formal test prep.

Schools in the AAIS use the Joint Admissions Testing Program for applicants in kindergarten through fifth grade. Since the JATP is a cognitive test, given on a one-on-one session with a licensed child psychologist, there is no way to prepare for it. Schedule a follow-up session with the psychologist to go over the results.

For grades 6-12, most schools require the standardized Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT). Instead of taking formal test prep, get your child familiar with the test, the format and the directions by looking at the practice tests on the SSAT website.

42 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Resources: n Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools: aaais.org n Georgia Department of Education: gadoe.org n Georgia Independent School Association: gisaschools.org n Joint Admissions Testing Program: jatp.org n Secondary School Admission Test: ssat.org n Independent School Entrance Exam: erblearn.org

Some schools may also require the Independent School Entrance Exam for grades 2-12. This standard skill assessment ranks reasoning and achievement skills among students in the same grade. The Educational Records Bureau offers preparation books for each ISEE level free on their site.

Apply to more than one school.

Go into the application process as if the application were for college – not everyone gets into their first-choice private school, just as not everyone gets into top-tier colleges.

Apply to three or four schools that you would be happy for your child to attend.

Keep your own counsel. Talking to other parents applying to the same school will only convince you that you haven’t done enough to help your child through the application process. Remind yourself that

[ Focus on Education ]

you and your child have done all you can, and the decision is now out of your hands.

Trust the process. Admissions offices discuss applicant files and weigh many factors including test scores, teacher recommendations and observations.

Admission officers are experienced in screening children and can be fairly certain whether a child will be successful at their school.

AAAIS members have a Common Notification Date. For the 2020-21 school year, mailed and electronic acceptances will be sent April 3-4. Other schools with rolling admissions may send their decision letters earlier or later.

A rejection usually happens because the applicant isn’t a good fit or isn’t ready for the rigorous academics of a school.

After notification, AAAIS schools cannot contact parents, although parents can reach out. The Common Response Date to parents’ questions is roughly two weeks after decision letters are issued. AAAIS schools may wait until this date to respond to inquiries.

If you’re put on the waitlist, contact the admissions office to express your continued interest. The second round will occur approximately two weeks later when offers are accepted or declined. Even after the second round and throughout the summer, spots typically open as families change plans or move away. atlantaparent.com

Discover your capable, confident Montessori child.

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Discover your capable, confident Montessori child.

At Guidepost, your child will enter a wonderful world of activities, tools, and learning materials, designed to captivate his interest and inspire his budding intelligence in remarkable ways. Early childhood is a brief moment in time when your child’s mind develops rapidly, and he establishes foundational character traits. Take advantage of this critical age!

Visit us online today to RSVP for an event or schedule a tour.

Visit us online to RSVP for an event or schedule a tour today!

Guidepost Montessori at Deerfield

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Should Your Kindergartner Be Red Shirted?

The pros and cons of holding a young child back academically

by June Allan Corrigan

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merson Grubb of Atlanta was 7 during most of his time in first grade, and that suited his parents just fine. His May birthday fell before Georgia’s September 1 enrollment cutoff date, so he could have entered first grade the prior year, but his parents opted to postpone. “We agreed with his teachers that he needed more time to develop socially and emotionally,” his mom, Susan, says. “The school had a pre-first program so we knew he would still move on academically rather than repeating kindergarten.” Today, Emerson is a happy and successful ninth grader and his parents know that he benefited from that extra year.

Perhaps you’re considering postponing the kindergarten or first grade enrollment of your age-eligible child as the Grubbs did. You’re not in a minority. This practice is commonly referred to as “red shirting” – or at least that’s what it is called in the world of college sports where an athlete sits out a year or more in order to lengthen eligibility. While some parents may red shirt a younger child for athletic reasons, the trend of academic red shirting is more and more common and shows no signs of slowing down. But are you really doing your child a favor by having him sit on the bench, so to speak?

“It depends on the child,” says Lillian G. Katz, Ph.D., co-director of the Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting and Professor Emerita at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “There is such a distinction between academic and intellectual goals for young children and when and whether a child has achieved them.

That alone can play an enormous role in determining if he or she is ready for kindergarten or first grade.”

Only 9% of children were being red shirted back in the mid-nineties. By 2007, 16.4% of children entering kindergarten were age 6 or older according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The jump likely has to do with schools’ increasing emphasis on academic achievement and parents’ growing attentiveness to their kids’ emotional needs. And since boys’ neurological maturity occurs slightly later than girls, it’s no surprise they represent the lion’s share of these statistics especially if their birthday happens to fall in the latter half of the year.

Cont’d on next page

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 45

Should Your Kindergartner Be Red Shirted?

Georgia law requires a child to be 5 years old on or before September 1 to enter public kindergarten, and 6 on or before September 1 to enter first grade. Public schools are strict about this rule; enrollment can be delayed for a child with an early birthday, but schools won’t enroll a child who doesn’t meet the age requirement. Private schools typically follow the same September 1 cutoff date, but may allow more flexibility for children with earlier birthdays. Some parents circumvent the issue by enrolling their child in private school for Lisa DeLuna’s kindergarten and first grade, then transferring the son Jacob started child to second grade in a public school, when kindergarten mere there is no stated age requirement. weeks after turning Lisa DeLuna wonders if her son Jacob might five and he strained have benefited from being held back. He started mightily to keep kindergarten mere weeks after turning five and up, socially and he strained mightily to keep up, socially and academically, not academically, not only that year but for the next three. She attributes his struggles to a lack of self- only that year but confidence. “He’s always been tall for his age and for the next three. people assume he’s older than he is,” she says. “He seemed ready for kindergarten at the time but it wasn’t until third grade that things really began to kick in for him.”

For parents sitting on the fence over whether or not to red shirt, it may be helpful to note that Jacob DeLuna’s experience dovetails with data compiled by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). “Our research shows that even if there is a benefit from red shirting to a child in the first year or years, by third grade any differences between children held back and those not is minimal, and often nonexistent,” says Kyle Snow, director of the Center for Applied Research at the NAEYC.

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Should you or shouldn’t you?

It’s an individual decision and you know your child best.

However, here are some DO’s and DON’T’s to keep in mind: n DON’T let a summer or fall birthday automatically dictate your decision regarding kindergarten or first grade readiness. n DO check out your intended school’s readiness screening procedures or tests to get an idea of how your child may fare. n DO ask a teacher what is expected of incoming students and how you might help your child prepare. n DO listen to advice from your child’s teacher regarding your child’s readiness.

Ask: What are my child’s weak points? In what areas does he surpass expectations? n DON’T make your child aware of your own apprehensions. Whether you hold him back or not, approach either decision with confidence and enthusiasm. n DO investigate the nature of a prospective kindergarten or first grade program. Is it very formal with rows of desks or less structured? Informal learning centers can accommodate a greater developmental range of children than whole class instruction, says Dr. Katz. n DO take into account class size. A very shy child might be overwhelmed by a large group but adapt quite readily in a setting numbering 20 children or less. n DO consider where your child would spend a red shirt year. If this extra year is spent in a high quality setting that nurtures the development of skills necessary for school success, it can be a positive experience.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 47

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STEM for Preschoolers:

Activities to Try at Home

by Sarah Lyons A career in the STEM field may seem like a long time off for your preschooler. It is never too early to start developing your child’s interest in math, science and technology.

Here are some ways to kickstart your preschooler’s love of science.

n Fun Exploring

Preschoolers love to explore. Plant a garden, fill water glasses with food coloring and mix to learn about colors, count and sort items, talk about and chart the weather or play with magnets and a cookie sheet.

Set up a sensory bin using dried beans, water beads or rice, then hide items inside.

Ask your child to find the red dinosaur, count the green items or close their eyes and guess what items they feel.

Sharpen math skills with colored cereal.

Ask your child to sort the pieces by color and count them. Then have them string the cereal on yarn to make a necklace.

n DIY Science Lab

Create your own science lab mixing station with several see-through plastic containers of any shape and size. Fill some containers with dry ingredients, such as baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar or cornstarch, and fill others with wet ingredients, such as water, white vinegar, lemon juice or ice. Lay towels down or set the ingredients up outside, so you can have fun without worrying about cleaning up.

Supervise your preschoolers experimenting with what happens when different ingredients are mixed.

n In the Kitchen

While baking cookies, have your children help measure the ingredients, count the scoops of flour and discuss what different ingredients do or what happens if you don’t use the correct measurements. atlantaparent.com

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 49

Reading + Writing = Literacy

by Jan Pierce, M.Ed.

Nothing is more exciting than watching your child learn to read and write. The good news is if they’ve heard dozens of stories, have books to interact with, have access to writing materials and see you reading and writing in everyday life, they’re eager to learn to read and write.

It’s a Challenge Learning to write with conventional spelling is no easy feat. Imagine starting over again in a new language in which there are twenty-six times two symbols, dozens of sounds made by said symbols and a list of rules as long as your arm, all with exceptions.

You might just pass on that bit of learning.

But your child can’t pass. Reading and writing are the doorways to learning. They need those skills and will use them for the rest of their lives.

Literacy Starts Early You can’t talk about writing without including reading skills. Emergent literacy is the term we use when children gain knowledge, bit by bit, gradually understanding how the English alphabet works.

Young children, even babies and toddlers, are in the process of becoming readers and writers. With exposure to books and a rich learning environment, children make their way by stages toward reading and writing proficiency.

From Squiggles to Words These are the stages children move through as they become more and more skilled in writing: l Drawing and Scribbling: At an early age, children begin to understand that messages are conveyed with pencil and paper.

They see words in books, in their home and in public places. They see their parents reading the mail and reading books and they want to do it, too. So they begin by making marks on paper. Even toddlers enjoy scribbling and drawing. They may tell you their marks are pictures of a family member or pet, or they may convey the message they have in their head, “this says I love you, Dad.” 50 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Parents can: Encourage every effort at written communication and suggest more writing projects. This is not the time to correct “mistakes.” Their efforts are not mistakes, they are developmental strides toward real words and sentences. l Letter and Letter-Like Forms: Children learn the alphabet via books, songs and written messages. Now they try to reproduce those letters, trying a circle shape for the round letters and straight lines or block shapes for others. They begin to understand that letters form words and are read from left to right.

Parents can: Model writing real words, such as family names, and post labels for common items around the house. l Beginning and Ending Sounds: As children learn the sounds that each letter says, they’ll try stringing them together into words. They understand that certain letters go in a certain order, with spaces in between.

Each word carries meaning. The beginning sound of words are heard first, thus a letter c or k may mean cat.

Later, ending sounds (ct) are included, and some children notice dominant sounds in the middle of words, such as bbl for bubble.

Parents can: Begin to print out three and four letter words and show how each sound works together to make the word. Write down the child’s name and ask them to copy it.

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l Invented Spellings: Now our little writer is cruising. The vowel sounds which are so tricky and unpredictable may be wrong, but the writing is now both legible and understandable. “I rod mi bik.” Since the words approximate the correct spellings, they get their message across.

Parents can: Provide lots of opportunities for the child to respond in writing. Work on vowel sounds, both long and short during short lessons, but allow the invented spellings in their writing efforts. l Conventional Spellings: Through trial and error, study and reading many books, children finally arrive at conventional spellings of our English language. Even adults continue to misspell many words since English has so many similar sounds and so many exceptions to the rules.

Parents can: Realize that children move at varying speeds and sometimes hover between invented and conventional spellings.

There is no rush. The focus should be on writing as a tool of communication, not “right or wrong.”

Reinforce Skills Practice, practice, practice! Encourage your child’s reading and writing growth through real-life writing tasks instead of rote memory work. Have them write to a relative or friend, ask them to write a grocery list or tell the story of their pet’s life. Read books, engage in conversations, make writing materials available, and offer praise for any and all reading and writing efforts. atlantaparent.com

Imagine a school that champions childhood.

Our preschool - 8th grade students are encouraged to tap into their innate curiosity for exploring their world through discovery and active learning. Classroom instruction is complemented by weekly participation in Spanish, art, music, drama, library, chapel, sacred stories, and physical education.

We invite you to discover St. Benedict's for yourself.

Open House January 12, 2020 | 2:00-4:00pm Admission Coffees Infant-K | January 28, 2020 | 9-11 am 1st - 8th Grades | February 4, 2020 | 9-11 am 2160 Cooper Lake Road . Smyrna, GA 30080 . 678-279-4300 . stbs.org

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January 2020    Atlanta Parent 51

CREATE YOUR PATH EVERY CHILD’S EDUCATION IS A UNIQUE JOURNEY.

At Woodward, we provide the compass.

Main Campus, College Park, Pre-K to 12 Woodward North, Johns Creek, Pre-K to 6 404.765.4001 APPLY TODAY AT WOODWARD.EDU

52 Atlanta Parent January 2020

[ Focus on Education ]

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We cultivate a love of learning Trinity, Atlanta’s only private elementary-only school, serves children age three through Sixth Grade by design. We believe this configuration best supports children’s growth and development. Our entire focus—expertise, facilities, resources—is devoted to these young learners and helping them flourish.

Discover Trinity School firsthand at our January 15 Open House.

Begin your child’s journey at trinityatl.org/admissions | 404-231-8118

4301 Northside Parkway NW, Atlanta

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 53

Be passionate

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VISIT US AT ONE OF OUR ADMISSIONS EVENTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WHITEFIELDACADEMY.COM.

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54 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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www.lovett.org January 2020 Atlanta Parent 55

Learn bravely The Midtown school for age 3 – grade 8. tcsatl.org Schedule a visit!

Call 404.835.4603

56 Atlanta Parent January 2020

[ Focus on Education ]

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Guide to Private Schools Choosing where your child will earn his education is not an easy decision, especially with so many great schools in the Atlanta area. From the school’s academic approach to its learning environment, size and location, our guide to private schools will help you find the best fit for your family.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 57

Atlanta

Private Schools Academe of the Oaks

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ollege-preparatory by design, Academe of the Oaks’ innovative Waldorf high school curriculum includes coursework in mathematics, sciences, and humanities; fine and practical arts; drama and music; and environmental education. At Academe, students’ hands-on introduction to science through experiential learning in the lab and in the field is complemented by a humanities focus on classic and contemporary primary sources. Learning by experience helps students develop a set of skills applicable across the curriculum. Knowing “how to learn” means, that no matter what the subject, Academe students understand what questions to ask. An experiential approach prioritizes student performance. By rearticulating the meaning of a text or an experiment through speech or dramatic interpretations, students discover the truths of a lesson for themselves. In turn, each opportunity to perform builds understanding and establishes a lifelong love of learning. Students leave Academe confident in their ability to ask the essential questions and to lead others to the discovery of meaning.

Located just east of downtown Decatur, Academe of the Oaks serves students in grades 9-12. Please visit www. academeatlanta.org for more information.

Arbor Montessori School

I

n 1970, a group of teachers met around a kitchen table to discuss the ideal Montessori program for Atlanta. Now, Arbor Montessori School is celebrating 50 years of serving and educating the community.

Students become lifelong learners, creative problem-solvers, collaborators, and global citizens who want to make a difference in the world.

Arbor is one of the largest Montessori schools in the Southeast. Every day, children receive individualized attention from understanding, knowledgeable, experienced faculty.

Arbor serves children ages 18 months to 8th grade with developmentally-appropriate environments and curricula at each stage.

The flagship campus sits on a 4-acre wooded lot offering students opportunities to engage inside and outside. In addition to an outstanding academic program, Arbor offers art, music, Spanish, before and after-school care, a strong athletics program, extracurriculars, and a close-knit community.

The second campus offers a conveniently-located, smaller community of toddler and 3-6-year-old primary classes.

Children benefit from intentionally-designed materials and experienced teachers. Arbor’s teachers offer lessons promoting meaningful work, encouraging children to be the optimal version of themselves. The founders’ vision has become a reality. Go here, then go anywhere. For more information, visit arbormontessori.org or call 404-321-9304.

Atlanta Academy

Atlanta International School

tlanta Academy, a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School, serves over 350 private preschool-8th grade students in North Atlanta. The school’s mission, to give every student the individual attention they need to succeed, is at the core of everything they do. Small class sizes allow teachers to understand students’ individual strengths and help them discover their own unique talents.

A forward-thinking curriculum at Atlanta Academy is enriched with a variety of opportunities for students, in order to build the confidence and skills they need to succeed at prestigious private high schools, top-ranking public schools and magnet programs. More than 96 percent of graduates are accepted into their top choice high school.

The Atlanta Academy faculty ranks among some of the best educators in the industry. More than half of our Kindergarten through 8th grade teachers hold master’s degrees. High performing student achievement is nurtured in an inclusive, non-denominational atmosphere, where families are engaged.

Together, they are fully invested in helping children grow into well-educated, independent problem-solvers who are prepared to excel in high school and beyond. To schedule a tour, visit atlantaacademy.com.

tlanta International School (AIS) offers all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs to 1,320 U.S. and international students from three-year-old Kindergarten to Grade 12. Rigorous academics are enriched by a world-class language acquisition program, which begins with a full immersion Pre-school program in French, German, Chinese and Spanish and continues with dual (French, German and Spanish) and partial (Chinese) immersion from 5K to Grade 5. AIS offers STEM and STEAMendorsed and bilingual diplomas in addition to the prestigious IB diploma.

Beyond the classroom, AIS students participate in awardwinning performing and fine arts opportunities, competitive athletics, and global experiential learning. Along with the authorization to offer IB education, AIS is also accredited by the following academic programs: AdvanceED, Agency of French Teaching Abroad (aefe), Council for International Schools (CIS), European Council for International Schools (ECIS), and Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). For more information, please visit aischool.org.

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58 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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[ Private School Guide ] Special Advertising Section

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Atlanta Music High School

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tlanta Music High School empowers classical, jazz, rock and folk music students (grades 6-8, 9-12) with an academic education that is not only accredited, but that is also sensitive and responsive to the time and resources it takes for a young performer or composer to become a great musician.

AMHS brings the professional faculty of two independent and established schools, Capstone Academy and Community Music Centers of Atlanta, into collaboration at a shared campus, for the purpose of offering rigorous academics and deep immersion in pre-professional musical training.

AMHS works with parents to tailor academics at Capstone or the school of their choice. This coordination leaves ample time for passionate musicians to develop musical artistry and a capstone portfolio. The AMHS experience thereby provides balance and harmony between traditional academics and intensive training, crucial for student happiness and success.

AMHS believes students who train at an elite level and push themselves to reach their fullest potential in developing their own, authentic artistic perspective are prepared for life, whether they choose to continue in music or to go in another direction for college. Visit AtlantaMusicHigh.com for more information or call 404-614-0466 to schedule a tour, interview or scholarship audition.

Atlanta Montessori International School at Druid Hills and Cliff Valley

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ith campuses at Druid Hills and Cliff Valley, Atlanta Montessori International School provides the greater Atlanta area with a high-quality Montessori experience that gives children the education they need to thrive in today’s world.

AMIS at Cliff Valley is a truly international school that represents 53 countries and serves children from 8 weeks to 15 years with age-appropriate Montessori programs led by certified and experienced Montessori educators.

AMIS at Druid Hills celebrated its grand opening in 2019 and is located in a historic, newly renovated mansion. Both campuses have beautiful indoor and outdoor learning spaces and are designed for safety with state-of-theart security systems.

A Montessori education helps children hone their intellectual and social skills as they learn creativity and self-sufficiency. At Atlanta Montessori International School, we have a proven track record of providing the highest quality Montessori experience for nearly 20 years. For more information and to book a tour, visit www.amischool.com

Atlanta Speech School

The Children’s School

he Atlanta Speech School’s three pre-schools, K-6 elementary school for children with dyslexia, clinic with a range of services and the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy share one common goal: language and literacy for each child, to provide the strongest possible foundation to construct reading brains. On campus, exceptional professionals tailor the latest cutting-edge research to individual needs, with the relationships, respect and resources so each child can excel.

Programs include the Kenan Preschool, which develops children to be exceptionally prepared for school; Stepping Stones, a preschool and transitional kindergarten for children experiencing speech or language delays; the Hamm Center, a listening, spoken language and literacy program for children ages birth to 5 who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families and the Wardlaw School, an elementary school for children with dyslexia. In addition, the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy expands the walls of the school with a mission to ensure that every child has access to literacy the opportunity to decide their own future, regardless of ZIP code. atlantaspeechschool.org. 404-233-5332.

n 1970, founder Lila McDill had one vision: children learn by doing. Today, The Children’s School is an age 3-grade 8 school located in the heart of Midtown, empowering students to dive in headfirst, hands-on and open-hearted into the grand lifelong adventure that is learning.

TCS knows that play is serious learning. They embrace play in everything because it is essential to intellectual, social, emotional, physical and cultural development.

As students grow, learning through play becomes learning playfully. Through immersive project-based learning, projects are designed around real-world problems facing the community to help students learn in a more meaningful way and tackle the kinds of questions that can’t be answered by Google.

Learning takes courage. The diverse, joyful and nurturing community shows up as their authentic selves everyday, encourages risk-taking and challenges learners to academic excellence, noble character and emotional maturity, preparing them to make an impact on an ever-changing world.

Learn more at tcsatl.org.

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Atlanta

Private Schools The Cottage School

The Davis Academy

he Cottage School (TCS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit school that combines small class sizes, a workplace model, and the implementation of study skills to provide students in grades 4–12 with mild to moderate learning differences an opportunity to achieve academic and social success. This year, TCS is celebrating its 35th year of success stories with significant growth to meet the needs of every child who may find success in a non-traditional learning environment.

TCS focuses on the three pillars of success: Academics, Socialization and Emotional Wellness. A variety of team sports – including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and swim team – teach students the fundamental life skills of teamwork and respect. The Cottage School believes that teaching the whole child encourages each student to recognize their own strengths and use them in ways that foster success.

To learn more about The Cottage School, please visit www.cottageschool.org.

hen a child enters The Davis Academy, an unmatched experience begins that lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning and discovery.

Education of the whole child is at the heart of The Davis Academy’s mission, where outstanding faculty strive to foster the development of each child’s unique talents.

From Kindergarten Prep through Eighth Grade, students emerge as confident learners with a strong sense of self and an enlightened appreciation of the world around them. Davis graduates excel at the best high schools and universities and become leaders in their communities.

With a retention rate of 97%, The Davis Academy community is comprised of families from across the globe, nation, and 31 metro Atlanta zip codes. The School is committed to making a Davis education accessible through the Tuition and Transportation Affordability Program (TAP), offering tuition grants and free bus transportation with ample routes.

TAP into The Davis Academy and #BeAmazed by and beyond the education. Learn more at davisacademy.org.

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Endeavor Montessori School at Dunwoody

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Fellowship Christian School

tlanta’s newest and most innovative school offers a modernized and holistic education that combines Montessori principles and outdoor learning with an age-appropriate, technologyfocused curriculum.

Endeavor Montessori at Dunwoody serves children from 6 weeks to 12 years and approaches learning with a focus on developing the whole child through critical thinking, cultural awareness, and entrepreneurship. The school also eases children into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, The Arts, and Math) so that they fully grasp the technology that surrounds them every day.

The curriculum at Endeavor Montessori at Dunwoody is distilled from the experiences and knowledge of more than 200 esteemed Montessori teachers from across the country to provide students in the Atlanta area with a world-class education that prepares them for their future and guides them to discover their interests and cultivate their talents.

For more information, visit www.endeavormontessori.com or call 770-637-1242.

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ellowship Christian School in Roswell, GA – one of the only covenant Christian schools in Atlanta – is a community and a calling; a second home and a lasting foundation.

Fellowship is an experience. It’s a difference you can feel: In their commitment to Jesus and His teachings, lifelong relationships and in the spirit and style of their intentional, personalized programming. A place where students are encouraged and empowered – to believe, to belong, to become.

To not just make their mark, but to make it remarkable.

Fellowship embodies how students learn, live, and lead: Through relationships, connections, and conversations. In Christian service to their neighbors at home and afar. They offer a complete, preparatory, and personal Pre-K to 12th grade education – with intentional diploma tracks, specialized academic enrichment and support programs, and a 100 percent college acceptance rate – all in a place where students can truly belong.

Schedule a campus tour to experience their exceptional community and state-of-the-art facilities. Please visit fellowshipchristianschool.org or call 770-641-6836 to learn more.

Fellowship Christian School – Ready the Remarkable

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The Galloway School

GRACEPOINT School

ocated in beautiful Chastain Park, The Galloway School is an independent day school that serves a diverse student body of around 750 students age 3 through grade 12. Guided by a unique approach to teaching and learning, Galloway offers students daring, deliberate, and dynamic learning experiences that inspire them to become fearless learners for life.

The Galloway School’s educational philosophy and approach stem from the belief that learning should be an experience of discovery that is both challenging and joyful. It is only then that students develop an abiding love of learning and embrace it as a life-long endeavor. The Galloway School offers an environment of high expectations and low anxiety that challenges students to grow by teaching them to challenge themselves today and for the rest of their lives.

Graduates attest that Galloway’s focus on the journey of learning and personal development is what makes the school truly different, and the results speak for themselves.

Galloway graduates are mature, independent, and confident individuals who are well prepared for college and for a life lived as enlightened citizens who think independently, care deeply, and engage responsibly.

For more information, call 404-252-8389 or visit the website at gallowayschool.org.

ounded in 2012, when two mothers stepped out in faith to provide their dyslexic children with a specialized education in a Christian setting.

GRACEPOINT School began with a mere four students and has steadily grown to an enrollment of more than 120 students in grades one through eight.

Students receive a comprehensive, high quality education program, combining remediation with enrichment and acceleration. Students typically complete remediation in three to four years allowing them to transition into a more traditional educational environment.

GRACEPOINT utilizes the Orton-Gillingham method, a multisensory approach woven into all subject areas. Their students receive seventy-five minutes of explicit reading instruction daily by a certified Orton-Gillingham teacher. The student/teacher ratio for reading is 5:1, while all other core subjects have a student/teacher ratio of 8:1. The mission at GRACEPOINT is to equip dyslexic students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confident learners.

They strive to instill a life-long desire for their students to grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord, so that each will fulfill God’s purpose and bring Him glory. GRACEPOINT is located in an independent building on the campus of Piedmont Church in Marietta. gracepointschool.org. 678-709-6634.

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

The Howard School

oly Innocents’ Episcopal School, located just north of Chastain Park and inside the perimeter, reaches across 43 beautiful acres and boasts a state-of-the-art STEM Building, stand-alone Primary School, Lower School, Middle School and Upper School facilities, a Fine Arts Building, two modern gymnasiums and four expansive athletic fields.

HIES is Atlanta’s only comprehensive Episcopal school, with approximately 1,300 students PK3-12. The HIES college-prep curriculum challenges students, encourages collaboration and inspires creative thinking. Course offerings include acclaimed reading and writing programs, foreign language classes for all ages, hands-on science programs, robotics, engineering, film and TV production classes and the Program for Global Citizenship. HIES has one of the region’s leading Fine Arts programs and an impressive athletic tradition, with many regional and state championships. For more information, visit hies.org.

he Howard School’s story stretches back to 1950, when an amazing woman with cerebral palsy changed the landscape of education in Atlanta. Marian Howard epitomized a strong, southern woman, never allowing her physical disability to deter her from her true passion – creating an educational world with no boundaries, labels, or diminished expectations. To that end, Howard worked with Dr. Hermon Martin, Georgia’s first child psychologist, on plans to open a school specifically for children with learning differences. In April of 1950, the school opened in Howard’s house on North Decatur Road with only three students. Her dedication, personal sacrifice, and commitment to students and families established The Howard School as a unique program that has continued to grow into the transformational program it is today – a full and robust academic program in which an interdisciplinary team of experts come together to make learning meaningful for every child. Today, The Howard School includes approximately 300 students, and is the only K-12 school for children with language-based learning differences in the City of Atlanta. Visit howardschool.org, or call 404-377-7436 to learn more and schedule a tour.

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Atlanta

Private Schools Landmark Christian School

The Lovett School

andmark Christian School, ranked as one of the best schools in the state, serves K4-12th with campuses conveniently located in Fairburn and Peachtree City.

Landmark invests in the spiritual, academic and overall development of children with engaging academics, Christian values, and immense opportunities creating an exceptional education and exceptional graduates. 100% of graduates attend college, most with scholarships and college credits. With intentionally small class sizes and a teacher-to-student ratio of 1:7, worldclass faculty offer dynamic learning environments helping students discover their passions and develop their talents to impact the world for Jesus Christ. Students are immersed in 21st-century, hands-on learning stimulating imagination and invention. Innovative offerings include the Academies: Aviation, Music, Film and Animation, Dance, Business and Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Technology, Leadership, and Fashion and Design. Dual enrollment taught uniquely on campus, AP, honors classes, online courses, and numerous sporting and arts opportunities create an exceptional student experience. TED, Spotlight Theatre, and Imagination Stations stir the minds of the youngest. A new state-of-the-art high school will open in 2020. Take a tour. Register for Open House: landmarkchristianschool.org.

t The Lovett School, they educate the whole child to thrive in school and in life. The students develop intellect and confidence in an academic setting that has a national reputation. They prioritize the formation of good character and encourage it through unique community experiences, spiritual development and service learning. In the school’s 93rd year, Lovett has more than 1,611 students from 78 different zip codes and 11 counties in the metropolitan area. They welcome students of many different faiths and backgrounds. As a college preparatory institution, the coursework is strong, and creative and critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and a love of learning are major objectives. Outside the classroom, Lovett encourages students to discover themselves through robust arts and athletics programs.

The faculty creates opportunities for them to grow in all dimensions – intellectual, emotional, physical, aesthetic, moral, and spiritual. lovett.org.

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Montessori School at Emory

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ontessori School at Emory was founded over 25 years ago becoming accredited as a Montessori School in 1993. With over 175 students, from 15 months through 14 years, the Montessori School at Emory supports the whole child and prepares them for life through accredited, authentic quality Montessori programs. Children are given one-on-one instruction from their teacher which creates an individualized program that engages their interests and skill levels.

Montessori School at Emory offers several options. Full day, half day, 10 month or year round formats are available.

Afternoon enrichment programs are also offered from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 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. For more information about the Montessori School at Emory, call 404-634-5777 or visit MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com.

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Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs and Montessori at Vickery

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ith campuses at Sharon Springs and Vickery, we provide students with a Montessori education that opens minds and sharpens intellectual skills, while inspiring confidence and self-sufficiency.

These schools offer age-appropriate Montessori programs for children from 6 weeks to 18 years. Working in a supportive environment with experienced educators, students are given the tools and resources to gain a world-class education. The Montessori curriculum includes mixed-age classrooms, which enable students to interact on a variety of levels to learn social, academic and leadership skills. Teachers guide students as they discover their interests and develop their abilities. Montessori truly helps children develop a lifelong love of learning and helps them create a vision for their future.

Recognized by Montessori educators worldwide and accredited by the American Montessori Society, the schools meet the highest standards of excellence and are also accredited by AdvancED and the State of Georgia. Please visit to see how a Montessori education can benefit your child. Go to MontessoriAcademySharonSprings. com or MontessoriVickery.com

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Mount Paran Christian School

Mount Pisgah Christian School

ount Paran Christian School exists to provide a stellar academic experience in a Christian environment. It’s crucial to guarantee a moral and faith foundation through everything your child learns at school. Through curricular Bible classes, weekly chapel, discipleship groups, and service, faith becomes integrated into who they are. Within small class sizes, MPCS offers 57 AP/honors courses, instructional support, robotics, STEAM starting in PK3, and a 1:1 device program. Their job is to prepare servant-leaders – in the classroom, on the ball field, on the stage, and ultimately in our community.

Mount Paran Christian School is a PreK3-12th grade private Christian, non-denominational, college-preparatory school. MPCS is committed to excellence in academics, award-winning arts, and championship athletics. Founded in 1976, MPCS is fully accredited (SAIS/AdvancED) and located in the shadow of Kennesaw Mountain on a 68-acre collegiate-like campus. MPCS unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth. You’re invited to experience the difference an MPCS education can make for your family at an Open House or personal tour by visiting mtparanschool.com/experience.

ount Pisgah Christian School is a top-rated independent Preschool12th grade school located in the heart of North Fulton in Atlanta. Known for providing an outstanding college prep education grounded in Christian faith and values, 100% of students are accepted into a four-year college or university.

MPCS is educating with intention through personalized, student-centered learning with small class sizes brought to life in academics, athletics and spiritual life. Recognized for academic achievement, Mount Pisgah offers 19 AP and 15 Honors Classes and is an AP Challenge, AP Merit, AP STEM, AP STEM Achievement and AP Humanities School. The Lower and Middle Schools use the innovative MAP® Growth™ assessment.

Mount Pisgah aims to grow students’ relationships with God and each other, guided by a spiritual blueprint integrated into the curriculum.

Extracurricular offerings include 46 competitive athletic programs, band, chorus, orchestra, theatre and visual arts, as well as the Mount Pisgah Arts Academy.

Preschool students benefit from personalized care in a faith-based environment. Academic discovery for ages 2-5 includes STEAM Lab activities, music and Spanish. Visit mountpisgahschool.org.

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The Mount Vernon School

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy

t The Mount Vernon School, they know your child should love school and when teachers truly understand their students’ curiosities and passions, incredible things can happen. This approach has led MV students to pursue passion projects, collaborate with not-for-profit organizations, and work hand-in-hand with Fortune 100 corporations.

At Mount Vernon, they recognize preschool through grade 12 families are not just a part of the community, they are the community. Events, clubs, and organizations invite families to take an active part in the academic and social development of their children. Students acquire a balance between academic rigor, social/emotional needs, and character development with access to more than 54 sports teams, 90+ arts opportunities, global travel, and numerous student-led initiatives and clubs. The new Upper School building, which opened in August 2019, includes an industry-grade recording studio, a two-story cafe and coffee shop,College Counseling Suite; STEM, Maker, and community spaces; studios for fine arts, digital arts, and dance; a VR/AR lab, and a Black Box theater. To schedule a campus tour visit mountvernonschool.org.

t. Bethel Christian Academy, a 2018 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL, is the school of choice for Cobb families and beyond desiring a JK-12th Christ-centered education. Through a relationship-centered approach to teaching, MBCA students are equipped to succeed as they learn, lead, and serve.

At MBCA, students are known and loved, and individual strengths are celebrated.

Mt. Bethel’s college-preparatory curriculum challenges students with a STEM program, honors/AP classes, robotics, world languages, domestic and international mission trips, plus digital/fine arts opportunities. A 1:1 laptop program allows students to access textbooks and reference material online, and includes a communication tool to connect students, parents, and teachers.

The two campuses include performing arts, visual arts and video production studios, dining halls, learning commons with student collaboration space, a fitness center, and athletic facilities. Beyond the classroom, state-championship athletics and robotics programs provide opportunities for growth.

Bus service is available to the Main Campus (JK-8) at 4385 Lower Roswell Road and North Campus (9-12) at 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd. Email admission@mtbethelchristian.org to learn more.

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Atlanta

Private Schools North Cobb Christian School

Notre Dame Academy

orth Cobb Christian School feels like home.” This is the number-one comment made by parents and students about the authentic, faith-based culture in preschool K3 through 12th grade at NCCS. From its founding in 1983 to today’s thriving student body of nearly 1,000 learners on an expansive 50-acre campus, NCCS remains true to the calling of faith and family.

An 11:1 student-to-teacher average and diversely qualified teachers scaffold students to unearth their God-given gifts.

NCCS’s arts ensembles and 50+ athletics teams are regionally acclaimed, consistently winning state titles. Lower School offers RISE (gifted program), STEAM, and service projects, while Middle School excels at talent discovery and spiritual development. Upper School students soar academically through five Academies (magnet programs), plus extensive oncampus Dual Enrollment and AP/Honors courses. Innovative college counseling results in top scholarships and a 100% college acceptance rate. Plus, schoolwide weekly chapel, peer mentoring, annual retreats and Spring Term trips allow students to be deeply known and discipled. Feel the difference through a personalized tour: ncchristian.org/admissions, admissions@ncchristian.org, 770-975-0252.

otre Dame Academy is the only Pre-K2 through 12 Marist Catholic and IB World School in the state of Georgia. Founded in 2005, ND Academy fulfills a longtime need for many families seeking a Catholic education.

ND Academy holds the honor of being named the first Catholic school in the state and second in the nation, to receive authorization from the International Baccalaureate (IB), which helps students “develop the intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.” Founded under the guiding principles of the Marist community, the goal of Notre Dame Academy is to integrate the teachings of the Gospel within the context of academic content.

ND Academy teaches students to identify problems, work cooperatively as a team, listen to others, take risks, and present their ideas. The academic program, combined with prayer and the teachings of the Catholic Church, provides students with a foundation and prepares them to excel in the global economy with awareness and sensitivity to the needs of others. Schedule a visit today at ndacademy.org/ admissions/visit.

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Pace Academy

Porter Academy

n 1958, an interfaith group of community leaders envisioned a learning environment open to fresh ideas and debate. Pace Academy today is exactly what its founders had in mind.

With 1,115 students in Pre-First through 12th grade, Pace strives to create prepared, confident citizens of the world. Studentteacher relationships are at the heart of the Pace experience, so the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 12.

Pace develops children’s passions and strengths through academics, athletics and the arts, while providing global perspectives in the classroom and an integrated experience after the bell rings.

Through the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL), Pace students come to view the world through a global lens. The ICGL builds on an innovative academic curriculum and explores an annual, school-wide theme. Curricular and co-curricular activities, scholars in residence, fellowships, internships and international study tours support education around these themes.

Through the ICGL, Pace students, guided by an outstanding faculty, develop a deep understanding of the world and the people around them. Pace graduates want to be successful and realize that true success means making a difference.

For more information, visit paceacademy.org.

e are so pleased with the progress he has made so far this year. He is beaming when he reads aloud and his confidence is soaring. He is no longer too timid to take chances and try something new. We couldn’t be happier!” – Porter Academy Parent When parents first come tour Porter Academy, many of them feel heavy with frustration, anxiety, and sadness because they have fought hard for their children, but with little success to show for their efforts. These same families, within a few months of enrollment, are able to relax and feel hopeful, knowing that their children are finally happy and learning.

The school’s founder, Claudia Porter, didn’t teach a curriculum, she taught a child. She knew each child’s passions, strengths, and stumbling blocks. She knew that their past struggles had made them feel less...less capable, less important... and that these feelings had led many of them to resist trying.

They had learned to slip through the cracks or to distract from the real problems by acting out behaviorally. Mrs. Porter knew that the first step to getting children to learn was to rebuild their self confidence and self respect. The school has grown, but the child-centered care and teaching persists, enabling each child to find joy and success in learning.

For more information, visit porteracademy.org or call 770-594-1313.

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The Premo School

Sage School

t The Premo School, children have the space and time to play, make mistakes, experiment, take risks, find their voices, reflect, and grow.

The school is a community of Young 5’s - 8th grade learners, led by a faculty of master teachers. The class groupings are fluid, allowing students to be challenged at every ability level.

Students participate in a weekly hands-on science lab.

In book club, each child reads a different work of literature every month. History comes alive through plays, debates, presentations, and reenactments. Math is both rigorous and low-stress. Fine arts are incorporated into every day. Twiceweekly yoga helps students develop focus, organization, and strength. Middle schoolers gain confidence and leadership skills with monthly presentations to the whole school. Monthly field trips allow students explore the world around them.

The Premo School offers families a Monday-Thursday schedule. Students have a minimum of one hour of outdoor recess every day. Class groupings are, on average, 1:7 and meet outside as much as possible. Visit thepremoschool.org to learn more or call 404-655-7779.

When a child loves their school, anything is possible.

earning how to learn is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive. At Sage School, students are presented with tools and strategies to unlock the code of English language. Language instruction and Orton-Gillingham remediation form the core of the education of a Sage School student. The instruction is multisensory, direct and explicit.

Orton-Gillingham remediation, the best education a student with dyslexia can receive, is a multi-sensory approach to teaching children to read and write. While the approach at Sage School is structured, sequential, and cumulative, it is also individualized to meet the needs of the learner. Rather than rote learning, instructors address the language cognitively, teaching students how language works. A Sage School classroom provides individualized instruction to meet the students’ needs in the areas of encoding, spelling, handwriting, written expression, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

The Orton-Gillingham educational philosophy teaches structure of the English language in a multi-sensory, sequential and organized manner. Students learn a rule-based system for both decoding and applying spelling generalizations. Learn more about Sage and schedule a tour today sageschool.com

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Saint Francis School

The Schenck School

aint Francis School is an independent, not for profit, college preparatory program, without any religious affiliation, serving the Atlanta Metro area since 1976. The mission of Saint Francis School is to provide a college preparatory program to students with diverse academic ability in a structured environment that is challenging and supportive. Kindergarten – 8th grades are located on the 24-acre Roswell Campus while the High School is located on the 47-acre Milton campus. The school’s commitment to small class sizes, low pupil-to-teacher ratio, and a strong emphasis on structure and organization allows students to enjoy success in academic areas and develop the self-confidence necessary to be successful in college.

Curriculum offerings include AP, Honors, Traditional and Support classes.

S pec ia liz e d r e a d i n g pr o gr a m s o f f e r e d i n cl ud e Fundations®, Wilson Reading System®, Just Words® and supplemental support from Cars® and Stars® Reading Comprehension. Sports are offered at Grades 5 - 8 and high school (GHSA) including football, soccer, baseball, track, swimming, wrestling, softball, volleyball and equestrian.

Visit saintfrancisschools.com to learn more.

he Schenck School’s mission is to build a solid educational foundation for students with dyslexia and to develop their rich potential.

Founded by David Schenck in 1959, The Schenck School is widely regarded as one of the top elementary schools in the U.S. for dyslexic students. The Schenck School focuses on an accelerated remediation of dyslexia using The Schenck School’s reading model, a highly diagnostic and prescriptive application of the Orton-Gillingham Approach with small group instruction across all subjects. Critical to student’s success is a specialized, intensive yet nurturing learning environment for students to take risks, read and succeed. While at the School, students learn to advocate for themselves and to celebrate their dyslexia.

The Dyslexia Resource is a non-profit launched by The Schenck School to share the expertise of the School with others in the community who work with struggling readers.

Our mission is to empower communities to serve dyslexic learners through training, tutoring, and education.

For more information about the school, visit schenck.org.

For more about tutoring, training and education opportunities, visit dyslexiaresource.org.

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Atlanta

Private Schools Springmont School

St. Benedict’s Episcopal School

s the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers students 18 months through Middle School hands-on, experiential learning in a thoughtfully-prepared environment that includes multiaged classes, specially-designed materials and highly-experienced teachers who guide students’ curiosity towards meaningful discoveries. Classrooms are large, light-filled and aesthetically pleasing while the outdoor campus with its many natural areas, class gardens and farm animals afford rich outdoor science lessons. Opportunities to build skills through collaboration, inquiry and presentation help students develop socially, emotionally and academically.

Springmont’s Middle School prepares students for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Students run micro-economies, participate in internships, and compete in regional academic competitions.

Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas, and work both independently and in diverse groups allow students to become engaged learners. Springmont School – Extraordinary

by Design. Learn more at springmont.com

ocated in Smyrna, St. Benedict’s Episcopal School is a unique independent school focused on academic excellence with the open and inclusive values of Episcopal education.

The preschool – 8th grade model allows students to learn at an ageappropriate level in an environment where the older students experience leadership opportunities and serve as role models for the younger students.

Beginning in preschool, an introduction to phonemic awareness provides the foundational building block to literacy.

In the lower school, focus on mastery of skills rather than memorization of facts gives St. Benedict’s students the time to think, discuss, process and apply their knowledge in a collaborative learning environment. Middle school students are immersed in coursework that inspires them to think critically, problem solve and collaborate as good global citizens. Students go on to the high school of their choice and are skilled in time management, organization, notetaking and study skills. Spanish is part of the core curriculum for all grades and ages, along with weekly music and art instruction plus chapel. Plan a visit for an Admissions Coffee, Open House, or a tour at stbs.org.

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St. Martin’s Episcopal School

Swift School

t. Martin’s Episcopal School is Atlanta’s preschool through 8th-grade experience dedicated to graduating well-rounded individuals ready to wholeheartedly embrace life. St. Martin’s serves 630 students and offers a challenging curriculum, outstanding facilities and many opportunities for students to learn about the world and themselves through intellectual adventures, extracurricular opportunities and spiritual formation.

St. Martin’s new Early Childhood Learning Center features state-of-the-art classrooms, a STEAM village and an outdoor learning space all geared to foster engagement and collaborative learning among young children. Elementary School at St. Martin’s is a vibrant community with a focus on a loving structure balanced with high academic expectations grounded in a STEAM-based education.

The Middle School has a traditional structure designed to prepare students for academically rigorous high schools while also meeting the unique developmental needs of early adolescents. As an Episcopal School, students’ spiritual growth is an important part of St. Martin’s mission.

Plan to visit the St. Martin’s campus for a tour to learn more. Please contact the Admission Office at (404)-228-0709 and visit stmartinschool.org.

wift School is an independent school serving students in grades 1–8 with dyslexia and other languagebased learning differences.

Swift’s programming is designed to remediate the language learning challenges faced by these students while capitalizing on the strengths of dyslexic learners. At Swift, dyslexia is viewed through the lens of leading-edge brain science and seen as a brain type with great advantages.

Swift uses the Orton-Gillingham approach to teach students how to decode and understand language and helps students develop interpersonal skills that will allow them to thrive in life beyond Swift. With small class sizes, Swift’s Lower Division provides students a high degree of individualized instruction. The Middle Division offers a challenging program to prepare students for high school. In addition to classroom instructors, the Director of Learning Support and speechlanguage pathologists support Swift students. Swift offers after school clubs for Lower Division students and interscholastic sports for Middle Division students.

Swift School is located in Roswell off GA-400 at exit 7. Contact them at 678-205-4988 or visit theswiftschool.org to learn more.

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Tabula Rasa – The Language Academy

Trinity School

abula Rasa, The Language Academy Total Immersion School started in 2001 with a desire to create a family-like environment where babies through 5th grade become fluent in a second language (Spanish), become familiar with a third language (French) and learn the culture of the countries speaking that language. A strong aspect of the daily programs and activities involves diversity, respecting the environment and each other.

The students come from a variety of backgrounds and countries and the teachers are native-speakers, all of which adds to the diversity and enrichment of the learning experience. Preschool instruction is all in the foreign language. Elementary School is bilingual Spanish/English, with a third language of French at the Sandy Springs campus continued in the afternoons.

Tabula Rasa has an enrollment of 250 with a low student/teacher ratio, and helps students with their Spanish homework in the Afterschool program. Both locations are now accepting applications.

For more information or to tour the campus and see reasons why students love the program, please call 404-409-0827, or visit trlanguages.com

stablished in 1951, Trinity School is known for its challenging academics, amazing arts program, state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and community that cares like no other. Serving children age three through Sixth Grade, Trinity devotes everything they have – expertise, facilities, resources – to helping children flourish during these critical developmental years.

Trinity has a unique and balanced approach to education.

They cherish the magic of childhood, encouraging students to try things they never imagined and cheering mightily when they succeed. They have ample opportunity to follow their interests and find their passions. In addition to strong foundations in math, language arts, science, and social studies, students are given an abundance of choice – in art, community service, engineering and design, technology, World Languages, music, and physical education – always with the support of teachers who are experts in elementary education.

Encouraged to use their imagination, discover new ideas and approaches, and experiment, Trinity students gain a lifelong love of learning, confidence in their abilities, and strategies to adapt to new situations and an ever-changing world. Discover more at trinityatl.org.

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The Waldorf School of Atlanta

The Walker School

hildhood First.

Celebrating more than 30 years, The Waldorf School of Atlanta offers a revolutionary notion – that in the midst of a high-speed world, children need schools where childhood is appreciated and allowed to unfold naturally.

The school nurtures within students the will to become life-long learners by fostering their ability to think with clarity, feel with compassion, and act with purpose in the world.

The Waldorf curriculum is rich in every branch of academics and enlivened with the arts and practical skills. As such, it honors children at each stage of their development, nurturing their current capacities and preparing them for new learning to come.

Located in Decatur, with a satellite location in Inman Park, The Waldorf School of Atlanta serves children from ages 2 through 8th grade. Aligned with the ideals of Waldorf education – a century-old approach to learning, carried on by 1,200 schools worldwide – The Waldorf School invites you to learn more at www.waldorfatlanta.org.

t The Walker School, the infinite worth and dignity of each student defines their approach to learning.

Walker is the top PK3-12 school in metro Atlanta open to all faiths. The commitment to diversity provides a safe atmosphere for students to discover who they are and how to successfully navigate an ever-changing world.

With an average class size of 15 students, each child is known, challenged, supported and encouraged to explore all opportunities on the campus. At Walker, students can star in the Fall Musical, represent the school on the soccer field and design their own genetic research project.

One hundred percent of graduates are accepted to four-year colleges and universities. Most important, Walker students are excited and confident about college and beyond.

Walker is two miles from the Marietta Square, and they offer more than 20 bus routes in the metro area. At The Walker School, a financial aid program is available to bridge the gap between the cost of tuition and a family’s ability to pay.

You belong here. Learn more about the wonder of Walker at thewalkerschool.org/visit and schedule a tour today

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Atlanta

Private Schools Wesleyan School

Westminster

esleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. The leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan School has made a commitment, in the midst of a rapidly changing culture, to never waiver on our core principle of dedication to Jesus Christ. This is at the heart of everyday life at Wesleyan as students learn and faculty strive to model the school J.O.Y. motto – Jesus, others, and then yourself.

Enrolling grades K-12, Wesleyan School prepares students for each stage of life and provides them the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Application deadlines along with information about admissions events and campus tours can be found online at wesleyanschool.org.

estminster is a coeducational Christian, independent school serving bright and motivated students, who are curious by nature and nurtured by challenge. The School was founded in 1951 to develop leaders of conscience who will be a positive force in the world. With an enrollment of 1,870 students in grades pre-first through 12, Westminster fulfills its mission through a curriculum that engages children across the key dimensions of their growth – academic, physical, and spiritual.

The School’s dynamic curricular offerings are complemented by extracurricular opportunities including unique service learning projects that partner the students with nonprofit organizations locally and abroad; a dynamic arts program that includes music, visual arts, and drama; a nationally recognized athletic program with more than 84 teams across 17 sports; and interdisciplinary global programs spanning five continents. Westminster students are encouraged to deeply investigate and explore their passions under the guidance of gifted faculty members.

Learn more about Westminster’s academics, faculty, extracurricular activities, and admissions process at westminster.net.

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Whitefield Academy

Woodward Academy

hitefield Academy is a Christ-centered, collegepreparatory school serving more than 850 students in grades PreK through 12.

Located just off I-285 in Smyrna, Whitefield maintains a solid academic reputation with its numerous AP and honors courses, and a rigorous curriculum that sets the framework for 100 percent of its graduates to matriculate to colleges and universities. In fact, graduates from the past three years have averaged more than $6.1 million in scholarships, annually.

The Whitefield learning environment facilitates discovery of student talents and interests that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. With more than 50 sports teams, including 20 varsity teams, Whitefield athletes have multiple opportunities for both participation and success – over 100 Whitefield alumni have moved on to NCAA competition in their chosen sport. In addition to academic and athletic prowess, Whitefield’s award-winning fine arts programs and first-rate Innovation Lab are allowing students to explore and develop their passions in theater, music, and visual arts, as well as STEM subjects such as engineering and robotics.

For more information, visit whitefieldacademy.com.

t Woodward Academy, one size doesn’t fit even two.

Students can study Gauguin and golf, Copernicus and coding, rhetoric and robotics – all in one day. With 2,505 students on two campuses and a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, Woodward offers the resources of a college with the intimacy and attention of home.

Each student can create their own path within a diverse community under the guidance of caring faculty, coaches, counselors, and advisors – all while cultivating strong character and a deep respect for difference. Woodward challenges students to reach their fullest potential, offering 26 AP classes, a renowned Transition Program for students with mild learning differences, 86 clubs, 75 yearly arts performances, and 18 varsity sports. The Global Connections Program provides extensive study abroad opportunities, and innovative STEM programs are woven into the curriculum at every step. A typical graduating class attends more than 100 colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service, and earns more than $15 million in scholarship awards. Learn more at woodward.edu about Main Campus (Pre-K-12), located in the ATL Airport District, and Woodward North (Pre-K-6) in Johns Creek.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 69

BEYOND CONFIDENT At Galloway, students are inspired to be fearless learners, to embrace challenges, and to discover more about themselves and the world around them.

AGE 3-GRADE 12 70 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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GALLOWAYSCHOOL.ORG atlantaparent.com

The Catalyst Your Child Needs to Reach Their Full Potential Now open in Dunwoody, Endeavor Montessori offers a modernized and holistic educational approach designed for infants through middle school.

Endeavor Montessori students will benefit from: • Distilled Montessori curriculum based on the experiences and knowledge of esteemed Montessori leaders and educators across the country • Lessons in leadership that create action-oriented individuals • STEAM topics and global languages integrated into a balanced curriculum • A community-based approach to learning that drives strong bonds between staff and families • Montessori-certified teachers who are passionate about the growth of each child • Beautiful outdoor learning spaces and purposeful play areas Schedule your tour today by calling 770-637-1242 or visiting our website at endeavormontessori.com.

48 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346

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Success with dyslexia starts here For over 20 years, Swift School has been preparing children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences to be successful in life.

Swift employs remedial techniques—including the Orton-Gillingham approach—tailored to the learning needs of struggling readers. In addition, Swift provides students the training in executive functioning, social-emotional skills and self-advocacy that they need to be successful after they leave Swift.

Contact us to find out how we can help your child succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Call 678.205.4988 to schedule a tour.

serving students with dyslexia in grades 1-8 300 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell, GA

theswiftschool.org

Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive

V IS IT CAMPUS T O DAY ! FIND OU T MORE AT: WWW. WESL EYANS CHO O L.O RG/ADM IS S IO N S 72 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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Curiosity Sparked. No Limits.

Now Enrolling Preschool-8th grade 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy | Roswell, GA (located behind the PGA TOUR Superstore) 678.461.6102 www.atlantaacademy.com

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A Look at

Charter Schools

by Emily Webb

Some kids were born to be performers. Some love playing outside and taking care of animals. Some may love mathematics or learning a new language. A charter school may help your child grow his talents. Here’s a snapshot of some charter schools from a parent’s perspective.

Specialized Focus At DeKalb Academy of Technology and the Environment, students manage and take care of chickens, goats and gardens. They’re engaged in technology through programming, coding, websites and blogs. For six weeks, every grade focuses on a specific environmental theme, such as pollution or endangered animals, and they’re also taught outside the classroom by environmental specialists.

“It’s a different feeling to see so many students always excited about coming to school and to feel like they’re making a difference by teaching their parents and peers in community what they’re learning at school,” says Maury Wills, the CEO. Marlena Lundie’s son, Nicolas, has been enrolled at DATE since first grade. He’s now an eighth grader. Lundie considered charter schools when she wasn’t satisfied with the options in her area, but private school was too costly. She knew other parents had moved to charter schools, so she researched what would be a good alternative for her son. She chose DATE for the diverse student population, its reputation with parents and the sense of community. She also knew the focused curriculum would fit her son.

“He’s always been interested in taking things apart. He liked to build stuff. If something was broken, he would try to figure out how to fix it.

He was inquisitive about the mechanics of stuff,” she says. “He likes the STEAM program because his mind works like that. With the career path, he gets to be more hands-on in the engineering aspect.”

The freedom afforded to charter schools allows teachers to design curriculum around what students are interested in. “We help them understand how they can help their community and become stewards, giving them a global and competitive edge,” Wills says. “It’s different from prescribed curriculums, as parents, teachers and students get to collaborate.” n DeKalb Academy of Technology and the Environment. Start-up

charter. STEAM, environment and agriculture. Enrollment: 745 students. 1492 Kelton Dr., Stone Mountain. dekalbacademy.org

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Charting the Right Course Information to help you navigate charter schools

n A charter school is a tuition-free public school offering a specialized focus. Georgia has 115 charter schools, according to the Georgia Department of Education. As public schools, they do not have admissions criteria beyond residency. n Charter schools are autonomous and allowed to make their own decisions. n State charter schools are usually open to the state, while locally-authorized schools have residency requirements. n Charter schools are either start-up or conversion charter schools. A start-up charter school originally started out as a charter, whereas a conversion charter school used to be a traditional public school. n During the 2017-2018 school year, 86,549 students were enrolled in Georgia charter schools, according to the Georgia Charter Schools Association. n As public schools, charter schools are graded on the state’s College and Career Readiness Profile Index, which looks at academic performance. State charter schools are held to the State Charter School Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Framework. n Charter school funding is regulated by the school district or the state, although charter schools may be funded at a lower level than a traditional public school. They may be in refurbished locations and without athletic facilities or bus transportation. State charter schools receive no local tax revenue. n Additionally, there are 32 charter systems in Georgia, according to the GADOE. A charter system is offered some flexibility from certain state rules and regulations, but school boards must still approve the school’s practices.

Charter systems in metro Atlanta are: Atlanta Public Schools, Decatur City Schools, Fulton County Schools, Gainesville City Schools and Marietta City Schools, according to the GADOE. n Parental involvement at charter schools is often higher than a typical public school. Parents may volunteer, donate, help with fundraising and more to promote the school.

To find out more information, visit gadoe.org, scsc.georgia.gov, charter-system.org, gacharters. org, scsfga.org and redefinedatlanta.org.

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A Look at Charter Schools Off to College Four years ago, Ronnetta Hill worked at a cheerleading camp helping KIPP Atlanta Collegiate’s team get ready for competition. The coach wanted to know if she had considered sending her daughter, Promise, to a KIPP school.

Hill went on a tour and fell in love with the warm environment, the nurturing teachers and the excitement about attending college. “Everything was college, college, college,” she says of the tour. “We push that in our household, so it was refreshing to see that they were affirming it.”

Promise is now 8 years old and in the third grade at KIPP Vision Primary. “It’s like a big family,” Promise says. “My teachers are super nice and energetic.” She’s on the cheer team, dance team, basketball team and is the anchorwoman for the news station.

Hill volunteers at the school, where she sees the development of the kids’ character through their core values of honor, love, teamwork and excellence. “They take those characteristics and push the kids to become better citizens,” she says. “Academics is always first, but they’re building kids to know how to treat each other and how to be leaders.”

n KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program): Metro Atlanta Schools.

Start-up charter schools part of a national network. College prep and success. Enrollment: 3,800 students. Metro Atlanta Office: 1445 Maynard Rd. NW, Atlanta. kippmetroatlanta.org

Learning a Language Deepa Narang and her son, Jai, have been with the International Charter School of Atlanta since its beginning in Aug. 2015.

Jai is now a fourth grader, and his younger brother, Neel, is in kindergarten this year.

Narang believes learning a new language exercises new muscles in the brain and stimulates memory, creativity and critical thinking. She’s seen these traits develop in both of her children. She thinks learning a language helps in the long-term by creating gateway opportunities for the future.

“We live in a global world. The school makes you feel like you’re a part of something bigger,” she says. “It’s fostered a love for learning, and learning a language is creating pathways in the brain that helps facilitate other learning.”

In kindergarten and first grade, students spend 80% of the day learning their second target language, and 20% in instruction in English. From second to fifth grade, they spend half the day in each language. In sixth through eighth grade, they take 1-2 language classes per day, with the rest of their subjects in English.

Tanya Parker, the Executive Director at the ICSAtlanta, started out as a founding board member.

The school engages students in appreciating the cultures accompanying the languages they’re learning. Students participate in cultural and heritage celebrations. “Our students not only receive 76 Atlanta Parent January 2020

a rigorous academic experience but also develop a sound cultural awareness that leads to respect and tolerance for others,” Parker says. “Our language immersion program naturally creates a culturally rich environment as our teachers and staff bring not only multilingualism to our school but also the multiculturalism necessary to nurture our students into globally-minded citizens.”

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n International Charter School of

Atlanta. Start-up charter school.

Language-immersion in French, German, Mandarin or Spanish and International Baccalaureate. Enrollment: 785 students. K-3rd: 1335 Northmeadow Pkwy., Roswell; 4th-8th: 1675 Hembree Rd., Alpharetta. icsatlanta.org

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Tips for Looking at Charter Schools:

Virtual Connection Although some might think online education would be isolating, Georgia Connections Academy has live lessons each day where students and teachers can meet, says Executive Director Brazilia Bilal-Page.

The school also offers opportunities for teachers, students and peers to meet faceto-face. The school holds multiple events, including field trips, a middle school honor’s day, a high school graduation and a prom.

Sheri Monger’s daughter, Ava, has been at GCA for seven years. Ava loves the flexibility, and she’s made many friends attending the in-person labs and field trips. Monger feels the virtual school has helped prepare Ava for college, as she’s learned to manage her time and workload. She also can move at her own pace.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” Monger says. “They really want their students to be successful, and they give them the tools to be successful. The support that you get from teachers and counselors is unreal.”

“Teachers call students and caretakers regularly, as all three parts must be connected, or this does not work,” Bilal-Page says. “It gives parents the opportunity to be engaged in their student’s process. Education is about collaboration.”

n Understand the admissions and enrollment processes and adhere to all deadlines. Many charter schools accept applications in January. Once a school reaches their enrollment cap, they will often hold lotteries to determine enrollment. Enrollment practices vary by charter school. n Be realistic about transportation, as many charter schools may not be able to provide bus service.

An online charter school may help students who are being bullied, who struggle in the classroom environment or with large class sizes, or who need flexibility. Once, Bilal-Page administered a milestone test at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to a student going through chemotherapy. The student’s goal was to finish high school, and with the charter school, she was able to continue her schooling while undergoing treatment.

“We’re giving students the opportunity to reach their highest potential,” Bilal-Page says. n Georgia Connections Academy.

Start-up charter school part of a national network. Virtual school. Enrollment: 4,680 students. connectionsacademy. com/georgia-virtual-school Cont’d on next page

n Look at more than just the score. Look at the growth rate academically and how the teachers treat the students. n Supplement what your child might not be learning at the school with extracurricular activities or summer camps. n Look at the charter school’s board.

Attend a public meeting to understand their mission and values. n Look at the programming, what’s expected of the parents and financial records. n Visit the school and observe classes. Ask how long the school has been established, and how long the charter will be valid.

Adapted from interviews with State Charter Schools Foundation, Georgia Charter Schools Association, Ronnetta Hill, Deepa Narang, Brazilia Bilal-Page, Maury Wills and Patti Atkinson

Creating future leaders in technology and the environment DeKalb Academy of Technology & The Environment 678-999-9290 1492 Kelton Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30083 DekalbAcademy.org atlantaparent.com

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A Look at Charter Schools Problem-Solving Skills Jennifer Almonte-Gomez’s son, Chase, is in kindergarten at Amana Academy. She and her husband chose Amana, because they see STEM as the future.

“A STEM education provides an opportunity to really develop and practice critical thinking skills that help with solving real world challenges. He is able to acquire relevant knowledge in respect to a world he is actively living and participating in,” she says.

The STEM focus allows students to apply what they’ve learned to solve an authentic problem for the local community.

“This provides tangible evidence for students that they are prepared to be global changemakers; not in the distant future, but in the present,” says Cherisse Campbell, Amana’s principal.

Chase looks forward to going to school every day, as he doesn’t realize he’s learning – he’s just having fun. “It’s important that learning doesn’t become undesirable but something to look forward to,” Almonte-Gomez says.

Campbell has been in education for 14 years and taught at Amana for seven. “The biggest difference that I find in a charter school is the degree of alignment between parents, teachers and leaders,” she says of how a charter school differs from a traditional public school. “Everyone chooses to join our school because they believe in what we are trying to do and the way we are trying to do it.”

Patti Atkinson, a STEM Teacher and Student Engagement Coordinator at Amana, comes from a family of educators. “I love the rich eclectic culture that our school has,” she says.

“Our school speaks over 30 languages.”

n Amana Academy. Start-up charter. STEM, Expeditionary

Learning and Arabic. Enrollment: 750 students. 285 S. Main St., Alpharetta. amanaacademy.org

The Love of Performing Arts When Natalie Fikes’ son, Elijah, sang at his elementary school graduation, she was blown away by his performance. She wondered if she was feeling typical pride as a mom, but several people commented on his musical ability and advised her to enroll Elijah in a performing arts school.

The original school Fikes wanted to enroll him in had a waiting list, but a woman at the school board brought up charter schools. She searched online for a school that would help him grow his love of singing, dancing and acting.

For the last two years, Elijah has been at Utopian Academy for the Arts.

“It’s like his ocean. He’s a fish in his own water,” she says. “He loves the environment, the support, the balance of being educationally rooted and also being able to do what he wants. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that my son would not be who he is today if he did not have the opportunity to attend Utopian.”

“I love the autonomy to be free,” says Ebonne Craft, the Dean of Arts at Utopian Academy. “We have structure and guidelines, but we’re able to be innovative in everything that we do and every aspect. We have dreams, and we turn those visions into fruition.”

Parental contributions at Utopian include helping with hair for a production, costume donors, volunteering and fundraising, according to Craft.

The school holds an awards ceremony for parents who go above and beyond.

“Our scholars are determined, and our teachers are dedicated. There’s no limit to the things that we can do and accomplish, along with our parents and staff to help us,” she says. “It is very family-like within our Utopian village.” n Utopian Academy for the Arts. Start-up charter. Performing

arts. Enrollment: 264 students. 2750 Forest Pkwy., Ellenwood. utopianacademyforthearts.com 78 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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Atlanta

CHARTER Schools

DeKalb Academy of Technology and the Environment

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uilt on the motto of “Learning with Relationships, Relevance and Rigor,” DeKalb Academy of Technology and the Environment, Inc. is a STEM AdvancEd accredited technology, environmental, and agricultural focused academy.

Serving as a leading academy for K-8th grade in DeKalb County, D.A.T.E. offers a hands-on, problem-solving, inquiry-based integrated curriculum, providing students with a foundation for understanding the world and their place in it.

Students learn critical thinking, problem-solving and decision making in a real-world context. Learners are engaged in investigative, hands-on/minds-on activities between industry and environmental groups. Classroom instruction is aligned to the Georgia Standards of Excellence and designed to maximize academic and personal development, so students become 21st century learners prepared for college and the workplace. Beyond the classroom, D.A.T.E. offers a variety of after-school activities, including sports, performing arts, clubs, camps, student government and international travels. For more information, visit dekalbacademy.org

International Charter School of Atlanta

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he International Charter School of Atlanta (ICSAtlanta) provides students with an innovative public education experience. ICSAtlanta offers dual language immersion (DLI) in French, German, Mandarin, and Spanish, with students in grades K-5 spending at least 50% of their day learning in their target language. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) World School, ICSAtlanta educates students with an inquiry-based approach.

Middle school students (grades 6-8) experience an academically-rigorous education with small classes, the opportunity to study up to two world languages, and multiple fine arts courses. Students may come to ICSAtlanta in 6th grade with or without language experience and benefit from the school’s diverse, multicultural environment.

Parent Megan Brown says, “I couldn’t be happier with our choice to send our children to ICSAtlanta. I am confident in knowing they will be multi-lingual, culturally aware, and global-minded citizens whose futures are bright.”

ICSAtlanta is a tuition-free, public charter school open to all Georgia residents. Applications for limited openings in K, 1st, and 6th grade will be accepted starting January 6th. For more information, please visit www.icsatlanta.org.

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Public School Profiles

A snapshot of school districts in metro Atlanta

City Schools of Decatur

Atlanta Public Schools

404-802-3500 www.atlantapublicschools.us Atlanta Public Schools is the sixth largest school system in Georgia with 51,551 students. There are 5,294 teachers, of which 60% have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 91 schools and programs; 45 elementary; 11 middle; 12 high schools; 3 alternative programs; 18 charter schools. 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: $15,658 (FY2018)

Bartow County School System

770-606-5800 www.bartow.k12.ga.us There are approximately 13,400 students attending Bartow County’s 20 schools (K-12), with 72% of 1,043 PSC certified teachers holding advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 12 elementary; 4 middle; 3 high schools; 1 college and career academy. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 18 to 1 (average) n Per pupil expenditure: $10,000

80 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Buford City Schools

Clayton County Public Schools

Cherokee County School District

Cobb County School District

770-945-5035 www.bufordcityschools.org There are 4,966 students enrolled in Buford City Schools. 78% percent of the 299 teachers have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 2 elementary; 1 middle; 1 high school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16.61 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $10,882

770-479-1871 www.cherokeek12.net CCSD has 42,300 students attending 42 schools and centers. There are 2,700 teachers in CCSD, of which 70% have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 23 elementary; 7 middle; 6 high schools; 3 alternative centers; 3 preschool centers n Pupil to teacher ratio: 16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,827

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770-473-2700 www.clayton.k12.ga.us Clayton County has the fifth largest school system in Georgia with more than 55,000 students. Of the district’s 2,997 teachers, 63% have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 38 primary/elementary; 16 middle; 12 high schools; 1 District-approved charter school; 1 psychological education center; 1 multipurpose education center; included are: 20 Special Programs/Magnet Opportunities. n Pupil to teacher ratio: 18.16 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $8,772 770-426-3300 www.cobbk12.org Cobb County has about 113,000 students attending 112 schools. There are 9,471 certified employees, which 23% have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 67 elementary; 25 middle; 17 high schools; 1 special education center; 1 adult education center; 1 performance learning center, 6 Magnet programs; 1 independent charter school. n Pupil to teacher ratio: Varies by school. Meets or is lower than state mandated numbers. n Per pupil expenditure: $8,953.06

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Coweta County School System

770-254-2800 www.cowetaschools.net Coweta County has 22,770 students and about 3,122 employees, 55% of whom are certified teaching employees. 60% of Coweta’s teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 19 elementary, 6 middle, 3 high schools; 1 College and Career Academy charter school (serving grades 8-12 with traditional and non-traditional learning models); and the school system’s Donald W. Nixon Centre for the Performing and Visual Arts n Pupil to teacher ratios: Kindergarten: 20 to 1 with paraprofessional; Grades 1-3: 20 to 1; Grades 4-5: 24 to 1; Grades 6-8: 28 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,156 (FY2018)

City Schools of Decatur

404-371-3601 www.csdecatur.net City Schools of Decatur have 5,696 K-12 students attending 9 schools. Of the district’s 440 certified teachers, more than 84% hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 10 total; 1 early childhood learning center; 5 kindergartensecond; 2 third-fifth; 1 middle; 1 high school n Pupil to teacher ratio: Meets or is lower than state mandated standards n Per pupil expenditure: $13,500

DeKalb County School District

678-676-1200 www.dekalbschoolsga.org DeKalb County School District is the third largest school system in Georgia with 98,957 students. More than 6,000 teachers and about 65% hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 139 schools. School choice options are available in nearly 50 schools to include theme, magnet, IB, charter and Montessori options. n Pupil to teacher ratios: N/A n Per pupil expenditure: N/A

Douglas County School System

770-651-2000 www.dcssga.org There are approximately 26,600 students attending Douglas County’s 35 schools. 70% of the 1,940 certified staff have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary, 8 middle, 5 high schools; 1 Success Center; 1 Academy at CCI n Pupil to teacher ratio: Meets or is below state mandates n Per pupil expenditure: $9,029

Forsyth County Schools

Forsyth County Schools

770-887-2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us More than 50,500 students attend Forsyth County’s 39 schools. There are over 3,665 certified employees in the system. n Number of Schools: 21 elementary; 10 middle; 6 high schools and one 9-12 college and career academy n Pupil to teacher ratio: 20 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $8,220

Fulton County Schools

470-254-3600 www.fultonschools.org Fulton County has more than 93,500 students and 6,800 certified staff members at 106 schools.

65.48% of the staff have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 59 elementary (many with Pre-K programs); 19 middle; 18 high schools (2 with open campuses); 10 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: $11,461 (estimated)

770-536-5275 www.gcssk12.net 8,073 students attend Gainesville City’s 8 schools. 523 teachers are employed by the system, and 53% of them have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 6 elementary; 1 middle school; 1 high school n Pupil to teacher ratios: Pre-K: 26 to 1; Grades K-5: 14 to 1; Grades 6-8: 16 to 1; Grades 9-12: 18 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,017

Gwinnett County Public Schools

678-301-6000 www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us With more than 180,000 students attending 141 educational facilities, Gwinnett County is the largest school system in Georgia. The average GCPS teacher holds a Master’s degree and has 13 years of experience. n Number of Schools: 80 elementary; 29 middle; 23 high schools; 9 other educational facilities n Pupil to teacher ratio: Varies by classroom, per Strategic Waivers School System contract n Per pupil expenditure: $9,960

Hall County Schools

Fayette County Public Schools

770-460-3535 www.fcboe.org Fayette County School System has 20,542 students. 76.34% of the 1,494 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: 16.74 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $10,166 (based on 2018)

Gainesville City School System

Gwinnett County Public Schools

770-534-1080 www.hallco.org There are 27,188 students enrolled in Hall County’s 37 schools. There are 2,125 certified staff, and 70% of those have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary; 8 middle; 7 high schools; 1 college & career academy; 1 alternative learning center n Pupil to teacher ratio: 18 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $8,700 Cont’d on next page

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 81

Public School Profiles

Marietta City Schools

Henry County Schools

770-957-6601 www.henry.k12.ga.us There are 43,000 students and 2,960 certified teachers in Henry County Schools. 75% of the certified employees have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 28 elementary; 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 ratios: Kindergarten, 24 to 1; Grades 1-3, 25 to 1; Grades 4-8, 32 to 1; Grades 9-12, 34 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,016

Marietta City Schools

770-422-3500 www.marietta-city.org Some 8,900 students attend Marietta City’s 12 schools. There are 1,400 employees with 75% of certified staff holding a Master’s degree or higher. n Number of Schools: 1 preschool; 8 elementary (one is grades 3-5 Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Magnet school); 1 6th grade academy; 1 middle; 1 high school n Pupil to teacher ratio: 20 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $11,967

Paulding County School District

770-443-8000 www.paulding.k12.ga.us The Paulding County School District has 34 schools, 30,226 students and 1,905 teachers.

67% of the teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 19 elementary; 9 middle; 5 high schools; 1 alternative learning center n Pupil to teacher ratio: 23 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,092

Rockdale County Public Schools

770-483-4713 www.rockdaleschools.org There are 16,569 students attending Rockdale County Public Schools. Approximately 68.4% of the 1,398 certified personnel hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 11 elementary; 4 middle; 3 high schools; 1 college and career academy; 1 alpha school; 1 open campus; 1 magnet school; 11 school choice programs n Pupil to teacher ratio: 11.83 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $10,467.95

82 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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10

Tips for Success in School

n Get involved in your child’s school.

Join the PTA and other school groups. Volunteer whenever you can. Your child will feel more connected if you do. n Get to know her teachers and friends. Your child may not share much about the school day but teachers and pals can be fountains of information. n Know her schedule and the pressures lurking. Be especially sensitive to her feelings around test time. n Consider limiting extracurriculars to one or two a week. You know how exhausted you are running your child around. Just imagine how tired she is! n Go over her homework with her. Some children need a little downtime before diving right into the books. Others need to jump in right away. Regardless, make sure she understands homework is priority one! n Make sure she reads every day. Or make time to read to younger children. Even 20 minutes a day can make a big difference in academic success. n Make sure she gets enough sleep.

Many physicians believe that kids need 10 to 11 hours of sleep a night well into their teen years.

Turn off computers, cell phones, TVs at least an hour before bedtime to allow children’s brains time to show down. n Talk to her about drugs, alcohol, bullies, peer pressure, guns, strangers. As hard as these conversations are, your child needs to know how to respond when confronted with danger. n Keep tabs on the electronics. Today’s kids may be technologically savvy but many still do not understand the consequences of viewing – or sending – inappropriate material and texts. n Celebrate her accomplishments, no matter how small or big! Positive reinforcement is a great motivator.

– Atlanta Parent Staff

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 83

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Boarding School Choice Learn more about the pathway to success at these five boarding schools.

Darlington School

Darlington School

Saint Mary’s School

Founded in 1905, Darlington is a preparatory school in Rome, Georgia that gives day and boarding students the opportunity to discover their place in the global community. They do this by offering academic and extracurricular explorations personalized for each student, and led by teachers and staff who are exceptionally accessible and encouraging. Darlington students graduate with the confidence, connections and compassion they need to succeed in college and their career, and be meaningful contributors to the greater good. darlingtonschool.org

Saint Mary’s School in Raleigh, North Carolina is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory, girls’ boarding and day high school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement. The school’s comprehensive program focuses on building key competencies like critical thinking, communication and cross-cultural intelligence. From APs and electives to college counseling, a rich arts program, 11 sports, and a thriving urban location, Saint Mary’s prepares girls for college and life with hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Saint Mary’s welcomes students from across the region, the country and the world and encourages every girl to grow as a young woman of intelligence, integrity and purpose. sms.edu

Saint Mary’s School

84 Atlanta Parent January 2020

SOAR

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A Typical Day at Boarding School

SOAR The Academy at SOAR is an adventure-based coeducational boarding school for grades 7-12 in Balsam, North Carolina. The School offers an alternative learning environment, combining academics, adventure and life skills development to help prepare students for adulthood.

SOAR addresses the needs of students diagnosed with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders by providing tools to help to build self-confidence. The student-centered model promotes active learning through instruction in academics, adventure, selfadvocacy, independent living skills, project-based learning, field studies, community and empowerment. SOAR staff members work closely with students during all aspects of the program to better overcome challenges students may face. soarnc.org/academy

Wonder what your child’s daily schedule will look like at boarding school? Students develop a sense of independence with the absence of parents, but administrators are quick to step in and lend a helping hand.

Young men and women thrive in this environment, and learn to manage their time wisely. Here is a look inside: 7-8 a.m.: Rise and eat breakfast

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School Founded in 1903, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, in Rabun Gap, Georgia is a unique community of learners dedicated to nurturing and challenging students as they prepare for college and beyond. Rabun Gap, a co-ed boarding and day school for grades Pre-K to grade 12, is two hours north of Atlanta. Boarding begins with grade 7. Students hail from 50+ countries and 15+ states, creating a vibrant community of diverse backgrounds. Curriculum consists of college-prep, AP and STEAM, with after school programs including athletics, fine arts, outdoor trips and environmental stewardship. 75% of students receive financial aid and scholarships. 100% of students are accepted into top colleges and universities. rabungap.org

8-8:20 a.m.: Chapel or school meeting 8:30-Noon:

Noon-1 p.m.: Lunch 1-3:30 p.m.: Classes 3:30-5:30 p.m.: Extracurricular

activities, study time

or advisor conferences

Riverside Military Academy Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia is a place where potential meets performance. Their success-oriented campus environment cultivates excellence using a ‘whole person’ methodology. Their model of adolescent education teaches and enforces strong values embodied in the barracks, on the sports fields, the stage, and extend beyond the classroom. The school prepares young men to succeed today and in the future. The boys live harder than their peers, work harder than their peers, play harder than their peers and will ultimately employ their peers. riversidemilitary.com

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School

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Classes and mid-morning break

6-7 p.m.: Dinner 7-9 p.m.:

Study hall

9-10 p.m.:

Personal time

10-11 p.m.:

Lights out

On weekends, students visit family or friends or participate in scheduled activities such as field trips.

Some schools require attendance at a church service.

Riverside Military Academy

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 85

Ready, Set, Goals!

Teach Your Kids To Focus & Tackle New Challenges

by Christina Katz

Emphasize fun

W

e are living in an age of constant interruption. So when it comes to setting and accomplishing goals, kids who learn how to focus and concentrate have a distinct advantage over those who cannot. We need to help our children learn when to put their blinders on so they can apply goal setting to challenges of their choosing. Achieving personal goals helps kids channel their energy productively and inspires them to become more confident action-takers in the future.

Kids are not lazy or unmotivated; it is simply easier than ever for them to become distracted and disengaged. As a parent, encourage your children to practice healthy goal setting. Follow these suggestions and you will notice your kids stepping up to set and meet new challenges that bring smiles to their faces. As for your role, get ready to cheer them on and give them credit for their accomplishments as any good coach would.

Embrace strengths

Every person has strengths and weaknesses. There are no exceptions to this rule. If you only mirror your child’s negative qualities and mention them often, perhaps you have not spent enough time considering your child’s best qualities. There are not merely five or ten positive qualities that describe people; there are hundreds. Pick up a little book called “Strengths Finder 2.0” by Tom Rath. Go through the book and circle the words you think describe your child. Mention these qualities often and watch your child’s confidence blossom.

Assist with challenges

Let them steer Encourage him to choose an age-appropriate, just out-of-reach goal. Be careful you don’t interject your own desires into this process.

For a child who is unsure about what goal to set, be patient and offer choices until something appeals. You play a supporting role helping your child accomplish whatever goal is chosen, so it must be your child’s goal, not yours.

86 Atlanta Parent January 2020

If your child is overweight, nagging her about weight-loss is not going to help her choose it as a goal, and you just might scar her. Forget the problems you think your child needs to solve and emphasize the fun of setting and reaching goals instead. Let children who have become too sedentary in the past come up with goals, like joining a team or training for a race for the fun of it, not merely to get mom and dad off their backs. Share stories of goals you’ve set and met to inspire them, but don’t be a pushy parent.

Offer yourself as a sounding board when kids run into challenges reaching goals, but don’t solve problems for them.

Listen to their concerns instead and ask questions. Get them thinking about various approaches they could try. Instead of telling them what to do, ask if they think any of your ideas are helpful. Don’t give in to internal pressure to unstick a stuck child.

Brainstorm with them and then let them motivate themselves.

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Praise progress

Double-Dog Dares For Younger Kids

If your child is continually focused outward measuring where he stands in comparison to others, it robs him of personal power. Instead of encouraging your child to be the generic best, encourage your child to achieve his personal best. Celebrate the fruition of this expression no matter how he measures up with others. A ribbon for Most Improved can be viewed as just as valuable as First Place or MVP.

You can help prepare kids to meet life’s challenges by turning everyday tasks into fun double-dog dares.

Uncover silver linings

Just as strengths can be discovered and flexed for increasing success, weaknesses should be acknowledged and honored, too. Respecting weaknesses rather than denying them or trying to correct them may seem strange. But consider whether or not the investment of time and energy to turn weaknesses around is worthwhile. Sometimes flaws teach kids valuable things they need to learn. For example, a forward who can’t score, might make a better midfielder on the soccer field. A dancer who can’t do acrobatic tricks might have a strong sense of showmanship on stage. A scattered student in the classroom might be a talented artist in the studio.

Teach your child to forgive weaknesses and pursue undervalued abilities they may be pointing towards instead.

Play the long game

As your child focuses on setting and reaching personal goals, things may not always go quite the way anyone expected. Life has a way of bringing twists and turns to the table. This means short-term victories don’t always pan out as expected, even after time and energy has been invested.

When disappointments happen, and they will, help your child focus on the big picture. Getting personal satisfaction out of the process and achieving personal growth while making valuable contributions to the whole can never be emphasized enough. Encourage kids to stay the course and things will usually work themselves out in the long run.

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n Complete a chore in a specific amount of time n Find the groceries on the shopping list n Create a to-do list for something they already learned how to do n Teach something they learned to another family member n Complete a puzzle all by themselves n Build something they have never built before n Make up an invention that solves a problem around the house n Cook something using a new recipe

Goals To Challenge Older Kids Helping tweens and teens choose goals that suit their aptitudes can increase their willingness to take safe risks in the future. As your children get older, encourage them to set goals that are just beyond what they think they can accomplish like: n Running a 5K n Installing an exhibit of their art n Creating a healthy eating plan n Submitting writing to a contest n Raising money for a cause they support n Trying out for something they are not certain they are good at n Sticking to a new plan for one month n Saving money to make a dream come true

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 87

Saint Francis Schools Providing an exceptional college preparatory program

ROSWELL CAMPUS Grades K - 8 Mr. Marc Weiss (770) 641-8257x51

MILTON CAMPUS Grades 9 - 12 Mr. Brandon Bryan (678) 339-9989x33

SAINT FRANCIS SCHOOL OFFERS: • S.A.I.S. / S.A.C.S.Accredited • No Religious Affiliation • SB 10 Eligible • Challenging College Preparatory Curriculum • AP, Honors, Traditional, and Support Classes • Small Class Size. Low Student/Teacher Ratio • Study and Organizational Skills • Wilson Reading System • Google Apps for Education

• Laptops Required • After School Homework Hour • GHSA Sports Program including Football and Equestrian • Bus Service Available

Saint Francis High School | 13440 Cogburn Road | Milton, GA 30004 Saint Francis Elementary and Middle Schools | 9375 Willeo Road | Roswell, GA 30075 www.saintfrancisschools.com 88 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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A Sampling of Atlanta’s Private Schools Start your search for the right private school for your child with our listings.

Schools are divided into four categories: non-sectarian, religious-affiliated, Montessori and special needs. Tuition prices are approximate.

North Cobb Christian School

Non-Sectarian 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.

Academe of the Oaks. 146 New St., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-405-2173. 9th.-12th. 80 students. $18,500/yr. academeatlanta.org.

Atlanta Girls’ School. 3254 Northside Pkwy.

NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-845-0900. 6th.-12th.

216 students. $26,330/yr. atlantagirlsschool.org.

Atlanta International School. 2890 N. Fulton Dr., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-841-3840. K3-12th.

1320 students. $23,932-$27,320/yr. aischool.org.

Brandon Hall School. 1701 Brandon Hall Dr., Atlanta (Fulton). 770-394-8177. 6th.-12th. 135 students. $27,000-$52,850/yr. brandonhall.org.

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Cambridge Academy. 2780 Flat Shoals Rd., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-241-1321. 2yrs.-8th.

225 students. $8,000-$9,500/yr. acambridgeacademy.org.

Foundations for the Future School. 1500 Stanley Rd., Kennesaw (Cobb). 770-429-4799.

6wks.-6th. 250 students. $9,000-$11,000/yr. foundationsschool.com.

The Children’s School. 345 Tenth St. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-873-6985. 3yrs.-8th. 390 students. $4,570-$23,569/yr. tcsatl.org.

Fulton Science Academy. 3035 Fanfare Way, Alpharetta (Fulton). 678-366-2555. PreK12th. 675 students. $12,500-$14,000/yr. fultonscienceacademy.org.

Cliff Valley School. 2426 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 678-302-1302. 3yrs.-8th. 375 students. $7,524-$18,824/yr. cliffvalley.org.

Cornerstone Schools. 4888 Browns Bridge Rd., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-205-8202.

Infant-12th. 300 students. $8,500-$11,000/yr. cornerstonesch.com.

Eaton Academy. 1000 Old Roswell Lakes Pkwy., Roswell (Fulton). 770-645-2673.

K-12th. 150 students. $12,500-$25,000/yr. eatonacademy.org.

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The Galloway School. 215 W. Wieuca Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-252-8389. 3yrs.-12th. 750 students. $16,999-$29,075/yr. gallowayschool.org.

The Heritage School. 2093 Hwy. 29 N, Newnan (Coweta). 770-253-9898. 3yrs.-12th. 457 students. $4,850-$17,700/yr. heritageschool.com.

High Meadows School. 1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-993-2940. 3yrs.-8th. 340 students. $6,720-$20,480/yr. highmeadows.org.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 89

A Sampling of Atlanta’s Private Schools Lakeview Academy. 796 Lakeview Dr., Gainesville (Hall). 770-532-4383. PreK312th. 560 students. $9,244-$17,725/yr. lakeviewacademy.com.

Lovett School. 4075 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-262-3032. K-12th. 1620 students. $25,400-$29,530/yr. lovett.org.

The Lyndon Academy. 485 Toonigh Rd., Holly Springs (Cherokee). 770-926-0166.

Pk4-12th. 210 students. $10,900-$15,000/yr. lyndonacademy.org McGinnis Woods Country Day School. 5380 Faircroft Dr., Alpharetta (Forsyth). 770-664-7764. infant-8th. 375 students. $10,125-$14,225/yr. mcginniswoods.org.

Midtown International School. 1575 Sheridan Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-542-7003.

K-12th. 240 students. $23,000-$24,000/yr. midtowninternationalschool.com.

Omni International School. 3940 Cascade Rd., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-865-1463. PreK2-6th. 65 students. $10,500-$12,250/yr. omnischoolatl.com.

Wesleyan School

Pace Academy. 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-262-1345. Pre1-12th. 1115 students. $25,800-$29,715/yr. paceacademy.org.

The Waldorf School of Atlanta.

827 Kirk Rd., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-377-1315.

PreK.-8th. 240 students. $8,240-$18,440/yr. waldorfatlanta.org.

Atlanta Jewish Academy. 5200 Northland Dr., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-843-9900. 3mos.-12th.

430 students. $16,000-$24,000/yr. atljewishacademy.org.

The Paideia School. 1509 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-377-3491.

3yrs.-12th. 1006 students. $13,143-$26,172/yr. paideiaschool.org.

The Walker School. 700 Cobb Pkwy., Marietta (Cobb). 770-427-2689. PreK312th. 900 students. $10,610-$24,390/yr. thewalkerschool.org.

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School. 11320 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 678-2779083. 9th.-12th. 1000 students. $13,100/yr. btcatholic.org.

Peachtree Academy. 1801 Ellington Rd., 1760 Ebenezer Rd., 10125 Hwy. 142, and 14101 Hwy. 278, Conyers and Covington (Rockdale).(Newton). 770-860-8900.

6wks.-12th. 700 students. $5,500-$7,800/yr. peachtreeacademy.com.

The Wood Acres School. 1772 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-971-1880.

2yrs.-8th. 350 students. $4,700-$13,000/yr. woodacresschool.org.

Bridgeway Christian Academy. 4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-751-1972.

Preschool-8th. 145 students. $3,450-$12,850/yr. bridgewayca.org.

Woodward Academy. 1662 Rugby Ave., and 6565 Boles Rd., College Park and Johns Creek (Fulton). 404-765-4001. PreK-12th. 2505 students. $18,300-$28,800/yr. woodward.edu

Cherokee Christian Schools. 3075 Trickum Rd., Woodstock (Cherokee). 678-494-5464.

K5-12th. 400 students. $4,500-$13,750/yr. cherokeechristian.org.

The Premo School. 11420 Crabapple Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 404-655-7779. K4-8th. 50 students. $11,000-$12,500/yr. thepremoschool.org Rivers Academy. 38 North Main St., and 1934 Cliff Valley Way NE, Alpharetta and Atlanta (Fulton).(DeKalb). Alph: 770-475-0081, Atl: 404-458-5160. 4th.-12th. 400 students. $9,952/yr. riversacademy.com.

The SAE School. 6688 Mableton Pkwy., Mableton (Cobb). 678-239-3200. Preschool-8th.

300 students. $10,700/yr. SAEschool.org.

Saint Francis Schools. 13440 Cogburn Rd., and 9375 Willeo Rd., Alpharetta and Roswell (Fulton). 770-641-8257. K-12th. 768 students. $11,000-$20,500/yr. saintfrancisschools.com.

The Stonehaven School. 505 Atlanta St., Marietta (Cobb). 770-874-8885. K-8th. 144 students. $3,000-$10,600/yr. stonehavenschool.org.

Tabula Rasa Language Academy. 5855 Riverside Dr., and 1430 Riverside Pkwy., Atlanta and Lawrenceville (Fulton).(Gwinnett). 404-4090827. Infant-5th. 250 students. $9,000-$14,000/ yr. trlanguages.com.

Trinity School. 4301 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-231-8100. 3yrs.-6th. 561 students. $18,650-$26,650/yr. trinityatl.org.

90 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Religious-Affiliated 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.

Christ the King School. 46 Peachtree Way, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-233-0383. K-8th. 561 students. $9,350-$12,830/yr. christking.org.

Community Christian School. 2001 Jodeco Rd., Stockbridge (Henry). 678-432-0191.

6wks.-12th. 770 students. $7,000-$10,000/yr. communitychristianschool.net.

Alpharetta Christian Academy. 44 Academy St., Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-475-5762.

18mos.-5th. 300 students. $2,400-$9,950/yr. alpharettachristianacademy.com.

Cornerstone Christian Academy. 5295 Triangle Pkwy. NW, Peachtree Corners (Gwinnett). 770-441-9222. K-8th. 379 students. $11,518-$14,900/yr. cornerstonecougars.org.

Annunciation Day School. 2500 Clairmont Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-565-2850.

Preschool-8th. 150 students. $4,000-$10,500/yr. annunciationdayschool.org.

Covenant Christian Academy. 6905 Post Rd., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-674-2990.

K4-12th. 251 students. $7,800-$8,400/yr. covenantrams.org.

Arlington Christian School. 4500 Ridge Rd., Fairburn (Fulton). 770-964-9871. K4-12th.

120 students. $6,525-$9,875/yr. arlingtonchristian.org.

Covenant Christian School. 3130 Atlanta Rd., Smyrna (Cobb). 770-435-1596. K4-8th. 135 students. $2,342-$10,654/yr. ccssmyrna.org.

Atlanta Academy. 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell (Fulton). 678-461-6102.

Preschool-8th. 350 students. $10,460-$16,335/ yr. atlantaacademy.com.

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Creekside Christian Academy.

673 Peachtree Pkwy., 175 Foster Dr., Cumming and McDonough (Forsyth).(Henry).

770-961-9300. K3-12th. 825 students. $5,500-$6,790/yr. creeksideacademy.org.

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The Cumberland School. 2356 Clay Rd., Austell (Cobb). 678-426-1600. PreK-12th.

250 students. $4,920-$9,990/yr. cumberlandchristian.org.

Fellowship Christian School. 10965 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-9931650. K4-12th. 876 students. $7,950-$18,648/yr. fellowshipchristianschool.org.

The Davis Academy. 8105 Roberts Dr., Atlanta (Fulton). 770-671-0085. PreK-8th. 500 students. $18,503-$25,840/yr. davisacademy.org.

First Baptist Christian School.

2958 N. Main St., Kennesaw (Cobb).

770-422-3254. PK2-5th. 115 students. $1968$7,142/yr. fbcskennesaw.com.

Dominion Christian School. 4607 Burnt Hickory Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-420-2153.

6th.-12th. 180 students. $8,900-$9,900/yr. dominionchristian.org.

Dunwoody Christian School. 2250 Dunwoody Club Dr., Sandy Springs (DeKalb). 770-7122896. K-4th. 21 students. $7,000-$9,800/yr. dunwoodycs.org.

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. 2400 Hwy. 42 North, McDonough (Henry). 770957-2927. PreK3-12th. 996 students. $4,068 $13,944/yr. elcaonline.org.

Eastside Christian School. 2450 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-9712332. K-8th. 200 students. $6,500-$9,800/yr. eastsidechristianschool.com.

The Epstein School. 335 Colewood Way NW, Sandy Springs (Fulton). 404-250-5600.

Infant-8th. 404 students. $7,295-$23,900/yr. epsteinatlanta.org.

Faith Lutheran School. 2111 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-973-8921. 15mos.-8th.

190 students. $5,230-$9,100/yr. faithmarietta.org.

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The Friends School of Atlanta. 862 Columbia Dr., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-373-8746. PreK38th. 180 students. $14,580-$23,095/yr. friendsschoolatlanta.org George Walton Academy. 1 Bulldog Dr., Monroe (Walton). 770-267-7578. K3-12th. 780 students. $4,640-$13,350/yr. gwa.com.

Grace Christian Academy. 355 McDonough Rd., Fayetteville (Fayette). 770-461-0137. K3-12th.

200 students. $4,635-$6,946/yr. gracechristian.info Greater Atlanta Christian School. 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross (Gwinnett). 770-243-2000.

PreK-12th. 1669 students. $17,915-$23,095/yr. greateratlantachristian.org.

Hebron Christian Academy. 775 Dacula Rd., Dacula (Gwinnett). 770-963-9250. PreK-12th. 986 students. $6,000-$12,000/yr. hebronlions.org.

Heritage Preparatory School. 1700 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-815-7711.

PreK-8th. 165 students. $8,000-$16,000/yr. heritageprep.org.

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. 805 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-2554026. PreK3-12th. 1340 students. $11,950$28,920/yr. hies.org.

Holy Redeemer Catholic School. 3380 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek (Fulton). 770410-4056. K-8th. 452 students. $8,670/yr. hrcatholicschool.org.

Holy Spirit Preparatory School. 4465 and 4449 Northside Dr., and 4820 Long Island Dr., Atlanta (Fulton). 678-761-7992. 6mos.-12th. 450 students. $2705-$24,780/yr. holyspiritprep.org.

Horizon Christian Academy. 1270 Sawnee Dr., Cumming (Forsyth). 678-947-0711. K-12th. 230 students. $8,000-$11,000/yr. hcaga.org.

Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy. 3250 Rainbow Dr., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-486-6737.

PreK4-12th. 160 students. $6,790-$8,390/yr. greenforestacademy.org.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School.

2855 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404636-4488. K-8th. 477 students. $8,030-$10,520/ yr. ihmschool.org.

Harvester Christian Academy. 4241 Central Church Rd., Douglasville (Douglas). 770-9421583. K4-12th. 261 students. $5,850-$9,065/yr. harvesteracademy.com.

Intown Community School. 2059 Lavista Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-633-8081. K-8th. 220 students. $7,500-$10,950/yr. intownschool.org.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 91

A Sampling of Atlanta’s Private Schools Cultivating innovators and leaders of the future

94%

94TH PERCENTILE

PSAT AVERAGE FOR STUDENTS IN 11TH GRADE

95%

74% SCORE AT THE

95TH PERCENTILE OR BETTER IN 4TH – 8TH

Killian Hill Christian School. 151 Arcado Rd., Lilburn (Gwinnett). 770-921-3224. K4-12th.

410 students. $6,000-$12,900/yr. khcs.org.

King’s Ridge Christian School. 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-754-5738.

PreK-12th. 766 students. $6,500-$21,200/yr. kingsridgecs.org.

Landmark Christian School. 400 Windgate Rd., and 50 SE Broad St., Peachtree City and Fairburn (Fayette).(Fulton). 770-306-0647.

K3-12th. 1064 students. $6,825-$18,690/yr. landmarkchristianschool.org.

Loganville Christian Academy. 2575 Hwy. 81, Loganville (Walton). 770-554-9888. PreK-12th.

520 students. $4,450-$10,300/yr. lcalions.com.

ACT AVERAGE: 30 SAT AVERAGE: 1357

Marist School. 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 770-457-7201. 7th.

-12th. 1100 students. $20,030/yr. marist.com.

Midway Covenant Christian School. 4635 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs (Cobb). 770-5901866. K3-8th. 300 students. $1,600-$6,900/yr. midwayschool.org.

Mount Paran Christian School. 1275 Stanley Rd. NW, Kennesaw (Cobb). 770-578-0182.

PreK3-12th. 1100 students. $3,874-$19,632/yr. mtparanschool.com.

Mount Pisgah Christian School. 9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek (Fulton). 678-336-3400.

6wks.-12th. 900 students. $2,600-$20,845/yr. mountpisgahschool.org.

The Mount Vernon School. 471 and 510 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-2523448. infant-12th. 1002 students. $9,260$25,250/yr. mountvernonschool.org.

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. 4385 Lower Roswell Rd., and 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-971-0245. PreK-12th.

620 students. $10,700-$15,600/yr. mtbethelchristian.org.

North Cobb Christian School. 4500 Eagle Dr., Kennesaw (Cobb). 770-975-0252.

PreK3-12th. 900 students. $5,000-$15,000/yr. ncchristian.org.

Notre Dame Academy. 4635 River Green Pkwy., Duluth (Gwinnett). 678-387-9385.

PreK2-12th. 460 students. $8,000-$16,000/yr. ndacademy.org.

Old Suwanee Christian School. 4118 Old Suwanee Rd., Buford (Gwinnett). 770-9455451. K3-12th. 175 students. $7,4000-$7,550/ yr. oldsuwanee.org.

City Academy of Atlanta

A dynamic hybrid model joining together professional teachers on-campus with parentled home-learning days. We ignite passion and awaken identity through creative, Christ-centered education, discipleship and worship

3585 Northside Pkwy. NW • Atlanta 30327 • 404-713-6884 • cityacademyatlanta.org

92 Atlanta Parent January 2020

[ Focus on Education ]

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School.

861 Hwy. 279, Fayetteville (Fayette). 770461-2202. 9th.-12th. 250 students. $12,600/yr. mercycatholic.org.

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School. 1320 Hearst Dr., Atlanta (DeKalb).

404-364-1902. PreK4-8th. 550 students. $8,950-$10,450/yr. olaschool.org.

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Our Lady of Victory Catholic School. 211 Kirkley Rd., Tyrone (Fayette). 770-3069026. PreK-8th. 112 students. $9,220-9,990/ yr. olvcatholicschoolk-8.org.

Perimeter School. 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek (Fulton). 678-405-2300.

K-8th. 523 students. $6,320-$13,055/yr. perimeterschool.org.

Pinecrest Academy. 955 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-888-4477. PreK312th. 662 students. $9,180-$18,470/yr. pinecrestacademy.org.

Providence Christian Academy.

4575 Lawrenceville Hwy., and 7340 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Lilburn and Suwanee (Gwinnett).(Forsyth). 770-279-7200.

K-12th. 700 students. $8,790-$18,000/yr. providencechristianacademy.org.

Queen of Angels Catholic School.

11340 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton).

770-518-1804. K-8th. 490 students. $8,425/ yr. qaschool.org.

Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic School.

7171 Glenridge Dr. NE, Atlanta (Fulton).

770-394-2880. K-8th. 480 students. $8,98610,855/yr. saintjude.net.

Shallowford Presbyterian School. 2375 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 404 321-3061. 15mos.-5th. 234 students. $1,035$6,300/yr. shallowfordschool.com.

atlantaparent.com

Pinecrest Academy

Shiloh Hills Christian School. 260 Hawkins Store Rd. NE, Kennesaw (Cobb). 770-9267729. K3-12th. 143 students. $4,500-$8,900/yr. shilohhills.com.

St. Benedict’s Episcopal School. 2160 Cooper Lake Rd., Smyrna (Cobb). 678-279-4300. Infant8th. 500 students. $7,930-$13,200/yr. stbs.org.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School. 1618 Ben King Rd., Kennesaw (Cobb). 770-419-8601.

K-8th. 314 students. $7,490-$7,990/yr. scsiena.org.

[ Focus on Education ]

St. John the Evangelist Catholic School. 240 Arnold St., Hapeville (Fulton). 404-767-4312.

PreK-8th. 300 students. $8,085-$9,600/yr. sjecs.org.

St. Joseph Catholic School. 81 Lacy St., Marietta (Cobb). 770-428-3328. PreK-8th. 430 students. $7,099-$9,230/yr. stjosephschool.org.

St. Martin’s Episcopal School. 3110-A AshfordDunwoody Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-237-4260.

Preschool-8th. 630 students. $12,700-$23,350/yr. stmartinschool.org.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 93

A Sampling of Atlanta’s Private Schools St. Paul Lutheran School. 700 Ardenlee Pkwy., Peachtree City (Fayette). 770-486-3545. 12mos.8th. 240 students. $1,825-$7,400/yr. school. stpaulptc.org.

St. Peter Claver Regional Catholic School. 2560 Tilson Rd., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-241-3063.

PreK-8th. 128 students. $7,405-$9,367/yr. spcschool.org.

St. Pius X Catholic High School. 2674 Johnson Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-636-3023. 9th.

-12th. 1100 students. $13,325-$14,875/yr. spx.org.

St. Thomas More Catholic School. 630 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-3738456. K-8th. 485 students. $8,222-$11,314/yr. stmga.org.

Still Waters Learning Center 1560 Oakbrook Dr., Norcross (Gwinnett). 770-449-4125.

12mos.-8th. 90 students. $6,820-$8,000/yr. stillwaterslearningcenter.org.

Strong Rock Christian School. 4200 Strong Rock Pkwy., Locust Grove (Henry). 678-8331200. PreK3-12th. 843 students. $7,000-$14,000/ yr. strongrockchristianschool.com.

Cumberland Academy of Georgia

Sugar Hill Christian Academy. 4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill (Gwinnett). 678-7454121. Preschool-12th. 463 students. $2,359$10,138/yr. sugarhillchristian.org.

International Montessori Academy. 1240 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-474-6375.

8wks.-6th. 76 students. $13,201-$20,400/yr. imontessoriacademy.com.

Torah Day School of Atlanta. 1985 Lavista Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-982-0800. K-8th. 345 students. $13,000-$15,000/yr. torahday.org.

Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs. 2830 Old Atlanta Rd., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-2056277. 6wks.-18yrs. 218 students. $8,650-$13,050/ yr. montessoriacademygeorgia.com.

The Weber School. 6751 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-917-2500. 9th.-12th. 258 students. $29,750/yr. weberschool.org.

Wesleyan School. 5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners (Gwinnett). 770-448-7640.

K-12th. 1179 students. $17,440-$24,900/yr. wesleyanschool.org.

Westminster. 1424 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-355-8673. Pre1st-12th. 1870 students. $26,370-$30,330/yr. westminster.net.

Whitefield Academy. 1 Whitefield Dr., Mableton (Cobb). 678-305-3000. PreK4-12th. 850 students. $10,000-$24,000/yr. whitefieldacademy.com.

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., and 1434 Scott Blvd., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-3219304. 18mos.-8th. 265 students. $11,260-$19,825/ yr. arbormontessori.org.

Atlanta Montessori International School. 1970 Cliff Valley Way NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404325-6777. 8wks.-15yrs. 270 students. $12,000$20,000/yr. amischool.com.

Crabapple Montessori School. 12387 Crabapple Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-569-5200.

15mos.-12yrs. 180 students. $8,240-$13,700/yr. crabapplemontessori.com.

94 Atlanta Parent January 2020

Montessori Academy at Vickery. 6285 Post Rd., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-777-9131.

18mos.-9 yrs. 170 students. $8,000-$13,000/yr. montessorivickery.com.

Montessori School at Emory. 3021 N. Decatur Rd., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-634-5777. 15mos.8th. 200 students. $11,940-$19,680/mo. montessorischoolofdecatur.com.

Riverstone Montessori. 455 Casteel Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-422-9194. 2.5yrs.-9th. 120 students. $9,955-$17,473/yr. riverstonemontessori.com.

The Cottage School. 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-641-8688. 4th. -12th. 260 students. $22,000-$27,000/yr. cottageschool.org.

Cumberland Academy of Georgia. 650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404835-9000. 4th.-12th. 100 students. $25,000/yr. cumberlandacademy.org.

GRACEPOINT. 570 Piedmont Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 678-709-6634. 1st-8th. 123 students. $23,500/yr. gracepointschool.org.

The Howard School. 1192 Foster St., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-377-7436. K-12th. 298 students. $33,675-$35,350/yr. howardschool.org.

Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School. and Therapy Center 407 Hardscrabble Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-998-1017. PreK12th. 150 students. $20,000-$50,000/yr. jacobsladdercenter.com.

Springmont School. 5750 Long Island Dr. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-252-3910. 18mos.-8th. 240 students. $10,500-$21,200/yr. springmont.com.

Mill Springs Academy. 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-360-1336.

1st-12th. 260 students. $20,280-$26,000/yr. millsprings.org.

Village Montessori. 1610 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-552-0834. 18mos.-8th. 150 students. $5,100-$14,500/yr. vmschool.com.

Porter Academy. 200 Cox Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-594-1313. 4yrs.-14yrs. 60 students. $20,476/yr. porteracademy.org.

Special Needs

Sage School. 800 Satellite Blvd. NE, Suwanee (Gwinnett). 678-318-3588. K-6th. 50 students. $22,600/yr. sageschool.net.

The Bedford School. 5665 Milam Rd., Fairburn (Fulton). 770-774-8001. 1st.-9th. 145 students. $19,550-$19,950/yr. thebedfordschool.org.

The Schenck School. 282 Mt. Paran Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-252-2591. K-6th. 250 students. $35,400/yr. schenck.org.

Brookwood Christian School for Dyslexia. 4728 Wood St., Acworth (Cobb).

678-401-5855. 1st.-12th. 60 students. $18,500/yr. brookwoodchristian.com.

Swift School. 300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 678-205-4988. 1st-8th. 200 students. $29,470-$30,470/yr. theswiftschool.org.

Center Academy. 3499 South Cobb Dr., Smyrna (Cobb). 770-333-1616. 4th.-12th. 30 students. $7,000-$15,480/yr. centeracademy.com.

The Wardlaw School of the Atlanta Speech School. 3160 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-824-7622. K-6th. 192 students. $37,786/yr. atlantaspeechschool.org.

atlantaparent.com

When a child loves their school, anything is possible.

thepremoschool.org 404-655-7779 atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

January 2020    Atlanta Parent 95

TUTORING:

A Tool to Nurture Life-Long Learning

by Diane Turner Maller

Some students sail smoothly through school with little need of additional help.

Others struggle, sometimes painfully. A family move or extended illness can cause additional challenges that make it difficult for your child to keep up. Tutoring can help.

96 Atlanta Parent January 2020

What is tutoring?

One-on-one tutoring is an intimate form of education that allows for immediate feedback between tutor and student. Experienced tutors can fill learning gaps as well as provide a bridge between family life and the more formalized school setting. Professional tutor and author, Marina Koestler Ruben, notes that, at its core, tutoring is a combination of homework help, strengthening weaker skills and enrichment. She makes the point that in academic terms, tutoring serves a role that is akin to parenting. Her book, “How to Tutor Your Own Child,” offers a broad perspective for parents who wish to fill at least some of the functions that tutoring can provide.

Whether a parent provides academic support alone or seeks tutoring for their child, the parent’s perspective is crucial. You are the one who knows your child the best and loves your child the most.

Trust your instincts in knowing when to seek help.

[ Focus on Education ]

When to call a professional tutor.

Homework help may already be part of your family routine.

However, when stress and strain develop between parent and child over schoolwork or the subject matter becomes too complex for either parent to handle, it is time to reassess.

When your child avoids homework, complains of stomach aches or headaches, takes a long time to complete assigned tasks, does not turn in work or is falling behind in grade level work, it is time to intervene. Decide whether a generalist can help or if specialized instruction is needed. Is your child is an independent learner or a child who learns best with explicit direct instruction? atlantaparent.com

When stress and strain develop between parent and child over schoolwork or the subject matter becomes too complex for either parent to handle, it is time to reassess.

Tutoring builds confidence.

Even short bits of tutoring can help build confidence in your child. When my daughter, Natalie, reached Algebra Trigonometry level math in high school, she hit a wall. She was unable to follow her math teacher’s explanation of the concepts and she floundered. We found two sources of help for this challenge. Several sessions with a Sylvan tutor provided additional explanations of the problematic math principles. Additionally, one of the high school teachers donated math tutoring sessions which we won in a school fundraiser. These brief but determined efforts helped Natalie complete her final math course with a grade that she could be happy with.

atlantaparent.com

Tutoring can help with a learning disability.

Testing by a professional may be needed. Your neighborhood school will test to determine whether your child is eligible for special public education services. To acquire a detailed report or diagnosis of your child’s learning abilities, a clinical psychologist or private testing service may be in order. Conduct your own research independently to best advocate for your child.

Even though I recognized my son’s challenges, tears flowed fast during his fourth-grade parentteacher conference where we confronted the reality that he needed testing for a learning disability. Relief followed when his difficulties were identified, and we understood that Thomas would develop his language skills with the help of a highly trained tutor who used a program designed for students with dyslexia. The years of tutoring that Thomas received served as a key turning point in his life and literally made his later achievements possible.

10 Questions to Ask a Prospective Tutor n What are your qualifications, degrees, certifications and training? n How long have you been tutoring? n Tell me about your teaching methods or educational programs that you use? n Do you have references I can speak to? n What is your availability and do our schedules match? n How often will you meet with my child and for how long? n How will progress be measured? n How will you communicate with my child’s school? n Please explain your fee structure and cancellation or make-up policy. n Can we schedule a free consultation to ensure that tutor and student are a good fit?

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[ Focus on Education ]

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 97

TUTORING

Open House Directory

Get the Most Up-to-date list of School Open Houses at atlantaparent.com

StonehavenSchool.org 770-874-8885 To be included, call 770-454-7599

98 Atlanta Parent January 2020

[ Focus on Education ]

Tutoring doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Most private tutors charge an hourly rate depending on experience and credentials.

Whether getting ahead academically is the goal of tutoring or there are basic reading or math skills that need help, search for creative cost solutions. n Tutors can be found who provide passionate help as volunteers. n College students often tutor in their major area of study. n Tutors gaining experience through a practicum offer reduced rates. n A grandparent may be available to assist your fourth-grader in learning the multiplication tables. n A parent can act as tutor. Academic programs are available that are scripted so that parents can deliver the lessons with little preparation and learn right along with their child.

In some cases, the cost of not remediating is greater than the fees charged by a specialized tutor. Each family must answer the question: What do you want to achieve with tutoring and is it worthy of the expense?

Be sure to measure your child’s progress.

Many professional tutors make a practice of writing notes after every tutoring session and provide regular reports to parents and teachers. Look for a consistent format that documents your child’s progress.

Working with a tutor opens an additional avenue for you as a parent to learn how your child learns best. Allow this resource to inform your own continued quest to model and share a love of learning with your child. atlantaparent.com

Providing safe and reliable transportation for metro-Atlanta children www.kruzinkidz.com 678-658-1220

a school where your child learns

HALF OR FULL DAY, YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, JAN. 25 10 AM-3 PM

• By Individual Instruction • A Love of Learning An • To Think Outside the Box Authentic AMI Accredited • Independence Montessori • Respect for Others School • A Solid Foundation • Foreign Language, Music, Cooking, Gardening and More

Montessori School at Emory

3021 N. Decatur Road • Decatur, GA 30033 MontessoriSchoolatEmory.com • 404-634-5777

Accredited Toddler Through Middle School Programs atlantaparent.com

[ Focus on Education ]

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 99

Strategies for Struggling Students

by Sandra Gordon

School is your child’s work, but like most jobs, there are good days and bad and classes that are easier than others.

For some of even the brightest kids, however, like my youngest daughter, every test can seem difficult, every teacher hard, and every assignment a major hurdle.

How can you help your aspiring scholar reach her potential? We asked educators and learning experts for their top tips. Here are five of their best answers.

Seek out testing early If your student gets extra help at school but isn’t making progress academically, seek out an evaluation at school and/or at a private neuropsychology assessment center.

Studies suggest that 15 to 20% of the population has a learning disorder of some type, such as dyslexia, a specific reading or language comprehension issue or a math disorder.

“Learning disorders occur throughout the range of intelligence. Even very highly functioning students can have them,” says E. Mark Mahone, Ph.D., ABPP, a pediatric neuropsychologist director of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research

Porter Academy Enabling Children with Learning Differences to Succeed • Pre-K–8th • Small Groups • Individualized programs • Hands-on learning activities

770-594-1313 | www.porteracademy.org | 200 Cox Rd., Roswell 100 Atlanta Parent January 2020

[ Focus on Education ]

Center at the Kennedy Krieger Institute at Johns Hopkins University.

A learning disorder is when a child or anyone who has had adequate opportunity for instruction, and has the adequate intelligence to be able to learn specific skills, isn’t learning those skills in a way that’s appropriate for his or her age. Learning disabilities are biological conditions that lead to a set of behaviors that can be challenging. They tend to run in families.

“Kids can’t help it,” Mahone says.

If your child has a learning disorder, it’s important to diagnose it early, if possible, to prevent harmful repercussions. Continually tanking on tests and quizzes or not

APS is caring Caring for parents and students.

Do you know a child who resides within the city of Atlanta in need of special education services?

Atlanta Public Schools Child Find services can open a window of hope for a brighter future for infants, children and young adults identified with a disability or developmental delay.

For more information, call the Dept. of Special Education.

Ages 3-5: 404-802-1690 Ages 6-22: 404-802-1695

atlantaparent.com

understanding the material can affect your child’s self-esteem and brain development.

“The average child with a reading disability doesn’t get identified until the second or third grade. By then, that child has two, three or four years of failure before getting the appropriate intervention,” Mahone says. Intervention, which may include medication and behavioral treatment, can help the brain reorganize more efficiently so that academic skills build naturally over time, making school easier and less stressful.

It’s important to note that learning disabilities don’t typically occur in isolation. For example, 35-40% of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also have dyslexia, and vice versa. Learning disabilities should be treated concurrently.

“Whenever you find one learning disability, you should look for others,” Mahone says.

“For the best outcome, everything should be treated concurrently.”

Teach kids to make oatmeal “Learning is like driving a car.

You have to keep filling the gas tank,” says Sharon Rose Sugar, an academic interventionist and author of “Smart Grades: Every Day an Easy A.” “It takes tremendous energy to learn, but many kids are running on empty.” Cold cereal for breakfast doesn’t cut it.

“What can make a big difference in the morning is just a bowl of oatmeal,” Sugar says, topped with nutritious add-ons like walnuts, blueberries, cinnamon, honey or maple syrup.

Kids should fuel homework sessions with wholesome study snacks too, such as an apple or rice cake with peanut butter or carrots and hummus and water. The brain is a power tool. To boost performance, “after every homework assignment, kids should eat something healthy,” Sugar says.

Cont’d on next page

atlantaparent.com

[ Focus on Education ]

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 101

Strategies for Struggling Students Preview homework, then take a brain break If your child is typically anxious about homework, teach her to go over her homework assignments when she gets home from school, including the questions she needs to answer, then to take a break before diving in. “Kids aren’t under any pressure to answer those questions right away. But their brain starts working. When they come back to their homework, it’s a lot easier for them to start their work because they’ve previewed it,” says Katherine Firestone, founder of the Fireborn Institute and “The Happy Student” podcast.

Turn reading into a workout Kids have so many facts coming at them in every class and homework assignment. To help them retain key ideas they’ll later need for the test, they need to be active readers.

Before reading a chapter in their textbook, students should read the chapter title, all of the headings and subheadings and the questions at the end. “Reviewing chapters first helps kids understand the key ideas,” says Firestone. Then, while they’re reading, they should underline the main idea and

102 Atlanta Parent January 2020

jot down notes to review for the test. These techniques can make all the difference, as Firestone knows firsthand. She was diagnosed with ADHD in high school.

Active reading takes more time and effort, but it helps the facts sink in. “It resulted in a huge transformation for me,” Firestone says.

Talk yourself into better grades “When you get As or Bs, school is more enjoyable, but some kids, especially those with learning disorders, have emotional roadblocks to getting good grades,” says Paul J. Hughes, a college professor and author of “Change Your Grades. Change Your Life.” Early on, kids can form negative self-perceptions, such as “I’m bad at taking tests,” which gets hardwired into their subconscious, programming them for failure. “Our thoughts affect outcomes,” Hughes says.

To help his struggling students talk themselves into doing well on tests, Hughes teaches them to write and recite “afformations,” which are questions that address their specific academic concern, but stated as a positive, such as: “Why am I so

[ Focus on Education ]

comfortable and confident taking an exam?” and “Why do I always perform up to my expectations on an exam?”

“The why at the beginning is what the brain picks up and runs with, reprogramming the subconscious to believe what you’re telling it,” Hughes says. He advises his students to read their afformations every day.

“I say to my students, ‘I know afformations are weird but they can change everything.’

The more you read them to yourself, the sooner they kick in.”

atlantaparent.com

Choosing a Special Needs School Ask these questions of teachers, therapists and others before making your decision. n How is the school organized into departments – by age, ability or subject? n How many staff members does the school employ for teaching and non-teaching/support? n How will the school make sure all staff members know about my child’s individual needs? n How many children will be in my child’s class? n How will my child be helped to make friends? n Does the school help children learn how to behave, and if so, how? n What should I do if I have any concerns? n How is work assessed for progress? n How will my child be encouraged to take part in out-of-class or out-of-school activities, such as clubs or sports events? n How will I be involved in the individual planning for my child’s special educational needs?

Fulton County Schools’ Services for Exceptional Children offers free diagnostic evaluations for children, three and older, with a suspected disability. Using research-based strategies, the district provides a continuum of services to meet students’ individual educational needs. The district provides services for students with disabilities – including but not limited to developmental, speech and language delays, autism, hearing, vision and orthopedic impairments – who are parentally placed in private school or homeschooled, and who attend a private school or reside within the Fulton County School District. The district provides workshops for families and private schools to help students reach their full academic potential.

It is the policy of the Fulton County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice,educational program, or any other program, activity, or service.

Call or visit for more information: 470-254-0404 • fultonschools.org

Visit our Special Needs Resource Guide at atlantaparent.com

n How will I be kept informed about what is happening in school? n What health or medical facilities does the school have? n Will the school make sure my child can take part in all areas of curriculum? n Are all areas of the school accessible to my child?

Serving students with unique language based learning needs l Grades 1-12 Specializing in Dyslexia l Wilson Reading & Fast Forward Programs l Small Class Sizes l Customized Instruction l College Prep and Tech Programs

I’M EXCEPTIONAL ...

“At Cumberland, I’ll study college prep academics or prepare for a vocational career, try a sport or a club for the first time-ever. I’ll learn I’m not so different after all.”

l

678-401-5855

Office@BrookwoodChristian.com

4728 Wood Street • Acworth 30101

AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy NE • Atlanta 30328 cumberlandacademy.org • 404-835-9000

At the corner of North Main St. and Wood St., north of the Hwy 92 overpass

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[ Focus on Education ]

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 103

For Children up to 10 Years

concerts for

FAMILIES

Fiesta de Musica

MAR 22 | Sun: 1:30 & 3pm featuring

Platypus Theatre

FEB 22 | 9:30 & 11:00am

ZIp, Zing, Pow! MAY 16 | 9:30 & 11:00am

For Children 0-5 Years

104 Atlanta Parent January 2020

aso.org/mvy

Family Series Concerts are sponsored by:

aso.org/family

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Y L I M FA

FUIDNE

JANUARY TOP EVENTS

U G RE! E H S T R A ST

106 TOP EVENTS 108 IT’S FREE 109 CATCH A SHOW 110 CHINESE NEW YEAR 111 112

MLK EVENTS FROZEN FUN

Harlem Globetrotters

Infinite Energy Arena: Jan. 18, 2 and 7 p.m.

State Farm Arena: Jan. 19, 12:30 and 5:20 p.m.

This all-new tour features high-flying dunks, hilarious stunts, a new record-breaking attempt and more basketball fun. Infinite Energy Arena: 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-8137500. $28 and up. State Farm Arena: 1 State Farm Dr., Atlanta. 404-878-3000. $23 and up. harlemglobetrotters.com

Trains! Trains! Trains!

Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History Jan. 25-26, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Construct a train-related model with the Lego Building Challenge, and see brand new layouts and perennial favorites at this train expo. 2829 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. $9; ages 3-17, $4; ages 2 and younger, free. southernmuseum.org

Gimme Please!

+ GO TO ATLANTAPARENT.COM FOR n INDOOR WATER PARKS n MALL PLAY SPACES n DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR atlantaparent.com

Alliance Theatre Jan. 11-Feb. 16. See website for performance times.

Watch the story of two friends as they grow up together and find their path. For newborns to age 5. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4650. $10; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org

TURN THE PAGE FOR MORE TOP EVENTS Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline.

Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

Family Fun Guide

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 105

JANUARY TOP EVENTS

Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com

Atlanta Model Train Show

Repticon

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Jan. 4-5, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Explore thousands of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, spiders and small exotic animals.

2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. $10-$15; ages 5-12, $5; ages 4 and younger, free. repticon.com

Infinite Energy Forum / Jan. 18, 9 a.m.

View six large working layouts on display and model items for the “modeler” and “railbuff.”

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 813-949-7197. $9; ages 11 and younger, free. gserr.com

Romeo and Juliet

Fox Theatre / Jan. 12, 3 p.m.

Presented by The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Ukraine, this classical story of two star-crossed lovers is performed as a ballet. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. $45-$80. foxtheatre.org

Atlanta Boat Show

Repticon

Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 16-19, Thur.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Have a boatload of fun with the best and latest marine products, sailing and fishing seminars, a kids’ zone, story times, a career day and more. Enjoy a free family day on Jan. 16. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 401-651-3220. $15; ages 12 and younger, free. atlantaboatshow.com

Atlanta Model Train Show

Family Night Hike and Campfire

Chattahoochee Nature Center Jan. 18, 7-9 p.m.

Be on the lookout for owls and bats and roast marshmallows after the hike.

9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $12. chattnaturecenter.org

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer Children’s Museum of Atlanta Jan. 18-May 10 Fans of all ages can train as a team both physically and mentally before taking on the villains of New York City with the Pizza Shooter Arcade, Mikey’s Pizza Grabbing Game and more. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta.

404-659-5437. $13.95-$18.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Opposite Day

OneStop Norcross Jan. 25, 9-11 a.m.

Break the conventional rules by doing the opposite of what you normally do at this event with games, activities, dessert and hot chocolate. For ages 3-10. 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross. 678-225-5400. $4. gwinnettcounty.com Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Secrets of the Sewer

106 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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AT THE WOODRUFF

Pirate Day

Fernbank Museum of Natural History Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wear your pirate costume to set sail on a swashbuckling adventure with pirate themed crafts and games. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300.

Included with museum admission: $20; ages 3-12, $18; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org

This month, inspire your family to get creative with free fun at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Pirate Day

Mario the Maker Magician

Roswell Cultural Arts Center Jan. 25, 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

As seen on “Sesame Street,” this children’s performer is known for his robotic creations, handmade props and slapstick character.

950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-641-3727. $10; ages 1 and younger, free. roswellgov.com

Seishun Con

Mario the Maker Magician

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The Atlanta Marriott Marquis Jan. 31-Feb. 2. See website for schedule.

This convention celebrates Japanese culture, anime and manga with panels, cosplay, karaoke, dancing, vendors and more. 265 Peachtree Center Ave. NE, Atlanta. $30; 3-Day Pass, $40; ages 10 and younger, free. seishun-con.com

Family Fun Guide

Second Sunday at High Museum of Art

Jan. 12, noon-5 p.m.

Enjoy art-making activities and tour the permanent collection and special exhibitions. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta.

404-733-4400. Free. high.org

Family Fun at Woodruff Arts Center

Jan. 12, 1-4 p.m.

Special family-friendly programming includes interactive storytimes, drop-in acting classes, making music and more. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4900.

Free. woodruffcenter.org

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 107

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Family Fun Guide

Duncan Creek Park Jan. 3, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Get active with games, activities and more at this drop-in program. Closed-toe shoes recommended. 3700 Braselton Hwy., Dacula.

770-822-8825. Free. gwinnettcounty.com

n Mini Hockey Game Workshop

Home Depot Jan. 4, 9 a.m.-noon Kids will build their own mini hockey game with help from parents and store associates. Kids get to take their craft, a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron and a commemorative pin home with them. Multiple locations. 1-800-466-3337.

Free. homedepot.com

n Kid ‘n’ Me Yoga

OneStop Norcross Jan. 15, 10-11 a.m.

A certified instructor will lead this class in yoga, meditation, movement, music and fun. Bring a mat, towel and water bottle. 5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross. 770-822-8825. Free. gwinnettcounty.com

n Fort Building Fun

Morgan Falls Overlook Park Jan. 17, 9-10:30 a.m.

Hike into the forest to build a fort out of fallen tree branches. Warm up afterwards by the fire pit overlooking Bull Sluice Lake. Register online. 200 Morgan Falls Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600.

Free. sandyspringsga.gov

n Bird Walk and Wildlife Viewing

Morgan Falls Overlook Park Jan. 18, 8-10:30 a.m.

Join the Sandy Springs Naturalist for guided bird walk from Overlook Park to historic Morgan Falls Dam to see resident and migratory birds.

Children 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Register online. 200 Morgan Falls Rd., Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. Free. sandyspringsga.gov

n Sunday FUNday: Indian Block Printing

Michael C. Carlos Museum Jan. 26, 1-4 p.m.

Children will view the block-printed fabrics in Manjari Sharma’s “Transcendent Deities of India: The Everyday Occurrence of the Divine” before making their own printed textiles. 571 S. Kilgo Circle, Atlanta. 404-727-4282. Free. carlos.emory.edu

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SPECTACULAR SHOWS Don’t miss these exciting new performances!

Schoolhouse Rock Live

Roswell Cultural Arts Center / Jan. 4, 11 and 18, 11 a.m. and Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

Presented by Georgia Ensemble Theatre, this show captures the 1970s TV show’s songs about history, civics, science, math and grammar. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-641-1260. $10. get.org

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Aurora Theatre / Jan. 9-Feb. 9. Tues.-Sat., 8 p.m. and Sat.-Sun., 2:30 p.m.

A 15-year-old boy on the spectrum is wrongfully accused of murdering his neighbor’s dog, and he launches an investigation to find the real culprit.

Recommended for ages 13 and older. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville.

678-226-6222. $20 and up. auroratheatre.com

The Cat in the Hat

Aurora Theatre / Jan. 18, 10 and 11:30 a.m.

The Cat in the Hat will get Sally and her brother into mischievous trouble before Mom comes home. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7. auroratheatre.com

Maybe Happy Ending

Alliance Theatre / Jan. 21-Feb. 16. See website for performance times.

Set in the future in Seoul, Korea, two obsolete helper-bots live in an isolated existence before they find each other. For ages 13 and older. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4650. $10-$85. alliancetheatre.org

Stellaluna

Center for Puppetry Arts / Jan. 21-March 8. See website for performance times.

Based on the bestselling children’s book, watch as Stellaluna finds her family after being accidentally dropped by her mother. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $19.50. puppet.org

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Giant, the Beanstalk and Jack

Aurora Theatre / Jan. 25, 10 and 11:30 a.m.

This mini-musical showcases the classic tale using original songs, rod puppets, hand puppets and shadow puppets. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7. auroratheatre.com

Mary Poppins Jr.

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village Jan. 30-Feb. 2. Jan 30-31 and Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 1-2, 2:30 p.m.

Using a combination of magic and common sense, Mary Poppins teaches the Banks family members how to value each other. Feb. 1 show at 2:30 p.m. is sensory-friendly, and the Feb. 2 show includes an ASL interpretation. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $16. elmstreetarts.org

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 109

CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR The year of the rat begins January 25. Try these ways to celebrate China’s most important holiday.

Great Places for Dim Sum

Dim sum means “touch the heart” and is a Chinese meal of small plates including steamed and fried buns, dumplings, rolls and more served with tea and enjoyed with family and friends. n Oriental Pearl 5399 New Peachtree Rd., Chamblee. 770-986-9866. orientalpearlchamblee.com

Atlanta Lunar New Year Festival

Chinese Opera Festival

Infinite Energy Center / Jan. 18, 4 p.m.

Presented by The Atlanta Drama Club, this performance covers drama, classical dance, Chinese opera and other stage arts, representing the cultural exchange between China and the United States. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth.

770-813-7500. $22-$52. infiniteenergycenter.com

Atlanta Lunar New Year Festival

Culture Center of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office Jan. 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

A weekend of cultural entertainment, including traditional dragon and lion dances, folk music, art exhibits and dance as well as authentic Chinese foods.

5377 New Peachtree Rd., Atlanta. 770-451-4456. $7. facebook.com/LunarNewYearFestivalatlanta

Chinese New Year Celebration

Doc Chey’s Noodle House and Dragon Bowl Jan. 25-Feb. 8. See website for schedule.

Enjoy foods believed to bring good luck in the new year, lion dances and fortune cookie prizes. Three Atlanta locations. doccheys.com

Chinese New Year: A Cultural Exploration

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Feb. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A special performance by the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, as well as culturally themed music and movement, new year storytime and science show. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $15.95-$18.95. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Are you ready to have some fun on REAL ICE! That‛s right, Ice Days is the real deal!

• Birthday Parties • Private Parties • New Years Eve Party

n Won Won Seafood 1600 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth.

770-921-2228 n Canton House 4825 Buford Hwy., Chamblee.

770-936-9030. cantonhouserestaurant.com n Dim Sum Heaven 5203 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. 770-451-4290. dim-sum-heaven.business.site n Royal China 3960 Venture Dr., Duluth.

770-216-9933

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Nash Farms Park 100 Babbs Mill Rd. Hampton, GA

678-374-7655 • www.icedays.com 110 Atlanta Parent January 2020

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Family Fun Guide

Serving metro-Atlanta and beyond

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REMEMBERING MLK

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The Children’s Museum

Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with these activities, events and service projects planned throughout Atlanta.

of Atlanta. Celebration includes MLK Day Readers Theater, MLK Day Music & Movement and MLK Day Storytime. Jan. 20, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. 404-6595437. $18.95; younger than 1, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org

Gwinnett County MLK Parade and Celebration.

Lawrenceville Highway. Bands, community groups and more flow down the street to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. with the themed “The Time is Always Right to do What is Right!” Jan. 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Parade begins at 11 a.m. at 75 Langley Dr. and continues down Lawrenceville Hwy. Free. unitedebonysociety.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Art and Film Festival. City

Atlanta History Center

MLK Day of Service.

Honor Dr. King’s legacy through service initiatives around Atlanta and nationwide. Jan. 20. Visit nationalservice.gov/mlkday for a complete list of opportunities and times.

Commemorative Service. Ebenezer

MLK Park Day.

MLK Museum Day.

Enjoy a free entrance day at National Parks in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Some local sites include Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Jan. 20. Location times vary. nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

MLK Day 5K.

Piedmont Park. Walkers and runners join together for a race through Piedmont Park. A drumline plays along the race. Ice skating session at Park Tavern rink included. Jan. 20, music, 8 a.m.; line up, 8:45 a.m. 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. $35. mlkday5k.com

Baptist Church Horizon Sanctuary. The commemorative service features tributes to the life and achievement of King from national and international leaders. Jan. 20, 10 a.m. 101 Jackson St., Atlanta. 404-688-7300. Free.

Atlanta History Center.

Free admission and special programs to honor MLK. This year features a performance of “Walking Through the Valley” by Addae Moon. Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

130 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta. 404-814-4000.

Free. atlantahistorycenter.com

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade/ Peace March. Downtown McDonough. Honor

MLK with a parade and peace march. Jan. 20, 10 a.m.

Begins at the Henry County Performing Arts Center and goes through downtown McDonough and the square. 404-399-1161. Free. henrycountyganaacp. com/MLK_Celebrations.html

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Springs. Interactive art projects, activity stations and a film celebrate, educate and share the teachings of King. Activity stations include a reading of “My Brother Martin,” decorating a bookmark with a quote from Dr. King, learning about the important dates in his life, listening to the “I Have a Dream” speech and more. Jan. 20, 1-4 p.m. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. Free. sandyspringsga.gov

MLK Day.

Rich Theatre at Woodruff Arts Center. Presented by the Palefsky Collision Project, this staged reading explores challenging and uplifting letters to Dr. King.

Pre-registration encouraged. Jan. 20, 3 p.m.

1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-7334700. Free. alliancetheatre.org Check with your local library for storytelling and special events to honor MLK.

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January 2020 Atlanta Parent 111

FROZEN FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

A COOL TIME: MARGARITAVILLE LICENSE TO CHILL SNOW ISLAND AT LAKE LANIER ISLANDS It’s that time of year for wintry fun, and we had Lake Lanier’s License to Chill Snow Island on our minds. We spent a Sunday afternoon sliding down Parrot Mountain, enjoying the snow and more.

Our favorite things included the skating rink, snow play area and carnival rides. We could not get enough of Parrot Mountain, one of the fastest snow rides in the U.S. However, Caleb, our kindergartener, was intimidated by the ride, but my tween, Kaitlyn, went down Parrot Mountain five times. How much time you spend at Snow Island will depend on the age of your child and the length of the lines as the day progresses.

Most school-age children flocked towards the snow play area to build an Olaf, throw snowballs, or just slide in the plastic snow sleigh (kid-friendly only). Dress your children in a snowsuit or gear to keep them warm and dry if they chose to play in the snow.

We also enjoyed the LandShark Bar & Grill. What mom’s trip to Margaritaville isn’t complete without a margarita?

One of my favorite things was just watching other families at the fire pit with their s’mores kit.

This was the perfect time for bonding and warmth.

Traveling from out of town and looking for lodging options? I recommend staying at the Legacy Lodge. The lake view is breathtaking, and it is pet-friendly too!

If you are looking for something fun for all ages, then Snow Island is for you!

– Patrice Little n For the toddlers: Young ones will enjoy a snow play area for snowball fights and snow angels.

Test their aim with the snowball targets.

n For the tweens: Get your adrenaline pumping with the enormous Parrot Mountain slide, a 575 feet long, 8-story high snow experience.

n For the kids: Try out the carnival rides along Margaritaville’s lakefront winter paradise.

n For the whole family: Eat at the LandShark Bar & Grill for tacos, fried shrimp, burgers and more. For dessert, make s’mores at the outdoor fire pits.

The Details Margaritaville License to Chill Snow Island at Lake Lanier Islands 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 470-323-3440, lanierislands.com/margaritaville/ attractions/snow-island n Hours: Select dates through Feb. 23. See website for details. n Tickets: $36.99; under 48" tall, $29.99; family 4-pack, $129.99; gate fee, $15.

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SNOW MUCH TO DO AT STONE MOUNTAIN PARK Snow tubing at any age – and in Georgia – might be a daunting experience. But 22-month-old Olivia, who is very visual and verbal, has been preparing with educational books about snow.

We scheduled our snow appointment for an early Saturday morning. Stone Mountain has 2-hour passes to keep the slopes from getting overcrowded, but you can also purchase an unlimited pass. But for smaller children, the 2-hour time slot is perfect, and getting there early gave Olivia the chance to get used to snow without also being overwhelmed by the amount of people.

Snow Mountain has two areas for little kids that are close together, so they can have spots to themselves without having to weave around older and bigger children. There were two different slopes, Penguin Run and the Bunny Slope, and once Olivia saw a child go down the slope, she was pumped to try it herself. She had so much fun, we spent more than an hour with her going down the slopes.

In the Snow Zone, she played with the snow using the shovels and attempting to build.

There are no snowball fights, but you can throw snowballs at the Snowball Shooting Gallery.

Other Stone Mountain attractions may also be available depending on what day you go.

Olivia enjoyed riding the train at Scenic Railroad.

Snow Mountain is a fun way to introduce younger kids to snow and play in a way Atlantans don’t normally get to.

– Amelia Ramirez n For the toddlers: The Bunny Slopes were designed especially for kids for an introduction to snow tubing. Guests must be 42" or less.

n For the tweens: New this year, conquer Dare Devil Plunge, the tallest and fastest slope at Snow Mountain at three stories high. Guests must be 48" tall.

n For the kids: Try Galactic Snow Tubing. The immersive nighttime experience includes music, laser beams and LED lights. Starts at 5:30 p.m.

n For the whole family: Tube down the hill together on Avalanche Alley, a 400-foot snow-covered tubing hill. Requires a minimum of four riders at a maximum of 10.

Outdoor Ice-Skating Rinks for the Season n The Rink Park Tavern Through Jan. 20.

See website for schedule.

Stay warm under the heated tent at this 85-foot long and 40-foot wide rink with rink-side dining. Ages 16 and older starting at 8:30 p.m. 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-249-0001. $15-$20; parking, $3-$5. parktavern.com n The Ice Rink Sugar Hill Through Feb. 9.

See website for schedule.

This rink with real ice is the same size at Rockefeller Center and features snow machines, disco balls and theatrical stage lighting. 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill. 770-554-7506. $10; ages 8 and younger, $8; skate rental, $3. haveanicedayrinks.com n Ice Days Ice Skating Rinks Olde Town Conyers and Nash Farm Park Through Feb. 23.

See website for schedule.

This family owned and operated rink has indoor and outdoor covered rinks made of real ice and offers delicious on-site concessions. Olde Town Conyers Pavilion: 949 S. Main St. NE, Conyers.

Nash Farm Park: 100 Babbs Mill Rd., Hampton. 678-374-7655. $10; skate rental included. icedays.com

The Details Snow Mountain at Stone Mountain Park 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain.

1-800-401-2407, stonemountainpark.com n Hours: Select dates through Feb. 23. See website for details. n Tickets: 2-hour pass, $34.95; unlimited, $59.95; ages 2 and younger, free; daily parking, $15.

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Family Fun Guide

January 2020 Atlanta Parent 113

e h t r o f fridge

Silence is golden.

Unless you have kids. Then silence is suspicious. readersdigest.com