Atlanta Parent January 2025 / atlantaparent.com
We Know Schools: Atlanta’s Best Guide to Education
Mental Health Matters
Spotlight on Your Neighborhood
KINDERGARTEN HERE WE COME
We challenge you to read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten. It is a great start to your child’s learning adventure.
STORYTIMES
THEY’RE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO START LEARNING.
Build early literacy skills like letter recognition, rhyming, counting, colors and shapes.
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
Teaches motor skills, coordination, rhyming, vocabulary, and spatial awareness.
LETTER CAMPS
Explore a different letter every week. Help your child learn print awareness, sharing, taking turns, and motor skills.
gwinnettlibrary.org
Personalized care means more respect for you. At Wellstar, our network of over 7,000 highly experienced doctors and nurses works together to care for every part of you–because we believe you should be treated like a person and not just a patient.
wellstar.org
THANK YOU, GEORGIA!
Every time you play the Lottery, you’re helping our kids get one step closer to their dreams. For over 30 years, the Georgia Lottery has contributed more than $28.7 billion to education. On top of that, over 2.1 million HOPE scholars have gone to college, and more than 2.2 million four-year-olds have attended a Lottery-funded Pre-K Program. That’s a lot of students, so we’ll just say “Thank You, Georgia!” for all of them.
Inside 41 January
YEARS OF ATLANTA PARENT
Publisher’s Note / 8 Good Stuff / 9
For the Fridge / 118
12 Mental Health Matters
Get your family’s year off to a great start — embrace these positive habits in 2025 and explore the benefits of gratitude journaling.
19 A Heart for the Arts
Explore the arts with your kids, at home and around Atlanta! Plus, a Q&A with three professional artists.
28 In the Neighborhood
The top family-friendly spots to play, eat and explore! This month’s spotlight: Buckhead/ Brookhaven/Chamblee.
Family Fun Guide: Top January events, Lunar New Year, celebrate MLK Day and last-chance winter fun! Plus, our kid reporters review “Titanic: An Immersive Voyage.” Page 107
PAGE We Know Schools:
35
Atlanta’s Best Guide to Education
Read about artificial intelligence in the classroom, career-focused learning for high schoolers, and the best teacher conference questions. Also, an in-depth look at public and private schools.
Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo is February 1st! Like us on Facebook; facebook.com/ AtlantaParentMagazine atlantaparent.com
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 5
PUBLISHER Liz White lwhite@atlantaparent.com ASSOCIATE Laura Powell PUBLISHER lpowell@atlantaparent.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Carolyn Haushalter chaushalter@atlantaparent.com
ACCOUNT Genie Lockeretz EXECUTIVE glockeretz@atlantaparent.com ACCOUNT Kaylee Gahagan EXECUTIVE kgahagan@atlantaparent.com ACCOUNT Sonya Jefferson EXECUTIVE sjefferson@atlantaparent.com STAFF WRITER Emily Webb and DIGITAL ewebb@atlantaparent.com CONTENT CREATOR CONTENT Mary Williams PROJECT mwilliams@atlantaparent.com MANAGER EDITORIAL Sheri Taylor-Emery ART DIRECTOR creative@atlantaparent.com PRODUCTION Robin Mintz ADMINISTRATIVE Amanda Allen ASSISTANT MARKETING Felicia Barman MOM
Sign Up For Our e-Newsletter at AtlantaParent.com Like Us on FACEBOOK Atlanta Parent magazine is published monthly by Atlanta Parent, Inc., 2346 Perimeter Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341. Telephone 770-454-7599, Fax 770-454-7699. Atlanta Parent magazine is available free of charge throughout the metro area and as a digital issue at atlantaparent.com. Atlanta Parent magazine welcomes letters, articles, artwork and photographs from its readers and the community. Atlanta Parent magazine is not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part, is prohibited without written permission.
© Atlanta Parent, Inc. 2025
6 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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THE ALL-NEW
©2024 Feld Entertainment, Inc.
STATE FARM ARENA FEB 14 – 17 GAS SOUTH ARENA FEB 21 – 23 RINGLING.COM
Be The Most Informed Parent On The Playground!
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Stay connected with us for upcoming events, great giveaways, reader input and more!
Publisher’s Note
H
appy New Year! Atlanta Parent is excited about 2025 and all that it brings. The January magazine is our biggest of the year and includes our Education Guide, with so much information on schools. In it, you’ll learn about everything from specialized preschools to career-focused learning for high school students. All parents want the best for their children. Are you a gardener or carpenter parent? In her book “The Gardener and the Carpenter,” psychologist Alison Gopnik explains the difference between the two parenting styles. Carpenter parents work on shaping their children to turn out in a specific way, as a carpenter builds with wood. Gardener parents let nature take its course, guiding and supporting their children as they grow. It’s less about control and more about creating a safe space for them to explore. As a person that loves playing in the dirt, this analogy resonates with me. Often, it’s easier to take the carpenter approach than the gardener approach. With the right information, parents can learn to be gardeners, focusing on who our kids are instead of who we want them to be. Paying attention to our kids’ mental health is a big part of raising them successfully. It’s a topic with a lot of components, and it’s more important than ever in today’s world. Our goal has always been to help families raise healthier, happier kids, so we’re making mental health a priority in 2025 with a new series: Mental Health Matters. This month, read our tips on healthy habits families can adopt in the new year. Small changes like gratitude journaling can make a big difference. I was surprised to learn about all its benefits. Challenge everyone in your family to give it a try for a week or two and see what conversations it sparks. Also launching this month is our fun new series on Atlanta’s neighborhoods. Read about the neighborhoods of Chamblee, Brookhaven and Buckhead and everything they offer for families. If you’re looking for more things to do this month, check out our Family Fun Guide for all the winter happenings around town, from new exhibits and shows to MLK Day events. Our kid reporters also tell us about their experiences seeing the Titanic exhibit at Exhibition Hub Atlanta. Atlanta Parent is always looking for those hidden gems and experiences that make you think, “I need to tell a friend about this!” Let us know your favorites! Wishing you a happy New Year,
How to Reach us: Telephone 770.454.7599
Email lwhite@atlantaparent.com
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.
8 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
atlantaparent.com
by Emily Webb
Good StUff
For the Wizard and Witch
Create and decorate three lovely magic wands with Wicked Uncle’s Magic Wand Kit – Make Your Own. For ages 5-7, build the shape of your wand using colorful air-dry clay and modelling foam; then, decorate with gemstones, gold and more. Available at wickeduncle.com for $21.99.
THINGS WE LIKE
JUST LIKE C MAGI Fool’s Gold
A Magical Start
Boost your child’s confidence with Uncommon Goods’ Confidence Building Magic Kit. Through magic and sleight-of-hand tricks, this kit builds on a variety of skills, including fine motor and memorization, to help your child show off and be more confident. Available at uncommongoods.com for $25.
Time for Tricks
Perfect for beginner magicians, check out It’s Magic! Card Game from Mudpuppy. Kids ages 6 and older will learn, perform and impress their audience with more than 10 magical card tricks. Available at mudpuppy.com for $9.99.
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Give your kids the chance to show off their tricks with “How to Fool Your Parents: 25 BrainBreaking Magic Tricks” by David Kwong and illustrated by Michael Korfhage. Read easyto-learn, top-secret tricks from a celebrity magician with step-bystep instructions using household objects. Available at harpercollins.com for $12.99.
Spellbound by Science
Combine the excitement of magic with science with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’s Mega Science Series: Science Magic Kit. With more than 100 different science experiments, bend metal with water, vanish a test tube, make a coin float and more. Available at amazon.com for $29.99.
Enchanted
Help young ones learn magic with Melissa & Doug’s Magic in a Snap! Abracadabra Collection. This 10-piece set features props for learning multiple tricks for ages 4 and older. Available at melissaanddoug.com for $22.99.
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 9
It’s Family Time!
130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW Atlanta, GA 30305 atlantahistorycenter.com
Open Jan 11
Come explore an entirely new 5,000-square-foot experience dedicated to our youngest museum guests. Discover the stories that connect us all through immersive activities, interactive displays, and engaging spaces for the whole family.
Scan to learn more
Alpharetta/Johns Creek Buford Decatur
10 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
Dunwoody Smyrna Snellville
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Are you ready for the best summer ever?
DAY CAMPS l OVERNIGHT CAMPS l SUMMER PROGRAMS
Sat., Feb. 1, 2025 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Studio Theatre, City Springs 1 Galambos Way Sandy Springs
2025
A free event
To exhibit, call 770-454-7599 or email lpowell@atlantaparent.com
Learn more at atlantarent.com/campexpo
new Mental Health Matters series will provide information MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS Our and resources to help your family thrive all year long.
Good Habits for Great Mental Health
Start the year off right! Mental health is a serious problem in the U.S. Concerning statistics show that mental illness impacts not only adults, but also our children.
1 in 6 kids (ages 6-17) and 1 in 5 adults experienced serious mental illness in the past 12 months
3.4 million youth
(ages 12-17) have suicidal thoughts each year
Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among all U.S. children ages 10-14.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, USA Today
12 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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Gratitude Journaling by Pam Molnar
What is gratitude journaling? Simply put, gratitude journaling is the practice of recording and reflecting on the moments of gratitude in your daily life on a regular basis. It is a way to express yourself while showing appreciation for the little things in life and celebrating the present.
Why is gratitude journaling good for mental health? Keeping a journal allows you to include all your thoughts, but a gratitude journal requires you to focus on what you are grateful for each day. When you shift from negative and often toxic thoughts to find the positive in your everyday experiences, you train your brain to see the good in life, despite the occasional bad day. From a mental health perspective, this leads to less anxiety, better sleep, a happier demeanor and better physical health, as well as a contagious positive outlook. Expressing gratitude towards others can strengthen relationships and foster a sense of connection, as well as boost self-esteem and help enhance resilience allowing you to better cope with challenges and setbacks.
How can you create consistency with gratitude journaling? Deciding to start a gratitude journal is the easy part. These seven suggestions will help you keep journaling and make gratitude a part of your daily life.
n Decide your method of journaling. Although most
people think of writing as the only journaling method, there are so many other options. You can draw, paint, collage, quilt and more. If you prefer an electronic journal, you can use apps like Gratitude Journal Prompts or 365 Gratitude Journal. If you like the idea of writing, but not in a book, you can also write letters of gratitude to the people in your life.
n Make your journal beautiful to look at. Purchase a
new notebook or dress up an old one with stickers or a new cover. If you are drawing or painting, buy yourself new media to work with. If you choose to write letters, make your own envelopes or use pretty stationery. You can even make an electronic journal beautiful with the CustomJournal app that allows you to include pictures.
n Try using prompts. It is hard to keep coming up with
a unique thing to be grateful for every day. You know you are thankful for your family and your home, but using prompts makes you think a little deeper to find gratitude in the ordinary. You can find a variety of prompts online with a simple Google search. Check out 10 prompts (in our sidebar) to get you started today. atlantaparent.com
10 Gratitude Prompts to Get You Started n Visualize the coziest part of your home. What do you love most about it? n What makes you feel confident? n What do you love most about your community? n What is the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received? n What is your favorite meal or snack? Why do you love it? n What motivates you? n What do you love about your morning or evening routine? n Who inspires you? Why? n What brings out your creativity? n When do you feel most purposeful?
n Set a consistent gratitude journaling time. It is
easy to start a journal and keep it up for a few days. But then life gets in the way and the only thing your journal is doing is keeping dust off the nightstand. Find a time when you have a few quiet moments each day. Some people prefer journaling with their morning coffee and others like to reflect on their last moments before turning out the light to sleep. Cont’d on next page
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Atlanta Parent 13
Gratitude Journaling n Don’t overwhelm yourself. This is
supposed to be a positive exercise and not a chore. Try setting a goal to keep a journal for 30 days. If it still feels right, keep going. If not, put it away and use it as a place of reflection when you are having a bad day. You can also choose to keep a once-a-week journal. Throughout the week, make short notes (Post-its work great) about the gratitude highlights and expand on them once a week when you have more time.
n Give yourself some grace. Some days you will have a gush of gratitude and other days you are just glad you made it to bedtime. It’s OK to find more gratitude on some days and not a lot on others. It’s okay to have empty pages or skipped days in your journal. Even dieters have cheat days — days where despite your best efforts, you just didn’t make your goal.
n Don’t hold back your thoughts.
There is no judgment. If you are grateful for something, you should expand on it. Remember, there are no silly entries. If you are grateful for a short line at Starbucks or your fuzzy steering wheel warmer, more power to you. You will probably be the only person to see your journal, so express your gratitude with full transparency and without fear.
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January 2025
Introducing Gratitude Journaling to Your Kids
Help your children develop habits of mindfulness, which can decrease anxiety and improve their self-esteem. Positive affirmations can be crucial for youth and their mental health. n With young kids. If your children are too young to write, let them draw what they are thankful for each day. Give them a simple sketch pad as their gratitude journal and let them decorate the front with stickers and family photos. n For the family. If your family is constantly on-the-go, use time in the car or around the dinner table for a verbal gratitude journal. Each person can share something from their day; this will help teach kids to express gratitude while creating connections with family members. n Tweens and teens. If screen time is important to your middle- or high-schooler, let them use an app for their gratitude journaling. This is something that you can compromise with them on and help them do something positive while on their device. n A jumping off point. If your kids get stuck thinking of something to share, ask them questions. What made you smile today? Did someone do something nice for you today? What is something about yourself that you are proud of? n Making it routine. If your kids are early risers, incorporate gratitude journaling into the post-breakfast routine. If your family is better in the afternoons or evenings, add journaling to after-school snack time or bedtime. The time of day doesn’t matter, it’s the expression of positivity that is important. – Tali Benjamin
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Start Fresh
Good Habits for a Great New Year by Tanni Haas
The new year is a great time for setting goals, embracing new ideas and prioritizing family bonding. Try getting the whole family to agree to a set of mutually rewarding pledges that can help everyone get on the same page and start the year off on the right foot. Here are some ideas to get you started. n Talk more about your day
Most parents complain that, as the kids get older, they reveal less and less about their daily lives. This is especially true of middle- and high-schoolers. When asked how their day was, at the dinner table, parents are often met with a monosyllabic “Fine.” It doesn’t have to be this way. You may be able to get your kids to open up more if you model the behavior. Parents are understandably tired after a long day at work, but if you want the kids to talk, tell them about all the things that happened to you. It could be something that occurred during the commute or something someone said at work. The more you talk, the more the kids are also likely to talk. You might be surprised.
n Get the kids the pet they’ve been wanting so badly
Many kids want nothing more in life than to get a pet. Assuming that the conditions are right (no one in your family is allergic to it, the cost isn’t prohibitive, you can offer the pet the appropriate support and environment), consider getting one for the kids. But — and there’s a big but associated with this pledge — in return, the kids will
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have to commit to taking care of it. If it’s a dog, they’ll have to walk it in the morning before they go to school and in the evening before they go to bed. If it’s a cat, they’ll have to clean the litter box regularly, and so on. Discuss all that pet upkeep entails before you make any commitments.
n Cook dinners that make everyone happy
A constant question in many families is: What’s for dinner? Often, kids want foods like burgers, hot dogs and pizza, and parents want kids to eat healthier options like lean proteins and vegetables. It doesn’t have to be a battle of the wills. Compromise is possible. One possibility is to create a weekly dinner plan that makes everyone happy. In return for one or more nights a week where the kids get to indulge in their favorite foods, they’ll have to agree to complement those dinners with healthy additions, say burgers with a side of green salad. If possible, prepare dinner together. Kids are more much more likely to eat and enjoy the fruits (no pun intended) of their own labor. Cont’d on next page
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Atlanta Parent 15
Good Habits for a Great New Year n Agree on the right amount of — and time for — screens Few things excite kids more than spending time with friends on their devices — whether texting, interacting via social media or playing games together. It doesn’t make sense to forbid the kids to engage in these kinds of activities since it’s how kids socialize these days. That also doesn’t mean that screens should dominate their lives. Come up with a mutually agreeable solution. In return for screen time with friends, the kids will have to abide by certain rules. This could be: no screens before all their homework has been completed, all screens are put away at least one hour before bedtime, or screen-free weekend mornings, afternoons or evenings to spend with the family.
n Tie the kids’ allowance to supporting the household If your kids aren’t getting a regular allowance, consider giving them one, but make it dependent on them helping around the house. Kids want money (who doesn’t), but that doesn’t mean that parents should automatically give it to them with no strings attached. Ideally, of course, kids should contribute to the home even without receiving any allowance. They should pitch in simply by virtue of being members of the household with important responsibilities. However, tying allowance to chores does mirror the real world in one crucial way: you only get paid when you work. That’s an important life-lesson that will benefit them for years to come.
NOMINATE TODAY Tell us about your favorite dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon!
atlantaparent.com/nominatedentist ATLANTA PARENT’S
MOMAPPROVED
DENTISTS
Nominate TODAY! Atlanta Parent readers have nominated the best dentists, pediatricians, OB/GYNs and more from around Atlanta. Find a parent-nominated doctor near you at atlantaparent.com/top_docs
16 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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Stress Busters:
Mindfulness Podcasts For Parents by Tanni Haas
In 2025, consider downloading a parenting podcast or two. Podcasts are great since you can listen to them whenever you have a spare moment, even when you’re doing other things. Here are some of the best mindfulness podcasts for parents full of advice on how to de-stress your life. n Mindful Mama (Available at: Apple, Podbean, Podchaser) Created and hosted by Hunter Clarke-Fields, the mom of two daughters, Mindful Mama is one of the most widely listened to mindfulness podcasts for parents. Episodes explore how parents can use meditation, music and yoga to keep themselves and their kids calm and grounded.
n Our Mindful Way (Available at: Apple, PlayPilot, Spotify) Our Mindful Way is produced by Megan Wolfe, a certified mindfulness and meditation practitioner, who’s spent more than a decade teaching general and special education kids how to use mindfulness. Episodes examine ways to find harmony in your life and the importance of expressing gratitude to those you love.
n The Balanced Parent (Available at: Apple, Audible, Spotify) As the name implies, The Balanced Parent is all about helping parents find balance in their own and their kids’ lives. The brainchild of Dr. Laura Froyen, a family therapist and mother of two daughters, the podcast features conversations between Froyen and various experts on such themes as kindness, resilience and the importance of play.
n The Motherkind Podcast (Available at: Apple, Rephonic, Spotify) Zoe Blaskey, the creator of The Motherkind Podcast, actively involves listeners in her popular podcast by soliciting input for future topics and guests. The podcast focuses on such important mindfulness principles and practices as selfacceptance, forgiveness and working through one’s thoughts and feelings through journaling. Blaskey offers individual and group coaching as well as workshops on questions like how to simultaneously flourish at home and at work.
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 17
Atlanta Parent Wins Big, Once Again! Concierge Care typically called, were the
sier s g Life Ea Makin Busy Familie are Trends for
until they were care in America House calls, as of receiving medical bit different primary method version of in-home looks a d with about 1950. Today’s though, as it is usually combine provide sor, than its predeces service, allowing physicians to concierge medical patients. regular care to nt access, comprehensive e provides convenie “Concierge medicin als with mobility issues. This individu mothers, um particularly for postpart s, on caters to als with busy schedule healthcare innovati patients, individu significant stress trying post-operative often experience “They can and others who ents,” explains Chowa. of their to reach clinic appointm care in the comfort from receiving greatly benefit out Atlanta.” ship with a own homes through re is based on member options, and annual This type of healthca 2U offers monthly and provider. EMCare are designed for individuals and that customized care starting at $97, e convenience, medicine families who prioritiz professionals. “Concierge atient medical parallel a doctor-p goal direct access to plan that should . The ultimate creates a tailored on trust and empathy nities for healthy relationship built e is to bring opportu of concierge medicincare and direct care into people’s tive living, preventa
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Do they take insurance?
thcare Drive-Thru Heal ru, fries and
cine visit from can log into a telemedi and their own home else the comfort of s without anyone Technica s and treatmen discuss concern remote diagnosi are typically ns of Health as the seeing them. Co-pays of telecommunicatio al office visit, plus cine as the of patients by means less than a tradition fees or other costs think of telemedi ent. technology, many version of a doctor’s appointm there are no parking ” telehealth visits. “Zoom meeting healthcare, also called Virtual nals associated with healthcare professio This method of the 1970s, but developed more “Various in use telehealth to Care, emerged more widely now efficiently technology was method those with access in the 1990s as r, the healthcare provide care. For apps, mobile available. Howeve ad popularity to telehealth through devices, it is has gained widespre the COVID-19 browsers or at-home since 2020 and patient-provider revolutionizing says Phindile Erika pandemic. of benefits ication,” main The commun of EMCare 2U. convenience, Chowa, MD, FACEPpediatric telemedicine are savings. Specifically, for privacy and cost cine cine can have its Many telemedi patients, telemedi as g conditions, such providers, includin limits as many strep throat, can local hospital ear infections or without a systems like WellStar be difficult to diagnose y Pediatrics, Blueberr and Piedmont physical exam. exclusively for provider h HealthCare, offer a telehealt to overcome this access to care on children, is trying kit of tools that at-home the weekends and with their eter and ear scope have on-demand includes a thermom integration. appointment with secure app options. Patients
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26 Atlanta Parent
a drive-th When you picture thanks you think of, but can be shakes are what medical care needs of the to a new trend, ever getting out addressed without COVID-19 drive-thru the local car. Born out of 10 times in they offered, a few to SmartMed over people testing services able six “I have since used expanded to be says. “There are needs. businesses have 38, and the last year,” she of medical care myriad a in age from 2 to address urgent care in my family ranging.” Longeran notes that you would go to can address “Anything that we have all benefitedthe car is a game changer. broken bone, we Stacy in for other than a being able to stay waiting rooms with sick, in your car,” explains in while you stay Roswell. “No more sitting SmartMED in of CEO !” Lathrop the majority crying children Care also offers Lathrop notes that because of the Drive-Thru Urgent medical parents are ru to a patient’s of patients be d with Drive-Th prompt answers complaints can gets sick, convenience associate needs. “All medical Solutions drive-thru,” the whole house medicine. “When it is, and you don’t evaluated in a Viral g Officer Bernard what you’re not sure dressed and who seek says Chief Operatin to get everyone stay in “Most patients have the energy can Coxton Jr., PA-C. registered, evaluated ian’s office, you be or ears to the pediatric care with us can an adequate plan that e can get swabbed the car, everyon drive-thru in and provided with needs without leaving you’re out of the all checked. And, At SmartMED, solves their medical more efficient than Lathrop. says ” , much 10 minutes ce.” and a medical provider their car. We are urgent care experien tests are run on-site, and any needed s’ the traditional results and Viral Solution follows up with Both SmartMED’s ced emergency about an hour. experien prescriptions within Longergan tried can trust teams are led by Roswell mom Laura based on a friend’s nurses, so patients care physicians and care they will receive. sick kid and drive-thru medical in the quality of when she had a pediatrician. recommendation tely get into the couldn’t immedia
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dicine n Most Teleme in-network providers are providers, with insurance cost to you and the co-pay less than with is traditionally an in-office visit.
ED and Viral n Both SmartM hru medical Solutions Drive-T ork with services are in-netw ce providers major insuran are lower and co-pay costs visit. sick than a typical medical n As with any with care, always check provider for your insurance benefits specifics on your care with a before seeking professional or new medical . health system
February 2024
Atlanta Parent
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February 2024
Celebrating our 41st year in publication, our award-winning tradition continues! Atlanta Parent brought a home record-breaking 24 awards from the annual conference this year! Locally owned since the beginning, parents have relied on our monthly magazine for exceptional stories and practical resources that help families. “We are proud to have adapted through the years, and now also provide a lively and fast-growing website and social media outlets,” says owner and publisher Liz White. “I am truly grateful for our continued presence and ability to provide.” On hand at the 2024 Conference were industry publishers and editors from across the country. The awards are judged by the University of Missouri School of Journalism. The judges look for the best in local and regional parenting publications, special issues, websites and social media. They recognize and reward editorial, design and general excellence in local and regional parenting publications like Atlanta Parent.
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Gold Awards Special Section Editorial: Atlanta’s Best Guide to Education n Family Matters Editorial n Editorial Profile n Special Series Editorial n News Feature Editorial n Non-Traditional Story Form n Sponsored Content Editorial n Front Cover Design n Front Cover Illustration n Table of Contents n Single-Page Design n Department Design n Special Section Design: Summer Fun Guide n
8
Silver Awards Overall Editorial Overall Design n Front Cover Design n Department Design n Calendar of Events Design n Family Matters Editorial n Non-Traditional Story Form n Ancillary Cover Design: Education Viewbook n n
3
Bronze Awards
Atlanta Parent’s
Education Viewbo20ok 24 Early Education Private School Public School Special Needs Field Trips
We know
schools.
18 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
Best E-Newsletter n General Excellence: Education Viewbook n Special Section Within a Publication: STEAM Up for Success n
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A HEART FOR THE ARTS atlantaparent.com
The arts — music, dance, theater and visual arts — matter. They add sound, movement, stories and color to our world. They also help people express themselves and better understand others. Talent and passion leads some to hone their craft while others simply enjoy being in the audience. From ways to support your child’s interest in the arts to budget-friendly experiences, Atlanta Parent has you covered. Plus, hear from some local professionals who truly know what it takes to make it in the arts world.
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 19
THE POWER OF THE ARTS Performing Arts
by Tali Benjamin
The arts — dance, music, theater and visual arts — infuse confidence and creativity into your child’s life. An appreciation for art brings beauty and perspective to their experiences. An understanding of art deepens problemsolving skills and promotes collaboration. Throughout the metro area, families can participate in the arts. Whether this is by visiting a museum, seeing a performance or taking a lesson, introduce your child to the arts early and often. You never know what passion you might spark. 20 Atlanta Parent
Unlock Creativity, Critical Thinking and Confidence Through the Arts
January 2025
From singing to acting, playing a musical instrument to dancing, performing arts are entertaining for the audience and a way for those on stage to showcase their talents.
Cont’d on page 22
atlantaparent.com
Fine Artson Spotlight Spotlight the Arts Photo credit: Kim Kenney
ATLANTA BALLET CENTRE FOR DANCE EDUCATION 404-873-5811 | centre.atlantaballet.com
Every child, no matter their age or experience, can discover the joy of dance at Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. Whether your child loves to skip and twirl, enjoys ballet technique at the barre, or is ready to take the leap into a professional career, the instructors will be with them every step of the way. Enrollment in creative movement, ballet, tap, jazz, modern and contemporary classes is open at West Midtown, Buckhead and Virginia-Highland.
Fine Arts Spotlight ALLIANCE THEATRE
404-733-4600 | alliancetheatre.org/content/classes The Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre offers classes for all ages, from 12 months old (yes, 12 months) through adults. The curriculum features lessons from some of the industry’s best teaching artists from learning to act (on stage or on camera), sharpening your communication skills, and just learning about theater. 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta 30309.
Photo by Sirk Photography
Fine Arts Spotlight
Atlanta Parent
BALLETHNIC ACADEMY OF DANCE 404-762-1416 | ballethnic.org
Train the Ballethnic way at Ballethnic Academy of Dance — offering elite dance training for all levels beginning from age 3 to adults. Classes range from African, modern, tap, jazz, and hip hop to ballet, pointe, and Pas De Deux. There are classes for everyone! Enroll today at Ballethnic.org. Scholarship placement auditions April 19, 1-2:30 p.m.
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COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTERS OF ATLANTA 404-614-0466 | CMCAtlanta.com | Five Locations
Voted “2024 Best of Georgia” Music Schools & Instruction. 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. The comprehensive program catalogue includes private lessons, after-school programs, day camps, workshops, gap programs, an accredited high school conservatory and more. Register online today at your neighborhood music school.
Atlanta Parent atlantaparent.com
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 21 atlantaparent.com
THE POWER OF THE ARTS
n TASTE IT
Exposing your children to performing arts is a great way to give them an appreciation for the arts at a young age. Being an audience member also teaches them how to show respect for others by being quiet during the performance and applauding when the time is right. The spectacle of a ballet or play can keep a child’s attention longer than you may think. Atlanta boasts many family-friendly options for giving your child a taste of the performing arts, including Center for Puppetry Arts, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and local high school chorus, band and theater shows.
n TRY IT
If your child has shown an interest in the performing arts, fuel that spark with lessons. Your child will have fun while acquiring new life skills. Learning musical notes for singing or playing an instrument is a form of literacy that intersects with math. Dance requires an understanding of how the body works and following directions to complete choreography. Being in a play requires dedication to memorize lines and empathy to understand the role being played. No matter which part of town you live in, there are quality options for performing arts lessons. If you need help narrowing providers down, ask about taking a trial class, read online reviews or consult neighbors on their experiences. 22 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
If your child has shown an interest in the performing arts, fuel that spark with lessons. Your child will have fun while acquiring new life skills. n TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
Once your budding performer has been in lessons for several months, have a discussion about if he wants to continue and how many resources your family wants to devote to performing arts. For dancers, this might mean a competition team. For a violinist, it could be the chamber orchestra at school plus private lessons. For an actor, it is managing a practice schedule that can be very busy for spurts of time. The benefits of investing in your child’s passion can have a large pay off. Collaborating with like-minded people creates a community of friends for your child while teaching them teamwork and problem-solving skills. Juggling practices with school work and other commitments develops time management skills and helps children understand priorities. Being on stage also boosts self-confidence and creativity. Cont’d on page 24
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Fine Artson Spotlight Spotlight the Arts DUNWOODY SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS 770-280-1200 | dbc.org/dsa
Dunwoody School for the Arts offers comprehensive arts education for all ages, Monday-Saturday. Programs include private music lessons, dance instruction, performing arts training, and visual arts exploration. Expert instructors foster creativity and technical skill development in a supportive environment, nurturing artistic growth and self-expression.
Fine Arts Spotlight THE MUSIC CLASS
770-645-5578 | 10 Locations in Metro Atlanta themusicclass.com/atlanta Fun-filled, developmental, interactive music classes. Featuring award-winning music and led by inspiring music teachers, you and your child will be swept into playful singing, dancing, and instrument play in a joyful and nurturing environment. For infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Call for class times or visit the website.
Fine Arts Spotlight THE STUDIOS BROOKHAVEN
678-224-1810 | thestudiosbrookhaven.com Come experience high quality classes in music, theatre, dance and athletics, as well as private music lessons in piano, voice, and guitar. The Studios also produces multiple musicals every year, which are performed in their very own black box theatre! Discover The Studios Brookhaven, an award-winning facility where all students can excel.
Atlanta Parent
TERMINUS BALLET SCHOOL
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terminusmbt.com At Terminus Ballet School, students learn the art of dance while making friends and developing their confidence. The curriculum includes ballet, pointe or boys’ technique, and contemporary dance with opportunities to perform throughout the year. Student creativity is encouraged whilst strengthening their technical foundation. Led by a team of professional dancers, the faculty brings an elite understanding to the classroom and creates a safe and nurturing environment. For boys and girls ages 3+. For questions please contact c.welker@terminusmbt.com. Atlanta Parent atlantaparent.com
January 2025
atlantaparent.com Atlanta Parent 23
THE POWER OF THE ARTS
ATLANTA ARTS Art experiences don’t have to break the bank. Encourage a love of the arts and explore all Atlanta has to offer with these free and low-cost artsy options.
Visual Arts
Painting, drawing, photography and sculpting are traditional forms of visual art while more modern approaches take on a digital footprint with animation, video editing and 3D modeling. Regardless of medium, visual arts give a unique and beautiful view of the world around us. decaturartsalliance.org
n TASTE IT
Introducing your child to visual arts happens naturally in most households. Giving toddlers crayons or fingerpaints and some paper lets them express themselves while helping them develop motor skills. As children get older, you can introduce them to art museums and talk about what you see in the works. This can help them have an appreciation for art, as well as the culture or subject matter it represents. Even while you’re watching their favorite Disney movie, remind them that someone created the characters and setting with their hands (and maybe the help of a computer). The High Museum of Art has a family learning gallery and offers programming for kids, and the Children’s Museum of Atlanta boasts a permanent hands-on exhibit all about creativity and the arts.
n TRY IT
Explore permanent and rotating collections of beautiful and thought-provoking sculptures and murals at many spots around town. Find maps of self-guided walking tours at streetartmap.org. n ArtAround Roswell, roswellartsfund.org n Alpharetta Arts Walk, awesomealpharetta.com n ArtSS in the Open, artsandysprings.org n Decatur Artway, decaturartsalliance.org
Most metro Atlanta schools, public and private, have visual arts classes where students can try their hand at a variety of skills. If your child is showing excitement about her art class projects, set up a space at home with art supplies and permission to be messy. This will boost creativity and fine motor skills. Get your child a digital camera and let him explore the world through pictures. Suggest taking photos of your neighborhood and then invite friends over to see them. There are also studios that offer private or group lessons throughout the city. You can also make it a family affair with a trip to a splatter studio, pottery painting place or woodworking workshop. Remember that you are modeling for your child and art is all about expression, so making it your own is what’s important.
n TAKE IT SERIOUSLY
If your child shows talent or passion for creating visual art, consider looking into a high school that can deepen knowledge and skills. Atlanta has many private and public options available. There are also specialty summer camps that can immerse children in a creative environment and give them a community of artists to connect with. Digital arts careers are on the rise, so have conversations about what that could mean for your child’s future and explore ways to support that. SCAD Atlanta offers Saturday programs for children as well as Summer Seminars for high school students that have an interest in visual and digital arts. No matter the level of talent or passion for the arts your children may have, exposing them enriches their lives and yours. So, have fun exploring art around Atlanta and appreciating the beauty it brings. 24 Atlanta Parent
Public Art
January 2025
n Atlanta Beltllne, beltline.org
Museums and Art Centers n ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY
Walk the galleries of Atlanta Contemporary to see exhibitions from local, national and international artists, all for free. The Contemporary Kids program invites children to experience art and artists through hands-on experiences. Atlanta, atlantacontemporary.org
n HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
Explore art at the High for free on monthly Second Sundays, which also feature performances, art-making and more. Admission is also free for Bank of America cardholders through their Museums on Us program, the first weekend of each month. Atlanta, high.org
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ON A BUDGET
Festivals
n MICHAEL C. CARLOS MUSEUM AT EMORY
With admission ranging from $8-$10 (and free for ages 5 and younger), a visit to this world-class museum can be affordable. On Sunday FUNdays, held on select days, enjoy free admission as well as drop-in art studio activities. Atlanta, carlos.emory.edu
n HUDGENS CENTER FOR ART AND LEARNING
Admission to this non-profit arts center is free; explore the galleries and beautiful outdoor sculpture garden. On Toddler Fridays, ages 5 and younger can enjoy crafts, story time and more; tickets are $5. Duluth, thehudgens.org
Art festivals are a great way for families to experience a variety of art and music. Artisan demonstrations and hands-on activities allow kids to a closeup view of the creative process. Look for these upcoming spring festivals: n Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, March 29-30 n Festival on Ponce, April 5-6 n Atlanta Dogwood Festival, April 11-13 n Sandy Springs Artsapalooza, April 19-20 n Decatur Arts Festival, May 3-4 n Chastain Spring Arts Festival, May 10-11 n Atlanta Jazz Festival, May 24-26
n MARIETTA COBB MUSEUM OF ART
The MCMA’s art collection focuses on Georgian and American art from the 18th century to the present. Adult admission is just $10; students pay $8 and ages 6 and younger are free. Marietta, mariettacobbartmuseum.org
n ROBERT C. WILLIAMS MUSEUM
OF PAPERMAKING
This fascinating museum explores the art and history of paper, from ancient Egyptian scrolls to paper created in space. Admission is free; family workshops range from $8-$15. Atlanta, paper.gatech.edu
n SPELMAN COLLEGE MUSEUM OF FINE ART
Located on the Spelman campus, exhibitions at this renowned museum feature art by Black women artists. Open Wednesday-Saturday, admission is free to the community. Atlanta, museum.spelman.edu
Gimme Please at Alliance Theatre
Local Theater Productions
Metro Atlanta has an array of local community theaters, and tickets to shows are typically much less expensive than a national touring production.
n ALLIANCE THEATRE
The Theatre for the Very Young Series features fun, interactive programs designed for ages 5 and younger, This spring, see “Gimme Please” and “Dinosaur;” adult tickets are $12.50, ages 6-17 pay $5, and ages 5 and younger are free. A series package is $20-$40. Atlanta, alliancetheatre.org
n AURORA THEATRE
Aurora’s Children’s Playhouse series has kid-friendly offerings, including “African-American Folktales,” “Fairy God Doctor,” “Blacktop Playground: Improv for Kids” and more. The Saturday morning shows are just $7. Lawrenceville, auroratheatre.com
n STAGE DOOR THEATRE
On Puppet Palooza Saturdays, see shows by Piccadilly Puppets for $10. Dunwoody, stagedoortheatrega.org
High Museum of Art
` ` Painting & Drawing Lessons Art & Fitness ARTss Cla School Break Camps
MUSIC - ART - DRAMA - DANCE
Advertise your Classes to Atlanta families. email lpowell@atlantaparent.com for more information
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A Par RT ties
Vinings School of Art
678-213-4278 viningsschoolofart.com
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 25
THE POWER OF THE ARTS
INSIDE THE ARTISTIC MIND: A Q&A by Tali Benjamin
Atlanta Parent spoke to three professional artists about their creative careers. Here’s what they want you to know about living and working in the professional arts community. LAUREN IRVING
Showguide & Vocalist, Ringling Brothers Circus n What would you tell an aspiring singer? First, you are your own business card. You are representing yourself, so represent well. Second, recognize who’s in your corner and who isn’t. In the moments that you need a safe space, you’ll know where to turn. Third, do it for the love and passion of performing. Be sure you feel fulfilled.
n What makes working in the circus so exciting? Being a part of the circus with Ringling Brothers has been thrilling because I get to work with people from all over the world who use their human ability and create a spectacle. The circus has such a legacy and being part of it is an honor. The fearlessness and concentration the performers have is thrilling to me. I am in awe of them and watching each show is like a new experience. It never gets old!
n What was your favorite part about growing up in Atlanta? I grew up in the metro area in Suwanee. I always remember Turner Field as a kid. I loved going to the Braves games and the atmosphere of being that close to the game was so special. We’d drive through the city, go to The Varsity — it was different than the suburbs. Though, there’s something comforting about that environment as well. You can make a friend in line at the grocery store. It’s great to be a part of a community.
n What is the toughest thing about being a professional singer?
TIM SWEENEY
Resident Artist & Executive Producer, Center for Puppetry Arts n What would you tell an aspiring puppeteer? Be sure the arts and performing are where your heart is. You have to have the passion because it can be a challenging career path. If you have specific ideas of what your genre or arts area is, get the best training for yourself. This is how you can best set yourself up for success.
n How did you get into this art form? I went to school for drama and after that, I came to Atlanta. The Center for Puppetry Arts was holding auditions and, ultimately, I got a part. That was 25 years ago, and I haven’t looked back. As a kid, I was a huge Muppets and Sesame Street fan, so this is a natural fit for me. When Jim Hensen died, I was 11 or 12 and was really sad about it. I also always played with my toys a certain way. I was concerned about their movements looking realistic.
26 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
Photo courtesy of Center for Puppetry Arts
You have to be disciplined off the stage. Most of the maintenance is done outside of the show on my off days. I have to go to bed on time, eat well and drink plenty of water. All of these things help me take care of my body and maintain my instrument well. When it’s showtime, you have to be ready to go. It’s worth it.
n What is the toughest thing about being a professional performer? It’s often freelance work. So, making a steady living can be tough. Specifically with puppeteering, there is a lot of physicality. It can be challenging on the knees, back, etc. since you are often in weird positions for various characters.
n What is your favorite arts-related activity in Atlanta? XPT at the Center is absolutely my favorite! Amateurs and professionals put on a show of short puppet pieces, live and on film. It’s so cool to see what people put together with puppets on a limited budget.
n What advice do you have for other parents when it comes to the arts? Parents know their kids the best. Look at the potential and see what they might be interested in. Then, expose them to the right things. Some kids don’t have a long attention span and others do, regardless of age. My kids always loved Toddler Takeover at the High Museum of Art.
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JOSEPH QUINTANA
Management Assistant & Performer, Theatre for the Very Young – Alliance Theatre n What would you tell an aspiring performer/musician? Be open to learning everything possible. If you’re offered the chance to be a clown, be a clown. If you play an instrument, play as many as you can get your hands on. The more I have offered to the world, the more things that have come my way. Playing the violin has led to roles in Shakespeare and other plays. Just do it! There is so much opportunity out there. In the arts, when you audition for things, you hear “no” a lot. My first voice teacher always told me you have to ask for what you want, and I’ve taken that to heart. Sometimes the answer is “no” and that’s okay, but you won’t find out if you don’t ask.
n How did you get into the arts? I grew up as a musician and always wanted to perform for everyone, all the time. Around age 8, I started playing the strings — violin, viola, cello. Then, voice became my main thing led, which led to theater. I try to blend my talents and passion as much as I can. With Theatre for the Very Young, I am a non-verbal actor and play violin.
n What is the toughest thing about being a professional performer? It is a lot of job seeking. You are your own manager at times; you are looking for jobs, managing travel and finance. It’s a lot to juggle and keep track of. You must be willing to fund yourself and your art. It’s possible to do it, you just have to have the right attitude. I am a professional artist and sometimes I have other jobs — thinking of it that way has been super helpful for me.
n What is your favorite arts-related activity in Atlanta? Readings of new work. So many cities just focus on the triedand-true big musicals, but we are lucky. The Alliance has working title playwrights and there is always advocacy for reading new works in this city. It’s my favorite thing!
A Studio Dedicated to the Art of Dance
Ballet • Tap •Jazz • Hip Hop • Piano • Guitar • Modern Ages 2 and older • Adult classes, too
Dance & Arts Showcase Chamblee • 770-934-5010 • danceandarts.com atlantaparent.com
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 27
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Buckhead/Brookhaven/Chamblee A look at the top family-friendly spots in this part of metro Atlanta.
Photo by Gene Phillips Photography
Play Here n Chastain Park is a Buckhead staple. The 268 acres include an urban horse park, an outdoor amphitheater, tennis center, year round swimming, ball sports, walking trails, 40,000-square-foot playground, outdoor grills and an urban farm. n The newly-renovated Brookhaven Park includes the tallest playground in the U.S., turfed play area, and a new-and-improved dog park complete with doggy splash pad. n Keswick Park is the largest park in Chamblee, covering more than 45 acres. It has a distinct family feel and an ADA-compliant playground, tennis courts, community building, outdoor basketball courts, a dog park and more. Brookhaven Park
28 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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Buckhead
Brookhaven
Chamblee
n Population: 108,388
n Population: 57,945
n Population: 31,841
n Zip codes: 30305, 30326,
n Zip codes: 30319, 30324,
n Zip codes: 30341, 30366,
n Known for: Upscale
n Known for: Cherry Blossom
n Known for: Being
30327, 30342, 30324.
homes, shopping, hotels and restaurants; a commercial and financial center in the city.
30341.
30345, 30329.
and Arts festivals; being broken into smaller neighborhoods many centered on parks.
home to the CDC, cultural diversity and historic downtown area.
Peachtree-DeKalb Airport,
located in Chamblee, is the second-busiest airport in Georgia. It has a rich history, including its location on part of the old Camp Gordon, a World War I Army training base. Even if you don’t have travel plans, the large playground has a view of the runways, so kids can watch the planes take off and land. After releasing all that energy, eat at the on-site restaurant Downwind, which is family owned and features plenty of family-friendly menu options.
n Blue Heron Nature Preserve is a North Buckhead must-see for experiencing 30 acres of woodlands, wetlands, riparian areas and meadows all in your backyard. You can enter from Roswell Road and then hike the three-mile Blue Way Trail. As of now, there are no public restrooms available, so keep that in mind when visiting with younger kids. n Murphey Candler Park is Brookhaven’s largest and features a playground, swimming pool, picnic pavilions, baseball facilities and much more. Younger kids may prefer Ashford Park for lots of swings, a sandbox and green space for playing with toys that scatter the lawn. Cont’d on next page
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Blue Heron Nature Preserve
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 29
We Do Pediatrics Differently
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD The Byrd Family Faves
Jonathan, Katie, Harper (12) and Clayton (9)
THIS IS HOW CHILDREN’S INTEGRATIVE AND FAMILY MEDICINE SHOULD BE. Taz Bhatia, MD
Vandita Acharya, MD
4 Whole system treatment that
Our team addresses the root cause of issues, not just the symptoms.
4 Advanced, innovative, and non-invasive diagnostic tools
4 Treating ADHD, Pans/Pandas, asthma, allergies, anxiety, depression, digestive disorders and inflammation.
focuses on nutrition, genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.
4 Integrative team — Holistic MD, Nutritionist, Acupuncturist, CranioSacral
4
4 Unhurried appointments
Brookhaven/Buckhead 1401 DRESDEN DR. ATLANTA, GA 30319
Johns Creek
10220 MEDLOCK BRIDGE RD JOHNS CREEK, GA 30097
4 centrespringmd.com/integrative-pediatrics 4 404-814-9808
WELL VISITS & IMMUNIZATIONS
Now is the Right Time!
Schedule your office visit today with one of our trusted pediatricians. BROOKHAVEN
705 Town Boulevard NE, S560
DECATUR
200 E. Ponce De Leon Ave.
ATLANTA
490 Bill Kennedy Way SE
Call 404-446-4726 to schedule your appointment today.
intownpediatrics.com 30 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
Why we love the vibe/location of our neighborhood: We love Brookhaven! We have been here for over 20 years, and we specifically love Lynwood Park, where we have lived for 15 years. People are friendly and welcoming. People want to get involved and include others with neighbors through play groups, book clubs, schools and others. Practically, Brookhaven is a great location to get to other places. However, we often find we stay put because the restaurants, stores, etc. are so good in a five-mile radius that we don’t need to leave!
Our favorite playground is: Lynwood Park and Field
Our favorite restaurants are: Verde and Waffle House
You can’t miss this hidden gem: Too many to name them all, but some highlights are Frosty Caboose for ice cream, the new dog park and playground at the corner of Osborne and Peachtree, turf field at Lynwood Park, and so much more. For Halloween, trick or treating in Lynwood Park is a can’t miss activity! There are also some great new breweries around the corner in Chamblee that have popped up and have an awesome live music scene in good weather. – Katie Byrd, mom atlantaparent.com
Shop Here n Kazoo Toys is a full-service toy store offering a truly enjoyable toy shopping experience for the whole family. Located in Buckhead, you can book private shopping appointments, and they offer curbside pickup and complimentary giftwrap. n Check out the variety of antiques shops in downtown Chamblee. It’s a fun way to show kids things that you or their grandparents grew up with that they may not have seen before. n Learning Express Buckhead features toys that focus on various levels of development, so that it’s always easy to find the right toys for your little ones. If you are purchasing a gift, they offer complimentary gift wrap, so it’s one less thing you have to worry about. They host free events that the whole family will love; follow them on Instagram for upcoming dates. Kazoo Toys
Eat Here n The Frosty Caboose is a must when visiting Chamblee. Kids will love walking up to the red train car and ordering a sweet treat. n A Buckhead favorite for 30 years, R. Thomas Deluxe Grill features a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Kids will love the fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies, as well as the fun offerings on the kids’ menu. n If you’re looking for sophisticated adult food but don’t have a sitter, try Mission + Market in Buckhead. You won’t find it on their website, but they have a kids’ menu that includes pizza, noodles, and chicken tenders, and more. Plus, they provide crayons to color with while you wait. Cont’d on next page
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The Frosty Caboose
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 31
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Awesome Attractions n LEGO Discovery Center. Located in Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, LEGO-loving kids will enjoy building and experiencing the more whimsical side of LEGO with life-size sculptures, rides, and more. n Sloomoo Institute. Delight the senses and get messy while you play with slime. The whole family will enjoy creating their own slime to take home. n Atlanta History Center. Founded in 1926, this Buckhead staple has a large campus featuring historic gardens and houses, including Swan House, Smith Farm and Wood Family Cabin. Plus, opening this month check out the new 5,000-square-foot space dedicated to kids. The immersive environment will allow children from crawlers to 13 to experience the city through play, exploration and storytelling. Sloomoo Institute
MUST SEE SPOT: Plaza Fiesta
This 350,000-square-foot shopping mall in Brookhaven has a Latin flair and is home to shops, restaurants, an arcade, family activities and much more! plazafiesta.net
Fun for Tots n Kids Avenue is an indoor playground designed for babies through 8 year olds in Buckhead. It is a great space for younger kids to safely explore and play. Kids will love interacting in the pretend city where they can be a firefighter, baker or shopper. n The Bunny Hive is a social club gives parents and children the opportunity to learn, play and connect through classes, happy hours and more. With multiple locations including Chamblee, the space is sophisticated and the community is grounded in inclusivity and kindness. The Bunny Hive
Do you love your neighborhood?
Our new Neighborhood Spotlight series shares hidden gems and what makes each area of Atlanta so unique. Ready to share your family's favorites with us? Email us at editor@atlantaparent.com. Be sure to include your contact info and which neighborhood you call home. 32 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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Side ideK Kicks Soccer Leagues in BROOKHAVEN and BUCKHEAD Ages 18 months to 24 months and 2 to 6 years old
SideKicks offers 6 week soccer leagues for children aged 18 months through 6 years old. SideKicks fuzes fun games, stories, nursery rhymes, music, movement & so much more with age-appropriate soccer skills and drills. Registration includes medal, jersey & professional coaching for only $225. Keeping your child engaged, learning and having fun. LYNWOOD PARK KICK OFF Saturdays 2/1 @ 11:15am 3360 Osborne Rd. Brookhaven 30319
SKYLAND PARK KICK OFF Saturdays 2/1 @ 10:30am 2600 Skyland Dr. Brookhaven 30319
TANYARD CREEK PARK KICK OFF Saturdays 2/1 @ 9am
1924–1926 Walthall Dr. NW Atlanta 30318
CHASTAIN PARK KICK OFF Saturdays 2/1 @ 3:15pm
PEACHTREE HILLS PARK KICK OFF Sundays 2/2 @ 11:30am
Upper Fields: Alex Cooley Pkwy. 308 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE Atlanta 30342 Atlanta 30305
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL BEN@SOCCERSIDEKICKS.COM OR CALL 888-459-1118
UNLEASH YOUR INNER PLAYMAKER! JOIN THE SIDEKICKS PLAYMAKER PROGRAM IN BROOKHAVEN! Kids from 6–10 years old Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5-6pm Skill-based training and exciting scrimmages Lynwood Park 3360 Osborne Rd. Brookhaven 30319 The PLAYMAKER PROGRAM is designed for kids aged 6–10 who are ready to take their soccer skills to the next level in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment.
Each week focuses on a specific skill, such as dribbling, passing, shooting, or turning with the ball. These skills are then incorporated into small-sided scrimmages, where players are encouraged to apply the "theme of the week" in game-like situations.
PLAYMAKER keeps things light and enjoyable while introducing foundational soccer techniques, tactical elements, positional play (defense, midfield, attack), and scenarios that build confidence in 1v1 and 2v2 situations.
Our expert coaches ensure every session fosters growth, teamwork, and a love for the game.
DON’T MISS OUT REGISTER TODAY!
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL BEN@SOCCERSIDEKICKS.COM OR CALL 888-459-1118 atlantaparent.com
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 33
The JOURNEY
OF PURPOSE
At Mount Vernon, learning is amplified through real-world problem solving, igniting curiosity and creativity in every student. From Preschool to Grade 12, your child will be empowered to explore, discover, learn, design, create, and affect change. We don’t just prepare students for college; we prepare them to be globally competitive, engaged citizen leaders, ready to make an impact on the world.
JOIN US FOR A SMALL GROUP TOUR.
Schedule yours today.
EXPERIENCE YOUR CHILD’S JOURNEY UNFOLD. LEARN MORE AT MOUNTVERNONSCHOOL.ORG
We Know Schools:
Atlanta’s BEST Guide to Education 36 Helping Your Child Succeed in School
40 Specialized Programs for Young Learners
50 Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom
59 Guide to Private Schools Special Advertising Section
74 Special Education That Works
78 Career-Focused
Learning for High Schoolers
84 Parents Share School Choice Decision
88 Public School Profiles 93 Teacher Conferences:
Asking the Right Questions
97 The List:
Atlanta’s Private Schools
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[ Focus on Education ]
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 35
Helping Your Child Succeed in
Doing well in school isn’t only about how hard your child studies. Here are some ways that you can support your child’s learning.
36 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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 to school when you show you care. Being an active parent also helps you get to know the administration and faculty, which can be helpful if you ever have questions or concerns.
n Get to know your child’s friends. Your child may not share much about the school day, but pals can be fountains of information. This also allows you to ask your child more personalized, thoughtful questions about his day. What did you and Jason talk about at lunch? How was hanging out with Reese and Morgan at recess? Showing you know about his friends and asking specific questions can help him open up more or jog a memory from the day.
n Know her schedule and the pressures lurking. In elementary school, most teachers send weekly emails about things coming up at school. Older kids likely have an agenda — whether hard copy or digital — to keep up with assignments, homework and upcoming assessments. Check in with your child about anything she might be stressed about or want help with; be especially sensitive to her feelings around test time.
[ Focus on Education ]
atlantaparent.com
School n Consider limiting extracurriculars
to one or two a week.
You know how exhausted you are running your child around. Just imagine how tired he is! One idea is to have an activity that can happen yearround like playing an instrument, dance, chess or karate and then to have seasonal activities that rotate like soccer, baseball, volleyball or basketball.
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 finishing her homework is a priority. You can also use the review time as a way to check in about how she’s feeling about the subject matter.
n Make sure he reads every day. Or make time to read to younger children. For older kids, ask a few questions about what they are reading to be sure they are understanding the book appropriately. 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, and TVs at least an hour before bedtime to allow children’s brains time to slow down. Schedule a bed time that makes sense based on when your child has to get up in the morning.
Check in with your child about anything she might be stressed about or want help with; be especially sensitive to her feelings around test time. n Talk to your child 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. Have age-appropriate conversations and let your child know that he can come to you with any questions or concerns.
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 or connecting with individuals they don’t personally know. Be sure electronics have the proper parental controls and that they are kept in a shared public space overnight.
n Celebrate accomplishments, no
matter how small or big!
Positive reinforcement is a great motivator for maintaining effort. We all feel better when we know our hard work is paying off. Hugs, extra minutes of outside or technology time, notes of encouragement, and making a favorite meal are all great ways to show how proud you are. – Atlanta Parent Staff atlantaparent.com
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Atlanta Parent 37
125
YEARS OF ATLANTA AT ITS VERY BEST.
Learn more about THE
WOODWARD WAY
Apply for 2025-2026 admission by February 1. woodward.edu/apply
CURIOSITY SPARKED. NO LIMITS.
2017 and 2024 NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL
JR. KINDERGARTEN-8TH OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, JANUARY 25TH | 10 AM 38 Atlanta Parent
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2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy. (located behind the PGA TOUR Superstore) Roswell, GA 30076 Preschool-8th grade
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Confidence leads to success. Scan below to learn more or schedule a tour at a school near you!
Alpharetta • Braselton • Cumming • Suwanee
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• Safe, nurturing environment • Links to Learning curriculum • Emphasis on social-emotional skills • Ongoing parent communication
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Atlanta Parent 39
Little Learners:
Specialized Programs for Early Education by Emily Webb
An astronaut. A firefighter. A teacher. A doctor. A superhero.
These are common responses from preschoolers to the ageold question: What do you want to be when you grow up? But did you realize that early childhood education helps set the stage for how your child feels about education throughout life? “A child’s brain development and learning are deeply intertwined with the most rapid brain growth occurring during the early years of life, making this period crucial,” says Evangeline Agbogu, the Director of Science Akadémeia. “Early education is so important because children’s brains are highly plastic during this stage, meaning the brain is shaped by experiences and interactions with their environment, allowing them to absorb information and develop skills quickly.” Using these formative years to help your child nurture critical skills can carve out a path of success for the future. Specialized curriculum, which is central to many early childhood programs in the metro area, supports students’ engagement in their learning. Science Akadémeia
n Language
n STEM Often, a young child’s most repeated question is: Why? A child’s curiosity can lead her to the field of science. “Kids are natural scientists,” Agbogu says. “They are curious about their environment and the world around them. It is important to nurture that natural curiosity to foster their love of science.” Science Akadémeia is a full-day, year-round program for ages 2-6 teaching children STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) concepts through multiple activities, such as coding and robotics. “Science Akadémeia is the first science preschool in the state of Georgia. We are pioneers in the field of early STEM education,” Agbogu says. “We provide children with the tools to cultivate their innate curiosity while providing a foundation for math, art, technology, language and literacy.” STEM education fosters curiosity, critical thinking and problemsolving skills. Establishing these subjects as fun from a young age can keep students from feeling intimidated by them later. “Parents are usually surprised that kids can do science at this age,” Agbogu says. “Science is the practice of attempting to understand the world around you by learning how things work. We help parents understand this basic definition, so they better understand what the kids do. They are often surprised to find out how even the most complex topics can be broken down into essentials and how much their children retain.” 40 Atlanta Parent
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As our world is more connected than ever, speaking a different language is an important skill. At The Quadrilingual Academy, students learn French, Spanish, Chinese and English consecutively. Learning a language is easier for kids because of how malleable their brains are. “With little ones, the language centers of their brain are explosive,” says Jessa Depew, the owner of The Quadrilingual Academy.
The Quadrilingual Academy
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n Nature
As a multilingual school, the curriculum is taught in Spanish, French, Chinese and English, with the intent to make lifelong learners of all four languages. Some parents may be concerned this will disrupt their child’s ability to learn his natural language. “At 2-3 years old, kids mix languages a little, but by age 4, they’ve worked it out. For our monolingual families, I explain it like there are interstates, highways and roads,” Depew says. “Every language gets an interstate. When we add on vocabulary, language and song, highways and roads come in. If the roads are down or the interstate gets potholes, you can make repairs. If you get off on the wrong exit, you can get back on and make the right exit. Once you’ve learned them, those skills are there and are likely going to stay.” Teaching children language skills allows them to reconnect with their extended family. “Post-World War II, families didn’t want their children to seem un-American, so they didn’t teach the next generation to speak their native language,” Depew says. “There are people who can’t speak to their grandparents, so they want their own children to reclaim that culture. We have students who are able to talk to their grandparents in China via Zoom or families who send their children on summer vacation to visit their grandparents.”
Nature-based preschools allow children the chance to explore the great outdoors in a learning environment. Oakwood Forest Preschool at the Dunwoody Nature Center is a play-based, place-based emergent learning program. Curriculum incorporates what is happening daily, with education about the seasons, weather and more. Forest kindergartens started more than 150 years ago in Germany, based on the philosophy that every child should spend the majority of her school time outside playing in nature and learning about the world. “As a nonprofit, Dunwoody Nature Center’s mission is to inspire a love of nature and promote environmental responsibility and environmental stewardship,” says Nancy Longacre, the Executive Director at Dunwoody Nature Center. Cont’d on next page
Oakwood Forest Preschool
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Little Learners “The program helps students learn all about nature and its importance, and they see nature as their guide. It’s completely in alignment with who we are.” Students are outside almost all of the time, exploring nature as they learn. “If you look at nature as the classroom, there is so much that nature can teach young children,” Longacre says. “They learn about themselves and about exploring and discovering.” The student-to-teacher ratio is intentionally small. “It’s more conducive to small groups, because of the attention the teacher can give each child,” says Longacre. Connecting to nature at a young age helps a child care about the future of the planet. “With everything that’s going on in our world, it is critical we provide this opportunity for the next generation,” Longacre says. “It’s important we do this for our future.”
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Benjamin Preparatory School
n The Arts Engaging in creativity allows a young child to explore the world in unique ways. Benjamin Preparatory School is a Christ-centered, research-driven program focused on nurturing a child’s artistic talents. “We believe we are the stewards of God’s creation,” says Olivia Taylor, Benjamin Preparatory School’s Business
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Manager. “As educators, we have no idea what God put in the children who show up at our door, so our goal is to put them in activities to find out who they are, what skills they have, and to help them pursue their dreams. The performing arts provide a unique avenue for students to express themselves, explore their emotions and develop essential life skills.”
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Even with a specialized focus, preschools focus on cultivating multiple abilities. The school encourages creativity and imagination through dance, acting, music and visual arts. Through performances and showcases, students gain confidence and share their accomplishments with peers, families and the community. “We incorporate performing arts expression in children as an extension of themselves,” Taylor says. “The way we walk through arts is for everyone. Anything that is in the heart of a child, our goal is for them to express those things through their bodies, whether that be through a speech, a dance or a song.” Even with a specialized focus, preschools focus on cultivating multiple abilities. “We lay the foundations of academics beginning in our infant room so that our students are well-equipped for the next move,” Taylor says. “We prioritize and integrate Christian values throughout our STEAM+ program, fostering a well-rounded education that prepares students to be both intellectually strong and morally grounded.”
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Do Your Research: Looking for the right preschool for your child? Here’s what you should know. n Ask for sample curriculum and schedules. “The curriculum is really important,” Depew says. “You want academic, socio-emotional and free play mixed in. Free play is how their brains learn consequences and model social interactions.” n “Visit the school and ask questions like: What is the curriculum and daily classroom schedule? Is it a daycare or a preschool? What is the teacher’s training and qualifications? What is the student-to-teacher ratio? Are my child’s socio-emotional needs being nurtured in addition to their academics?” Agbogu says. n Ask if extracurricular activities are included and if before- and after-care are available. n Understand your child’s limitations at his age. “Parents want their child to read, but a child’s brain is not geared for reading at age 3. If you’re pushing skills children aren’t ready for, it can damage their confidence and their outlook on school,” Depew says. “Find the balance between what you think needs to happen and what the child’s brain is capable of.” n Ask if meals and snacks are provided. “Our commitment to whole foods is something our parents love,” Taylor says. “Our daily, fresh-prepared meal is included in tuition, so children experience flavorful foods while receiving all the nutrients they need.” n If the preschool intrigues you but is out of your budget, consider researching scholarships. “Georgia has a Student Scholarship Organization, and starting at age 4, children can take advantage of those scholarships,” Depew says. n Trust your instincts. “If there is somewhere you go where you are not comfortable, keep looking until you find a place where your gut is settled,” Taylor says. Cont’d on next page
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Little Learners Specialized Preschools:
Looking for a themed preschool program for your tot? This list will help you get started. STEM: n Science Akadémeia, satapos.com n Chroma Early Learning Academy, chromaela.com n North Cobb Christian School, ncchristian.org n Blue River STEAM Academy, blueriverschool.com
After school care
The Spanish Academy
Language: Summer Camp Starts May 27 Ages 3-12
n The Quadrilingual Academy, thequadacademy.com n Atlanta International School, aischool.org n The Spanish Academy, thespanishacademy.com n Little Linguists International Preschool, littlelinguistspreschool.com n Tabula Rasa – The Language Academy, trlanguages.com n Da Vinci International School, dvischool.com n The Language Garden, thelanguagegarden.com
The Children’s Garden Preschool
Nature: n Oakwood Forest Preschool, dunwoodynature.org n Garden School of Marietta, thegardenmarietta.org n The Children’s Garden Preschool, thechildrensgardenpreschool.org n Kennesaw Mountain Nature Preschool, kmnaturepreschool.com n Turning Sun School, turningsun.com n Little Forest School, littleforestatl.com
The Arts: n Benjamin Preparatory School, benjaminprep.com n Mount Vernon School, mountvernonschool.org n Performing Arts Preschool, suwaneeacademy.com n Forefront Arts Preschool, forefrontarts.com
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Georgia’s Pre-K: What You Need to Know Early education can make a huge difference on a small child’s love of learning, but the program doesn’t have to make a financial impact to impact your child. Georgia’s pre-K program is free for all eligible children, regardless of family income. The program is managed by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, which is responsible for meeting the child care and early education needs of Georgia’s children and their families. More than 80,000 eligible 4-year-olds are enrolled in Georgia’s pre-K program. Programs usually operate on the local public school system calendar for 6.5 hours a day, 180 days a year. To participate, children must be 4 years of age on Sept. 1 of the school year and must be a resident of Georgia. If a child doesn’t participate at age 4, they may be eligible to attend the program as a 5-year-old, but programs can deny enrollment to children who are age-eligible for kindergarten. The Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS) form the foundation for pre-K classroom instruction. The GELDS are aligned with Georgia’s Kindergarten Performance Standards to promote a seamless transition from pre-K to kindergarten. The five learning domains in GELDS are: Physical Development & Motor Skills; Communication, Language & Literacy; Social & Emotional Development; Approaches to Play & Learning; and Cognitive Development & General Knowledge. After enrollment, all children need to have a Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental and Nutrition Screening, and immunizations must be up to date. To learn more and find a program near you, visit families.decal.ga.gov. atlantaparent.com
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Atlanta Parent 45
n Preschool through 8th grade n Personalized attention and instruction n Unique opportunities to pursue passions n Strong spiritual formation STMARTINSCHOOL.ORG
Alpharetta-Johns Creek | Lawrenceville | Sandy Springs
46 Atlanta Parent
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When a Child Loves to Learn, the Future is Limitless Give your child a successful start with our high-quality programs for children from the age of 6 weeks up to 5th grade* Innovative curriculum designed to stimulate and inspire young minds Passionate teachers trained in early childhood education Low student-teacher ratios for individualized learning In-house chefs who create delicious and healthful meals Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
*Programs vary by location
Schedule your tour today! www.parker-chase.com
East Cobb (770) 285-0429
East Roswell (770) 670-6291
North Peachtree City (678) 940-9755
West Cobb (678) 671-4206
West Oak (678) 616-9730
Sprayberry Academy (678) 831-8923
Sprayberry (770) 637-4645
Give Your Child Quality Care and Education The Catalyst Your Child Needs to Reach Their Full Potential
At Oak Grove Academy, children experience the love of learning in a nurturing environment. Here are just a few of our school’s many benefits: A newly renovated campus designed to maximize safety and enhance
We offer a modernized and holistic educational approach for infants through upper elementary.
learning experiences.
•
Montessori curriculum that includes STEAM topics and global languages
academic success.
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Certified teachers who are passionate about children’s education
communication, collaboration, and creativity.
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A community-based approach to learning
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Beautiful outdoor learning spaces and purposeful play areas
770-637-1242
endeavormontessori.com
48 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346 atlantaparent.com
An innovative STREAM program that equips young learners for future
A dynamic curriculum focused on “The Four C’s” - critical thinking,
Experienced educators who excel in supporting children’s emotional and intellectual growth. A flexible nutrition program with organic and wholesome ingredients tailored to your child’s needs.
Strong foundations build sound futures. Schedule your tour today! 3460 Francis Road
Programs for Ages
Alpharetta, GA 30004
6 Weeks - 6 Years
Schedule your tour today!
www.OakGroveAcademy.org (770) 874-8498
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Open House Join us at
January 25th a
t 1PM
RSVP TODAY! Scan Here | Visit LandmarkChristianSchool.org Every student prepared to impact the world for Jesus Christ.
48 Atlanta Parent
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“An education of doing and creating.” — Eva Edwards Lovett At Lovett, students from kindergarten through 12th grade find joy and purpose by immersing themselves in intellectually rigorous, hands-on learning environments. By design, students are offered experiences that deepen their cognitive, emotional, and social skills while inspiring an enduring enthusiasm for learning.
Start your journey on the Riverbank today at lovett.org/admission Join us between now and February 12 for a tour or shadow visit. Applications for the 2025-26 school year are due February 1.
LIVE IT. LEARN IT. 4075 Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia, 30327 (404) 262-3032
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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The Technology of Tomorrow Is in School T by Mary Welch
THE AI REVOLUTION
t may be the only thing that educators, parents and students agree on — AI is not going away. The question of how and when to use artificial intelligence properly in the classroom is a different challenge. “I think students, particularly in high school, are seeing two different academic routes involving AI,” says Saloni Vastani, an associate professor of marketing at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. “Students are seeing teachers who are embracing it and saying, ‘let’s use it and see how to make it better’ or ‘let’s not use it and learn in the traditional way’”. The real challenge with AI is that “students are using it,” said Dr. Joshua Thomason, executive director at TrekAI and the vice president of finance and operations at the Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC). “Reality is that too many teachers and administrators have their heads in the sand and believe it will go away. It is here, and we have to figure it out and put up guardrails if it’s going to be successful.”
AI is at the center of a philosophical and practical collusion between an educational system based on traditional teaching methods centered around book learning and rote memorization, and one that incorporates technology — especially since students do the majority of their assignments on a computer. The current teaching model “mirrors an industrial model of putting widgets through an assembly line. It’s broken and needs to be redefined and rebuilt in order to meet the new society,” says Thomason. “We need a more personalized experience for students. The more research we did, we found the only way to create a personal experience for each student was through AI and machine learning.”
I
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WHAT IS AI? According to ChatGPT, one of the fastest growing AI platforms, Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. It involves creating algorithms and systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, making decisions and problem-solving. There are three levels of AI — Narrow, General and Superintelligent. So far, only Narrow (also known as Weak) AI has been achieved. ChatGPT, which launched in 2022, and its competing products such as Gemini, Claude, Llama, Ernie, Grok and Microsoft’s Copilot are all forms of Narrow AI. These systems are designed to perform a specific task, operate within a limited scope and cannot perform tasks outside their designed domain. Other forms of this class of AI include digital games such as chess, financial applications such as modeling and entertainment applications such as computer-generated actors.
Today “For years we said the process is the important part, not the product, but we grade the product,” says Jennifer Thomson Hall, associate director for teaching effectiveness at Georgia State University. “We have to reconsider that. But the trick is to figure out at what point AI is taking over. Students are going to look for feedback. It can be from their grandmother, a fellow student or a machine. It’s the source of the feedback that’s different.” For many parents, such as Paul Naine, a physicist, educator and father of two, generative AI is a new way of enabling children’s development. “We have gone from information scarcity to information overload to AI tailored information,” he says. “We have the entire knowledge of humanity in our pockets, and it can be synthesized however we individually want. The focus on children’s development today should be on the ability to critically assess AI synthesized information, how to use AI in a responsible and healthy manner, and developing better mental mechanisms of coping with the exponential rate of advancement of technology”. atlantaparent.com
THE PROS AND CONS OF AI Proponents argue that AI allows students to have a more specialized learning environment that helps them think through problems, develop their creativity, assist students with learning disabilities, and provide first-class instruction for children in low-performing schools around the world, as well as enabling access to information outside classroom hours. There are benefits for teachers; AI helps identify students who are struggling, so they can provide more personalized instruction. It also frees them from teaching content and doing administrative duties thus allowing them time to assist students on their individual learning paths. One of the biggest challenges for teachers is that “it’s scary,” says Thomason. “They worry that AI will replace them or that it will dramatically change what they do. We have to overcome this hurdle and help teachers see that AI can be incredibly helpful. They need to guide and control it.” Hall thinks of AI as a “superpower tutor. Say you’re working on a paper or even a math problem, AI can walk you through what you have done wrong and ask the appropriate questions you need to come to the conclusion on your own,” she says. She sees the benefits with her children. Her college student daughter uses ChatGPT
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to prepare for tests by having it quiz her on the material. She also used AI when her attempts at making fudge went awry. She took a picture of the fudge on the stove, sent it to AI and asked what she did wrong. Tips on making fudge came back. “It’s fascinating to watch,” she says. Her fifth-grade son is autistic and has communication issues. He uses AI to “help him frame his communication very specifically to get the outcome he wants. He gets an instant response to the language he’s using and if AI can’t understand him, he won’t get the results,” she says. “The technology is helping him think how his words can lead to miscommunication. It’s not the same talking with a human where he can say something, and it can be misconstrued in many ways. It’s great for him because he can learn how to communicate better without people hurting him, judging him or making fun of him.” One of the biggest negatives about AI, as with the internet or Wikipedia, is that you don’t know if the information you’re getting back is accurate or not. AI is only as efficient as its database. Garbage in, garbage out. In fact, between 10 to 20% of what is in ChatGPT’s knowledge base is wrong. And, that’s a big problem for students. Cont’d on next page
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Atlanta Parent 51
AI
Especially for students, some guardrails over AI are necessary, Vastani notes. “It’s similar to controlling what they can view on the internet where they are also getting information,” she says. “What prompts you give have a huge influence on the output, and that, in turn becomes part of the larger data repository.”
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE CLASSROOM An example of using it in the classroom, she says, is if a student is having trouble in math. The student sends a snapshot of his work and AI will help walk the student through what they are doing wrong by asking the appropriate questions that help the student figure out the problem. “It is on-demand individualized help,” she says. Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is helping develop the curriculum for a just-announced artificial intelligence training program for students in underserved communities, particularly on the Southside. Georgia State 52 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
University and the financial nonprofit Operation HOPE expect the project will train students from kindergarten through college on AI. While APS doesn’t have a specific policy related to Artificial Intelligence platforms such as Chat GPT and others, “the district supports the effective and active use of technology, focusing on the task and not the tool, including the use of AI as a complement to classroom instruction and the productivity of employees,” says Seth Coleman, director of media & social media for the system. “Students are allowed to utilize AI but must remain in alignment with all Atlanta Public Schools and Atlanta Board of Education policies governing copying and plagiarism.” Thomason helped develop an AI-
based learning program, TrekAI, that was developed by the Ethos School, an online school at GAC. It’s an industry leader in innovative, accessible faithbased online education that is not only used at GAC but 23 Georgia schools and 40 more across the globe. Since reports show that as many as 80% of U.S. students use ChatGPT, the school developed its own AI that supports teachers and better serves their students individually. “We realized that AI can help solidify concepts and help students understand better,” Thomason says. “They’re actually an assistant for teachers — not a replacement. It allows teachers to reclaim that time with their students before because they spent so much time delivering content and doing administrative tasks.”
You can’t “build walls high enough to keep students from using AI or ChatGPT, but we are seeing these technology paradigm shifts in teaching, and it is shaping our future.” Dr. Joshua Thomason, executive director at TrekAI and the vice president of finance and operations at the Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC)
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Discover the McGinnis Woods Difference Inspiring students with the passion to excel • Private non-parochial education for infants through 8th grade • Nurturing environment featuring outstanding teachers, small class sizes with assistants, 1-to 1-iPad environment, hands-on academics, STEM, frequent field trips and after-school programs. • After-school sports, robotics, Science Olympiad and drama.
OPEN HOUSE
80% of students recently cheated using AI and 50% didn’t think it was wrong. “Teachers can load in study guides and students can use it to practice and then ask questions as to why they’re getting it wrong,” Thomason says. “They can also get feedback on their papers, such as suggestions to change things. It also lets the teacher know which student is struggling and they can get help in the moment.” Another advantage is that the “conversation” is at grade level and sensitive to a student’s ability or knowledge. “If I’m in 8th grade physical science asking a question and I’m getting back answers that are at a PhD level or 3rd grade level, it’s not helping. Ours prompts it at grade level,” he says. Getting incorrect feedback, and using it, is one of AI’s problems in the classroom; the other, of course, is cheating. According to Hall, some studies show that 80% of students recently cheated using AI and 50% didn’t think it was wrong. “It’s always gone on — whether it’s AI writing your paper or your friend,” she says. Teachers have always had the mindset that “If you cheat, I will catch you,” says Thomason. There are, of course, tools built in to help catch those using AI to do their work but, he said, there is an “incredibly high” false positive rate for certain groups of students such as autistic and those learning English. Still, even without tools, teachers can usually tell if the language is stilted, or words are used that the student normally would not use — or is similar to another student’s work. You can’t “build walls high enough to keep students from using AI or ChatGPT,” said Thomason. “But we are seeing these technology paradigm shifts in teaching, and it is shaping our future. Parents recognize that it is helping their kids. Teachers recognize it. Everyone needs to know how to help students use it correctly.” atlantaparent.com
Saturday, January 25 1-3 pm
5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005 • www.mcginniswoods.org • 770-664-7764 Cognia, GAC and NAEYC Accredited
Porter Academy Enabling Children with Learning Differences to Succeed • Pre-K–8th • Small Groups • Individualized programs • Hands-on learning activities • Speech, occupational and music therapy for all
770-594-1313 | www.porteracademy.org | 200 Cox Rd., Roswell
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Equipping Dyslexic Students to Thrive Because of Sage, our daughter excelling in the classroom and
now in the National Honor Society! - parent of current highschooler
Learn More at: SageSchool.net
paceacademy.org
Global Leaders, Made in Atlanta
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App lic Dea ation dline : FEB .1
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Shopping for a School?
Tours and Open Houses can help you make an educated decision If you’re looking for a new school — public or private — connecting with the school’s students and professionals is a wonderful way to see if the school is the right fit for your family. Many metro Atlanta schools offer in-person and virtual tours, live video conferences, phone meetings and open houses. Before n Do your research. Narrow down the options until you have a short list of schools that seem to be the best by looking at websites, FAQs, pre-recorded videos and social media pages. n Create a list of questions you plan to ask each school. What questions do you or your child have that you can’t find answers to on the website? Responses can help you narrow down or rank the schools. n Talk to other parents about the school. Most parents are happy to share their thoughts.
During n At a tour, whether it’s virtual or in-person, expect to tour the school, learn more about the community, talk to school professionals and ask questions. Be sure to observe the students and teachers. Do they look happy? Engaged? n At an open house, expect to hear words of welcome from administrators and a plug from the PTA. Schools usually include a brief school history, an educational philosophy, a mission statement and a list of extracurricular activities or clubs. This overview period is a good time for parents to ask about the bus schedule, school lunches, physical education requirements, dress code and more.
After n Schedule a time to observe a class in session. This will give you a good idea of the teaching style and classroom setting. n Connect with a peer. Many schools offer programs that allow you and your child to learn more from a student’s perspective. 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. – Atlanta Parent Staff
v v
v
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Guide to Private Schools
Choosing the right private school for your child may feel challenging. The following pages will give you a more in-depth view of academics, student life, athletics and more at some of Atlanta’s best private schools. Discover more and find a school that checks all the boxes for your family. atlantaparent.com
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Best Guide to Alexsander Academy
Arbor Montessori School
ince 2008, Alexsander Ac ade my h a s c u lt ivate d a learning environment that encourages, educates and fosters independence for students with learning challenges. As a fully accredited school serving grades 1-12, Alexsander Academy gets to know each student’s social and academic profile while focusing on building independent skills allowing students to be academically successful even while minimizing support. With their small school and low student to teacher ratio classrooms, flexible staff and a personalized curriculum, students are met where they are functioning academically. Alexsander Academy specializes in students who do well in a school setting but may not qualify for larger schools due to academic gaps or difficulty keeping up with a more typical classroom pace. The high school allows students to work at their own pace to graduate with high school diploma. Admissions are rolling. Summer school is offered, and tutoring is available year round. For more information, please visit alexsanderacademy.org or contact Stefanie Smith, Founder and Executive Director at smith@alexsanderacademy.org or 404-839-5910.
A
rbor Montessori School invites parents and children to experience an authentic Montessori community that extends beyond the classroom. For over fifty years, Arbor Montessori has been the flagship of Montessori education in Atlanta. They are one of the largest Montessori schools in the Southeast and regarded as a benchmark for Montessori education worldwide. Arbor fosters lifelong learners ages 18 months to 14 years at two Decatur campus locations. Teachers encourage independence, self-direction, and critical reasoning at every age. Students learn collaboration, cooperation, and peace, and become agents of change anywhere they go in the world. Parents gain a diverse, missiondriven community committed to developing the full, unique potential of every child. Arbor graduates flourish in high school and beyond, exploring the world with curiosity, confidence, and compassion. Go here, then go anywhere. Learn more by signing up for an upcoming admissions event. To get started, visit arbormontessori.org.
Atlanta Academy
Atlanta International School
o c ate d i n Ro s we l l , Atla nta Academy, a 2024 Blue Ribbon School, se r ve s 3 9 5 pr ivate pre sc ho ol t h rough 8th-grade students in North Fulton. With small class sizes of 16 students, the teachers gain a deep understanding of each child’s unique strengths, nurturing academic success, well-being, and happiness. The whole-child approach fosters excitement and joy in learning, creating a positive and engaging classroom environment. Atlanta Academy’s forward-thinking curriculum builds confidence, challenges students, and prepares them for prestigious private high schools and top-ranking public schools. In a non-denominational, family-engaged atmosphere, students excel and grow into confident, high-achieving learners. Dedicated teachers model core values such as empathy, integrity, resilience, and honesty, empowering students to become independent problem-solvers ready to thrive in high school and beyond. Discover more at atlantaacademy.com or call 678-461-6102. Located at 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell (behind the PGA Superstore).
tlanta International School (AIS) offers a comprehensive and challenging International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, enhanced with a worldclass language acquisition program, across two beautiful campuses. Day students from 3K to Grade 12 attend the AIS Buckhead campus while AIS Sandy Springs is for Grades 9 to 12, offering both day and boarding, and flexible academic schedule options. Both welcoming campuses attract families from around the world, the US and Atlanta. Full immersion preschool program for children ages three and four is offered in German, French, Chinese, and Spanish. From 5K through Grade 5, the inquiry-based IB curriculum is taught in two languages. The Middle Years program gives choice and agency for students, and in High School, AIS offers STEAM endorsed and bilingual IB Diplomas in addition to the prestigious IB Diploma and Careerrelated programs. Beyond the classroom, AIS students participate in awardwinning performing arts, competitive athletics, and global experiential learning. For more information, visit aischool.org.
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Atlanta Private Schools Atlanta Montessori International School
Atlanta Music High School
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tlanta Montessori International School offers a dynamic, childcentered education for children from infancy through elementary years. Guided by the Montessori philosophy, the school fosters independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. The carefully prepared environment encourages hands-on exploration, critical thinking, and collaboration, helping children develop academically, socially and emotionally. Highly trained Montessori educators provide individualized attention, nurturing each child’s unique potential and fostering a sense of curiosity and confidence. The school also emphasizes cultural awareness and global citizenship, preparing students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world. With a strong focus on community, Atlanta Montessori International School creates a warm and inclusive atmosphere where families are partners in the educational journey. Offering a proven approach to learning, Atlanta Montessori International School empowers students to become compassionate, capable individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. For more information, visit amischool.com.
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Atlanta Speech School
Brightmont Academy
h e Wa r d l a w S c h o o l (Wardlaw), a program of the Atlanta Speech School, p rov ide s l ite rac y a nd language-centered instruction for children from K-6th grade with dyslexia. Dys lex i a a f fe c t s a s many as one in five children. At Wardlaw, students who may have struggled in other schools are encouraged alongside peers and guided by educators dedicated to their unique learning progress. Each child’s confidence grows as they take risks, experience success, and uncover who they are meant to be. Early signs of dyslexia can be identified in preschoolers as young as four. Intervention—with explicit, targeted instruction addressing language-based differences—can begin in kindergarten. Wardlaw’s small reading groups and individualized support ensure that every child develops the essential literacy skills they need for all learning. The Speech School’s mission is to bring deep reading to each and every child so they can find their voice and make the greatest difference in the lives of others. At Wardlaw, children experience this commitment in a safe, nurturing, and responsive setting where empathy is paramount, learning is paced, and every voice is heard. Learn more at wardlawschool.org.
t Brightmont Academy, they redefine excellence in education with one-on-one instruction tailored to your child’s unique strengths and aspirations. Located near Atlanta and Alpharetta, Brightmont is the perfect fit for families seeking unparalleled academic results and flexibility. Their proven approach ensures personalized attention, while boosting academic performance, confidence, and motivation in a supportive environment. Whether your child needs an accelerated curriculum, credit recovery, or customized learning for special interests, their expert instructors are committed to helping every student succeed. With a rigorous curriculum and a nurturing atmosphere, Brightmont is the top choice for discerning families who value quality and results. The flexible scheduling options and focus on individual achievement allow Brightmont Academy to transform students into confident and knowledgeable learners who excel beyond the classroom. Experience how Brightmont Academy can unlock your child’s full potential! Visit BrightmontAcademy.com to learn more and schedule a tour. Belong at Brightmont!
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t la nta Mu s ic H igh Sc ho ol empowers classical, jazz, rock and folk music students (grades 6-8, 9-12) with an accredited education that is sensitive and responsive to the time and resources it takes for a young performer or composer to become a great musician. AMHS is a unique option for passionate musicians to enhance academic coursework for credit with immersion in musical studies and portfolio development. Academic schedules are condensed and tailored to provide ample time for musicians to develop musical artistry and a capstone portfolio by graduation. Students who strive to develop an elite level of skills and their own authentic artistic perspective are prepared for life, whether they choose to continue in music or to go in another direction for college. AMHS works with parents and students to arrange dual enrollment at AMHS and another public or private school of their choice. Homeschooling is also an option. Schedule a tour or interview today to learn about how AMHS can partner with your school to develop a customized plan. Visit atlantamusichigh.com or call 404-614-0466.
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 61
Best Guide to Capstone Academy
The Cottage School
a p s to ne Ac ade my is a private school serving grades 5-12 with an innovative, successful model changing young l ive s s i n c e 2 0 0 7 . At Ca p s to ne Ac ade my , teachers encourage all of their students to become l i fe l o n g l e a r n e r s by instilling academic curiosity, respect for others, and accountability to core values. College-prep academics are at the honors level and above in high school and advanced levels in the middle grades. Using superior content and proven methods, students cultivate subject mastery, critical thinking skills and ownership of knowledge. Capstone is a school whose structure works best for students who desire the camaraderie of a classroom setting but require a flexible schedule to pursue outside interests and quality family time. Courses exceed standards while meeting three days a week. This is accomplished without sacrificing learning and eliminates the wasted time and stress of a traditional school schedule. The core belief at Capstone Academy is that students who are balanced and understand their own power, can explore their education and pursue their passions with authenticity. To schedule a tour visit capstoneacademy.com or call 404-458-5160.
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he Cottage School (TCS) celebrates 40 years of creating success stories for students who learn d i f f e re n t l y . T h e y continue their growth this year by expanding to a second campus and adding grades K-2, making TCS a K-12 school serving students with mild to moderate learning differences. This expansion comes with the acquisition of a new campus strategically located less than two miles from the main campus in Roswell. This new facility will cater exclusively to the kindergarten through 5th grade programs. The main campus will continue to focus on providing exceptional education and support to middle and high school students grades 6th-12th. TCS employs small class sizes, and balances academics with afternoon experiential classes, a comprehensive music program, and culinary kitchen. Sports, clubs, electives, and field trips support students in developing communication, interaction and self-esteem. Currently accepting K-12. Inquire today at cottageschool.org.
Davis Academy
Endeavor Montessori School at Dunwoody
rom Kindergarten Prep Eighth Grade, The Davis Academy teaches to the whole child, creating compassionate leaders and equipping them with skills they will use for the entirety of their academic careers and beyond. They teach life skills, instill Jewish values, and provide diverse experiences so students become well-rounded and self-confident individuals. Students learn in a warm and supportive community that shares common values and visions. At Davis Academy they celebrate both the ways their diversity makes the school vibrant and the individual differences that make their school community so unique. 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. Davis graduates attend the most prestigious public and private high schools in Atlanta. Students know who they are and continuously make a difference in their communities and the world. Learn more at davisacademy.org.
tlanta’s newest and mos t i n novat ive school offers a modernized and holistic education that combines M o nte s s o r i p r i nc i p le s with an age-appropriate, te c h nology - fo c u se d 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 understand 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 as they discover their interests and cultivate their talents. For more information, visitendeavormontessori.com or call 770-637-1242.
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Atlanta Private Schools The Friends School
Galloway School
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he Friends School of Atlanta (FSA) is a vibrant PreK3 through grade 8 independent school rooted in Quaker values. Since its founding in 1991, FSA has been committed to nurturing academic success, fostering a diverse and inclusive community, and instilling a deep sense of social responsibility in its students. As the only Quaker school in Georgia, FSA provides a unique educational environment where peace, integrity, equality and community are central to the student experience. At the heart of FSA’s mission is the Quaker belief in the “Inner Light,” the idea that people have a divine light within themselves. This belief guides the school’s approach to education, fostering both academic and personal growth. With small class sizes and a dedicated faculty, FSA provides a nurturing atmosphere where students grow into compassionate, thoughtful individuals who contribute positively to the world. Students are encouraged to engage in inquiry-based learning, service projects, and collaborative activities that emphasize empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to justice. FSA prepares its graduates to lead lives of purpose and integrity, grounded in the principles of Quakerism. Schedule a tour and learn more at friendsschoolatlanta.org.
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GRACEPOINT School
The Haven Academy
RACEPOINT , a private, Christian school, proudly celebrates twelve years of equipping dyslexic students in grades 1-8 with the skills needed to become independent, confident learners. Since opening its doors in 2012 with four students, GRACEPOINT has restored hope to more than 364 dyslexic learners by identifying its students’ strengths while remediating their academic weaknesses. GRACEPOINT understands that dyslexia is not a disability but a learning difference viewing dyslexia as a gift to embrace and celebrate. The teaching style meets academic and spiritual needs while bringing out their students’ God-glorifying brilliance. As an accredited program through the Academy of Orton Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, GRACEPOINT provides an explicit, systematic, and multisensory approach to learning woven into all subject areas. Their mission is to equip students with the skills needed to develop into independent and confident learners. Once remediated, students transition to traditional public and private schools. The school’s growth over the years is a testament to its success in meeting the needs of children diagnosed with dyslexia. Located at 1407 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta 30062. Learn more at gracepointschool.org or call 678-756-8897 to schedule a personalized tour.
ustomized Educational Options Established in 2012, The Haven Academy recently completed the construction of a new educational facility that opened at the start of the 2024 academic year. The school provides a Cognia ac c re d ite d , s e c u l a r p r ivate school experience for students K–Grade 12, offering both fulltime and hybrid scheduling options. They prioritize the emotional and physical safety of students while delivering a robust, hands-on and engaging educational program. Their philosophy centers on fostering a desire for learning and promoting mutual respect within the school community. Both students and parents appreciate their flexible and individualized approach to education. The Haven Academy offers a range of academic tracks, including on-level, advanced, and slightly remedial options, with the possibility for students to graduate early. Their flexible attendance policies cater to those w it h me d ic a l re q u i re me nt s , f re q ue nt t rave le r s , a nd participants of sports, music, or entertainment activities. Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens Jan 15. Their small class sizes will fill quickly. Learn more today. K - Grade 12. 8028 Union Hill Road, Canton 30115. 678-283-7795. thehavenacademy.com.
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he Galloway School is an independent day school serving a diverse student body of 750 students in Pre-K3 through 12th grade. At Galloway, learning is joyful, individuals are valued, and self-discovery is encouraged. Galloway students confidently embrace challenges while developing the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to thrive as enlightened contributors in their chosen pathways. Galloway uses a research-supported approach to educate the whole child. Starting at age 3, students are welcomed into a safe learning environment where students are respected and feel they can be their authentic selves. Galloway generates intentional learning by instilling agency and fostering curiosity and intellectual engagement by providing real-world learning experiences. 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 wellprepared 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 gallowayschool.org.
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 63
Best Guide to Heritage Preparatory School
High Meadows School
or more than 25 years, Heritage Preparatory School has been at the forefront of offering a biblically-based, classical education in partnership with Christian parents to nurture a passion for lifelong learning. They are committed to integrating faith and academic rigor, guiding students to develop a Gospel-centered worldview and equipping them to succeed in college and beyond. Their focus is on shaping who your child will become—nurturing character, critical thinking, and faith formation. At Heritage Preparatory they prioritize intentional relationships where families are valued and supported. Their expert faculty partner with parents to shepherd students in their spiritual, academic, and personal growth. The curriculum instills a love for learning, a passion for serving the kingdom of God, and a commitment to engaging with the world in a way that reflects their faith. From PreK to their 12th grade students, they celebrate the joy of learning and embrace the rich heritage, literature, and contributions that have shaped both the past and present. To learn more, visit heritageprep.org.
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or more than 50 years, High Meadows School has been a place where learning is an adventure and each day is filed with joy, wonder, and discovery. Every day, students age three through eighth grade expand their horizons through exciting experiences, photo credit: Jeff Reed meaningful relationships, and critical thinking. Located on 42 acres of woods, farmland, and rolling meadows in beautiful Roswell, Ga., our stunning campus provides the perfect setting for outdoor, hands-on learning and connection to nature. Talented faculty inspire learners to inquire, explore their interests, and self-advocate. Students are active partners in their education, and graduates leave equipped with a robust academic foundation, unwavering confidence, and an unmatched enthusiasm for the path ahead. A nationally recognized and award-winning leader in progressive education, High Meadows School is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering its renowned Primary Years Programme for students in Pre-K through fifth grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools. Discover how our students learn, grow, and thrive by visiting highmeadows.org or calling 770-993-2940. 1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell 30075.
Holy Spirit Preparatory School
Landmark Christian School
t Holy Spirit Preparatory School, they nurture the minds, hearts, and souls of students from 6 months to 12th grade through a comprehensive education rooted in Catholic tradition and classical learning. Their approach blends timeless values with transformative education, fostering a love for truth, beauty, and goodness. From daily music classes for young learners to advanced studies, strong arts programs, and competitive athletics, Holy Spirit Prep shapes well-rounded individuals ready for lives of purpose and service. Guided by dedicated faculty committed to excellence, students achieve remarkable success, including a 100% college acceptance rate. Students are prepared to enter the world firm in faith, joyful in hope, and active in charity. Embracing their motto, “Ministrare non ministrari” – to serve and not be served – Holy Spirit Prep emphasizes spiritual growth through campus ministry, weekly Mass, retreats, and theology courses. With active parent engagement and extensive after-school programs, they foster a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and spiritually. Experience the Holy Spirit Prep community—register for an upcoming Information Session, each followed by tours, at holyspiritprep.org/admissions.
anked as one of the best schools in the state, serving PK3-12th grade, located in Fairburn, Ga., Landmark invests in the spiritual, academic and overall development of children with engaging academics, Christian va lue s , a nd nu me rou s opportunities. 100% of graduates have received college acceptances, most with scholarships and college credits. With intentionally small class sizes and a teacher-student ratio of 1:7, world-class 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 hands-on learning, stimulating imagination and invention. Innovative offerings include Aviation, Music, Film, Leadership, Visual Arts, Engineering/STEM, Leadership, and Fashion. Dual enrollment, AP, and honors courses paired with numerous athletics and arts opportunities create an exceptional student experience. Call 770-692-6742 to learn more, tour, or learn more at landmarkchristianschool.org.
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Atlanta Private Schools The Lovett School
McGinnis Woods School
ounded in 1926, The Lovett School is Atlanta’s independent, coeducational day school of choice for families who value a multifaceted approach to the education of the whole child – where intellectual rigor, social-emotional learning, and character development are purposefully cultivated and inextricably linked. Students find joy and purpose by immersing themselves in intellectually rigorous, hands-on learning environments. Classrooms anchor the development of strong character and spark the discovery of individual passions and collective purpose. Students are offered experiences that deepen their cognitive, emotional, and social skills while inspiring an enthusiasm for learning. Lovett’s academic offerings are complemented by dynamic arts programming, competitive athletics teams, and purposeful civic engagement opportunities. With a student body of 1,640 students, Lovett is a community of belonging that develops students of honor, faith, and wisdom with the character and intellect to thrive in learning and in life. Learn more at lovett.org.
c G i n n i s Wo o d s School located i n Fo r sy t h C o u nt y offers a rich Preschool through Middle School e du c at i o n . M c G i n n i s Woods is Cognia, GAC, and NAEYC accredited and a member of the Georgia I nde p e nde nt Sc ho ol Association. Instruction at McGinnis Woods is hands-on with a focus on STEM learning. The school is a 1:1 iPad environment that features small classsizes with teacher assistants and superior academics that inspire a lifelong love of learning. Classes are engaging and provide for differentiation and personalized attention. Guest speakers, field trips, character education, leadership opportunities and community service round out the curriculum. Competitive Sports, Robotics, Science Olympiad and Drama teams train year-round. After school and Discovery Clubs are also available. You’re invited to McGinnis Woods’s OP E N HOU S E on Saturday, January 25th from 1-3 p.m. Or, visit mcginniswoods.org to set up a tour today!
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Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs and Montessori at Vickery
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a m pu se s at Sha ron Springs and Vickery, provide students with a Montessori education that opens minds and sharpens intellectual skills, while nurturing confidence and independence. These schools offer age-appropriate Montessori programs for children from 13 months to 12 years. Working in a supportive environment with experienced educators, students receive the tools and resources to gain a world-class education. Montessori is effective in helping children develop a lifelong love of learning. Recognized by Montessori educators worldwide and accredited by the American Montessori Society, these schools meet the highest standards of excellence. For more information, go to MontessoriAcademySharonSprings.com or MontessoriVickery.com
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Montessori School at Emory
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ontessori School at Emory was founded more than 30 years ago becoming accredited as a Montessori School in 1993. With over 200 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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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 65
Best Guide to The Mount Vernon School
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he journey for every student to become college-ready, globally competitive, and an engaged citizen leader begins in Preschool and continues through Grade 12 at The Mount Vernon School. This is a place where bold ideas take root, curiosity is nurtured, and learners are empowered to chart their own path. With a foundation built on rigorous educational methods, Mount Vernon integrates inquiry-based learning and design thinking, creating an environment where creativity and critical thinking flourish. Here, students don’t just solve problems—they redefine them. They ask bold questions, brainstorm innovative solutions, and design with purpose. From prototyping and iterating to connecting ideas across disciplines, students develop the skills and mindset to tackle complex challenges, driving meaningful change in the world. In the Upper School, the journey is elevated through personalized college counseling that partners with families over four years. This dynamic collaboration ensures each student discovers their optimal college fit, leading to opportunities at top-tier institutions across the U.S. and abroad, including all 14 Southeastern Conference universities. Mount Vernon graduates don’t just imagine the future—they’re equipped to design it. They leave as visionary leaders, ready to innovate, inspire, and make an impact wherever their journey takes them. “We don’t have to wait and see what the future holds. We can design a better world together, today.” Visit mountvernonschool.org/admissions to learn more.
North Cobb Christian School
ou nt Pa ra n C h r i s t ia n School provides an elevated experience in academics, awardwinning arts, and championship athletics — all with Christ at the center. Within small class sizes (12:1 student-teacher ratio), MPCS offers 56 AP/honors courses, instructional support, robotics, Spanish and STEAM starting in PK3, and a 1:1 device program. It’s crucial to guarantee a moral and faith foundation through everything your child learns on the school journey. Through curricular Bible classes, weekly chapel, service, and discipleship groups, faith becomes fused into who they are. Highly-qualified teachers know and love each student to raise up servant-leaders – in the classroom, on the ball field, on the stage, and ultimately in the community. Mount Paran Christian School is a PreK3-12th grade private, covenantal Christian, non-denominational, college-preparatory school. Founded in 1976, MPCS is fully accredited (SAIS/Cognia/ CESA) and located in the shadow of Kennesaw Mountain on a 68-acre college-like campus. MPCS unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth. Discover next-level Christian education at an Open House or Tuesday Tour. Chart your path at mtparanschool.com.
t North Cobb Christian School, students in preschool K3-12th grade are guided to pursue their individual passions while discovering the truth of God. This is school ... the way it should be. Since its founding in 1983, NCCS remains true to the calling of providing an authentically Christian, academically excellent education that honors each student’s unique genius. Students thrive amidst a strong family culture with an 11:1 student-to-teacher average ratio. Limitless opportunities to shine include 57 championship-caliber athletic teams, 17 award-winning arts ensembles, 5 Academies (magnet programs), and a robust array of clubs and enrichment programs. Proactive college counseling results in top scholarships and a 100% college acceptance rate. Plus, weekly chapel, discipleship groups, fall retreat, and Spring Term mission trips encourage solid biblical foundations. An independent school consulting firm recently reported, “The strength of NCCS is their Christian mission. Of all the schools we have worked with globally, NCCS’s Christian mission is one of the strongest we have seen.” To tour: call 770-975-0252,visit ncchristian.org/admissions, or email admissions@ncchristian.org
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Mount Paran Christian School
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Atlanta Private Schools OMNI International School
Pace Academy
M N I I nte r nat iona l School is a language immersion school for students PK2–Grade 4. The focus for all grades is a full immersion of the Asian (Japanese or Chinese) and English languages with Spanish integrated as a 3rd language beginning at kindergarten. With this approach, each child will have a solid footing in their native tongue and the foundation needed to build on other aspects of their language development, while becoming trilingual. The OMNI School’s delivery of a well-balanced, rigorous academic curriculum is taught with a global perspective. In keeping with the ideals of globalization, they are answering the need and desire for quality schools with an emphasis on foreign language, while teaching children to become critical thinkers in a global economy. On day one, OMNI works jointly with families to foster a love of learning and pride in belonging ... in multiple languages. Schedule a tour today and learn more about OMNI and their language immersion program. omnischoolatl.com.
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 1,150 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 realize that true success means making a difference. For more information, visit paceacademy.org.
Paideia School
Pinecrest Academy
ounded in 1971, the Paideia School offers progressive education for students ages three to twelfth grade with a focus on the individual student. Paideia creates o p p o r t u n it i e s a n d environments where students can uncover their unique gifts and learn to use them in meaningful ways. Paideia is the leading progressive school in the Southeast offering AP and post-AP curricula. In 2023, Paideia students received the highest number of Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of any private school in the state, had the second-highest number of National Merit Scholars in Georgia and were state champions in boys and girls Ultimate Frisbee and boys soccer. Paideia’s class of 2023 saw 120 graduates accepted into 181 colleges and universities. Paideia’s Framework of Values focuses on people and values and serves to guide how they teach, learn and grow together. Visit paideiaschool.org to learn more.
inecrest Academy is a P re K 3 - 1 2 C a t h o l i c s c ho o l p rov id i ng a n atmosphere of academic excellence and critical thinking. Rooted in Catholic tradition and inspired by the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Christian worldview, their whole-person approach helps children discover and develop their God-given gifts. Students, faculty, and staff strive to live by the school’s core values of charity, humility, excellence, and mission. Pinecrest has been named “Best Private School” in Forsyth County for 11 consecutive years. The average class size at Pinecrest Academy is 15 students, each known by first name and loved by their teachers. STEMScopes encourages learning and discovery through hands-on labs. Athletics, Fine Arts, and co-curriculars are an important part of a student’s experience. Students participate in service projects, supporting the school’s mission to form Christian leaders who will transform society. Pinecrest serves Cumming, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Suwanee and other North Atlanta areas. Visit pinecrestacademy.org or call 770-888-4477.
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 67
Best Guide to Sage School
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Saint Francis School
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 multi-sensory, 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. Learn more about Sage and schedule a tour today at sageschool.net.
aint Francis School is an independent, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, college preparatory program, 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 abilities in a structured, supportive, and challenging environment. The Kindergarten–8th grades are located on the 24-acre gated Roswell campus, while the High School is situated on the 47-acre gated Milton campus. The school’s commitment to small class sizes, a low pupil-to-teacher ratio, and an emphasis on structure and organization empowers students to achieve academic success and develop the self-confidence needed for college and beyond. Curriculum offerings include AP, Honors, Traditional, Support classes, and Academic Enhancement courses. Structured literacy programs include Fundations ®, Wilson Reading System ®, Just Words®, and supplemental support from CARS® and STARS ®. Athletic opportunities are available for Grades 5–8 and high school (GHSA) students, with sports offerings such as football, soccer, baseball, track, swimming, wrestling, softball, volleyball, and equestrian. Visit saintfrancisschools.com to learn more about campus tours and their updated bus routes.
The Schenck School
Springmont School
he Sc he nc k Sc ho ol ’ 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. ReadSource 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. Its mission is to empower educators, and transform student lives through evidence-based reading instruction. For more information about the school, visit schenck.org. For more information about reading instruction and teacher training, visit readsource.com.
s the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers students 18 months through Middle School a n a u t h e nt i c M o nte s s o r i education. Individualized, handson learning is balanced with social/emotional well-being, i n s pi r i ng t he d ive r se a nd inclusive community of learners to become creative, independent, and globally minded. Multi-aged classes and specially designed materials are complemented by highly experienced and caring teachers who guide students’ curiosity towards meaningful, collaborative discoveries. Large, light-filled classrooms and a beautiful campus with natural areas, class gardens, and farm animals afford rich outdoor experiences. Springmont’s Middle School prepares students for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools and life beyond academics. Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, and work both independently and in diverse groups allow students to become engaged learners. Springmont School – Extraordinary by Design. Learn more at springmont.com.
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Atlanta Private Schools St. Martin’s Episcopal School
Tabula Rasa – The Language Academy
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 620 students and offers a rigorous 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 Early Childhood Learning Center features stateof-the-art classrooms, a STEAM village, and an outdoor learning space all geared to foster engagement and collaborative learning among young children. Lower School (Kindergarten-4th grade) 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 (5th-8th grade) 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. Students are inspired to be good citizens,to serve the community and to love and respect oneself and others. To learn more, please contact the Admission Office at 404-228-0709 and visit stmartinschool.org.
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a b u l a Ra s a , T h e L a n g u a ge Academy Total Immersion School started in 2001 with a desire to create a family-like environment where babies through 4th 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 an enrollment of 450 students and a low student/teacher ratio, Tabula Rasa has grown to three locations including Sandy Springs, Alpharetta/Johns Creek and Lawrenceville. Now accepting applications. For more information or to schedule a tour at one of their three campuses, call 404-409-0827 or visit trlanguages.com.
Trinity School
The Walker School
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stablished in 1951, Trinity School is Atlanta’s sole elementary-only independent school. Serving children age three through sixth grade, they emphasize hands-on learning and produce results that far exceed national private school standards. The school feels like home because students are free to explore in a safe, nurturing, and exhilarating environment where they are known and loved. Students enjoy small class sizes, low student-to-teacher ratios, elementary teaching experts, dynamic programming, and flexible indoor and outdoor learning spaces on a beautiful 43-acre campus. Encouraged to use their imagination, discover new concepts, and innovate, your child will cultivate a lifelong love of learning, confidence in their abilities, and adaptive strategies for navigating an ever-changing world. From developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to fostering creativity and resilience, students are prepared to succeed in middle school and beyond. Ask anyone who knows Trinity, and this is what you will hear: Start at Trinity. Thrive for life. Learn more at trinityatl.org.
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alker graduates are leaders who excel in a diverse and ever-changing world. Students thrive in an environment focused on student-centered education. The result? Active, dynamic engagement in the learning process that excites students a nd g ive s t he m age nc y . With a focus on creating and nurturing relationships, Walker fosters a deep sense of community, belonging and kindness. The combination differentiates Walker. A recent graduate says: “Walker is an incredible school not only because of its top-tier academics and extracurriculars but because of its culture. Students are given space to find themselves without judgment or pressure. My time here has taught me so much about myself, and I thank the incredible faculty for guiding me along the way.” Located two miles from the Marietta Square and offers more than 20 bus routes in the metro area. Schedule a tour and learn more today! Walker - Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders! Learn more at thewalkerschool.org.
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Best Guide to Atlanta Private Schools Wesleyan School
The Wood Acres School
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 the 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.
h e Wo o d A c r e s School, located in the heart of East Cobb, is an affordable option for families looking for an exceptional private sc ho ol ex p e r ie nce for Preschool (2s-4s), Elementary School (K-5) and Middle School (6-8). Wood Acres is well known in the community for its accelerated curriculum, integration of STEM and STEAM activities, and teaching Spanish as a second language. The Wood Acres School believes in high expectations for all students while recognizing that like the school’s ginkgo leaf logo, each child is unique. Situated on nine spacious acres, students enjoy daily recess and outside exploration along with academic rigor. Small class sizes of 13-15 students enable the dedicated and experienced faculty to challenge their students and provide an outstanding education. In today’s uncertain world, Wood Acres continues to be relevant by staying true to the ideals that have brought success for many while evolving to meet the changing needs of today’s students. Visit woodacresschool.org to schedule a personal tour. Come see why #woodacresistheplacetobe!
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Woodward Academy
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oodward Academy is At l a nta at it s ve r y b e s t . Wo o dwa rd c re ate s o p p o r t u n it ie s fo r eve r y child to thrive, whether they excel in math, get inspired by robotics, or flourish in literature and art classes. In their diverse and inclusive community, students learn how to think about and engage in the world around them, making a commitment to do their best, and gaining the confidence to make a difference. They do that through their 25 AP classes, a renowned Transition Learning Support Program for students with documented diagnoses, more than 100 student clubs and cocurriculars, 75 yearly arts performances, and 18 varsity sports. Woodward is a place for nurturing conversations and understanding. The school believes that all people are innately valuable as they were created, and it is that identity, that energy, that charges students and graduates. A typical Woodward Academy graduating class attends more than 100 different colleges and universities, devotes 5,000 hours to community service, and earns more than $25 million in scholarship awards. Apply for admission in 2025-2026 by February 1. To learn more, visit woodward.edu. 70 Atlanta Parent
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Pursue Excellence in
Acdemics and the Arts
Capstone Academy is the premier private school for aspiring young performers and athletes. 3-day school week: 8:10am - 12:35pm • Flexible schedule • Small classes with dedicated teachers Challenging college prep curriculum • Travel Accountability Program (TAP)
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Grades 5—12 1934 Cliff Valley Way | Atlanta January 2025 Atlanta Parent 73 | capstoneacademy.com [ Focus 404-458-5160 on Education ]
Special Education That Works for by Rebecca Hastings
When my child was in early elementary school and needed some extra help, we had a meeting about special education services. I remember sitting alone on one side of a big wooden table. As the meeting began, I heard the team talk about my child’s educational needs, but something was missing. They didn’t see the child that I saw at home. When your child requires special education services, it can be challenging to navigate their needs, the system and your feelings. Yet, knowing how to make that happen can feel impossible. n BE INFORMED Educators have experience with special education and all that goes with that. When they talk about your child’s needs, it can feel like they are speaking a different language. Be intentional about learning and understanding the terms and procedures. Familiarize yourself with your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. Understand the goals, accommodations and services outlined in the plan. Also, familiarize yourself with federal and state laws regarding special education. Understand your child’s rights and entitlements. Beryl Firestone whose first grader attends Mary Lin Elementary in Atlanta stresses to educate yourself. “Read about IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and push for your child to be in the least restrictive environment that will allow them to thrive. Know that the IEP is a fluid document, and you can request a meeting to discuss changes at any time,” she says. 74 Atlanta Parent
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If you are looking at private school options, know the types of questions to ask about a school’s curriculum, philosophy and supports for your child’s needs. Find out if any of the services your child will require mean additional tuition costs.
n MONITOR PROGRESS Keep track of your child’s academic and behavioral progress. While it is tempting to only focus on their grades, for example, consider all aspects of their learning and behavior. If possible, request regular updates from teachers or therapists on how your child is doing. This will help you and the education team address issues that arise early to keep things on track.
n FOSTER OPEN COMMUNICATION
WITH TEACHERS AND SPECIALISTS The relationship you have with your child’s teachers and specialists makes a big difference in their special education program. Regularly communicate with teachers, therapists and other specialists who work with your child. Establishing a strong relationship with them can help address any
[ Focus on Education ]
concerns or issues promptly. “Good communication is SO important,” says Firestone. “You want to make sure that the accommodations are, in fact, helping the child, and that he is actually getting the accommodations that your IEP specifies.” It is imperative to attend parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings. Be prepared to discuss your child’s progress and ask questions about their educational plan. It can also be helpful to bring another trusted person to these meetings, so you don’t miss anything important.
n OBSERVE CLASSROOM
ENVIRONMENT
Sometimes a child acts differently in school than they do at home. Other times, it’s hard to gauge what is going on in the classroom through your child’s descriptions. When you make time to observe the classroom environment, you glean more information that helps make sure your child’s program is meeting their needs. Visit your child’s classroom to see how they interact with peers, the teacher and their learning environment. This can provide valuable insights into their daily experiences. atlantaparent.com
Your Child “I love that my child with his IEP can be in a general ed classroom,” says Amy Valerio, mom to a middle schooler in Cobb County. “It teaches him to adapt to the world around him while getting the supports he needs.”
n REQUEST ADDITIONAL
EVALUATIONS IF NECESSARY You have the right to request evaluations. If you suspect that your child’s needs have changed or if you feel that the current plan isn’t effective, request additional assessments or evaluations to reevaluate their needs.
n STAY INVOLVED IN
THE IEP PROCESS
Actively participate in the development, review and revision of your child’s IEP. This can be a lot of work, but your input is invaluable in tailoring the plan to meet their specific needs. Behavioral Analyst and Special Education Professor at Georgia State University Christopher Tullis says to think long-term. “What’s the vision for you child and what do you want to happen next? Think
about educational goals and life goals,” he says. “As students get older — middle school age — you should also involve them in the process. Use their likes and dislikes to inform strategies and help reach goals.” It is also important to make sure the school is following the IEP or 504 plan. These are legal documents. If they are not followed, you may need to seek outside help. Cont’d on next page
If you suspect that your child’s needs have changed or if you feel that the current plan isn’t effective, request additional assessments or evaluations to reevaluate their needs.
Engaging Children with Learning Challenges Since 2008, Alexsander Academy has cultivated a learning environment that encourages, educates and fosters independence for students with learning challenges. As a fully accredited school serving grades 1-12, Alexsander Academy gets to know each student’s social and academic profile while focusing on building independent skills allowing students to be academically successful even while minimizing support. With their small school and low student to teacher ratio classrooms, flexible staff and a personalized curriculum, students are met where they are functioning academically. Alexsander Academy specializes in students who do well in a school setting but may not qualify for larger schools due to academic gaps or difficulty keeping up with a more typical classroom pace. The high school allows students to work at their own pace to graduate with high school diploma. Admissions are rolling. Summer school is offered, and tutoring is available year round. For more information, please visit alexsanderacademy.org or contact Stefanie Smith, Founder and Executive Director at smith@alexsanderacademy.org or 404-839-5910.
Limited Openings Call Today Grades 1 – 12
1260 Upper Hembree Rd., Suite D | Roswell 30076 404-839-5910 | alexsanderacademy.org atlantaparent.com
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Special Education That Works for Your Child
Serving Students with Dyslexia Grades 1-12 Wilson Reading Program Teaching Textbooks Math Small Class Sizes
with 8 Students or less
College Prep
678-401-5855
Office@BrookwoodChristian.com 4728 Wood Street Acworth 30101 At the corner of North Main St. and Wood St., north of the Hwy 92 overpass
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n SEEK OUTSIDE RESOURCES
AND SUPPORT
You cannot do all of this alone. Connect with local and online support groups, advocacy organizations and parent networks. They can provide valuable advice, resources and emotional support. Some lawyers specialize in special education and can help if your school is not meeting your child’s needs or if they are not following the IEP. “I believe that hiring an advocate is worth the money,” says Firestone. “We worked with Brandi Tanner, and she helped myself and many friends get our children what they rightfully deserve, while also explaining the ins and outs of the special education system.”
n ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD You are your child’s number one advocate. If you have concerns or feel that their needs aren’t being met, voice them to the school’s special education team. Be assertive, but also open to collaboration. Remember, you are all working together to provide the best education for your child. Tullis notes that it is important to understand each therapist or provider’s role and ensure they are collaborating. “The child should always be at the center,” he says. Valerio agrees. “Know what you want to ask for and don’t be afraid to get into the nitty gritty,” she says. “Ask for what you know is best for your child. The worst they can say is no.” If you are able, consult with a professional advocate for advice and guidance. These experts can help you understand the laws and how to navigate through “red tape.”
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n CONSIDER A SECOND OPINION If you’re concerned about your child’s progress, consider seeking a second opinion from an independent professional, such as a developmental pediatrician, psychologist or educational consultant. This can offer a helpful perspective. These professionals can also attend meetings with you. If you don’t want to seek another professional opinion, Tullis recommends finding a fellow parent who has gone through the IEP process in your county or school system. “Each district has a different process,” he says. “Talking to someone who’s been through it recently will be able to give you pointers.”
n DOCUMENT EVERYTHING Keep a record of all communication with the school, including emails, letters and notes from meetings. This documentation can be valuable if you need to escalate any concerns. “IEPs are living documents,” says Tullis. “The goals should change. If certain items are being mastered, the goal should be revised to reflect that.” Designate a filing system or binder for all papers that come in, create a folder for emails, and keep a document or notebook for any conversations you have.
n STAY PERSISTENT AND PATIENT Advocating for your child’s needs can be long and challenging. “Don’t give up!” says Valerio. “Everything is super-duper hard, and it moves so slowly. It can be frustrating and hard, but the reward at the end is great.” Stay persistent, but also be patient with the system and the individuals involved. It is helpful to remind everyone that you are all working together to help the child. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. By staying informed, involved and proactive, you can help ensure that your child’s special education program is tailored to meet their unique needs and set them up for success. atlantaparent.com
Special Education
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?
Scholarship Help The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (GSNS) program provides scholarships for qualifying Georgia public school students with an IEP or a 504 Plan in specified areas during the previous school year who meet the requirements to qualify for an award. These scholarship funds may be used to offset the cost of attending a private school that participates in the scholarship program. To qualify for the GSNS award with an IEP or a 504 Plan for current school year, the student must meet the following requirements:
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 6-21: 404-802-2636
n The student’s parent currently resides
Fulton County Schools offer diagnostic evaluations for children, three and older, with a suspected disability.
n The student had an IEP in effect during
Using research-based strategies, the Fulton County Schools’ Services for Exceptional Children department provides services for students with disabilities who are homeschooled, attend a private school or reside within the Fulton County School District. Services include, but are not limited to: • Speech Therapy Sessions • Autism Workshops for Families
within Georgia and has been a Georgia resident for at least one calendar year (does not apply if the student’s parent is an activeduty military service member stationed in Georgia) the previous school year, or the student had a 504 Plan in effect during the previous school year relating to one or more condition(s) n The student spent the prior school year
in attendance at a Georgia public school During the 2022-23 school year, 5,864 students received a scholarship award to attend a participating private school, according to the Georgia Department of Education.
To learn more, visit gadoe.org/parentfamily-resources/georgia-special-needsscholarship. atlantaparent.com
Inquire today about monthly workshops for families and private schools to help students reach their full academic potential.
Learn more at FULTONSCHOOLS.ORG [ Focus on Education ]
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.
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The Future Is Bright: Career-Focused Learning for High School Students
Grayson Technical Education Program
by Emily Webb
n CTAE in Georgia
From a young age, some students know what they want to pursue as a career, while others need time to figure out what they love. For either type of student, Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) offers personalized pathways for success. CTAE prepares students for their next step after high school, whether it’s college, a career, an apprenticeship or the military. Throughout the state, CTAE offers students more than 145 career pathways within 17 career clusters. Along with the high-school experience, students develop real-world, workforce-ready skills.
Every school district in Georgia offers CTAE pathways for students. In the 2022-23 school year, the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE) reported 703,476 students participated in CTAE. By developing industry skills, providing education and exploring careers, students prepare for the future. “CTAE connects what students are learning in the classroom to life,” says Dustin Davis-Austin, the Director of CTAE at Fulton County Schools. “In a geometry class, they might wonder why are they learning this? But if you pair geometry with a construction class, they can answer why the learning is important for themselves.” Fulton County Schools’ CTAE programs cover multiple career clusters, including agriculture, food and natural resources; architecture and construction; energy; and marketing. Fulton County Schools’ The Promise Career Institute (PCI) is an alternate path to high school graduation, focused on the Accelerated Career Program. Students complete nine core academic courses, and the rest of their coursework is training in a career field.
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“The Promise Career Institute is the first brick-and-mortar in Georgia solely focused on the Accelerated Career diploma,” says PCI Principal Yalanda Bell. “It’s not college or career; now, it’s college and career.” Part of Gwinnett County Public Schools, the Grayson Technical Education Program at Grayson High School serves juniors and seniors. The facility offers 12 career pathway programs, including culinary arts, cybersecurity, graphic design and veterinary science. “Grayson Technical Education Program pathways are designed to prepare students for the future by combining academic learning with hands-on, career-focused training,” says Leann Sims, Grayson Technical Education Program’s Assistant Principal. “Many instructors have industry experience that enhances our programs through immersive learning experiences. Our students don’t just study the concepts; they apply them through labs, projects and realworld simulations that mirror professional environments.” Decatur Career Academy (DCA) at Decatur High School delivers technical education and training experiences to produce responsible and productive citizens. The DCA offers pathways related to in-demand career fields to prepare students for college and/or entry-level employment in a competitive market. “That’s the goal for us — college and career readiness,” says Terra Smiley, the CTAE Director at DCA. “Our students enter the workforce or go into postsecondary learning following graduation. Students can get ahead in those fields by exercising those skills and building their networks. Here, our students have the opportunity to leave with credentials and portfolios.” The Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy (CITA) provides students with hands-on learning experiences and career opportunities through district, postsecondary and industry partnerships. The courses are divided into maker industries, emerging technologies, and community and healthcare services. CITA is open to students throughout the Cobb County School District. When Director Dr. Tiffany Barney visits middle schools to talk about CTAE, she explains to students that, “We want you to come and leave with a plan for your future. We help students find what’s for them or what’s not for them. We’ll help you figure out what is the right thing for you.” After completing their pathway, students are eligible to take an assessment leading to an industry-recognized credential or certification. “Many pathways offer opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications — CPR, ServSafe, CompTIA certifications — which enhance students’ resumes,” Sims says. According to the GADOE, 450 programs are currently industry certified. atlantaparent.com
The Promise Career Institute
Partnerships between schools and employers provide financial assistance or equipment and supplies. Partners participate in mock interviews or visit as guest speakers. Partners also help students with work-based learning.
Decatur Career Academy
n Learning Outside the Classroom CTAE also takes students beyond the classroom with special opportunities. With work-based learning programs, students enter the workforce to learn in their respective fields, gain experience and create a network. In 2022-23, GADOE reports 27,594 students
[ Focus on Education ]
and more than 13,000 employers participated in work-based learning. Partnerships between schools and employers provide financial assistance or equipment and supplies. Partners participate in mock interviews or visit as guest speakers. Partners also help students with work-based learning. Cont’d on next page
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The Future Is Bright: “At the end of their pathway, students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience. Employers and partners will host our students for an entire year, and they’ll work in an architecture firm, a construction company, as sous chefs in the culinary community or as interns in schools and educational facilities,” Smiley says. “They put their skills into practice in a real-world situation with an industry mentor.” Students also can attend college classes. The dual enrollment program provides funding for students enrolled in a participating public high school and postsecondary institution in Georgia. Dual enrollment can save students money, as funding pays for the first 30 semester hours of college credit. At PCI, students graduate with a high school diploma and two technical college certificates. “All students are dual enrollment students and earn more than 30 college credits,” Bell says. CTAE allows students to get ahead. “Students are learning in real-time with industry standard software and equipment,” Smiley says. “Students are able to get industry-recognized certifications, which allows them to get entry-level positions at a higher pay. Our culinary arts students leave with ServSafe certification. A student interviewed for a job with McDonald’s and mentioned she was ServSafe certified. She was hired on the spot and able to get $2 more per hour.”
n Looking to the Future Exploring CTAE pathways allows high schoolers to plan for their future. “There is value in the opportunity to explore interests in various career paths,” Sims says. “When students see a connection between their education and future careers, they are often more motivated to perform well in school.” Finding a student’s passion may make him more interested in his education. In 2022-23, 97.75% of CTAE completers graduated from high school, which is 13 percentage points higher than the state average graduation rate, according to the GADOE. CTAE benefits a student, no matter where her future will take her. “Career-focused learning helps you plan for your future and be intentional,” Barney says. “CTAE classes help students understand their options for the future. 80 Atlanta Parent
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The Cobb Innovation & Technology Academy
Students also can attend college classes. The dual enrollment program provides funding for students enrolled in a participating public high school and postsecondary institution in Georgia. Students are career-ready, regardless of the route they take.” “We are debunking the myth that in order to be successful, you have to go to a four-year college,” Davis-Austin says. “Students can be successful with a different path. Students can be employed right out of high school, and in some cases, they’re able to make upwards of $100,000 a year.” Within the pathways, soft skills development is included in the courses, which will help students no matter where they go after graduation. “Our partners say employability skills are important,” Davis-Austin says. “They need workers who dress appropriately, who can manage their time, who can stay off of their phones. They can teach our students the work skills, so we need to work on those employability skills. Those skills are transferable. Once you learn dinner etiquette, you can use those skills when you’re out to dinner with your family and throughout your life.” The importance of CTAE isn’t going to disappear. “We have Microsoft and Georgia Power doing sessions at our school,” Bell says. “There are Fortune 500 companies highly invested
[ Focus on Education ]
in CTAE. These skill trades and high-tech sectors can’t wait four years of postsecondary for students to graduate, so programs are changing to meet those demands. Companies are willing to employ students once they graduate, and they may pay them and invest in their education. Students don’t have to choose college over career.” These in-demand jobs will allow your child to be financially successful, even if the future is uncertain. “Students and families are surprised about the amount of money they can make,” Barney says. “There is a narrative that you’re not going to be successful if you don’t go to college, so it surprises them what they could potentially make. Those trades will always be there. It is very intentional that all of our pathways line up with careers. We want our students to be in tomorrow’s workforce.” CTAE partners with a student to build the best option for the student and her future. “Success is not one-size-fits-all. It can be achieved through various paths whether it be college, technical training or entering the workforce,” Sims says. “CTAE assists students in finding a career path that most aligns with their skills, passions and goals.” atlantaparent.com
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Our Midtown location offers high schoolers weekly field trips that connect learning with real-world experiences.
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Arbor fosters independence in each child through supportive relationships, joyful learning, and meaningful work in a Montessori environment. Now enrolling at two Decatur campuses for the 2025-26 school year.
Schedule your campus visit today at arbormontessori.org 2998 Lavista Road • 1434 Scott Boulevard 404.321.9304 • www.arbormontessori.org
Arbor Montessori admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, family structure or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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Fostering
[ Focus on Education ]
Lifelong
Learning
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Start at Trinity,
thrive for life. Trinity School serves children age three through Sixth Grade and has cherished childhood while preparing students for the future since 1951. Our small class sizes, early childhood and elementary education experts, and innovative programming are just some of the reasons your child will thrive at Trinity, Atlanta’s sole elementary-only independent school!
Discover more at trinityatl.org/admissions
Applications are due January 17!
4301 Northside Parkway NW, Atlanta • 404-231-8118
We believe a child’s day should be filled with joy, wonder, and discovery. School should not be the exception. Group tours are offered weekly. Register at www.highmeadows.org/visit Age 3 through Eighth Grade 1055 Willeo Road Roswell, GA 30075 (770) 993-2940 | info@highmeadows.org An International Baccalaureate® School atlantaparent.com
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 83
Parents Share School SUCCESS STORIES When it comes to making decisions for their child’s education, parents throughout metro Atlanta are realizing that education is not one-size-fits-all. With so many school options available, parents can choose an educational experience that best suits their children’s personal needs, as well as their family’s values and schedules. n Education Over Convenience
by Jackie B. Watson
n The Best of Both Worlds According to the Georgia Department of Education, there are 1.7 million students enrolled in public schools throughout the state. Ginger Canale, of Buford, did not think her two kids would ever be a part of that statistic. Growing up, she and her husband both attended small private schools, and they planned on doing the same with their kids. But a little research, and their zip code, changed their mind. “Knowing the population size of Gwinnett County, I was initially against the public school system,” says Canale, whose daughter is a 7th grader at Buford Middle School. “My fear was that the classrooms would be too large, and the education would not be what we had. Then, I learned that we were living in a gold mine for a school system.” Buford City Schools has been continuously named as a top school district in the state. Despite the city’s growth over the years, Buford City Schools remain community centric and operates with the feel of a small-town school. This is exactly what the Canales had hoped their children would experience. “The teachers are invested in the students, and it shows,” says Canale. “Buford pushes the students to excel and gives them opportunities to advance in their academics and extracurricular activities.” Sending their kids to public school may not have been their plan, but the Canales feel that their choice has provided them with the best of both worlds. 84 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
Cortney Weissglass, of Morningside, wanted a school that could cultivate the individual passions and strengths of each of her three kids, giving them opportunities to excel in their own ways. Ultimately, she decided on Woodward Academy, one of the largest private schools in the metro area, even though it wasn’t the most convenient choice. “We were looking for a community that offered diversity in both programming and perspectives, along with a wide variety of extracurricular activities and sports. We also wanted a school that holds high expectations for students — both academically and in terms of character,” Weissglass says. With kids in 5th, 3rd and 2nd grades, Weissglass says it was initially challenging to choose a school outside of their neighborhood and familiar circles. But seeing her kids feel known and valued while growing in confidence made the decision easier and the inconveniences less relevant. “We have found that while Woodward may not always be the most convenient choice for families, any inconvenience is quickly outweighed by the warm, welcoming community of faculty and staff and fellow Woodward families, the challenging academic curriculum and the intentional development of our children as well-rounded, independent and respectful individuals,” says Weissglass.
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n Learning Outside the Classroom Roswell resident Caroline Carr started researching educational options before her oldest child was ready for kindergarten. She knew she wanted a nurturing and collaborative environment, and although Roswell has excellent public schools, she found the traditional school model to be overstimulating for her kids. After learning about High Meadows School, an independent school for children ages 3 through middle school, she says she knew she found the perfect place for her kids to learn and thrive. “As a mom, I love that they have been so nurtured, and that’s not something you can do in a larger environment,” says Carr of her two kids’ experiences at High Meadows School. “I find that to be priceless.” Now in 6th and 8th grades, Carr says her kids love going to school where every classroom opens to the outdoors. Located on 42 acres of historic farm property, the school features outdoor classrooms, gardens, nature trails, farm animals and environmental education. Students study academics while also learning to care for horses and other animals, about the environment and planting gardens. “This allows my kids to connect with nature beyond a school playground,” says Carr. “Coming to this campus every day, my kids feel like they can breathe. The learning is collaborative and interesting, and not just for grades. It is such a relief that this place exists.”
What to look for in choosing a school: n Qualified teachers and administration. n Curriculum and learning environment that suits your child. n School culture and values that your family can embrace. n Transportation accessibility and travel time. n Helpful extracurricular options like clubs and after care. n Safety and security. n Engaging opportunities for parent involvement. n Open and informative parent-teacher communication. n Happy, vibrant students. n Class sizes and student-teacher ratios.
Cont’d on next page
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 85
Parents Share School SUCCESS STORIES n Virtually Perfect Today’s parents are privileged to have opportunities that many generations didn’t have, thanks to the internet. Online school offers a more independent approach to education and has grown in popularity due to the flexibility it provides. Union City resident Scherica Lockhart chose Georgia Cyber Academy for her two kids, who are in elementary and middle school. The online public school serves approximately 11,000 students in Georgia each year. “It has fostered greater independence and responsibility, while also helping to prepare them for future academics in high school and college,” says Lockhart. “Additionally, it has significantly improved their communication skills, particularly through online chat interactions and presentations.” Lockhart’s friend Regina Howard chose Georgia Cyber Academy when her daughter was in 6th grade. She has since graduated Summa Cum Laude from the online school. “We wanted her to be challenged and our zoned Middle School for her was filled with distractions by the behaviors of others that would be attending the same school,” says Howard, who lives in Union City. Initially, Howard drove her daughter to Roswell daily for school to ensure she was getting the best education possible. Then she learned about online school and knew it was right for her daughter and their on-the-go family. “She was in the gifted program, and we wanted her to always have great opportunities presented to her. Georgia Cyber Academy gave her those opportunities. So many doors have opened for her,” she says, noting that her daughter won the middle school Prudential Spirit of Community Award for the state of Georgia and was invited to speak on the Georgia Senate floor.
Regina Howard and daughter
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86 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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Photo by Rahmaad Photography
n There’s No Place Like Home With two children in 5th grade, one with autism, Tifini Rahmaad of Tucker never planned on homeschooling her kids, but had a list of concerns when it came to ensuring her kids received the best education and outcome. “My son has autism, so I was concerned with him being passed over or stigmatized,” Rahmaad says, adding that many teachers are not trained to work with kids like her son. Rahmaad was also concerned about the stress of standardized tests and her kids being negatively influenced and exposed to things too early. While the decision to homeschool was not an easy one, it is one that has worked well for her family. “It was a hard decision, and I still struggle with the thought of if we are doing what is best. But our kids are flourishing and the time we spend with our kids is irreplaceable,” she says. The family has also found the flexibility of homeschooling to be an advantage. “We can take vacation whenever we want without missing school because school can be anywhere,” Rahmaad says. “We also have control over what our kids learn. So, if we want them to learn business or sign language, they can take a class without having to be dependent on what a school offers.”
n Split Decision
n Charting Their Own Path Stone Mountain mom Camela Dozier Morejon originally selected private school for her two daughters, ages 6 and 11. But when her oldest was ready to enter middle school, the small classroom size of their private school led her to a new path. “She would have been 1 of 12 in the middle school. She needed to be in a bigger environment with more kids,” says Morejon, noting that her daughter had spent the last few years with the same kids. This DeKalb County mom decided to investigate charter schools after one of her friends suggested The Anchor School, a tuition free charter school serving metro Atlanta kids in grades 6-12. “I did the research, and we checked it out,” Morejon says. “There was some hesitation at first because we didn’t know what to expect. But she is flourishing, and we think we made the right decision.” She enrolled her middle schooler in The Anchor School, while selecting DeKalb Brilliance Academy, a tuition free charter school for kids in grades K-8, for her younger daughter. Once her youngest reaches 6th grade, she intends to enroll her at The Anchor School, so both of her daughters will be at the same school. In their first year in charter schools, Morejon has noticed both of her daughters are flourishing, and she is glad she chose to view their educational needs individually and advocate for what is best for each of them. “There are so many more options for us as parents to advocate for our children. Moving them has been the best decision for them,” she says, noting that she went through a program called GeorgiaCan that trains parents to advocate for their children’s individual educational needs. atlantaparent.com
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Taryn Wren-Evans, of Canton, selected both public and private school for her four kids who are in 3rd, 6th and 11th grades. She and her husband chose Mission Academy, a small private Christian school, for their three younger children because they can have an influence over what their kids are taught. “We felt a small private school was best,” says Wren-Evans. “One where parents can have some say in what is taught and not taught.” Being a family of faith, having a Christianbased school was a very important factor in their decision. They wanted their kids to understand God more and have an education that puts a strong emphasis on morals and kindness. However, Wren-Evans says they decided public school was best for their oldest son, a special needs junior. “He needed the therapy and self-contained classroom public school offers, even though I cannot be as involved in the classroom experience as with my younger children,” laments WrenEvans. For the family, it is worth the trade off since he is receiving extra services to ensure he gets the best education possible.
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 87
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A Snapshot of School Districts in Metro Atlanta
Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools
Buford City Schools
Clayton County Public Schools
404-802-3500 www.atlantapublicschools.us Atlanta Public Schools is the seventh largest school system in Georgia with 49,675 students across 87 learning sites. n Number of Schools: 59 traditional schools; 5 partner schools; 19 charter schools; 2 citywide single-gender academies and 7 alternative schools and programs. n Pupil to teacher ratios: KindergartenGrade 3: 21 to 1; Grades 4-5: 23 to 1; Grades 6-8: 24 to 1; Grades 9-12: 25 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $17,278.04
770-945-5035 www.bufordcityschools.org There are 5,995 students enrolled in Buford City Schools. 78.44% percent of the 385 teachers have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 3 elementary; 1 middle; 1 high school n Pupil to teacher ratio: 15.57 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $12,487.92
770-473-2700 www.clayton.k12.ga.us Clayton County has the sixth largest school system in Georgia with more than 51,270 students. Of the district’s 3,344 teachers, 62% have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 38 primary/elementary; 15 middle; 12 high schools; 3 virtual learning programs; 2 District-approved charter schools; 1 psychological education center; 1 multi-purpose education center; included are: 17 magnet programs, including Cambridge International Assessment n Pupil to teacher ratio: 15.3 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $13,036.51 (FY25)
Bartow County School System
770-479-1871 www.cherokeek12.net CCSD has 42,000 students attending 40 schools and centers. There are 2,902 teachers in CCSD, of which 74% have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 23 elementary; 7 middle; 7 high schools (1 is a virtual school); 2 alternative centers; 4 preschool centers n Pupil to teacher ratio: 14.5 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $13,909
770-606-5800 www.bartow.k12.ga.us There are approximately 14,028 students attending Bartow County’s 20 schools (K-12), with 1,220 certified employees, 68% holding advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 12 elementary; 4 middle; 3 high schools; 1 college and career academy n Pupil to teacher ratio: 22 to 1 (average) n Per pupil expenditure: $14,080
88 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
Cherokee County School District
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Cobb County School District 770-426-3300 www.cobbk12.org Cobb County has 112 schools supporting approximately 106,358 students. There are 10,374 certified employees; 73% have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 66 elementary; 26 middle; 17 high schools; 1 special education center; 1 adult education center; 1 performance learning center; 1 early learning center; 7 magnet programs n Pupil to teacher ratio: Varies by school. Meets or is lower than state mandated numbers n Per pupil expenditure: $11,985.31 (3-year average)
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Coweta County School System 770-254-2800 www.cowetaschools.net Coweta County has 22,977 students and about 3,140 staff. n Number of Schools: 19 elementary; 7 middle schools; an 8th grade Charter College and Career Academy; 3 high schools; the Central Educational Center Career Academy n Pupil to teacher ratio: 14 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $10,898
City Schools of Decatur 404-371-3601 www.csdecatur.net City Schools of Decatur have 5,508 Pre-K-12 students attending 10 schools. Of the district’s 544 certified staff, more than 86.1% hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 10 total; 1 early childhood learning center; 5 kindergarten-second; 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: $19,374
DeKalb County School District 678-676-1200 www.dekalbschoolsga.org DeKalb County School District is the third largest school system in Georgia with more than 91,000 students, 138+ schools and centers and 14,000 employees. n Number of Schools: 77 elementary; 19 middle; 22 high; 12 Program schools; 8 Charter schools n Pupil to teacher ratios: 14 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $13,834
Douglas County School System 770-651-2000 www.dcssga.org There are approximately 26,000 students enrolled in Douglas County School System’s 36 schools. 70% of the 1,997 certified teaching staff have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 20 elementary; 8 middle; 5 high schools; 3 Non-traditional schools and programs, including the Success Center, College & Career Institute and FLEX Academy n Pupil to teacher ratio: Meets or is below state mandates n Per pupil expenditure: $9,556
Fayette County Public Schools 770-460-3535 www.fcboe.org Fayette County Public Schools has 19,775 students. 76% of the 1,469 teachers have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 14 elementary; 5 middle; 5 high schools; Fayette LIFE Academy (specialty school) n Pupil to teacher ratio: 13.84 to 1 Per pupil expenditure: $12,744.94 (FY23)
Forsyth County Schools 770-887-2461 www.forsyth.k12.ga.us More than 55,300 students attend Forsyth County’s 42 schools. There are more than 4,240 certified employees in the system. n Number of Schools: 23 elementary; 11 middle; 7 high schools and one 9-12 college and career academy n Pupil to teacher ratio: 20 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $11,118
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Douglas County School System
Fulton County Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools
470-254-3600 www.fultonschools.org Fulton County has more than 87,000 students and 6,900 certified staff members at 104 schools. n Number of Schools: 58 elementary (many with Pre-K programs); 19 middle; 19 high schools (2 with open campuses); 7 charter schools; 1 full-time virtual school 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: $16,500
678-301-6000 www.gcpsk12.org With more than 182,000 students attending 142 educational facilities, Gwinnett County is the largest school system in Georgia and the 11th largest in the nation. n Number of Schools: 81 elementary; 29 middle; 24 high schools; 7 special entities and one charter school n Pupil to teacher ratio: Varies by classroom, per Strategic Waivers School System contract n Per pupil expenditure: $12,655
Gainesville City School System
770-534-1080 www.hallco.org There are 28,079 students enrolled in Hall County’s 37 schools. There are 2,184 teachers and 3,439 total employees. n Number of Schools: 19 elementary; 8 middle; 7 high schools; 1 early college campus; 1 college and career academy; 1 alternative learning center n Pupil to teacher ratio: 14 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $9,937.77 (FY22)
770-536-5275 www.gcssk12.net 8,500+ students attend Gainesville City’s 10 schools. 640 teachers are employed by the system, and 60% of them have advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 6 elementary; 2 middle schools; 2 high schools n Pupil to teacher ratios: Pre-K: 20 to 1; Grades K-5: 15 to 1; Grades 6-8: 16 to 1; Grades 9-12: 18 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $12,350
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Hall County Schools
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 89
PUBLIC SCHOOLS A Snapshot of School Districts in Metro Atlanta Henry County Schools 770-957-6601 www.henry.k12.ga.us There are approximately 43,299 students served by more than 6,000 employees. n Number of Schools: 53 schools among 10 clusters, with 11 Pre-K programs n Pupil to teacher ratios: Kindergarten: 22 to 1; Grades 1-3: 25 to 1; Grades 4-8: 27 to 1; Grades 9-12: 27 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $12,937
Marietta City Schools 770-422-3500 www.marietta-city.org Some 8,701 students attend Marietta City’s 12 schools. There are 1,450 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 sixth grade academy; 1 middle; 1 high school n Pupil to teacher ratio: 12 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $17,643
Henry County Schools
Paulding County School District
Rockdale County Public Schools
770-443-8000 www.paulding.k12.ga.us The Paulding County School District has 35 schools, 31,935 students and 2,568 teachers. 71.5% of the teachers hold advanced degrees. n Number of Schools: 19 elementary; 10 middle; 5 high schools; 1 alternative learning center n Pupil to teacher ratio: Kindergarten: 21 to 1; Grades 1-3: 22 to 1; Grades 4-5: 28 to 1; Grades 6-8: 28.5 to 1; Grades 9-12: 22.5 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $13,527
770-483-4713 www.rockdaleschools.org There are 15,140 students attending Rockdale County Public Schools. Approximately 63% of the 1,425 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; elementary, middle and high school virtual programs n Pupil to teacher ratio: Kindergarten-Grade 5: 19 to 1; Grades 6-8: 21 to 1; Grades 9-12: 19 to 1 n Per pupil expenditure: $14,562.29
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January 2025
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 91
92 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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5
Productive Questions to Ask at Parent-Teacher Conferences
by Rebecca Hastings When conferences are around the corner, I get excited about that 15-minute slot allotted to chat one-on-one with my child’s teacher. I look forward to hearing about progress, struggles and strengths through more than what I see in homework assignments or weekly class emails. Sometimes a conference goes great, but sometimes I walk away thinking we just heard a script that is being repeated for every student. Starting the conference with questions allows you to focus the conversation on your child and any specific concerns you may have. Areas of study discussed or assessment scores can be covered quickly and via other forms of communication. Addressing the following questions will give both you and the teacher a better understanding of how your child is performing in the classroom. Here are five questions to help you get the most from those precious minutes with your child’s teacher. n What do you see as an area
of strength for my child?
This question focuses the discussion on your child specifically while still giving the teacher the opportunity to evaluate all subjects. Sometimes parents find this answer surprising as kids can show different abilities in the classroom than at home. Fostering a love of learning can help bring these hidden strengths out in the home as well as at school.
n If you could pick one area
to focus on improving for my child, what would it be? Sometimes it is difficult to think about all areas of learning at once. Focusing on one area at a time for improvement helps define the priorities within the classroom. It also gives you something concrete to work on at home. atlantaparent.com
It is great to repeat this question with the teacher in future communications and conversations. Sending an email or utilizing school communication apps is a great way to check in regarding progress and give the teacher the opportunity to shift the focus to something new as your child improves.
n How does my child contribute
to the class atmosphere?
This may seem like an unusual question, but it can provide a lot of information. Different personalities shine in different ways independently, but as you blend 20 of those unique personalities together, new things can be revealed. This will give you an idea of how much your child may contribute to class discussions or how they may be a great helper for another student. Maybe you’ll discover that your child is great at following directions and modeling good behavior for other students or even that they provide a funny idea to give everyone a laugh. Asking this question gives insight into how your child’s personality comes through in an academic environment. This is especially useful to understand as kids approach middle school and issues like popularity can impact their learning experience and mental health.
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n Who does my child
work well with?
Looking at the social element of learning is just as important as the academics. This can be a good barometer of how a child is doing socially, as well as give parents insight into anecdotes your child may share. Understanding who your child can work well with at school compared to the friend that is fun, but may actually be a distraction when it comes to school work, will help everyone create a more successful learning environment.
n Do you have any
concerns about my child? This question can never be asked too much. Sometimes we are so busy getting through the list of assessments, reading levels, and academic achievements that we can miss the bigger picture. Giving teachers and yourself the moment to consider any areas of concern emotionally, socially or developmentally addresses the whole child in his or her learning environment. January 2025
Atlanta Parent 93
PK(3)-12 700 Cobb Parkway N. Marietta, Ga. 30062 Open to all faiths
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January 2025
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Chart your Christ-centered, covenantal school journey @ mtparanschool.com [ Focus on Education ]
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 95
Diverse, International Community Promoting Academic Excellence Our respectful and peaceful Montessori environments are thoughtfully designed to develop the whole child from infancy through upper elementary.
Druid Hills Campus 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 10 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 toddler age through upper elementary: • 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 13 months through 12 years
96 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
Please see our other location:
Montessori at Vickery 6285 Post Road Cumming, GA 30040 770-268-2642 montessorivickery.com Serving ages 13 months through 9 years
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The Walker School
THE LIST: 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, religiousaffiliated, Montessori and learning differences. Tuition prices are approximate. atlantaparent.com
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.
Atlanta Academy. 2000 Holcomb Woods Pkwy., Roswell (Fulton). 678-461-6102. Preschool-8th. 395 students. $12,410-$17,920/ yr. atlantaacademy.com Atlanta International School. 2890 N. Fulton Dr., Atlanta; 1701 Brandon Hall Dr., Sandy Springs (Fulton). 404-841-3840. K3-12th. 1,348 students. $29,569-$33,756/yr. (Boarding: $67,500-$80,500/yr.). aischool.org Atlanta Music High School. 1127 Colquitt Ave. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-614-0466. 9-12th. 200 students. $6,000-$12,000/yr. atlantamusichigh.com Ben Franklin Academy. 1585 Clifton Rd. NE and 752 Houston Mill Rd. NE, Atlanta, (DeKalb). 404-633-7404. 9th12th. 120 students. $28,900-$38,250/yr. benfranklinacademy.org Brightmont Academy. 1161 Concord Rd. SE, Ste. 100, Smyrna and 1230 Upper Hembree Rd., Ste. 101, Roswell (Fulton). 470-299-1900 and 470-381-2269. K-12th. 50 students. $24,500$29,370/yr. brightmontacademy.com
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Capstone Academy. 1934 Cliff Valley Way, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-458-5160. 5th-12th. 150 students. $14,975/yr. capstoneacademy.com The Children’s School. 345 10th St. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-873-6985. 3yrs.-8th. 315 students. $16,597-$27,019/yr. tcsatl.org Cliff Valley School. 2426 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 678-302-1302. 3yrs.-8th. 431 students. $7,980-$19,960/yr. cliffvalley.org Fulton Science Academy. 3035 Fanfare Way, Alpharetta (Fulton). 678-366-2555. PreK12th. 900 students. $17,500-$22,000/yr. fultonscienceacademy.org The Galloway School. 215 Chastain Park Ave. NW and 3254 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-252-8389. PreK3-12th. 750 students. $20,000-$34,200/yr. gallowayschool.org The Haven Academy. 8028 Union Hill Rd., Canton (Cherokee). 678-283-7795. K-12. 300 students. $5,350- $16,750/yr. thehavenacademy.com Heritage Preparatory School. 1700 and 1824 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-815-7711. PreK-12th. 304 students. $10,500-$23,200/yr. heritageprep.org Cont’d on next page
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 97
THE LIST: Atlanta’s Private Schools The Heritage School. 2093 Hwy. 29 N., Newnan (Coweta). 770-253-9898. PreK12th. 430 students. $7,500-$21,510/yr. heritageschool.com High Meadows School. 1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-993-2940. PreK-8th. 350 students. $7,952-$24,276/yr. highmeadows.org Lakeview Academy. 796 Lakeview Dr., Gainesville (Hall). 770-532-4383. PreK312th. 505 students. $8,525-$23,995/yr. lakeviewacademy.com The Lovett School. 4075 Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-262-3032. K-12th. 1,640 students. $30,110-$34,950/yr. lovett.org McGinnis Woods School. 5380 Faircroft Dr., Alpharetta (Forsyth). 770-664-7764. Infant-8th. 425 students. $11,550-$16,400/yr. mcginniswoods.org OMNI International School. 3940 Cascade Rd., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-865-1463. PreK2-6th. 75 students. $7,680-$14,805/yr. omnischoolatl.com Pace Academy. 966 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-262-1345. Pre112th. 1,150 students. $33,570-$38,640/yr. paceacademy.org The Paideia School. 1509 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-377-3491. PreK-12th. 1,001 students. $13,500-$31,776/yr. paideiaschool.org Rivers Academy. 38 North Main St., Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-475-0081. 5th-12th. 251 students. $13,488/yr. riversacademy.com The SAE School. 6688 Mableton Pkwy., Mableton (Cobb). 678-239-3200. PK-8th. 370 students. $12,600-$13,500/yr. saeschool.org Saint Francis Schools. 9375 Willeo Rd., Alpharetta; 13440 Cogburn Rd., Milton (Fulton). 770-641-8257. K-12th. 700 students. $17,000-$29,200/yr. saintfrancisschools.com The Stonehaven School. 1480 Joyner Ave. and 1650 Old Concord Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-874-8885. K5-12th. 332 students. $3,100$14,300/yr. stonehavenschool.org Tabula Rasa Language Academy. 5855 Riverside Dr., Atlanta; 11035 Jones Bridge Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton); 1430 Riverside Pkwy., Lawrenceville (Gwinnett). 404-409-0827. 2mos.-5th. 450 students. $15,000-$22,000/yr. trlanguages.com
High Meadows School
The Walker School. 700 Cobb Pkwy. N, Marietta (Cobb). 770-427-2689. PreK3-12th. 985 students. $17,200-$35,370/yr. thewalkerschool.org The Wood Acres School. 1772 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 484-859-1660. PreK2-8th. 350 students. $8,560-$15,020/yr. woodacresschool.org Woodward Academy. 1662 Rugby Ave., College Park; 6565 Boles Rd., Johns Creek (Fulton). 404765-4001. PreK-12th. 2,685 students. $21,630$33,950/yr. woodward.edu
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.
Trinity School. 4301 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-231-8100. 3yrs.-6th. 600 students. $21,850-$33,500/yr. trinityatl.org
Blessed Trinity Catholic High School. 11320 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 678-277-9083. 9th-12th. 1,000 students. $17,000-$19,300/yr. btcatholic.org
The Waldorf School of Atlanta. 827 Kirk Rd., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-377-1315. Preschool-8th. 230 students. $9,550-$21,365/ yr. waldorfatlanta.org
Cherokee Christian Schools. 3075 Trickum Rd., Woodstock (Cherokee). 678-494-5464. PreK-12th. 250 students. $5,150-$17,250/yr. cherokeechristian.org
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Christ the King School. 46 Peachtree Way, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-233-0383. K-8th. 570 students. $11,880-$16,045/yr. christking.org Community Christian School. 2001 Jodeco Rd., Stockbridge (Henry). 678-432-0191. 6wks.-12th. 800 students. $9,566-$20,704/yr. communitychristianschool.net Cornerstone Christian Academy. 5295 Triangle Pkwy. NW, Peachtree Corners (Gwinnett) 770441-9222. K-8th. 460 students. $16,600-$19,500/ yr. cornerstonecougars.org Covenant Christian Academy. 6905 Post Rd., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-674-2990. PreK-12th. 265 students. $7,900-$10,900/yr. covenantrams.org Creekside Christian Academy. 2455 Mt. Carmel, Hampton; 175 Foster Dr., McDonough (Henry). 770-961-9300. K3-12th. 675 students. $5,595-$10,975/yr. creeksideacademy.org The Davis Academy. 8105 Roberts Dr., Atlanta (Fulton). 770-671-0085. PreK-8th. 500 students. $17,890-$32,010/yr. davisacademy.org Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. 2400 Hwy. 42 North, McDonough (Henry). 770-957-2927. K3-12th. 915 students. $13,602$17,016/yr. elcaonline.org
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Eastside Christian School. 2450 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-971-2332. K-11th. 288 students. $13,000-$17,000/yr. eastsidechristianschool.com The Epstein School. 335 Colewood Way NW, Sandy Springs (Fulton). 404-250-5600. 3mos.-8th. 484 students. $9,800-$30,750/yr. epsteinatlanta.org Fellowship Christian School. 10965 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-9931650. PreK-12th. 1048 students. $5,255– $22,852/yr. fellowshipchristianschool.org The Friends School of Atlanta. 862 Columbia Dr., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-373-8746. PK3-8th. 135 students. $14,850-$28,250/yr. friendsschoolatlanta.org George Walton Academy. 1 Bulldog Dr., Monroe (Walton). 678-635-3800. K3-12th. 790 students. $7,500-$16,600/yr. gwa.com
Mount Paran Christian School
Greater Atlanta Christian School. 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross (Gwinnett). 770-243-2000. PreK-12th. 1,806 students. $19,255-$30,425/yr. gac.org
Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School. 805 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-2554026. PreK3-12th. 1,400 students. $19,000$33,590/yr. hies.org
Harvester Christian Academy. 4241 Central Church Rd., Douglasville (Douglas). 770-9421583. K4-12th. 360 students. $5,315-$11,265/ yr. harvesteracademy.org
Holy Spirit Preparatory School. 4465 and 4449 Northside Dr.; 4820 Long Island Dr., Atlanta (Fulton). 678-761-7992. 6mos.-12th. 313 students. $6,310-$26,000/yr. holyspiritprep.org
Horizon Christian Academy. 1270 Sawnee Dr., Cumming (Forsyth). 678-947-0711. K-12th. 379 students. $11,500-$14,750/yr. hcaga.org Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School. 2855 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-636-4488. PreK-8th. 500 students. $9,825$12,550/yr. ihmschool.org
Cont’d on next page
S N O I S S I M AD N HOUSE OPE & FEB. 8 1 1 . N JA AM-12PM 10 atlantaparent.com
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Atlanta Parent 99
THE LIST: Atlanta’s Private Schools Intown Community School. 2059 Lavista Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-633-8081. K-8th. 215 students. $9,150-$13,500/yr. intownschool.org Killian Hill Christian School. 151 Arcado Rd., Lilburn (Gwinnett). 770-921-3224. K4-12th. 425 students. $7,500-$15,400/yr. khcs.org King’s Ridge Christian School. 2765 Bethany Bend, Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-754-5738. PreK-12th. 929 students. $6,500-$25,740/yr. kingsridgecs.org Landmark Christian School. 50 SE Broad St. and 109 Milo Fisher St., Fairburn (Fulton). 770-306-0647. PK312th. 890 students. $15,700-$24,400/yr. landmarkchristianschool.org Loganville Christian Academy. 2575 Hwy. 81, Loganville (Walton). 770-554-9888. PreK-12th. 551 students. $8,850-$15,000/yr. lcalions.com Marist School. 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 770-457-7201. 7th12th. 1,100 students. $23,807/yr. marist.com Midway Covenant Christian School. 4635 Dallas Hwy., Powder Springs (Cobb). 770-590-1866. PreK-8th. 300 students. $2,940$8,544/yr. midwayschool.org
North Cobb Christian School
Mount Paran Christian School. 1275 Stanley Rd. NW, Kennesaw (Cobb). 470250-0088. PreK3-12th. 1,315 students. $4,780-$24,221/yr. mtparanschool.com
The Mount Vernon School. 471 and 510 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-252-3448. Preschool-12th. 1,232 students. $16,500-$33,400/ yr. mountvernonschool.org
Mount Pisgah Christian School. 9820 Nesbit Ferry Rd., Johns Creek (Fulton). 678-336-3400. PreK-12th. 1,050 students. $17,850-$26,350/yr. mountpisgahschool.org
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy. 4385 Lower Roswell Rd. and 2509 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Marietta (Cobb). 770-971-0245. PreK-12th. 690 students. $13,895$20,430/yr. mtbethelchristian.org
New Canton Campus
COGNIA-ACCREDITED K-GRADE 12 FULL-TIME & HYBRID PRIVATE SCHOOL. Offering 2-3 day hybrid, 4-5 day full-time private school, and one day enrichment programs. Schedule an informational call or tour by visiting TheHavenAdademy.com 678-282-7795.
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North Cobb Christian School. 4500 Eagle Dr., Kennesaw (Cobb). 770-975-0252. PreK3-12th. 1,280 students. $8,525-$20,965/yr. ncchristian.org Notre Dame Academy. 4635 River Green Pkwy., Duluth (Gwinnett). 678-387-9385. PreK-12th. 332 students. $10,710-$19,990/yr. ndacademy.org Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School. 1320 Hearst Dr., Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-3641902. PreK4-8th. 583 students. $11,746$13,346/yr. olaschool.org Perimeter School. 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek (Fulton). 678-405-2300. K-8th. 457 students. $9,500-$18,100/yr. perimeterschool.org Pinecrest Academy. 955 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-888-4477. PreK312th. 546 students. $11,265-$22,665/yr. pinecrestacademy.org Providence Christian Academy. 4575 Lawrenceville Hwy., Lilburn (Gwinnett). 770-279-7200. PreK-12th. 600 students. $10,950$20,940/yr. providencechristianacademy.org Queen of Angels Catholic School. 11340 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-5181804. K-8th. 490 students. $10,847-$12,647/yr. qaschool.org
Y TH EM
BENJAM FRANK
N ACAD LI
Saint Thomas More Catholic School. 630 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-373-8456. PK4-8th. 472 students. $10,000$13,850/yr. stmga.org
E
IN
Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic School. 7171 Glenridge Dr. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 770394-2880. PreK-8th. 487 students. $11,950$13,500/yr. saintjude.net
BEN FRANKLIN ACADEMY benfranklinacademy.org
Shallowford Presbyterian School. 2375 Shallowford Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-321-3061. PreK-8th. 250 students. $2,025-$10,000/yr. shallowfordschool.org
ROLLING ADMISSIONS TOURS AVAILABLE BY
St. Benedict’s Episcopal School. 2160 Cooper Lake Rd., Smyrna (Cobb). 678-279-4300. PreK1-8th. 650 students. $9,500-$16,900/yr. stbs.org
APPOINTMENT
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School. 1618 Ben King Rd., Kennesaw (Cobb). 770-419-8601. K-8th. 325 students. $9,489$11,200/yr. scsiena.org St. John the Evangelist Catholic School. 240 Arnold St., Hapeville (Fulton). 404-7674312. PreK-8th. 280 students. $9,933-$11,836/ yr. sjecs.org St. John Neumann Catholic School. 791 Tom Smith Rd., Lilburn (Gwinnett). 770-381-0557. PreK-8th. 351 students. $10,098-$12,656/yr. sjnrcs.org Cont’d on next page
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 101
THE LIST: Atlanta’s Private Schools St. Joseph Catholic School. 81 Lacy St., NW, Marietta (Cobb). 770-4283328. PreK4-8th. 415 students. $9,370$12,150/yr. stjosephschool.org St. Martin’s Episcopal School. 3110A Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-237-4260. PreK-8th. 620 students. $17,620-$27,800/yr. stmartinschool.org St. Mary’s Academy. 861 Hwy. 279, Fayetteville (Fayette). 770-461-2202. PreK-12th. 340 students. $9,975$17,115/yr. smaschool.org St. Paul Lutheran School. 700 Ardenlee Pkwy., Peachtree City (Fayette). 770-4863545. 18mos.-8th. 240 students. $7,260$8,250/yr. stpaulptc.org St. Pius X Catholic High School. 2674 Johnson Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-636-3023. 9th-12th. 1,054 students. $18,000-$20,000/yr. spx.org Strong Rock Christian School. 4200 Strong Rock Pkwy., Locust Grove (Henry). 678-833-1200. PreK3-12th. 948 students. $12,654-$17,465/yr. sugarhillchristian.org
The Mount Vernon School
Sugar Hill Christian Academy. 4600 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Sugar Hill (Gwinnett). 678745-4121. Preschool-12th. 510 students. $2,553-$11,964/yr. sugarhillchristian.org
Torah Day School of Atlanta. 1985 Lavista Rd. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-982-0800. K-8th. 350 students. $15,330-$17,560/yr. torahday.org
Trinity Christian School. 8817 Highway 54 West, Sharpsburg (Coweta). 770-251-6770. K3-12th. 1,589 students. $3,325-$13,800/yr. tcslions.org
Go to AtlantaParent.com for the most up-to-date education resources
n Boarding Schools
n Open House Directory
n Homeschooling
n Private and Public Schools
n Charter Schools
n Montessori Schools
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n Preschools
n Special Needs Schools
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The Weber School. 6751 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-917-2500. 9th-12th. 307 students. $35,500/yr. weberschool.org Wesleyan School. 5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners (Gwinnett). 770-4487640. K-12th. 1,198 students. $22,395$30,555/yr. wesleyanschool.org Westminster. 1424 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-609-6202. Pre1st-12th. 1,880 students. $33,680-$38,560/yr. westminster.net Whitefield Academy. 1 Whitefield Dr., Smyrna (Cobb). 678-305-3000. PreK12th. 950 students. $14,800-$31,100/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). 404-321-9304. 18mos.-8th. 255 students. $18,100-$22,600/yr. arbormontessori.org
Arbor Montessori School
Atlanta Montessori International School. 1970 Cliff Valley Way NE and 1215 S. Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-325-6777. 8wks.-12yrs. 205 students. $17,580-$27,480/yr. amischool.com
Crabapple Montessori School. 12387 Crabapple Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-569-5200. 15mos.-12yrs. 220 students. $10,500-$18,000/yr. crabapplemontessori.com Cont’d on next page
Montessori School at Emory
a school where your child learns
• By Individual Instruction • A Love of Learning • To Think Outside the Box
An Authentic AMI Accredited Montessori School
• Independence • Respect for Others HALF or FULL DAY, • A Solid Foundation YEAR ROUND PROGRAMS • Foreign Language, Music, 7 am-6 pm
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
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 103
THE LIST: Atlanta’s Private Schools Endeavor Montessori. 48 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta (DeKalb). 770-637-4644. 6wks.-6yrs. 160 students. $20,160-$25,140/yr. endeavormontessori.com International Montessori Academy. 1240 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-474-6375. 8wks.-6yrs. 100 students. $16,500-$23,700/yr. imontessoriacademy.com Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs. 2830 Old Atlanta Rd., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-205-6277. 13mos.-12yrs. 210 students. $12,300-$21,600/yr. montessoriacademygeorgia.com Montessori Academy at Vickery. 6285 Post Rd., Cumming (Forsyth). 770-777-9131. 13mos.-12yrs. 182 students. $12,300$21,600/yr. montessorivickery.com Montessori In Town. 1192 Arkwright Place SE, Atlanta (DeKalb). 404-784-1038. 18mos.-12yrs. 135 students. $13,080$19,420/yr. montessoriintown.com Montessori School at Emory. 3021 North Decatur Rd., Decatur (DeKalb). 404-634-5777. 15mos.-14yrs. 200 students. $16,752-$24,000/yr. montessorischoolatemory.com Springmont School. 5750 Long Island Dr. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-252-3910. 18mos.-8th. 255 students. $13,165$28,485/yr. springmont.com Village Montessori School. 1610 Woodstock Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-552-0834. 18mos.-8th. 140 students. $9,800$18,300/yr. vmschool.com Springmont School
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The Cottage School
Special Needs Alexsander Academy. 1260 Upper Hembree Rd., Ste. D., Roswell (Fulton). 770-777-0475. 1st-12th. 25 students. $22,500-$31,500/yr. alexsanderacademy.org Brookwood Christian School for Dyslexia. 4728 Wood St., Acworth (Cobb). 678-401-5855. 1st-12th. 80 students. $21,000/yr. brookwoodchristian.com The Cottage School. 700 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-641-8688. 3rd-12th. 280 students. $26,000-$30,000/yr. cottageschool.org Cumberland Academy of Georgia. 650-A Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-835-9000. 4th-12th plus college. 100 students. $29,900/yr. cumberlandacademy.org GRACEPOINT. 1407 Cobb Parkway N, Marietta, (Cobb). 678-709-6634. 1st-8th. 133 students. $27,750-$28,250/yr. gracepointschool.org The Howard School. 1192 Foster St., Atlanta (Fulton). 404-377-7436. K-12th. 305 students. $39,590-$43,810/yr. howardschool.org Mill Springs Academy. 13660 New Providence Rd., Alpharetta (Fulton). 770-360-1336. K-12th. 197 students. $32,773/yr. millsprings.org Porter Academy. 200 Cox Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 770-594-1313. 4-14yrs. 70 students. $21,800/yr. porteracademy.org Sage School. 2435 Tech Center Pkwy NE, Lawrenceville, (Gwinnett). 678-318-3588. K-6th. 88 students. $28,222-$28,840/yr. sageschool.net The Schenck School. 282 Mt. Paran Rd. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-252-2591. K-6th. 250 students. $44,350/yr. schenck.org Swift School. 300 Grimes Bridge Rd., Roswell (Fulton). 678-205-4988. K-8th. 150 students. $37,450-$39,900/yr. theswiftschool.org The Wardlaw School of the Atlanta Speech School. 3160 Northside Pkwy. NW, Atlanta (Fulton). 404-233-5332. K- 6th. 194 students. $41,486-$43,145/yr. atlantaspeechschool.org
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Exciting things are coming to Mill Springs Academy!
Discover more at our January 15 Open House.
millsprings.org/visit
Serving Students in K-12 with Learning Differences 13660 New Providence Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 • 770-360-1336 • millsprings.org
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 105
Atlanta Parent’s
Sat., Feb. 1, 2025 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Studio Theatre, City Springs 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
OVERNIGHT CAMPS & DAY CAMPS
Learn more at atlantaparent.com/campexpo To exhibit, call 770-454-7599 or email lpowell@atlantaparent.com 106 Atlanta Parent
January 2025
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XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Atlanta History Center
JANUARY: Things to do this month
Repticon
Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
Clue
Top Events l Honoring MLK Jr l Must-See Exhibits l Now Showing Kids Love Titanic l Lunar New Year l Camp Expo atlantaparent.com
Family Fun Guide
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 107
JANUARY TOP EVENTS
Events may be cancelled or changed after our deadline. Please check before visiting to confirm. Full calendar online at atlantaparent.com
5Just
You Can’t Miss
Repticon
Gwinnett County Fairground Jan. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Jan. 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See live reptiles from all around the world and learn how to care for them. 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Lawrenceville. 863-268-4273. $12-$20; ages 5-12, $7.; ages 4 and younger, free. repticon.com
Atlanta Boat Show
Georgia World Congress Center Jan. 9-10, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Jan. 11, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Jan. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Explore boating activities and educational opportunities for all ages and boating experience levels. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. 314-287-6102. $15-$17; ages 12 and younger, free. atlantaboatshow.com
Junior Astronomy Workshop
Tellus Science Museum / Jan. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Step into the wonders of astronomy with a tour of the night sky in the Bentley Planetarium, learn how to use a rotary star chart and observe the sky in the Observatory. For ages 6 and older. Reservation required. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $35. tellusmuseum.org
Trains, Trains, Trains
The Southern Museum / Jan. 25-26, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. View an enormous model train display, and enjoy train-themed activities and historic trains. 2829 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. $10; ages 3-17, $5; ages 2 and younger, free. southernmuseum.org
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Family Fun Guide
Fairy House Breakfast
Chattahoochee Nature Center Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m.-noon Eat some of the same foods the fairies and gnomes would have for breakfast, explore the Enchanted Woodland Trail, and enjoy a special live animal encounter. For ages 4 and older. Reservation required. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-992-2055. $30. chattnaturecenter.org atlantaparent.com
Kid-Sized Fun at the Atlanta History Center Opening Jan. 11, the Atlanta History Center will unveil the Goizueta Children’s Experience. This immersive experience will open with the theme “Our Great Big City,” teaching young children about the vibrant history, people, arts and culture that define Atlanta. Designed for children ages 1-8, the exhibit will includes hands-on activities. Experience the Time Machine The Details Climber, where kids Goizueta Children’s Experience can ascend to new Atlanta History Center 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. heights, control a time 404-814-4000. atlantahistorycenter.com dial, explore historyn Tickets: $27; ages 4-12, $24; ages 3 and younger, free. themed games, and wiggle and move in the Dance Party Zone. Engage with the arts at the Mini Fox Theatre, which includes a Mighty Mo Organ. Explore Atlanta’s iconic drive-ins with The Varsity’s Silly Scent Station. Get creative and imaginative with the Creator Hub. For ages 1-3, visit Tiny Toddler Town, which is inspired by Atlanta’s vibrant neighborhoods.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNER
Dream Friends Entertainment
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Leave the planning to us! From start to finish, Ready Set Fun ensures a seamless, stress-free party experience. You just bring the smiles! 404-596-5566.
dreamfriendsentertainment.com
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Buck’s Sports and Circus Barn
Zone of Light Studio
Tiny Towne – Drive Safely
Buckhead’s top spot for private parties and camps! More than 300 costumes and epic performers. Themes: Circus, Sports, Crafts, Superheroes, Princesses, American Ninja Warrior and more.
Zone of Light is THE place for any kind of party, you tell us what you want – we’ll make it a party! Plus, we have the coolest Black Light room. Check us out – we put the ART in parties!
Drive a car at your next party! Choose from three different size cars, ride the train, play in the Arcade and eat at the Grill. Voted Best Place for Parties three years in a row. Let us do the planning! Book your party online or call 470-265-6665 .
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Family Fun Guide
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January 2025
Atlanta Parent 109
Lunar New Year, Johns Creek
LUNAR NEW YEAR In 2025, the Year of the Snake begins on Jan. 29. Celebrate the holiday at these events. Lunar New Year Celebration
Aurora Theatre / Jan. 25, 11:30 a.m. Join the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company with traditional Chinese music and dance as they guide you through the holiday. 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $7. auroratheatre.com
Lunar New Year Festival
Stone Mountain Park / Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2, 8-9, 4-9 p.m. This Asian-inspired festival pays tribute to the culture and New Year traditions of Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese and other countries with a special Drone and Light Show, a lighted parade and more. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 478-478-6686. $19.99; ages 2 and younger, free. stonemountainpark.com
19th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration
Doc Chey’s Noodle House / Jan. 28-30 Enjoy a delicious meal and receive a special fortune cookie with a surprise inside, such as T-shirts, hats, Atlanta United tickets and more. Physical prizes must be picked up on the same day. 1424 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-888-0777. doccheys.com
Lunar New Year
Atlanta Athletic Club Fields / Feb. 1, noon-4 p.m. Explore cultural diversity in the community with a Taste of Asia and performances. 1930 Bobby Jones Dr., Johns Creek. 678-512-3200. Free admission. johnscreekga.gov
PART-TIME SALES REPS
Decatur Lunar New Year
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January 2025
Beacon Municipal Center Feb. 2, 1-5 p.m. Celebrate the diverse customs of Vietnam, South Korea, China, Thailand, Japan and the Philippines with food, a marketplace and performances. 404 W. Trinity Pl., Decatur. $10; ages 17 and younger, free. decaturlny.com
Family Fun Guide
Decatur Lunar New Year
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It’s Time to Plan for Summer Camp! Mark Your Calendar! Atlanta Parent’s Summer Camp Expo is Sat., Feb. 1
2025 The Details: The Studio Theatre, City Springs. Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Spring. 770-454-7599. Free admission. atlantaparent.com
Summer will be here before we know it. What are you doing with you kids this summer? Make it the best summer yet and learn all about camps around metro Atlanta and beyond. Head to the 25th annual Atlanta Parent’s Camp Expo to make plans for your kids this summer. More than 40 different day and overnight camps will be at this year’s show. Bring the kids to browse the camp booths, collect giveaways and materials, talk to camp representatives and more. See what camps are attending atlantaparent.com/campexpo.
EXPLORE. CONNECT. ACHIEVE. HAVE FUN. High Meadows Camp is what camp should be! For more than 50 years, High Meadows Camp has provided campers an authentic, exciting outdoor program on 42 acres of woods, farmland, and unique facilities. Camp is open to 5-year-olds through rising ninth grade students. Registration is now open! Session 1: June 2 - June 20 Session 2: June 23 - July 11 Session 3: July 14 - August 1 Founded in 1973 |
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Roswell, Ga.
Family Fun Guide
| (770) 993-7375 | www.highmeadowscamp.org
January 2025
Atlanta Parent 111
SEE A SHOW
These plays and performances are sure to entertain your family. Photo by Evan Zimmerman
Sonic Symphony
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Jan. 4, 8 p.m. This immersive live experience celebrates more than three decades of music from SEGA’s iconic mascot with a full symphony orchestra. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2852. $45-$125. cobbenergycentre.com
The Adventures of the Gingerbread Man
Center for Puppetry Arts Jan. 8-19. See website for showtimes. This hilarious retelling of folktale favorites follows a gingerbread hero through a combination of The Little Red Hen, The Three Wishes, The Fisherman and His Wife and The Gingerbread Man. 1404 Spring St. NW at 18th, Atlanta. 404-873-3391. $22.75. puppet.org
Puppet Palooza Saturday
Stage Door Theatre Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m. Watch three folktales about wishing using different styles of puppetry with Piccadilly Puppets. 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody. 770-396-1726. $10. stagedoortheatrega.org
Adventure Playhouse
Dad’s Garage Jan. 11, 18 and 25; Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22; and March 1, 3 p.m. Join Quinn and the playhouse pals as they explore new worlds with help from the audience members, who can build the world of the story, play characters and sing or dance along. 569 Ezzard St., Atlanta. 404-523-3141. $15. dadsgarage.com
Clue
Gimme Please!
Alliance Theatre Jan. 16-Feb. 16. See website for showtimes. Explore the nature of friendship with these two friends as they pretend, provoke and persist in getting what they want and need from the world and each other. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4600. $12.50; ages 6-17, $5; ages 5 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org
Teen Spotlight: Twelfth Night the Musical
Woodstock Arts Jan. 17-26. See website for showtimes. Washed up on the shores of a strange new land, Viola must disguise herself as a man, and in the process, she finds her true self. 8534 Main St., Woodstock. 678-494-4251. $16-$20. woodstockarts.org
Miss Nelson Is Missing
Lawrenceville Arts Center / Jan. 18, 2:30 p.m. Teacher Miss Nelson goes missing and is replaced by Viola Swamp, a no-nonsense substitute who assigns piles of homework. Will the students learn to respect Miss Nelson? 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222. $12+. auroratheatre.com
Music for the Very Young – The Lion and the Mouse: A Musical Tale for Little Ears
Music for the Very Young – The Lion and the Mouse: A Musical Tale for Little Ears
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High Museum of Art Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Jan. 19, 1:30 and 3 p.m. Explore Aesop’s fable through musical storytelling with this heartwarming concert. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4800. $10; ages 7 and younger, free. aso.org
Family Fun Guide
Doctor De Soto
Alliance Theatre Jan. 18-March 2. See website for showtimes. Despite the sign stating they don’t treat predators, Doctor De Soto and Mrs. De Soto take pity on a suffering fox in this play proving even the smallest creatures can make a big difference with kindness and a little quick thinking. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4600. $20; ages 3-19, $10; ages 2 and younger, free. alliancetheatre.org
Clue
Fox Theatre / Jan. 28-Feb. 2. See website for showtimes. Based on the movie and inspired by the classic board game, enjoy this ultimate whodunit mystery in a comedic show. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100. $29.50+. foxtheatre.org
Shen Yun
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 1, and 2, 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 2, 2 p.m. View the vibrant, exciting and profound classical Chinese culture with this performance. 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta. 770-916-2852. $85-$220. cobbenergycentre.com
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Atlanta History Center
MLK EVENTS
This year, MLK’s birthday will be observed on Jan. 20. Commemorate his legacy with these events and activities. Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade
2025 King Holiday
The King Center / Jan. 7-20. See website for schedule. Celebrate, commemorate and honor the life, legacy and impact of MLK with workshops, service projects and more themed around “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.” Reservation required. 449 Auburn Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-526-8900. $0-$258.95. thekingcenter.org
Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center / Jan. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Watch this “Don’t Give Up on the Dream” themed parade and celebrate with food, vendors and entertainment. Reservation requested. 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville. 706-389-4065. Free admission. unitedebonysociety.org
Martin Luther King, Jr. Art & Film Celebration
MLK, JR. Day Parade
City Springs / Jan. 20, 1 p.m. View interactive art projects and a film to share the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022. Free admission. citysprings.com
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Woodruff Arts Center / Jan. 20, 2 p.m. This staged reading honors Martin Luther King Jr. with “Dreams Born of Chaos,” an original work inspired by Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb.” Reservation required. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4700. Free admission. alliancetheatre.org
Stonecrest / Jan. 18, 10 a.m. The NAACP DeKalb County Branch presents this themed “Still I Rise” parade, which will travel from Black Wall Street to Stonecrest Mall. Mall Pkwy., Stonecrest. 786-200-4764. Free admission. naacpdekalb.org
Atlanta History Center / Jan. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrate the women who have shaped the Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta and beyond. Reservation required. 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd. NW, Atlanta. 404-814-4000. Free admission. atlantahistorycenter.com
Palefsky Collision Project MLK Day Performance
Free Entrance Days
Jan. 20 Enjoy a free entrance day at National Parks in honor of MLK. Local sites include Arabia Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Chattahoochee River and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. nps.gov
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Day of Service
Acworth Community Center / Jan. 20, 8:30-11 a.m. Acworth honors the holiday with a welcome breakfast, Unity Walk and community service project. 4361 Cherokee St., Acworth. 770-974-8813. Free admission. acworthtourism.org
MLK Day 5K
First Baptist Church of Doraville Jan. 20, 9 a.m. Celebrate the diverse groups in the community with fellowship and fitness. Music starts at 8 a.m. 5935 New Peachtree Rd., Doraville. $35-$45. mlkday5k.com
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Annual Martin Luther King Day Parade
Family Fun Guide
January 2025
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THE BEST OF WINTER Walk through a winter wonderland with these activities.
Avalon on Ice
FIGURE EIGHTS Go for a spin at these seasonal ice skating rinks. n Skate the Sky. Ponce City Roof. Through Jan. 5. 675 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta. 770-999-1530. $22-$30. poncecityroof.com
IllumiNights at the Zoo: A Chinese Lantern Festival
LAST-CHANCE LIGHTS
BEYOND ATLANTA
These beautiful light displays are still open in January. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Atlanta Botanical Garden. Through Jan. 12. 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-876-5859. $29.95-$64.95; ages 3-12, $26.95-$46.95; ages 2 and younger, free; parking, extra. atlantabg.org
IllumiNights at the Zoo
Zoo Atlanta. Through Jan. 19. 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-624-9453. $20.99-$24.99; ages 3-11, $17.99-$19.99; ages 2 and younger, free. zooatlanta.org
Lakeside Lights Spectacular
Wonderlights Disco Nights
n Avalon on Ice. Avalon. Through Jan. 20. 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-1000. $18; ages 9 and younger, $14. experienceavalon.com n Skate City Springs. City Green. Through Jan. 20. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. $18; ages 2-9, $15. citysprings.com
Downtown Macon. Through Jan. 5. Poplar St., Macon. 478-743-1074. Free admission. visitmacon.org
Photo by Melissa Hollingsworth
LICENSE TO CHILL SNOW ISLAND Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Through Feb. 23. See website for schedule. Visit this ultimate winter escape for snow tubing, ice skating, carnival rides, snow angels, snowball fights, delicious bites and more. 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 470-323-3440. $54.99; ages 4-7, $39.99; ages 3 and younger, free. margaritavilleresorts. com/margaritaville-at-lanier-islands January 2025
n Skate the Station. Atlantic Station. Through Jan. 20. 1380 Atlantic Dr., Atlanta. 404-410-4010. $17. atlanticstation.com
State Botanical Garden of Georgia. Jan. 2-5. 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens. 706-614-1752. $15; ages 4 and younger, free. botgarden.uga.edu
Christmas Lights Extravaganza
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands. Through Jan. 20. 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy., Buford. 470-323-3440. $19.99; ages 4-7, $14.99; ages 3 and younger, free. margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-at-lanier-islands
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n Rink on the River. The Mill on Etowah. Through Jan. 20. 225 Reformation Pkwy., Canton. 404-710-3808. $14; ages 10 and younger, $12. etowahmill.com
n Sweetland on Ice. Sweetland Amphitheatre. Through Feb. 8. 110 Smith St., LaGrange. 706-298-5434. $15; ages 10 and younger, $10. sweetlandamp.com n Ice Days Conyers. Olde Town Conyers. Through Feb. 9. 949 S. Main St. NE, Conyers. 678-374-7655. $15; ages 8 and younger, $13. icedays.com/conyers n Ice Days Covington. Legion Field Fair Grounds. Through Feb. 9. 3173 Mill St. NE, Covington. 678-374-7655. $15; ages 8 and younger, $13. icedays.com/covington n The Ice Rink. Sugar Hill. Through Feb. 16. 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill. 770-554-7506. $15; ages 8 and younger, $13. haidrink.com n The Rink. Park Tavern. Through Feb. 17. 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. 404-249-0001. $15-$20. parktavern.com
Family Fun Guide
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MUST-SEE EXHIBITS
Visit these exhibits for family adventures and educational activities. X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside Out
Fernbank Museum / Opening Jan. 11 Peek beneath the scales to explore the intricate bony skeletons of fish, stingrays, eels and seahorses with x-rays. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $25.95; ages 3-12, $23.95; ages 2 and younger, free. fernbankmuseum.org
XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness
Want to reach local parents who are looking for your product, service, attraction or event?
Children’s Museum of Atlanta Jan. 25-May 4 Bring love and forgiveness to the forefront of your families’ minds with releasing the negative through writing or drawing, tracing a friend’s profile, connecting a story puzzle and more. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $15.95$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking
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XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness
Children’s Museum of Atlanta Through Jan. 12 Step into the north England home of inventor Wallace and his loyal dog, Gromit, to fix and design contraptions using STEM skills. 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Atlanta. 404-659-5437. $15.95-$19.95; ages 11 months and younger, free. childrensmuseumatlanta.org
Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
Exhibition Hub, Atlanta Art Center Through Jan. 31 Board the Titanic to explore life-sized recreations, artifacts, virtual reality experiences and more. 5660 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. $29.90+; ages 4-17, $22.90+; ages 3 and younger, free. feverup.com
The PAW Patrol Experience
CAMP / Through May 4 Join Ryder’s pups to defend Adventure Bay in this action-packed experience with obstacle courses, games and activities. 4551 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta. 404-282-8595. $24-$28; ages 1 and younger, free. camp.com
Patents: The Engine of Invention
The PAW Patrol Experience
GET OUTDOORS
Tellus Science Museum / Through July 27 See several miniature inventions and learn how patents helped make inventions. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $20; ages 3-17, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org
WildWoods: AGLOW
Fury: The Power of Nature
Enchanted Woodland Trail
Tellus Science Museum / Through Jan. 4, 2026 Learn about hurricanes, volcanoes and how scientists predict natural disasters, and enjoy hands-on activities. 100 Tellus Dr., Cartersville. 770-606-5700. $20; ages 3-17, $16; ages 2 and younger, free. tellusmuseum.org
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Fernbank Museum / Through Feb. 23 Walk through the mesmerizing wonders of nature with a blend of the real environment and glowing displays. 767 Clifton Rd., Atlanta. 404-929-6300. $29.95. fernbankmuseum.org Chattahoochee Nature Center Through Feb. 28 Spot the fairy and gnome homes along the forested trails. 9135 Willeo Rd., Roswell. 770-9922055. $20; ages 13-18, $16; ages 3-12, $14; ages 2 and younger, free. chattnaturecenter.org
Family Fun Guide
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Contact us today to get started. 770-454-7599 lpowell@atlantaparent.com January 2025
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THE TITANIC EXHIBIT: A KID PERSPECTIVE
Here are honest reviews from two kids who enjoyed exploring and learning about the Titanic. Have you ever thought of what it would be like to be on the infamous ship, the Titanic? When I entered the Titanic museum, I got a ticket with a passenger on it. I was a first class, 10-year-old passenger from Germany. The museum had fun rooms that made it look like I was really on the ship. I got to steer the ship and go on the deck. Then, we heard the radio calls when the Titanic hit the iceberg. I also did a VR experience where we walked through the ship while it was sinking and swam around the shipwreck site underwater. The museum was very fun, and I loved it! A fun fact I learned was: When the Titanic was sinking, there was a ship called the SS Californian that was only 19.5 miles away. The SS Californian radio crew fell asleep at 11:30 p.m. and the Titanic sent the distress message around midnight. – Corinne Eleanor Powell, age 11
The Titanic Exhibition at Exhibition Hub was amazing. It was so memorable and so fun!
Drawing by Andrew Sykes
We began in a line and a picture was taken of me. Another thing there was a GIGANTIC model of the Titanic. Then, we saw a map of the scientific trail of the iceberg, then, we saw a bit where you board the ship. Later, you were inside the boiler rooms and steam blasted to my shorts. One of my favorite things was a projector room and it was cold in the projector room. Finally, there was a VR simulator, which was amazing! My rating is 9.99/10. – Andrew Sykes, age 9
T
hrough Jan. 31, you can board the Titanic for an extraordinary expedition. Featuring life-sized recreations of rooms, immersive video animations and 3D views of the ship, learn about one of history’s most iconic tragedies. As part of the VIP package, dive into the depths of the ocean aboard a virtual submersible and discover the wreck site as part of a special virtual reality exploration. 116 Atlanta Parent
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Family Fun Guide
The Details Titanic: An Immersive Voyage Exhibition Hub, Atlanta Art Center 5660 Buford Hwy. NE, Doraville. feverup.com n Tickets: $29.90+; ages 4-17, $22.90+; ages 3 and younger, free.
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Sightseeing, Cable Cars and Eats: Exploring San Francisco with Kids by Laura Powell
“These hills are huge!” our daughter yelped as we walked through the Nob Hill neighborhood to the San Francisco Cable Car Museum. From parks and museums to eats and scenic views, the city offers plenty for your kids to enjoy. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in San Francisco.
n Explore Golden Gate Park
San Francisco’s central park, Golden Gate Park, is the biggest and most welcoming park in the city. We liked the mix of tourists and locals enjoying sunny SF. Start at the north end and cruise down to Ocean Beach, about a 7-mile bike ride round trip (rent a bike on-site). Stop on the way to play ping pong and stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden (japaneseteagardensf.com). Bring a snack to enjoy at Stow Lake or Hellman Hollow.
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n More SF Highlights
We took the N Muni train to the painted ladies for the best views of the city. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Muni station. A short train ride from the painted ladies, chow on pizza and enormous calzones at Tony’s Pizza (tonyspizzanapoletana.com) in North Beach, the traditionally Italian neighborhood. Tony’s gets busy, so arrive early. Playing at the park across from Tony’s was a highlight for our family. An easy train trip to the east side of the city, we rooted for the San Francisco Giants as we chomped on more than a couple of orders of garlic fries. If the Giants are out of town, you can take a guided tour of the ballpark. We saw our favorite Rothko, Warhol and Kahlo paintings at San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (sfmoma.org). We beat the crowds and visited on a Thursday when the museum is open until 8 p.m.
n Ride on a Cable Car
Don’t be bashful — taking a ride on San Francisco’s famous cable cars is a must-do experience. We enjoyed the open air and scenic views from the cable car, and our kids loved the thrill of hanging on. Consider starting your ride at a less crowded spot such as near the Ferry Building. Get a bite to eat beforehand at Gott’s Roadside (gotts.com) or Acme Bread Company (acmemarkets.com) in the Ferry Building. We tried padel for the first time at Embarcadero Plaza (parkpadel.com). After your cable car ride, don’t miss the free Cable Car Museum (cablecarmuseum.org), where you can see the inner workings of the system as well as learn about Friedel Klussmann, the woman who saved the San Francisco cable car. We couldn’t get enough of the retro 1980s promotional video at the museum. For kids who love trains and transportation, there’s more at the San Francisco Railway Museum (streetcar.org/museum). Get your Muni gear and learn more about one of the most transit-friendly cities in the United States (sfmta.com/muni-transit).
Family Fun Guide
n Where to Stay
The world-famous Westin St. Francis (mariott.com) is an excellent, centralized place to stay in San Francisco. It offers newly-renovated suites for families and connecting rooms in the Landmark building. The Westin Club Lounge is perfect for families with delicious breakfast, pastries, hors d’oeuvres and drinks for Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador Marriott Bonvoy members. Just taking the elevator at the St. Francis, with views of Union Square, is a highlight. You’ll want to visit the department stores and restaurants nearby as well. January 2025
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e h t r o f fridge
You can get excited about the future; the past won’t mind. — HILARY DEPIANO
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