Mt. Bethel Christian Academy: First and Only Faith-Based K-12 School in East Cobb
As the freshmen Class of 2018 walked through the doors on August 7, 2014, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy became the first and only faith-based, K-12 independent school in East Cobb. The school’s expansion from a K-8 was made possible through the acquisition of a second campus, 33 acres near the corner of Post Oak Tritt Road and Holly Springs Road. The site had been owned by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, which had operated it as a preschool and athletic recreation facility for several decades. Though nearly “ready made” for a school, aesthetic and functional renovations to the existing facilities are underway and will continue through late winter. The addition of the upper school is the final stage of a plan adopted nearly two decades ago. Mt. Bethel Christian Academy was founded in 1998 by Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, a mainstay of the East Cobb community since 1840. Dr. Randy Mickler and founder Darren DeVore envisioned a Christ-centered, college-preparatory K-12 school on Mt. Bethel’s existing 44-acre campus on Lower Roswell Road. In its first sixteen years, Mt. Bethel Christian grew from a starting class of twenty-five kindergartners to 560 students in grades K-8th. And now, with the addition of an Upper School campus serving grades 9-12, the school is poised to grow further still. Enrollment growth at the Upper School is planned in two phases. Phase One, using renovated existing facilities, will allow for a total of 180 students. Phase Two, which will require the construction of new classroom space, will push enrollment to a maximum of 450 students - approximately 110 per grade level. College-preparatory in it’s approach, Mt. Bethel’s Upper 18 October 2014
School curriculum is designed to challenge students with honors and AP courses offered in all core subjects. Students are guided through the rigorous curriculum by expert teachers. The founding faculty of the Upper School are deeply experienced, certified educators who welcome the opportunity to form deep, impactful relationships with students. For students interested in athletics, the new Upper School campus abounds with opportunity. The expansive facilities include tennis courts, swimming pool, cross country course, indoor and outdoor gymnasiums, fully equipped fitness center, baseball field, and activity field. In addition, the campus features a two-acre pond, which will be used for recreation as well as experiential learning as it is incorporated into the science curriculum. Asked about the distinctives of the school, Head of School, Jim Callis, replies, “Over the course of a high school career, the typical student will spend nearly 5,000 hours in direct contact with teachers and coaches. Outside of their parents, these relationships may well be the most important in a student’s life. Mt. Bethel faculty take seriously their responsibility to be Godly role models for students who are being prepared academically, physically and spiritually to leave home, move on to success in college, career and community.” Campus tours are available and applications for 2015 enrollment are now being accepted for grades K-8 at the Main Campus and 9th and 10th grade at the North Campus. For more information, visit www.mtbethelchristian.org or call Jackie Grasty, Director of Admission, at 770-971-0245.
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE While the public schools in East Cobb County do a good job of providing a quality education, many East Cobb parents seek out “a better fit” for their junior scholars. Finding a quality private school can be a daunting task. As a first step, take a look at our eighth annual list of private schools. Many of these schools will be hosting Open Houses this month, and quite a few have registration deadlines in January or February. So if you are considering private education, now is the time to investigate your options.
Alexsander Academy 1090 Powers Place Alpharetta 30009 770-777-0475 www.alexsanderacademy.org Tuition: $9,000-$24,500 Grades: 1-8 Students: N/A Co-Education Directors: Maya Mehanna, Susan Salganek Atlanta Academy, The 2000 Holcomb Woods Parkway Roswell 30076 678-461-6102 www.atlantaacademy.com Tuition: $6,000-$12,400 Grades: 18mos-8 Students: 275 Head of School: Angela Naples Atlanta International School 2890 North Fulton Drive Atlanta 30305 404-841-3840 www.aischool.org Tuition: $20,143-$22,995 Grades: 3K-12 Students: 1,160 Headmaster: Kevin Glass
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Atlanta Girls’ School 3254 Northside Parkway NW Atlanta 30327 404-845-0900 www.atlantagirlsschool.org Tuition: $19,800-$20,500 Grades: 6-12 Students: 238 Head of School: Ayanna Hillgill
Brandon Hall School 1701 Brandon Hall Drive Atlanta 30350 770-394-8177 www.brandonhall.org Tuition: $28,750 Grades: 6-12 Students: 200 Headmaster: Dr. John L. Singleton
Atlanta Jewish Academy 5200 Northland Drive NE Atlanta 30342 404-843-9900 www.atljewishacademy.org Tuition: $14,302-$27,748 Grades: Infants-12 Students: 364 Head of School: Leah Summers
CASA Montessori 150 Powers Ferry Road Marietta 30067 770-973-2731 www.casamontessori.com Tuition: $7,800-$10,050 Grades: PreK-6 Students: 160 Directors: Florence& Suzanne Johnson
Blessed Trinity Catholic High School 11320 Woodstock Road Roswell 30075 678-277-9083 www.btcatholic.org Tuition: $11,600 Grades: 9-12 Students: 976 Principal: Frank Moore
Chrysalis Experiential Academy 10 Mansell Court East Suite 500 Roswell 30076 770-649-7077 www.chrysalis-academy-org. Tuition: $15,400-$20,900 Grades: 5-12 Students: 42 Director: Dr. Roy Alexander
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Cottage School, The 700 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell 30075 770-641-8688 www.cottageschool.org Tuition: $24,200-$24,950 Grades: 6-12 Students: 165 Director:Jacque Digieso Cresco Montessori School 3001 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta 30062 770-992-8031 www.crescomontessori.com Tuition: $360/mo.-$975/mo. Grades: Infant-PreK Students: 80 Principal: Michelle Knapp Cumberland Academy of Georgia 650A Mt. Vernon Highway NE Atlanta 30328 404-835-9000 www.cumberlandacademy.org Tuition: $22,100 Grades: 4-12 and post-graduates Students: 98 Principal: Don Sasso
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE Davis Academy 8105 Roberts Drive Atlanta 30350 770-671-0085 www.davisacademy.org Tuition: $17,260-$19,750 Grades: K-8 Students: 670 Head of School: Amy Shafron East Cobb Christian School 4616 Roswell Road Marietta 30062 770-565-0881 www.eccs.org Tuition:$4,600-$6,200 Grades: K-8 Students: 125 Principal: Teresa Staley East Cobb Prep 3875 Shallowford Road Marietta 30062 770-649-0415 www.eastcobbprep.com Tuition: $212-$240/wk Grades: Infants- after school up to age 10 Students: 180 Director: Erin Fleishman
Eastside Christian School 2450 Lower Roswell Road Marietta 30068 770-971-2332 www.eastsidechristianschool. com Tuition: $5,800-$8,000 Grades: K-8 Students: 370 Head of School: Rusty Hill Eaton Academy 1000 Old Roswell Lakes Parkway Roswell 30076 770-645-2673 www.EatonAcademy.org Tuition: $18,400-$19,400 Grades: K-12 Students: 130-150 President: Bridget Eaton-Partalis Epstein School, The 335 Colewood Way NW Sandy Springs 30328 404-250-5600 www.epsteinatlanta.org Tuition: $6,195-$19,950 Grades: 18mos-8 Students: 540 Head of School: Stan Beiner
Faith Lutheran School 2111 Lower Roswell Road Marietta 30068 770-973-8921 www.faithlcms.org Tuition: $4,875-$8,625 Grades: Preschool-8 Students: 165 Principal: Daryl Kruse Fellowship Christian School 10965 Woodstock Road Roswell 30075 770-641-6816 www. fellowshipchristianschool.org Tuition: $3,432-$13,782 Grades: K4-12 Students: 866 Headmaster: Kathy Teston Harvest Baptist School 3460 Kellogg Creed Road Acworth 30102 770-974-9091 www.hbsga.org Tuition: $4,500 Grades: K3-12 Students: 58 Principal: Bill Lystlund High Meadows School 1055 Willeo Road Roswell 30075 770-993-2940 www.highmeadows.org Tuition: $8,040-$17,250 Grades: Preschool-8 Students: 390 Head of School: Jay Underwood Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School 805 Mount Vernon Highway Atlanta 30327 404-255-4026 www.hies.org Tuition: $9,000-$23,500 Grades: Preschool-12 Students: 1,362 Head of School: Paul Barton
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Holy Spirit Preparatory School 4449 Northside Drive Atlanta 30327 (Upper School) 4820 Long Island Drive Atlanta 30342 (Lower School) 4465 Northside Drive Atlanta 30327 (Preschool) 678-904-2811 www.holyspiritprep.org Tuition: $5,400-$21,600 Grades: PreK2-12 Students: 650 Head of School: Kyle M. Pietrantonio Howard School, The 1192 Foster Street Atlanta 30318 404-377-7436 www.howardschool.org Tuition: $27,000-$29,000 Grades: K-12 Students: 244 Head of School: Marifred Cilella Lovett School, The 4075 Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta 30327 404-262-3032 www.lovett.org Tuition: $20,820-$24,640 Grades: K-12 Students: 1,675 Headmaster: William S. Peebles IV Lyndon Academy 485 Toonigh Road Woodstock 30188 770-926-0166 www.lyndonacademy.org Tuition: $11,000-$13,000 Grades: Jr. K-8 Students: 187 Headmaster: Linda Murdock Marist School 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE Atlanta 30319 770-457-7201 www.marist.com Tuition: $17,200 Grades: 7-12 Students: 1,080 Principal: Rev. Joel Konzen, S.M.
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE Choosing A Private School The reasons cited over and over again by families who send their children to private schools include individual attention, small classes, teacher excellence, and high academic standards. Your decision to consider an independent/private school is just the beginning. While private schools set high standards and emphasize values, they are wonderfully distinct from each other. There are day and boarding schools; coeducational, girls’, and boys’ schools. Enrollment varies from a few dozen to a few thousand students. Some independent schools are progressive, others more traditional in structure. Private schools also serve a varying range of students in terms of abilities and interests. Some schools offer special programs such as intensified instruction in the fine and performing arts, experiential learning projects, or travel abroad seminars. Many schools excel at rigorous intellectual preparation; others are dedicated to average learners; and some specialize in teaching bright students with learning disabilities. Since each of these schools has something unique to offer, ideally you are trying to match a student’s needs with the appropriate school. Write or call the admissions office for published information about a school’s philosophy and programs, and then make an appointment to visit.
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If you haven’t done so already, contact each potential school for information dealing with philosophy, curriculum, extracurricular offerings, admission process, and financing options. Compare each school’s literature with the items on your list; this should give you a preliminary sense of which schools are a good match. Take into account what type of environment would be best for your child and consider his or her individual strengths as you examine each school’s program. The best time to apply is in the fall preceding the academic year of the student’s admission; however, applications are considered throughout the school year. Most schools will require a personal interview, admissions testing, and information from your child’s current school. Ask the individual school for the details of its application procedures and testing dates. In short, choosing the right school for your child is likely the most important single decision you might make in terms of setting the proper path and direction for life. A little preparation and research on the part of parents will go miles toward making the ultimate destination clear at the exit ramp.
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road Kennesaw 30152 770-578-0182 www.mtparanschool.com Tuition: $5,044-$15,476 Grades: PreK-12 Students: 1,215 Headmaster: Dr. David Tilley Mount Vernon Presbyterian School 471 Mt. Vernon Highway NE (Early Learning-6) 510 Mt. Vernon Highway NE (7-12) Atlanta 30328 404-252-3448 www.mountvernonschool.org Tuition: $9,390-$18,955 Grades: Early Learning-12 Students: 931 Head of School: Dr. J. Brett Jacobsen
Celebrating over 50 years of Success in Classes for 18 Month Old Through 8th Grade
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy 4385 Lower Roswell Road Marietta 30068 (K-8) 2509 Post Oak Tritt Road Marietta 30062 (9-12) 770-971-0245 www.mtbethelchristian.org Tuition: $10,370-$14,500 Grades: K-12 Students: 568 Head of School: Jim R. Callis North Cobb Christian School 4500 Lakeview Drive Kennesaw 30144 770-975-0252 www.ncchristian.org Tuition: $4,325-$13,360 Grades: K3-12 Students: 910 Head of School: Todd Clingman
2111 Lower Roswell Road l Marietta, GA 770-973-8921 l www.faithmarietta.com
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Omega Private Academy 2960 Shallowford Road Marietta 30066 www. omegaprivateacademy. com Tuition: $9,980 Grades: K-12 Students: 16 Head of School: Mihir Chheda Pace Academy 966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta 30327 404-262-1345 www.paceacademy.org Tuition: $21,000-$24,200 Grades: Pre-First-12 Students: 1,085 Head of School: Frederick Assaf Porter Academy 200 Cox Road Roswell 30075 770-594-1313 www.porteracademy.org Tuition: $18,959 Grades: PreK-8 Students: 75 Head of School: Claudia Porter Queen of Angels Catholic School 11340 Woodstock Road Roswell 30075 770-518-1804 www.qaschool.org Tuition: $7,450 Grades: K-8 Students: 504 Principal: Molly Carlin Riverside Military Academy 2001 Riverside Drive Gainesville 30501 770-532-6251 www.riversidemilitary.com Tuition: $32,000 Grades: 7-12 Students: 460 President: Dr. James Benson
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE Schenck School, The 282 Mt. Paran Road NW Atlanta 30327 404-252-2591 www.schenck.org Tuition: $28,930 Grades: K-6 Students: 250 Head of School: Gena W. Calloway
St. Francis High School 13440 Cogburn Road Milton 30004 678-339-9989 www.saintfrancisschools. com Tuition: $18,000-$19,950 Grades: 9-12 Students: 320 Principal: Colette Staak
Shiloh Hills Christian School 260 Hawkins Store Road Kennesaw 30144 770-926-7729 www.shilohhills.com Tuition: $3,229-$8,183 Grades: K3-12 Students: 250 Principal: Terry Farrant
St. Joseph Catholic School 81 Lacy Street Marietta 30060 770-428-3328 www.stjosephschool.org Tuition: $6,145 Grades: K-8 Students: 490 Principal: Patricia Allen
Shreiner Academy 1340 Terrell Mill Road Marietta 30067 770-953-1340 www.shreiner.com Tuition: $1,193-$1,463/monthly Grades: 2K-8 Students: 200 President: Todd F. Avis
St. Jude the Apostle School 7171 Glenridge Drive NE Atlanta 30328 770-394-2880 www.saintjude.net Tuition: $7,705 Grades: K-8 Students: 510 Principal: Patty Childs
Sophia Academy 2880 Dresden Drive Atlanta 30341 404-303-8722 www.sophiaacademy.org Tuition: $4,900-$22,000 Grades: PreK-12 Students: 90 Director: Marie S. Corrigan
St. Martin’s Episcopal School 3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Road Atlanta 30319 404-237-4260 www.stmartinschool.org Tuition: $10,500-$18,100 Grades: PreK3-8 Students: 600 Headmaster: Dr. James E. Hamner
St. Catherine of Siena 1618 Ben King Road Kennesaw 30144 770-419-8601 www.scsiena.org Tuition: $7,150-$7,650 Grades: K-8 Students: 441 Principal: Sister Mary Patrick, O.P. St. Francis Day School 9375 Willeo Road Roswell 30075 770-641-8257 www.saintfrancisschools.com Tuition: $11,000-$19,000 Grades: K-8 Students: 500 Headmaster: Drew Buccellato
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Swift School, The 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell 30075 678-205-4988 www.theswiftschool.org Tuition: $23,285-$23,685 Grades: 1-8 Students: 275 Head of School: Richard J. Wendlek
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE Trinity School 4301 Northside Parkway Atlanta 30327 404-231-8118 www.trinityatl.org Tuition: $15,100-$21,305 Grades: 3yrs-6 Students: 641 Head of School: Joseph Marshall
Westminster Schools, The 1424 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta 30327 404-355-8673 www.westminster.net Tuition: $21,070-$24,435 Grades: K-12 Students: 1,856 President: Keith Evans
Walker School, The 700 Cobb Parkway North Marietta 30062 678-581-6921 www.thewalkerschool.org Tuition: $8,820-$20,100 Grades: PreK-12 Students: 982 Head of School: Jack Hall
Whitefield Academy 1 Whitefield Drive SE Mableton 30126 678-305-3000 www.whitefieldacademy. com Tuition: $10,000-$20,000 Grades: PreK4-12 Students: 767 Headmaster: Dr. Kevin Bracher
Weber School, The 6751 Roswell Road Atlanta 30328 404-917-2500 www.weberschool.org Tuition: $25,000 Grades: 9-12 Students: 225 Head of School: Rabbi Edward Harwitz
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Wood Acres School, The 1772 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta 30062 770-971-1880 www.woodacresschool.org Tuition: $3,000-$10,000 Grades: Peschool-8 Students: 420 Head of School: Judy Thigpen
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PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE The Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS ) The Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools is an affiliation of independent schools in the Atlanta area that operates under similar ethical and organizational guidelines. AAAIS schools also administer a nondiscriminatory policy towards admission and do not discriminate regarding race, color, creed, gender, national origin or age. For more than three decades, the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS) has provided a structure and framework for its member schools and the families who seek to learn more about independent school education. The association’s member schools - day and boarding, rural, urban and suburban - collectively enroll thousands of new students each year. The missions of these schools are as richly diverse as the population of the Atlanta metropolitan area. Most AAAIS schools have an application deadline in either February or March of the year prior to the time a student wishes to enroll. In order to be considered, it is essential that applicants attend to the application deadline and adhere to the deadline at each school to which they apply. Members of AAAIS utilize a common calendar for admissions issues. In particular, AAAIS schools agree to a common notification date to allow candidates to know their status, whether accepted, wait listed, or denied. The notification date generally occurs during the first week in April prior to the August a student
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would begin classes. Many of the AAAIS member schools provide some financial aid to students who show documented need. No performance-based or athletic assistance is available in AAAIS schools. Policies and calendars related to financial aid vary widely between schools, and candidates interested in financial aid issues should speak directly with admissions officers at the schools in which they have interest. The Joint Atlanta Testing Program (JATP) involves a consortium of the AAAIS member schools. The JATP schools utilize a common test administration for students applying for positions in Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. Applicants may wish to inquire with each admissions office with regard to whether the school is a participant in the JATP or whether the school conducts its own testing for grades Pre-Kindergarten through fifth. AAAIS schools encourage families to complete their visits early in the admission process. In order to prevent inappropriate “rushing” of accepted students, AAAIS asks that parents and applicants not visit campuses between the Common Notification Date and the Common Reply Date. For more information about the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools and a list of member schools, visit www.aaais.org.
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