Education 101

Terms to Know in Your Search for the Right Educational Experience for Your Child

CHARTER SCHOOL A tax-supported public school that is independently run, allowing for greater educational choice for parents in the community.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING An educational approach using applied, hands-on methods of learning.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) A specifically designed comprehensive academic program emphasizing traditional disciplines while instilling a global perspective in its students.

MAGNET SCHOOL A public school that offers a specific or enhanced curriculum designed for students of special interest or ability.

MONTESSORI A school following the principles developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, focusing on the unique individuality, self-reliance and independence of children.

SPECIAL NEEDS A school or program for children who have mild to moderate learning differences. It usually features smaller class sizes, individualized attention and multisensory learning methods.

ACCREDITATION Official certification that guarantees a school provides an education of a reasonably high quality. Schools must prove levels of quality and maintain continuous standards of improvement.

ACT An alternative to the SAT, this national college admissions examination consists of subject area tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, with an optional 40-minute writing test.

COLLEGE AND CAREER READY PERFORMANCE INDEX (CCRPI) A school improvement, accountability and communication platform for all educational stakeholders that will prepare all Georgia public

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Education that applies to children from birth to age 8, focusing specifically on their development, including physical, emotional, sensory, communicative, cognitive and social needs.

EVERY STUDENT SUCCEEDS ACT assistance to attend eligible public and private Georgia colleges and universities.

(ESSA) The main federal law for K-12 general education covers all students in public schools.

GEORGIA MILESTONES Tests designed to measure how well students in grades 3 through 12 acquire the skills and knowledge outlined in the state-adopted content standards. They replaced the CRCT and involve both multiplechoice and free-response questions.

MISSION/PHILOSOPHY A statement outlining the guidelines a school follows as it works to achieve its various educational goals and/or maintain its performance standards.

Notification Deadline

The date by which an independent school notifies families of the acceptance of a child for enrollment to the school.

OPEN HOUSE An event held at a school where parents can learn more about the school and its offerings.

Georgia

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Statewide standards of academic content for all K-12 subjects, to which every school must adhere and on which students are annually tested.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally)

Funded by the Georgia Lottery since its founding in 1993, this is a scholarship in the state that rewards academically achieving students with financial

Did You Know?

In May, Georgia students Aira Dani, Michelle Li, Sahil Sood and Jack Xu were recognized as U.S. Presidential Scholars.

PSAT A standardized test that offers students practice for the SAT Reasoning Test and allows them to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program

REPLY DEADLINE The date by which parents must notify an accepting school of their commitment to enroll their child at the school.

SAT This standardized test, known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, measures the critical thinking, writing and mathematical reasoning skills of students planning to attend college.

Secondary School

ADMISSIONS TEST (SSAT) The admissions test that many independent schools require students take in order to be considered for enrollment.

SUMMER CAMP A common destination for children and teenagers during the summer, at which they can participate in a variety of activities or classes.

Critical Communication