School Spotlight

High Meadows School Naturally Nurturing Inquiring Minds

By Donna Neale

hen prospective students and their parents visit Roswell’s High Meadows School, they won’t see as many textbooks as they might expect. What they will see is a variety of farm animals, including rabbits, goats, chickens and sheep. They’ll also see an archery range, a large barn convert ed into a theater and lots of rolling grassland across the 42-acre campus. That’s because the outdoors plays a large part in the school’s curriculum. “Ours is a school where adventure, play and discovery go hand in hand with extraordinary academic preparation and exemplary student outcomes,” explains Laura Nicholson, director of admissions at High Meadows. “We see our outdoor spaces as an extension of every classroom, and our teachers find many ways to incorporate outdoor learning every day.”

High Meadows is an authorized International Baccalaureate World School, guiding students from pre-K through fifth grade through its renowned Primary Years Programme. Classrooms are focused on experiential learning, both inside and outside of physical buildings, giving students unique opportunities to investigate the natural intersection of academics and environment.

The school’s commitment to progressive education is reflected throughout the curriculum. “Our inquiry-based approach encourages children to ask the next question, to embrace intellectual challenge, to consider multiple perspectives and to discover the wonders of life through experience,” Nicholson says.

Low teacher-to-student ratios, highly qualified teachers in every class and a multiage learning approach maximize critical thinking within a close-knit learning community. W

Middle-school students are immersed in a program that is both rigorous and engaging. They are encouraged to take risks, broaden their interests and think deeply about their experiences. Emphasis is placed on the authentic learning and reflection that fosters a greater self-awareness and a commitment to their role in the world around them.

Middle-schoolers also explore a variety of topics and passions through special mini-courses. Each middle-school student takes two of these elective courses a day, cycling through such unique subjects as metalsmithing, animal science, outdoor living skills and the history of rock and roll.

In addition, extensive extracurricular activities and after-school enrichment programs offer additional avenues to explore interests such as debate, jazz band, theater arts, ultimate Frisbee, robotics, karate and computer coding. High Meadows also offers extended care programs that accommodate students arriving early or staying after school.

The school also values parental involvement. “High Meadows is truly a community, and we love for parents to come participate in their child’s educational journey,” Nicholson says.

Through its lively campus and robust programs, the school offers a focused environment for transforming authentic learning into an adventure and forging exemplary education from child’s play. N

THE SPECIFICS Grades: Age 3 through 8th grade Student/Teacher Ratio: Average is 10 to 1 (lower in Pre-K) Tuition: $6,900 to $21,050 (need-based financial aid available) Location: Roswell Contact: 1055 Willeo Rd., Roswell, GA 30075, 770-993-2940 Web: highmeadows.org

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CHECK OUT YOUR NEW CITY’S MUST-SEE PLACES

Welcome to Atlanta! By now, you’ve probably realized how many things there are to do and see in your new hometown. It’s got something for everyone: art lovers, history buffs, sports fanatics … even whale shark enthusiasts. While there are dozens of sights to take in and places to explore, on the pages that follow we’ve narrowed down 20 of the city’s must-see picks.

Everything you need to know about the history of Atlanta can be found here. Permanent exhibits detail the Civil War, Southern folk art, Atlanta’s hosting of the 1996 Olympic Games and more. The Atlanta Cyclorama moved into a new space at the center in 2019. There’s also a vast collection of origi nal papers and artifacts. The center also operates three historic houses, includ ing the famed Swan House, which appeared in “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in 2013. 404-814-4000, atlantahistorycenter.com 1 ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER

There’s nothing like catching a show at the Fox. Whether it’s a concert, movie screening or Broadway play, everything looks more special under the Fabulous Fox’s twinkling night sky. But you don’t have to see a performance to experience its ornate, detailed design: The Fox hosts guided, behind-thescenes tours two to three days per week that highlight 10 of the theatre’s special features, including Mighty Mo, the world’s largest working Moller organ. 404-881-21000, foxtheatre.org 2 FOX THEATRE

Opened in 2014 just steps from Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, this mustsee destination features exhibits and educational programs that aim to show visitors how the American civil rights movement and modern civil rights issues around the world are linked— and empowers them to enact change in their own communities. 678-999-8990, civilandhumanrights.org 3 Center for Civil and Human Rights

By Anna Bentley

Located in Marietta, the Gone with the Wind Museum is a fascinating shrine to the classic novel and film, with movie memorabilia, some of Margaret Mitchell’s personal volumes of the book and much more. The museum offers group tours, has a gift shop and rents indoor and outdoor space for events, including weddings. 770-794-5576, gwtwmarietta.com 4 GONE WITH THE WIND MUSEUM

The Southeast’s leading art museum features more than 14,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs and draw ings spanning 19th- and 20th-century American, European and African art in its permanent col lection, plus an impressive selection of special and traveling exhibits. Exhibits scheduled for 2015 include a European print series, Paa Joe’s architectural sculptures and design featuring sensory expression and new approaches. 404- 733-4400, high.org 5 HIGH MUSEUM OF ART

This can’t-miss attraction showcases significant landmarks of the civil rights movement and the history of both Atlanta and the nation. It’s actually made up of five sites: the home on Au burn Avenue where King was born; Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he began preaching at age 19; the King Center, where King and his wife Coretta Scott King are buried; the Peace Plaza, home of the “I Have A Dream” World Peace Rose Gar den; and the Visitor’s Center. 404-331-5190, nps.gov/malu 6 Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site

Located at Atlantic Station, “Bodies … The Exhibition” is a permanent exhibit that educates visitors on human anatomy. Displaying more than 200 real human bodies and specimens, it provides an up-close look at the body’s skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, urinary and circulatory systems. “Bodies” also offers field trips and group tours for schools and large groups. 404-496- 4274, bodiesatlanta.com 7‘BODIES … THE EXHIBITION’

This downtown destination stimulates the imagination and encourages a sense of discovery with interactive exhibits that let kids learn how food goes from farm to table, create works of art, engage in creative problem-solving and more. The museum has both permanent exhibits and temporary traveling ones. This year’s traveling exhibits feature the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Trivial Pursuit and Thomas Edison. 404-659- 5437, childrensmuseumatlanta.org 8 Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Families and thrill-seekers alike have been coming to the Austell theme park for over 50 years to ride roller coasters like the Georgia Cyclone, Great American Scream Machine and Mind Bender. In 2020, the theme park will add two rides: Catwoman Whips and Poison Ivy Toxic Spin. 770-739-3400, sixflags.com/overgeorgia 9 Six Flags Over Georgia

This popular spot was billed as the world’s largest aquarium when it opened in 2005, and it’s only grown since. The aquarium is the home of more than 100,000 animals, with hundreds of species including sharks, beluga whales, sea otters and dolphins. The dolphins even star in their own musical show. In addition to its themed galleries, the aquarium offers visitors unique experiences like behindthe-scenes tours, penguin encounters and even diving with whale sharks. 404-581-4000, georgiaaquarium.org 10 Georgia Aquarium

There are a lot of cool things about the Fernbank Museum: the striking dinosaur skeletons in the grand lobby, the fossils embedded in the limestone floors and the twinkling constellations in the Star Gallery. The museum is a great place for children to learn about science and Earth’s history, and its grounds include a 65-acre forest with immersive trails, play areas and sensory stations. 404-929-6300, fernbankmuseum.org 11 FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATU RAL HISTORY

Just off Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is devoted to developing and main taining an impressive collection of plants for education, research, conservation and enjoy ment. Must-see areas include the Fuqua Orchid Center (the nation’s largest collection of orchids under glass), the Kendeda Canopy Walk above the Storza Woods, and the elegant Rose Garden. 404-876-5859, atlantabg.org 15ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDEN

Located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, this 35,000-square-foot interactive playground features 14 attractions. They include Miniland (which has replicas of Atlanta buildings and landmarks), a 4D cinema, a Lego factory tour, a Master Builder Academy, The Great Lego Race VR Experience and much more. 404-848-9252, atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com 12 LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER

It’s only fitting that the World of Coca-Cola is located in Pemberton Place, a downtown plaza boasting some of the city’s top attractions: It’s named after John S. Pemberton, the inventor of Coca-Cola. The World of Coca-Cola celebrates Pemberton’s invention with exhibits about the soft drink brand’s history, memorable advertising campaigns and global reach. 404-676-5151, worldofcoca-cola.com 13 WORLD OF COCA-COLA

Ever wanted to feed a giraffe? Meet an African elephant? How about spy on a giant panda cub? You’re in luck: Zoo Atlanta offers all these experiences, plus wildlife shows, keeper training demonstrations and more than 200 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals on display. The zoo also offers educational summer camps and NightCrawler overnight adventures for kids and families. 404-624-9453, zooatlanta.org 14 Zoo Atlanta

| Newcomer Magazine | newcomeratlanta.com 32 It might seem like an odd pick, but Historic Oakland Cemetery, a Southern example of the garden cemeteries popular in the mid- to late 1800s, is one of the city’s most peaceful greenspaces. More than 1,400 trees dot its 48 acres, and heirloom daffodils, garden mums, irises and evergreens can be enjoyed throughout the year. Take a self-guided stroll or opt for one of the cemetery’s popular guided tours, highlighting its most famous residents. 404-688-2107, oaklandcemetery.com 16 OAKLAND CEMETERY

Every city has its hallowed ground, and Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s. This popular Midtown spot is the site of numerous fes tivals, concerts and other special events throughout the year. Every other day, it’s a top spot for joggers, swimmers, sun bathers, energetic pups and anyone in need of fresh air. 404-875-7275, piedmontpark.org 17 PIEDMONT PARK

Located just east of the city, this is the perfect spot to spend the day hiking— and the night enjoying a laser show on an 825-foot stone mountainside. Stone Mountain is known for its Civil War memorial carving of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, and also offers fishing, golf, plenty of hiking and numerous festivals throughout the year. 800-401-2407, stonemountainpark.com Stone Mountain 18

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame moved from its original home in South Bend, Indiana, to downtown Atlanta in 2014. New for the museum is the Fan Experience, which adds tons of interactive mul timedia features to the hall of fame experience—plus a giant Helmet Wall, with helmets from more than 760 college football teams. 404-880- 4800, cfbhall.com COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 19

From the months of April through October, Truist Park is the home of the Atlanta Braves, the city’s Major League Baseball team. In 2014, the Braves announced a move from Turner Field near downtown Atlanta to a new stadium in Cobb County, and Truist Park is the only place to go for big-league catches, ham mered home runs and the best hot dogs in town. 404-522-7630, atlantabraves.com 20 TRUIST PARK

Rated one of the top attractions in Georgia, “BODIES…The Exhibi tion” is an excellent resource to learn about the human anatomy in an intimate and informative way. Using an innovative polymer preservation pro cess, the exhibition allows guests to see the body’s inner beauty. With more than 200 actual human bodies and specimens on display, the exhibition provides a unique look into the human body. Do cents are available throughout to answer questions and point out interesting facts and details. Audio guides in English and Spanish are also available to provide a more comprehensive experience. Each system of the body is included in the exhibition – skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, repro ductive/urinary, fetal (optional) and the treated body. Vital health concerns such as obesity, smoking, cancer, cirrhosis, ar thritis and lack of exercise are on display to illustrate the damage caused by these concerns. The exhibition provides details on how visitors can take better care of their body by making healthy lifestyle choices. For more information, visit bodiesatlanta.com or call 404-496-4274. BODIES... The Exhibition

An aerial view of the Harbor Town Golf Links shows the golf course and lighthouse at sunrise, with the ocean in the background.

A BEACH ADVENTURE TO REMEMBER FOR A LIFETIME

TEMPS ARE HEATING UP, the last school bell of the year is getting closer, and your family is dreaming of a summer beach getaway. You’re looking for more than just sand and surf, but an adventure to remember for a life time. You’re looking for a trip to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina—with 12 miles of perfect beaches, championship golf courses, tennis, more than 250 restaurants … and so much more. Readers of Travel & Leisure magazine have voted Hilton Head the top U.S. continental island destina tion for four straight years—and it’s only four and a half hours from Atlanta by car.

When you arrive at any of Hilton Head’s lavish resorts, you’re already a world away. Encompassing more than 5,000 acres on the southern tip of the island, Sea Pines Resort has been synonymous with Lowcountry luxury for more than 50 years. Its boutique hotel, The Inn and Club at Harbour Town, features rooms and suites made for relaxing, with luxury linens, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and Nespresso ma chines. Condo, villa and home rentals are also available to suit every taste. Stop by the Ocean Lounge and take in an evening Jazz by the Sea concert, sipping a cocktail or a glass of wine from an awardwinning wine list. The Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island takes relaxation to the next level, with 340 rooms that feature private balconies or patios overlooking the ocean or the picturesque Shipyard Plantation district. Amenities include a zero-entry lagoon pool, a heated shade pool and hot tub and children’s play area. The Just Us Kids supervised play program for youngsters age 3-12 lets parents indulge in some private time with a hot stone massage at the Arum Spa or a drink at Bay ley’s Bar and Terrace. At Holiday Inn Resort Beach House, it’s just steps to Coligny Beach, and at tractions like the Savannah Riverfront and Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge are also nearby. Kids under 19 stay free in their parents’ room, which includes plenty of comforts, including a mini fridge, flat screen TV and Wifi. Grab a Southern breakfast at The Porch Southern Kitchen and Bar before heading out for the day.

With all this luxury, you might be tempted not to leave, but you don’t want to miss all the excitement that Hilton Head has to offer. First up, of course, are the island’s 12 miles of beaches, tailor-made for swimming, kayaking, parasailing or just sunbathing with a good book. (For adventure gear, les sons and tours, stop by H2O Sports in Harbour Town). The most popular is Coligny Beach, centrally located with free parking and a drop-off point at Coligny Circle. Restrooms, benches and swings, gazebos and sand showers are available, and the beach is adjacent to shops and restaurants—after a day of sand castles and swimming, hit Skillets Café & Grill for peel-and-eat shrimp on the porch or the Island Fudge Shoppe for something sweet. u

Top to bottom: A family shopping in Harbour Town. Kids examining a fishing lure. A group of teens laughing at Palmetto Dunes Tennis Centre. A family flying a kite on the beach.

Top to bottom: A dad and son biking on the beach. A baby American alligator at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. A group kayaking through marshes.

BUT THERE’S MORE TO HILTON HEAD ISLAND THAN BEACHES. LYING INLAND IS THE PINCKNEY ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.

Farther up the eastern shore is Islander’s Beach, perfect for biking and containing a park with a playground and picnic area, with trees for a welcome respite from the summer sun. More secluded is Fish Haul Beach, located on the island’s north ern side and home to seemingly

countless birds and fiddler crabs that make their home in the marshes.

But there’s more to Hilton Head Island than beaches. Lying inland is the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can take a walk or bike ride over 14 miles of main tained trails and take in the salt marshes, freshwater ponds and maritime forests, looking out for deer, bobcats, alligators, foxes and more than 250 species of birds—see if you can spot the flash of a red, blue and green painted bunting flitting through the trees. Bring your pole and do some saltwater fishing in the adjacent estuaries.

One of Hilton Head’s unique destinations is the Coastal Discovery Museum, where you can explore the Lowcountry region’s

natural and cultural history on 68 scenic acres that include trails, gardens and some of the area’s oldest buildings, dating back some 160 years. Kids espe cially will be enchanted by the horses and the butterfly habitat. The museum also offers talks and guided tours that bring another side of the Hilton Head area to life, including a dolphin tour and a look at the area’s Civil War-era forts. No trip to Hilton Head would be com plete without a visit to Harbour Town, the picturesque area around the island’s semicir cular yacht basin. While you’re here, browse the many shops for apparel, artisan jewelry, home décor, fine art and custom gifts and crafts. Be sure to pick up a genuine sweetgrass basket, a signature item of the region handcrafted by Gullah artisans who are descendants of Lowcountry plantation workers. While you’re in the area, stop by the Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum and take in the stunning views of the island and beyond from the top of its 93-foot-high candy-striped tower.

The lighthouse frames the 18th hole of the Harbour Town Golf Links at Sea Pines Resort, home of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage. Hilton Head is a golfer’s paradise, with over 33 championship courses. Several resorts offer golf packages, including Atlantic Dunes and Heron Point, also at Sea Pines. Tennis players will definitely want to pack their racquets; Hilton Head offers numerous facilities for every level of play. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center is one of the highest-ranked tennis centers in the world, with 19 clay tennis courts and 24 pickleball courts. The Port Royal Golf & Raquet Club has hosted the likes of Martina Navratilova and Steffi Graf on its clay and hard courts, and for those who want to hone their game with the best, top-level instruction with Stan Smith is available at the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy, hosted by the Sea Pines Racquet Club. A day of adventure in the sea air is sure to fire up your appetite, and that’s a good thing, because Hilton Head has some of the South east’s finest dining. Don’t miss the seafood and steaks served in an airy beach atmosphere at Alexander’s, with a kid’s menu to please the younger ones. Red Fish features an awardwinning wine list and serves an eclectic menu blending Lowcountry, American, Asian and Latin accents, featuring homegrown produce from the restaurant’s Bear Island Farms. For a fun evening, stop by for cocktails and live music at The Tiki Hut, a favorite with locals as well as visitors.

When your trip to Hilton Head is over, not only will you have memories to last a lifetime, but you’ll also be ready to come back again to create even more. PHOTOS: (top and bottom) Hilton Head Island Tourism