9 minute read
The Private School Advantage
THE MANY BENEFITS OF AN INDEPENDENT EDUCATION
By Karin Pendley Koser
Deciding how their children will be educated is a major concern for most Atlanta parents, sometimes starting as early as pregnancy, when some place their children on daycare waiting lists before they’re even born. Some parents purchase their homes in communities known for their excellent public schools, while others hope for the best in their existing neighborhoods.
For many parents, the answer lies in one of metro Atlanta’s abundant independent schools. Whether they’re looking for a strong religious foundation, an alternative approach to education or a proven track record of academic success, these parents have seemingly limitless options.
Choices range from established larger schools such as The Westminster Schools and Woodward Academy to smaller campuses incorporating Montessori and other alternative learning methods to faith-based schools of all sizes and denominations.
The average tuition for independent schools in Georgia is $9,300 for elementary schools and $10,050 for secondary schools, according to educationdata.org. Those costs allow independent schools to offer opportunities that aren’t always available in public schools, says Shanna Rein, director of admissions and parent and student relations at Lyndon Academy.
“Tuition at Lyndon Academy includes before- and after-school tutoring and an enrichment period which allows students even more opportunity to interact with their teachers and to receive additional support,” she says.
When considering the cost of an independent school education, parents should also make sure to factor in such ancillary costs as school uniforms, transportation and extracurricular and off-campus activities.
INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION
Parents choose independent schools for a variety of reasons. Some prefer that religion is included in their child’s education. “I like the spiritual grounding that a Catholic school offers,” says Decatur mom Lori Veden Brown, who has two daughters at St. Pius X Catholic School.
Others simply like the chance for more individualized attention that an independent school can offer. While metro Atlanta public schools can have as many as 35 or 40 students in a class led by one teacher, independent schools typically offer smaller class sizes.
“For parents contemplating whether to send their children to a private school, a great place to start is by considering a school’s average class size and student-to-teacher
ratio alongside the range of programs and opportunities offered,” says Marcia Prewitt Spiller, Woodward’s senior vice president for academic and student life.
Woodward offers five schools on two campuses with an average class size of 14 and a student-teacher ratio of six to one.
“Small class sizes allow teachers to be flexible in the classroom and change things up if a particular lesson isn’t resonating,” Prewitt Spiller says. “With fewer students, classroom management becomes far less of an issue and the ‘organized chaos’ of onthe-ground problem-solving is allowed to thrive. This environment breeds innovation, creativity and critical thinking around realworld problems—all necessary for students to be successful in today’s world.”
Meghan Stauts, director of marketing and communications at The Galloway School, says that Galloway’s low student-teacher ratio and small class sizes allow for individual attention, and lay the groundwork for student-teacher relationships to flourish. u
“Our academically rigorous curriculum takes a student-led, inquiry-based approach to learning. We offer immersive experiences outside the classroom to project-based learning inside the classroom, encouraging students to try new things, take risks, innovate and collaborate,” Stauts says.
A BROADER CURRICULUM
Unique curricula that are difficult to find in public schools are another reason some parents chose private education for their children. Woodward’s offerings include 25 Advanced Placement courses, as well as forensics and astronomy classes (with an in-house planetarium). And its Independent Scientific Research program pairs students with university professors to conduct research using real-world applications.
“Our students are working at a faster pace and immersed in a more rigorous curriculum that includes a trilingual program and robust fine arts opportunities,” Rein says.
FOR STUDENTS WHO NEED AN ACADEMIC BOOST
THIS SUMMER!
AFTERNOON RECREATION ACTIVITIES TUTORING IN READING, MATH AND WRITING SKILLS
Session 1: June 13 - 24 Session 2: June 27 - July 8 Held on the campus of e Bedford School in Fairburn
5665 Milam Road Fairburn, GA 30213 770-774-8001 • thebedfordschool.org
A foundation for a lifetime...
• Pre-K4 through 8th grade • 68 years of rigorous curriculum • STREAM activities in all classes • Fully certified teachers • Computer or IPad for all students • Before/after school care
Many independent schools in metro Atlanta offer more world languages to choose from than public schools do, and some have full language immersion programs and exchange programs.
“Being adoptive parents of a child born in China, we wanted our young daughter to stay connected to her native language and were so glad that she enjoyed the Chinese classes at Maylan Academy,” says Atlanta real estate agent Joan Kaplan.
ADAPTING TO THE PANDEMIC
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most parents of school-age children have been tested as much or more than their children, juggling work and other family responsibilities while helping their kids stay on top of online classroom activities. Some staffers say the built-in advantages of independent schools gave them a leg up in adapting to the new reality.
“Our large spacious campus and small class sizes allowed us to physically distance students 6 feet apart easily,” says Prewitt Spiller. “And, because of our existing resources in technology, faculty and staff expertise, and our ability to strategically plan and invest in additional tools and technology, we were in a unique position to continue offering an unparalleled education to remote and inperson learners.”
Stauts feels the same. “Galloway's small size of 750 students across three levels, ample resources for testing faculty, staff and students and outfitting campus with upgraded ventilation systems, and comprehensive schoolwide safety protocols have made our risk-mitigation strategies some of the safest in the state,” she says. “Our classrooms are equipped with cameras so that students can attend in real time and not lose out on interacting with their teachers and classmates” Rein says. “And we installed the Reme halo LED air filtration system, which has cut down drastically on all illnesses.”
If you’re thinking about sending your child to an independent school, consider looking at accredited schools—schools that have met certain standards of educational quality by one or more accrediting organizations. And be sure to talk with parents you know who send their children to independent schools; they may have good information to share.
Brandon Hall School
CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN SANDY SPRINGS OFF SPALDING DRIVE
FIND YOUR PASSION, AND LEAD THE WAY!
GRADES 6 TO 12 8:1 CLASS SIZES IB AND AP COURSES 24-ACRE CERTIFIED WILDLIFE HABITAT
GRADES 6 TO 12 Self confidence and 8:1 CLASS SIZES IB WORLD SCHOOL life skills development Student-led service and passion projects AP COURSES College counseling and prep
Day + Boarding Options Available for Rolling Admissions! www.brandonhall.org
For more information, please contact admissions@brandonhall.org
Baylor School
Excellence in Character, Sharpness of Mind
By Donna J. Neale
Since Baylor School’s inception in 1893, its faculty and students have stood upon the tenets of excellence in character and sharpness of mind to make a positive difference in the world. The campus is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, just a two-hour drive for Atlanta families who are considering a boarding education for their children. At a school where academic and experiential opportunities abound, students who live on campus have even greater accessibility to the tools they need for a vibrant future.
Baylor offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including a combination of 35 Advanced Placement (AP), Honors and Post-AP courses for high school students. Baylor also has a rich selection of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including their advanced science & engineering research, civic scholars, global scholars and fine arts programs, along with domestic and international travel opportunities, in-depth community service activities and Baylor’s nationally acclaimed Walkabout outdoor program.
The grounds stretch out over 690 scenic acres on the banks of the Tennessee River. Carefully maintained turn-of-the-century buildings stand next to newer additions, like the state-of-the-art science and technology building and an extensive fine arts complex. The campus is dotted with a myriad of athletic facilities supporting the more than 70 athletic teams, including a football stadium, a soccer complex, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and an Olympic-sized pool. There is also a working solar farm and an organic garden.
Baylor’s teaching staff includes some of the leading minds in their fields. More than 70 percent hold advanced degrees from respected institutions like Boston, Duke, Harvard and Vanderbilt universities. These instructors are committed to more than just academics. “Beyond the classroom, many of our educators are involved as coaches, club sponsors, instructors and dorm parents for our students after school,” says Ryan Armstrong, Baylor’s director of admission and enrollment.
Having instructors serve as dorm parents in the school’s three male and three female dormitory buildings means students living on campus continue to learn long after the school bell has rung. Says Armstrong, “The biggest advantage our boarding students have is their access to an incredible depth and breadth of opportunities. All the resources that come along with advanced classes, incredible facilities and brilliant faculty are all at their fingertips at all times.”
In addition, boarding students benefit from building relationships with peers from around the globe, taking on additional leadership roles and the experience of living independently. “Most importantly,” Armstrong says, “they’re part of a community of students and faculty who care deeply about one another and each individual’s success—not only as a student, but as an athlete, artist and person.”
Atlanta families interested in a strong boarding education will find a vigorous academic program combined with a thriving resident community at Baylor. N
THE SPECIFICS
Grades: day program: grades 6-12; boarding program: grades 9-12 Student/Teacher Ratio: 8:1 Tuition: day program: $27,255; boarding domestic: $55,500 Location: Chattanooga, TN Contact: 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405 423-267-5902 Web: baylorschool.org
