TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL
PROGRESS REPORT
2021-2024
Our mission is to prepare each student to thrive in life by elevating character and intellect in a challenging and diverse college preparatory environment.
Thank you for taking time to read the 2024 Tallulah Falls School progress report. We are glad to have you join us as we celebrate the magical milestones that have taken place during the past 17 years and continue with this five year update.
Students are the heart of our school. Hailing from every corner of the state, the nation, and the globe, they are diverse, intelligent, curious, and accepting young people motivated to lead and succeed. Enrollment is steady, with 544 students enrolled for the 2023-24 academic year – 47 in the lower school, 151 in the middle school, and 346 in the upper school. This includes 119 boarding students, of which 89 are international students representing 26 countries.
When the community showed interest in lower school grades, TFS responded. In 2016-17, we added two fifthgrade classes. In the fall of 2023, TFS added a fourthgrade class, creating the TFS lower school. Because of the high interest, a second fourth-grade class will be added in the fall of 2024.
The recipe for success is simple: combine intelligent and highly motivated students with highly skilled, certified teachers in a small classroom setting of 15 students per class, add generous portions of personal attention in a close-knit family atmosphere historically associated with Tallulah Falls School, and blend in cutting-edge technology.
Our hands-on experiential learning opportunities begin in the fourth grade and continue through graduation. In the fall of 2022, our upper school students embarked on the first Mid-mester experience – a week-long experiential learning opportunity designed for each grade. Students toured New York City, the Grand Canyon, Charleston, Cape Kennedy and colleges and universities across the southeast. Our lower and middle school students travel to museums, outdoor venues, and places like the Georgia Aquarium, Georgia Gold Coast, and Chattanooga. Each experience provides an educational component that enriches the students’ overall preparation for life beyond TFS as well as genuine connections with each other. Quality students want to be part of a school community where they are challenged academically. Upper school students can access 22 dual enrollment courses, honors classes, and stellar regular and elective classes. Word has spread to surrounding communities about academic successes; outreach efforts have resulted in a positive school image and heightened local awareness of the school.
As a result of our students’ academic success, the class of 2023 had 100% college acceptance, and graduates earned more than $7.1 million dollars in scholarship offers,
in addition to HOPE and Zell scholarships available to qualified Georgia residents.
At TFS, we have a strong focus on building character, confidence, and commitment. We promote social connections and leadership opportunities with collaborative projects and friendly competition. Advocating for these principles fosters a strong sense of unity within a community. Character development starts at the lower and middle school with the Tallulah 12, and our house system begins in fourth grade and continues through graduation. Both programs cultivate and build community. Students are challenged to demonstrate GREAT character (Generous, Responsible, Enthusiastic, Accountable, Thoughtful) in everything they do, from the classroom to the dormitory, to the playing field to the community. Our students don’t just talk about character; they live it, volunteering for community service projects individually and through sponsored clubs.
Parents believe strongly in the school’s mission and its dual emphasis on elevating character and intellect. Parents are drawn to our innovative tuition freeze in which a full-pay student’s base tuition rate locks in at the time of initial enrollment and will remain fixed and frozen for all the student’s years at the school. In addition, need-based financial assistance is available, with more than $7.3 million in aid awarded annually.
The school’s upper school academic complex renovation project opened in the fall of 2014. This facility added tremendous value to the school campus. It increased available classroom space and created lobbies and entrance areas for special events and gatherings. The building’s appearance and functionality, both externally and internally, transformed from a dated 1950s structure to a state-of-the-art technological 21st-century showplace. The Board of Trustees voted to name the academic complex in honor of President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy in 2015.
In August of 2022, the Christina Freeman Resource Center opened – the latest addition to the upper school campus was made possible by a planned gift from the late Christina Freeman. The 1,500-square-foot building with two private study rooms, two offices, and a cooperative workspace is adjacent to the media center in the Larry A. Peevy Upper School Academic Complex. The resource center was built so that two more stories can be added in the future.
In 2011, the school acquired The Lodge at Tallulah Falls, a 55-room hotel adjacent to the school farm property. Thanks to diligent work by Ron Cantrell Construction Company and other contractors, the lodge was converted to a separate, beautiful new middle school campus in a few short months. The Lucy A. Willard Middle School Academic Complex
TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL
REPORT 2021-2024
PROGRESS
was completed in time for the opening of the 2011-12 academic year. Mrs. Willard, for whom the facility is named, is a member of the Atlanta Woman’s Club and has been a strong financial supporter of the school.
Two new state-of-the-art media centers include a media center management system incorporating an e-book checkout system and digital textbooks. A scalable digital camera system and mobile device synchronization system have been added. Multiple computers and peripherals have been added to the dormitories, and the school’s website provides in-house control for updating information and future site expansion.
The school’s athletic program has experienced noteworthy growth and improvement in facilities, participation, and outcomes, with the school fielding more than 44 teams, representing participation by 70% of the student body. Growth has been especially significant in middle school sports. Increased numbers opened up the opportunity for more sports programs and teams and led to stronger performance. In the fall of 2022, the varsity women’s volleyball team won the state championship, and all varsity teams competed at state. Our students are not only good athletes, but they also show good sportsmanship. As a result of this growth, we see multiple scholar-athletes continue to compete at the collegiate level.
The school’s $16 million, 21,000-square-foot natatorium is a remarkable addition to the TFS campus. The natatorium opened in December 2020 and added more than a pool to our school. It created beautiful spaces for student art exhibitions, meetings, and social events.
Information technology (IT) improvements continue to keep students, faculty and staff up to date with the latest sophisticated technology allowing teachers to harness the benefits of technology for innovative instruction. All students in grades four through 12 are issued Chromebooks. Every classroom includes Viewsonic interactive smartboards and
new Meraki wireless access points that enhance internet speed and coverage across campus.
Many campus facilities have been upgraded: the Circle Building, Federation Hall, the Willet Administration Building, and the Norwood Key Taylor Chapel. The student activity center on the middle school campus, the natatorium on the main campus, and the Christina Freeman Resource Center are the most recent construction projects. The addition of a middle school baseball field, expanded field house, and lighting added value to the student-athlete and fan experience.
The success that the school has achieved over the last 17 years did not occur in a vacuum – it is the accumulation of over a hundred years and hundreds of people working towards the same goal: preparing students for success. Along the way, faculty and staff have contributed in their own way to make TFS a truly magical place. It is an exciting time to be a part of the Tallulah Falls School community!
Progress Report was produced and edited by the Office of Advancement.
BUILDING A SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
There have been many positive changes at Tallulah Falls School. We now have a well-defined mission, a diverse student body, a caring faculty certified in their respective subject areas, a campus with dozens of renovations and enhancements, established relationships within our surrounding communities, and a stable and thriving business model.
Our identity is clear both on campus and in the surrounding region. When people think of Tallulah Falls School, they know it is now college preparatory. We are well known for our quality students, highly qualified faculty, and modern facilities. In this special update, we would like to share the accomplishments at TFS over the last 17 years and particularly over the last five years.
From the fourth grade through graduation, we teach a curriculum that continually expands knowledge, builds character, and provides leadership opportunities at every turn.
One of the things I am most proud of as president is that our entire faculty, staff and student body has worked together to make us who we are today. We have put together this progress report to show you exactly what major changes have taken place.
PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF SCHOOL
PROVIDES LEADERSHIP
Dr. Peevy has continually provided opportunities for students to contribute positively to the significance of the community by inspiring character, confidence, and commitment. He has promoted leadership by nurturing these qualities in students. As a result, students grow personally and contribute positively to the world around them.
• Implemented a merit program
• Implemented the TFS Ambassador program
• Invites students to take initiative to collaborate and coordinate through clubs, projects, and innovative ideas for the classroom and in the community
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Tallulah Falls School received SACS/SAIS dual accreditation in the Spring of 2009, 2014, and 2019
• TFS named outstanding school in six-county northeast Georgia region [May 2009]
• TFS president named top school administrator in six-county northeast Georgia region [May 2009]
• TFS president named Habersham Countian of the Year [2016]
• TFS president named Legacy Leader by Georgia Trend [September 2020]
• Since 2009, TFS graduates have received millions of scholarship dollars. The most recent graduating class in 2023 earned more than $7.1 million (not including HOPE and Zell scholarships for qualified Georgia residents).
• Received the Northeast Georgian’s Readers’ Choice Award 2023: Best School
ATHLETICS
The past 15 years brought dramatic changes in the Tallulah Falls School athletic program. Tremendous improvements occurred in both our athletics’ scope and quality. We added new sports programs, and our facilities have been upgraded to support the athletic needs of a rapidly growing middle school population. The school offers more quality athletic programs to a greater number of students than ever. Every sport needing specific equipment necessary to enhance performance has received it. Live streaming is available for baseball, basketball, swimming, volleyball, and soccer home contests. TFS has its own natatorium, a precision rifle range, a golf lab, and an equestrian center. In recent years, the baseball and soccer fields received major upgrades, and an indoor hitting facility was added. We also constructed a softball/middle school baseball field.
The GREAT CHARACTER Program
Through this innovative program, TFS athletes are taught what it truly takes to become GREAT: Generous, Responsible, Enthusiastic, Accountable, and Thoughtful. These attributes are not only woven into TFS athletics but are echoed in our boarding and academic programs as part of a comprehensive effort to teach positive character traits to TFS students.
ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2014-2024:
• 1 State Championship (Volleyball ‘22), 1 Runner-Up (Girls Golf ‘21), 1 3rd Place (Boys T&F ‘21)
• 6 Individual/Event State Champions
• 13 Region/Area Championships
• 25 Region/Area Individual Champions
• 21 Region/Area Players & Coaches of the Year
• 37 All-State Honorees
• 26 Elite 8 or Better Finishes
• 57 Sweet 16 or Better Finishes
• 91 Team State Playoff Appearances
• 59 MS League Championships (Tri-State Conference, North Georgia Volleyball League, Southern Mountain Tennis League)
• 4 GHSA Spirit Sportsmanship Awards
• 11 Individual Sportsmanship Awards (Positive Athlete Georgia)
• 49 State-Ranked Teams
• 57 Next-Level Indians (Signed to Play at College/Pro Level) [83 All-Time]
• 36 All-Time School Records Set in Major Statistical Categories
• 44 Single-Season School Records Set in Major Statistical Categories
• 54 Event School Records (Swimming, Track & Field, XC, Golf)
• 11 Inductions into the TFS Legends Hall of Honor
ATHLETIC FACILITIES ADDITIONS & IMPROVEMENTS
BASEBALL & SOFTBALL - Higgins Baseball Complex
• Renovated field, batting cage, fieldhouse, concessions, restrooms, and fencing with graphic mesh
• Installed LED lights in 2021
• Constructed middle school baseball/softball field, complete with scoreboard and bleachers
• Installed Victory Bell in 2023
• Named one of the top baseball fields in classification by Georgia Dugout Club in 2022
BASKETBALL & VOLLEYBALL - Student Activity Center
• Constructed new practice gymnasium (Dorman Gymnasium)
• Constructed SAC to include a 300-seat gym, music and drama rooms, theater stage, fitness center with cardio machines and free weights, walking track, and rockclimbing wall
• Updated SAC lobby to include new trophy case, Next Level board (TFS athletes who go on to play college/ pro), and State Champions board
• Installed Interactive Showcase unit in lobby
CROSS COUNTRY
• Developed home cross-country course, utilized by middle school, high school, and collegiate meets for 5K, 3K, and 1-mile runs
EQUESTRIAN - Dinah C. Peevy Equestrian Center
• Established equestrian center, featuring stalls for horses and practice arena
FITNESS CENTER
• Renovated fitness center to include vast cardio machines, free weights, multi-dimensional weight machines, multi-functional exercise equipment, TV monitors, and innovative velocity-based training devices
GOLF - Golf Performance Lab
• Constructed state-of-the-art Golf Performance Lab complete with putting range, detailed video swing analysis, and professional simulator
PRECISION RIFLE
• Constructed indoor rifle range, consisting of 10 shooting lanes with electronic targets
SOCCER & TRACK & FIELD - Amick Field
• Expanded soccer field to regulation size using 8,000 truckloads of dirt at no expense
• Resodded and beautifully landscaped field along main campus road
• Installed fence
• Constructed 120-meter, 8-lane sprint track and walking path around soccer field
• Constructed multi-lane jump pit, six shot put rings, discus cage, and four discus circles
• Completed renovations on TFS fieldhouse, including new roof and siding as well as HVAC and restrooms
• Erected new scoreboard
• Constructed new concessions and restrooms
• Installed new LED lights in 2021
SWIMMING - Natatorium
• Completed construction of natatorium in 2022, including 10-lane competition-sized pool with 200+ bleacher seats, Tribe Cafe, a Colorado Timing Systems board, a video board, a sound system, and a multifunctional video monitor system
• Installed Interactive Showcase on upper level
• Added Legacy Lane (Next Level Swimmers) on upper level
TENNIS
• Constructed two new tennis courts, expanding to six total tennis courts
• Resurfaced courts in 2023, double hard-topped painted green inside of slate gray
• Renovated tennis shed
ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
An enrollment management program was instituted to control student growth by class and to help identify and screen students who could excel in our college preparatory program.
• Created dean of enrollment management position and associate dean of enrollment position
• Created an Admissions Committee to offer a holistic approach to admissions decisions
• Created a Financial Aid Committee and policies to fairly distribute aid
• Increased enrollment by 370 students, or 205% (2009-10 to 2022-23)
• Dramatically increased day student enrollment by more than 460%
• Increased international student enrollment by more than 230%
• Added fifth grade in 2016 and added fourth grade in 2023
• Increased tuition revenue by approximately 275%
• Increased incoming student GPA
• Increased student retention rate to 95+%
• Streamlined admissions and financial aid application processes; both are now completely digital and available online
• Converted to a more digital marketing approach
• Formed new successful partnerships with international recruitment agencies
• Launched Peerpal software to connect prospective parents with current parents
• Moved to a completely digital Continuous Enrollment model, mirroring most college preparatory schools
• Launched the New Families Webpage to assist in the transition to an independent school setting
• Added an interactive map and virtual tour with videos to the school website
• Created online options for student and parent interviews and meetings
• Added online payment options/financial account management for families
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
The business operations department was completely reorganized to improve professional and accurate financial support and processing for the school, and financial reporting for the president and senior staff.
• Hired a new CFO, accounting manager and accounts payable administrator who have elevated business office performance
• Added a new director of human resources position to better support HR needs, develop HR best practices and evaluate employee needs
• Revamped the key accounting processes to vastly improve accounting controls workflow and efficiencies to better support the school
• Improved accounting structure and budget process to more strategically track and present budget reports to aid financial analysis and strategic decision-making
• Implemented a significantly improved credit card management system
• Achieved 17 years of balanced budgets
• Achieved 17 years of exceptionally successful external audits
• Maintained a strong endowment fund over the last 17 years that has contributed meaningful annual draws to the operational budget
• Implemented a streamlined, online student billing system
• Paid off $1 million dorm debt early
• Secured non-profit bond financing, resulting in $2 million in savings
• Refinanced bond financing one year later, resulting in an additional $1 million in savings over life of financing
• Expanded employee benefits each year
• Extremely low increase in employee medical insurance cost over the last 17 years
• No short-term financing to fund cash flow deficits
• Generous annual raises and employee retirement matches awarded to staff each year
• Remodeled business office to better serve customers.
ADVANCEMENT
• Established an advancement department in 2016, creating a full-time executive director for an advancement position
• Restructured the department in 2020 in response to the school’s growth, reorganizing responsibilities and adding the director of sports communication and digital media
• Partnered with Toccoa Falls College to launch an internship for communications program students
• Began participating in the Georgia Education Expense Tax Credit Program in 2009; the TFS family has raised nearly $2.2 million through the program
• Launched the Twin Rivers Challenge cycling event fundraiser in 2015, raising nearly $600,000 since its inception
• Implemented an annual giving program, the Tallulah Fund
• Created the Walk of Honor commemorative brick program to recognize members of the TFS family and support student scholarships
• Increased full-time faculty and staff giving to 100%
• Increased trustee giving to 100%
• Redesigned the TFS Magazine in 2020, now named On Campus, and published three issues annually, with a mailing list of more than 5,000 constituents; made accessible through Issuu PDF online viewer
• Published thousands of press releases to local media outlets
• Added institutional and athletics social media accounts, growing reach to 2-million+ through social media content in each year from 2021-2023
• Successfully launched a dozen+ social media accounts for boarding, teams, clubs, etc.
• Launched a video viewbook platform (virtual campus tour) in 2020
• Implemented a strong video presence on TFS digital platforms
• Increased website traffic to an all-time high of 555,000+
• Grew digital media impressions to more than three million in 2022 and 2023
• Began live streaming events, such as graduation and awards days, to reach student families and friends worldwide
• Created a consistent marketing presence in a variety of regional and local magazines, including two features in Georgia Trend in 2020
• Featured on Fox 5 Atlanta’s Good Morning Atlanta - Fox 5 “School of the Week,” including a live broadcast from the TFS campus
• Began hosting an annual Grand Day event at the lower/middle school
• Initiated annual joint Habersham and Rabun chamber event on campus
• Hosted 2008-09 TFS centennial special events: concert series, special speakers, and a grand finale featuring fireworks at the 2009 Alumni Homecoming
• Encouraged local clubs and organizations to use TFS facilities for their meetings
• Became active in local civic organizations, including the Habersham and Rabun Chambers of Commerce, Habersham and Rabun Rotary Clubs, and Habersham Kiwanis Club
• TFS staff serve on a variety of local boards
• Graduated multiple staff members from the Habersham Chamber Leadership Habersham Program
Tallulah Falls School has undergone tremendous change over the past 17 years. Every area of the campus has seen improvement. Gorgeous new facilities, including the Student Activity Center and the newly opened natatorium, create that ‘wow’ factor for campus visitors, students, faculty, and staff.
NATATORIUM
The school’s $16 million, 21,000-square-foot natatorium is a remarkable addition to the TFS campus. The natatorium opened in December 2020 and added more than a pool to our school. It created beautiful spaces for student art exhibitions, meetings, and social events.
The facility:
• A ten-lane competition pool
• Showers on the pool deck
• Locker rooms
• Poolside restrooms
• Lower and upper viewing areas that hold approximately 10-plus swim teams at swim meets.
• Bleacher seating for up to 240 spectators
• Colorado timing system and touchpads
• A video broadcasting board with integrated monitors for viewing events
• Four large seating areas throughout the building
• A cafe and concessions area with counter and table seating for approximately 40 people
• A VIP suite
UPDATE
FACILITIES
LARRY A. PEEVY ACADEMIC COMPLEX
• Completed renovation of the upper school complex
• Added parking area by the chapel
• Added multi-level student and visitor parking
• Developed state-of-the-art science labs
• Constructed a modern media center
• Constructed fenced outdoor plaza adjacent to the media center
LUCY A. WILLARD MIDDLE SCHOOL
• 28,000+ square foot middle school facility located on a separate part of campus
• Fenced recreation field
• Improved and expanded landscaping
• Student Activity Center opened on the middle school campus
• New hallway flooring installed
FEDERATION HALL
• New enclosed, climate-controlled seating on the porch
• New sound system and video monitors
• New serving area
EVANS STUDENT CENTER
• Installation of new video monitors
• Addition of Coca-Cola theater
• Renovation of the weight room
• Addition of golf performance lab
WILLET ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
• Construction of Trustees Board Room
• Construction of Conference Center
• Reorganized admissions and advancement area to better serve prospective students, alumni, donors, and visitors
• New roof
• All new paint, windows, and doors
CHAPEL
• Installation of new carpet
• Construction of new entrance and vestibule
• Installation of new roof
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• Renovated the server room and consolidated old physical servers to virtual servers that are backed up in multiple offsite locations and the cloud
• Expanded department to five full-time employees, with two located at the lower/middle school and three at the upper school for immediate full-time response and service
• Deployed up-to-date generation Wifi Access Points across the entire campus
• Upgraded the main ISP to increase speeds to over 1 Gig in data transfer on campus with a 200 Meg secondary ISP for failover
• Converted all campus desk phones to VOIP telephone service
• Enabled two-factor authentication enabled on teacher and staff school accounts and logins
• Established an Emergency Response Plan for cyber security threats
• Issued a new Chromebook to all students at the start of their middle and high school years
• Issued a Chromebook or Windows laptop with a fouryear refresh cycle to all staff
• Installed 3D printers at both schools for staff and student use
• Installed interactive flat panels in all middle and high school classrooms
• Started using Pixellot service to stream sporting events
• Set up encoders for theatre, SAC, and natatorium cameras to stream events through our YouTube page
• Upgraded the audio/video equipment in the theatre with state-of-the-art capabilities
FEDERATION HALL
DORMITORIES
• Remodeled both dormitories
• Added patio space and outdoor furniture to both dormitories
• Added additional outdoor gathering space, including a new fire pit, volleyball area, hammocks and gazebo
• Renovated girls’ lobby area, including all-new painting, and all-new furniture
• Upgraded boys’ dorm hot water system
CIRCLE BUILDING
• Installation of new lobby flooring
• The new practice gymnasium opened
• Installation of new bleacher seats
• Replacement of gym floor
• Renovation of the building exterior, including new awnings, doors and landscaping
• Centennial timeline installed in the lobby
• New video screens in the theater
• New sound system in the theater
• New HVAC to building
• New carpet in the theater
• Construction of fire pit and plaza
• Air-conditioned gymnasium
• Addition of a ticket booth to the lobby
SECURITY
• Added director of security position
• Increased security coverage to 24/7
• Expanded department to seven officers
• Added video cameras in dormitories and academic buildings
• Added physical security checkpoints to both campuses
• Added GEMA training to professional development
• Added two new vehicles
PLANT SERVICES
• Reorganized plant services department
• Added vehicle maintenance shop
• Added new vehicles added to the fleet
• Instituted new work order system
• Remodeled a faculty house
• Expanded bus fleet to include nine 40+ passenger buses and nine 14-passenger buses
• Added maintenance shop to campus to streamline repairs and routine maintenance
• Added equipment to help maintain vehicles, tires, lyfts, etc
• Installed cameras and GPS systems on all the buses
