JOURNEY OF PURPOSE The
OUR PURPOSE
OUR IDENTITY
We are a school of inquiry, innovation, and impact. Grounded in Christian values, we prepare all students to be college ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders.
OUR COMMITMENT
We commit to creating and sustaining a school culture where all members feel valued and safe, sharing their authentic selves to design a better world...together.
OUR STRATEGY
OUR APPROACH
We cultivate and inspire growth through a strategic response to the disruptive shifts in the literacies, skills, attributes, and relationships required for current and future, local and global contexts.
We design relevant, transformational curricular and learning competencies from Preschool through Upper School, explored through an inquiry-based approach and assessed on levels of proficiency.
Our Approach
INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING
Based on a strong foundation of core educational methods, we combine Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) with design thinking, enabling students to strengthen problem-solving skills. Our blended approach encourages non-linear thinking, global connections, brainstorming, prototyping, and iterative solutions while ensuring lasting context for learning.
Examples of our IBL approach:
Expeditionary Learning gives students the opportunity to learn and explore in authentic environments. We take children out into the world and bring the world into classrooms to empower them to make a difference in the world, now
Project-Based Learning (PBL) serves as a foundational method because people learn through projects throughout their lives. Projects enhance relevance, integrate the subjects and disciplines, and add meaning and purpose.
COMPETENCY-BASED ASSESSMENT
Through Competency-Based Education (CBE), we gauge and monitor literacies, skills, and attributes, empowering learners for deep understanding and leadership. Students’ competency development is evaluated using diverse assessments such as projects, discussions, reports, and presentations, enhancing a learner-centered environment.
Competency-Based Education
explained by Kristy Lundstrom, Head of School
A Journey of Purpose
The journey for all students to become college ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders begins in Preschool and continues through Grade 12. Along the journey we build foundational literacies, skills, attributes, and meaningful relationships. We call the dashboard to gauge maximum impact the IMPACT QUOTIENT.
IMPACT QUOTIENT
The Mount Vernon dashboard to gauge
At every stage from early childhood to adulthood, deep learning happens through relevant and contextualized learning experiences. In everything we do, these are the specific literacies, skills, and attributes that create maximum impact.
MOUNT VERNON MANTRAS
Relationships are foundational along the student journey. Culturally and collectively, our Mantras reflect the conditioning and fuel required for sustained growth, performance, and accountability over time. These are the behaviors that thrive in our culture. Remaining committed to utilizing our Mantras allows us to design an incredible future together.
START WITH QUESTIONS • HELP ME SEE WHAT YOU SEE • GROW & GIVE LEAD FROM WHERE YOU ARE • BE BRAVE TO TRY & TRY AGAIN • HAVE FUN
THE IMPACT READY PROJECT: A JOURNEY OF PURPOSE
Learn more about our approach in a 5-part video series that unpacks Mount Vernon’s strategic plan.
PERSONALIZED PATHWAYS Along a Student's Journey of Purpose
At Mount Vernon, personalized pathways begin as early as age 2 in Preschool, where students embrace the Mantra, "Start with questions." This early exploration and play fosters curiosity and lays a foundation for deeper knowledge. As students transition to Lower School, they engage in classes, clubs, and activities that expand their choices. In Grade 5, the first "Impact Summit" showcases their self-leadership and agency through personally meaningful projects.
In Middle School, learning is amplified through purpose statements and experiences like the Impact Design Lab (IDL), culminating in the Grade 8 Impact Summit. By the time students reach Upper School, they can choose from diverse pathways such as iProject, Innovation Diploma, Global Impact Diploma, Interim trips, and internships. These experiences prepare Mount Vernon graduates to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders.
PRESCHOOL
Rainey, PK2
CLASS OF 2040
Rainey loves Frontier Day . Every time is different, but what she enjoys most is playing with natural materials like sticks, leaves, and rocks. She loves to dig in the dirt and ask lots of questions, which her teachers always take seriously. Rainey feels like a little explorer, discovering new things as she and her friends learn through play. Each Frontier Day is an adventure driven by what the students are curious about, making it one of her favorite parts of school.
LOWER SCHOOL
Sadler, Grade 4
CLASS OF 2033
Sadler recently went on an expedition to the Morgan Falls Dam as part of his science unit on energy. There, he learned about hydro turbines and how kinetic energy works to generate power. As part of the same unit, Sadler built a marble run in Maker, putting his new knowledge into action and exploring how energy flows in different systems.
UPPER SCHOOL Sarah, Grade 12 CLASS OF 2025
National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist, and part of the Innovation Diploma, Sarah Mekelburg tackles realworld challenges with creative solutions, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. She also serves as a student facilitator of the Dialogic Model, guiding meaningful conversations among her peers. In addition, Sarah is a dedicated member of the Sustainability Committee, where she helps lead initiatives to make the campus more eco-friendly and promote environmental stewardship.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ambry, Grade 8
CLASS OF 2029
In her Impact Design Lab (IDL) class, Ambry loves how things that she has learned in other classes all tie together—especially concepts like marketing and communication and how they play a big role in things across history, including the Gold Rush. Ambry is excited about how the skills she’s learning now will help her in the future as she works toward her goal of starting her own business.
Learn more about Impact Summits
PRESCHOOL
AGES 2 - 5
CULTIVATING LEARNING THROUGH Curiosity + Play
In our Preschool, students find learning exciting, challenging, and fun. Rooted in developmentally appropriate practices, our program thrives on individual care and the joy of discovering. Curiosity creates a natural drive toward discovery and knowledge, promoting inquiry, exploration, engagement, and empathy, while sparking intrigue in the pursuit of the unknown. Learners thrive when they are actively engaged, using all of their senses. Integrating knowledge like early literacy, math, and science into projects, Preschoolers love learning.
LIFE IN PRESCHOOL:
Centers and provocations in classrooms challenge students to achieve learning goals through play. Differentiated small and large groups foster imagination, problem-solving, social-emotional skills, flexibility, and independence.
Students practice empathy, discovery, and reflection with design thinking tools like our Field Guide: Little Learners with Big Ideas
LITERACIES
Fine & Gross Motor Skills
Language Development
Numeracy
Reading & Writing
Scientific Inquiry
Self-Regulation
Social Sciences
FRONTIER FEATURES
Outdoor easels
Sand pits
Slides
Tree fort
Water pumps
The Frontier, an innovative outdoor space, lets students build, create, perform, and collaborate, connecting them with nature through unstructured play.
Performing arts, visual art, and Spanish teachers integrate movement, music, yoga, mindfulness, language, and motor development.
Impact Spotlight
FASHION SHOW: UNLEASHING CREATIVITY & CONFIDENCE
PK4 began the school year with a "get to know me" fashion show, displaying favorite outfits. Winter jackets were revamped as students dissected their components. Using fruits and vegetables as dyes, they converted fabrics into art. Fashion pro Caroline Droke from Carter's Apparel helped students develop palettes and bring sketches to life. Erin Green, an America's Next Top Model contestant, Zoomed with students to inspire confidence and self-expression. Partnering with Upper School students in the "Fashion and Fibers" class, PK4 learners created fashion pieces from sketches. Applying newfound knowledge, students designed runways and crafted invitations to an unforgettable culminating celebration of their creativity.
LOWER SCHOOL
GRADES K - 5
BUILDING CORE ACADEMIC SKILLS WITH AN Inquiry-Based Approach
The early years of child development have the biggest impact on a person’s mindset about learning and life. Students' strengths are acknowledged and stretched while fostering resilience, perseverance, confidence, and creativity. Combining core skills, learning is fun, messy, and collaborative. We prioritize building independence and responsibility in our young learners so mistakes are valued as opportunities to learn and grow. Problem-solving utilizes design thinking with tailored real-world learning for maximum engagement.
LIFE IN LOWER SCHOOL:
Inquiry-based and collaborative learning nurtures skills like communication and critical thinking.
Days start with multi-age play and community time in classrooms. Relationships are built through family-style lunch, student interest clubs, and leadership opportuntities.
The schedule includes daily recess, PE, and mindfulness. Weekly chapel, service learning, and book studies develop friendship, leadership, and community understanding.
LITERACIES
Digital Fluency
Mathematics
Phonics
Reading Science
Social Sciences
Writing
CONNECTIONS
Inquiry Zone Maker, Design & Engineering
Physical Education
Science Lab
Spanish Visual & Performing Arts
Impact Summit grants students’ agency. Students explore self-selected topics, interviewing global experts, enhancing digital fluency, research, and public speaking skills.
Impact Spotlight
HOW MIGHT WE DEVELOP NEW GOODS & SERVICES TO START A BUSINESS?
Inspired by The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, students learned business strategies such as underselling, franchising, partnerships, and joint ventures. They explored concepts like goods, needs, supply-demand, scarcity, and economy. Working in groups, they identified community needs and created goods or services. Students generated ideas, modeled business plans, prototyped products, designed logos, and created pitches. Parents with business expertise offered feedback. Final pitches, Shark Tank-style, were presented to peers, parents, and a local business panel.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
GRADES 6 - 8
ESTABLISHING A STRONG Sense of Self
Middle School offers deeper learning with specialized teachers. Interdisciplinary experiences set in authentic contexts are prioritized, promoting student engagement and impact. Character development in Middle School is amplified when students are empowered with agency, praised for perseverance, celebrated for their efforts, given opportunities to work collaboratively, and embrace imperfection.
LIFE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL:
Core academics merge with people-focused problem-solving and identity-building in projects, assignments, and through expeditionary learning.
Students learn to question, empathize, experiment, and iterate.
Community leaders advise students on fostering student agency and choice, balancing freedom and responsibility, and navigating group and individual identity.
CORE ACADEMICS
Earth, Life & Physical
Sciences
French & Spanish
Humanities:
• Literature
• Composition
• Social Studies
Impact Design Lab
Mathematics
Physical Education
ARTS & DESIGN COURSES
Digital Arts
Visual Art
Maker, Design & Engineering
Music Industry
Mustang Band
Podcasting
Strings
Theatre
Student life provides rich opportunities for exploration through class trips, student-led clubs, social events, and our junior prefect program.
Grade 8 features Impact Design Lab (IDL), which focuses on community-driven solutions through multi-week design sprints.
Impact Spotlight
HOW MIGHT WE DESIGN A SUSTAINABLE CITY OF THE FUTURE?
At the Mock Future Cities Summit, student design teams presented prototype cities to experts at Peachtree Corners' Curiosity Lab. Lessons from past civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Rome, and Mesoamerica were linked to current global sustainability goals. Grade 6 students followed the design thinking process, conducting research in and out of class and using tools like Minecraft for Education’s Sustainability City modules. Practical insights came from MVXperts from the City of Sandy Springs and field research at Morgan Falls Overlook Park and Hydroelectric Dam. Blueprints and prototypes were developed in physical or digital forms. Teams learned about robotics, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles, reflecting on their design journey.
UPPER SCHOOL
GRADES 9 - 12
GRADUATING LEARNERS & LEADERS WHO ARE Impact Ready
Mount Vernon prepares students to be college ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. Our Upper School offers project-based learning with a focus on real-world engagement. Rather than being passive consumers of information, Upper School learners engage in highly relevant and purposeful work with a growing emphasis on both project-based and team-based approaches. World languages, travel, exchange programs, and collaborations with experts foster global competence.
Upper School courses include differentiated, customized pathways allowing students to deepen their engagement in subject area content. View a full list of courses in the Upper School Course Catalog.
COURSE OFFERINGS
LIFE IN UPPER SCHOOL:
The academic year has four modules, each approximately nine weeks. Core courses extend over two modules, blending inquiry-based learning and agency as designers.
iProject allows students to explore interests through research projects, guided by design thinking.
Two application-based programs offer pathways for a 4-year cohort experience. Innovation Diploma (iD) is a student-led design studio that creates impactful change in partnered organizations and communities. Global Impact Diploma students are deeply interested in global issues and explore and seek solutions in an international context.
Dual Enrollment, Honors, and AP courses require a passion for the subject and exemplary work. AP curriculum begins in Grade 10, with a limit of three AP courses in Grade 11 and four in Grade 12. Dual Enrollment is offered through a partnership with Arizona State University.
Student life opportunities include social events, dances, almost 40 student-led clubs, and Interim week when students can participate in internships, local experiences, or travel. This year’s travel destinations include Belize, Canada, Colombia, Galapagos, Italy, Iceland, Japan, Morocco, Poland, Prague, Switzerland, and US National Parks.
Impact Spotlight
VR TEAM PRESENTS AT VMED 23
The Mount Vernon School's Virtual Reality (VR) team was one of 60 presenters at the vMed Conference in Los Angeles, CA. They showcased a VR experience that was created by MV Upper School students for pediatric patients at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, sharing design and development insights that led to patient improvement over 5 years. The VR experience serves as a distraction and encouragement for physical therapy. Patient feedback has led to ongoing improvements by Mount Vernon students, exemplifying student growth with authentic applications. Jason Amos from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta highlighted the program's effectiveness, showing improved joy ratings for patients with acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury.
Mount Vernon School Online (MVSO) is a division of our Upper School. The asynchronous format allows students to learn on their own schedules from anywhere in the world, providing ultimate flexibility.
Current Upper School students can utilize the flexible format of MVSO courses to open their schedules to new opportunities like internships off campus.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MVSO
Mount Vernon School Online gives students the freedom to pursue their passions while staying on track academically, creating personalized pathways for success.
Sam Koontz | Class of 2025 Athletics Path
After winning the golf state championship, Sam Koontz wanted to take his game further. By choosing the Hybrid Pathway through Mount Vernon School Online, Sam is able to balance academics with his golf training, allowing him to practice more and compete at a higher level. Sam plans to play golf next year at Georgia College & State University.
Charlie Morris | Class of 2025
Career Path
In-person school didn’t fit Charlie's needs, so she made the switch to MVSO full-time in her junior year. This flexible option allows her to focus on academics while also working full-time. The balance between school and work has opened up opportunities, including a full-time job offer waiting for her after graduation.
Binh Minh | Class of 2025
International Path
Binh began his education in New York before moving back to Vietnam. Having experienced the structure and opportunities of a U.S. curriculum, he was eager to continue learning through this familiar system, even from across the world. MVSO gives him the perfect opportunity to stay connected with the academic approach he values, while allowing him to learn from Vietnam and prepare for his future on a global scale.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
VIEW OUR COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Amplify Your Story
Our college counseling team starts to build relationships with students beginning in Grade 9 in order to find ideal college matches. With admissions backgrounds, these counselors can speak from multiple perspectives and offer a personalized, collaborative process.
100+ college representatives visit our campus annually, where Upper School students engage in conversations with potential decision-makers, and many of the recruiters know Mount Vernon students by name.
MADE IN MV PODCAST
Episode 1.12: Finding the Right School For You featuring Regan Kelly, Class of 2022
FRESHMEN How does Upper School work?
Counselors work with freshmen to understand the nuances of the grading system at Mount Vernon and the impact that honors and AP courses have on their GPA. Getting a peak behind the curtain empowers students to understand the impact of their choices.
SOPHOMORES
Sophomore families participate in an invite-only mock admissions process with 75 of the top colleges from around the United States to learn how an application is reviewed for admission.
JUNIORS & SENIORS
To kick off the one-on-one process, each student meets with their College Counselor to begin mapping out a personalized college process.
Counselors use games to teach students about differences in the ACT / SAT, the college application process, and other counseling and college terms they need to learn in a fun interactive way.
At the end of the year, each family is assigned a dedicated College Counselor who will work with them throughout the remainder of their student’s tenure at Mount Vernon.
How do I make an impact?
All students receive a customized list of colleges to consider based on their individual passions, talents, and preferences.
Students have the opportunity to attend college fairs as well as to meet with over 100 college admissions representatives who visit Mount Vernon each fall.
MOUNT VERNON STUDIOS
You are an Artist
True artists create in studios - be it recording, art, maker, film, or dance. Mount Vernon Studios pairs students with professional artist instructors, nurturing individual creativity. We are reimagining arts education, connecting students to the expanding creative industry.
Ranked #1 for Arts Innovation by Arts Schools Network, our programs offer diverse choices and impact. Countless opportunities provide real-world studio experiences. With 100+ events yearly, including seven mainstage productions, engagement abounds. Students often balance arts and athletics across school seasons.
ART THAT CHANGES THE WORLD GETS MADE WHEN ARTISTS ARE empowered TO EXPLORE.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MAKER, ART & DESIGN
COURSE OFFERINGS
Audio Engineering
Band
Ceramics
Coding
Dance
Digital Media
Drawing
Fashion & Fibers
Film
Guitar
Jewelry & Accessory Design
Maker, Design & Engineering
Music Industry
Painting
Percussion
Photography
Piano
Printmaking
Songwriting & Music Composition
Strings
Theatre
User Experience Design
Virtual Reality
Relationships are foundational for our athletic teams. Mount Vernon Athletics strives to holistically develop every student-athlete, emphasizing hospitality, community, and professionalism. Prioritizing coach-student connections fosters support, encouragement, and accountability. This environment empowers students beyond what they ever imagined for themselves.
Whether striving to one day play collegiate athletics or finding a sense of belonging on a Mount Vernon team, students are forever changed by the experience and connections through athletics at Mount Vernon. Over 80% of Upper and Middle Schoolers join athletics, impacting development, academics, and well-being. Team sports teach persistence, patience, and life skills.
Sports at Mount Vernon begin in Grade 5. We compete in the Middle School Metro 10 league and the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), A-Division 1.
Swim
Tennis
Track
Volleyball
Wrestling
JUNIOR VARSITY Baseball Basketball
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Baseball
Mustangs In Training (MIT) is a multi-sports program created to introduce Lower School students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 to a variety of Mount Vernon athletic programs. Mustangs In Training is designed to be inclusive, safe, and age-appropriate, providing opportunities for students of all abilities to participate and improve their skills while connecting with Varsity, JV, and MS coaches and student athletes.
Wrestling
ENGAGED COMMUNITY + Parent Involvement
We believe a strong, engaged community starts with our families. There are numerous ways for parents to get involved and make a lasting impact. Parents, grandparents, and extended family can learn alongside students as active and engaged members of our community, invest their time and talents by serving in various capacities, join committees within our parent network, and participate in our exciting school signature events.
LIFELONG LEARNING THROUGH PARENT UNIVERSITY
The School offers unique insights and opportunities for lifelong learning with an annual Speaker Series, Divisional Connections, Learning Walks, and special events.
MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH SERVICE
Teaching our students how to lead with a servant’s heart in our community, MV Serves, a parent-led committee in partnership with the School, implements three week-long service opportunities for the entire campus and community.
MULTIPLE PATHWAYS FOR ENGAGEMENT
Parents, grandparents, and extended family serve when investing time and/or talents in any capacity at the School. Giving time makes our community stronger. There are so many ways to offer a helping hand from volunteering at an admissions event, volunteering in the Made in MV Spirit store, to one of the hundreds of annual arts or athletics events.
ALL PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, PERSONS STANDING IN PLACE OF PARENTS, AND PARENTS OF ALUMNI ARE MEMBERS OF THE MOUNT VERNON PARENT NETWORK, AND MEMBERSHIP IS INCLUDED IN TUITION.
Find all the current MVPN committees here!
Community Traditions
CONVOCATION
Families attend this annual gathering to hear Head of School, Kristy Lundstrom, share the vision for the year ahead. The Mount Vernon Parent Network hosts a Volunteer Fair in conjunction with Convocation.
CHAPEL SERVICES
Parents and family members are invited to attend weekly Chapel in each of MV's divisions. These moments unite the Mount Vernon community, fostering values and building relationships.
MUSTANG RALLY
Mustang Rally is an annual springtime all-school event that kicks off with a parade, followed by field races and a carnival, including games, rides, inflatables, and water features.
ADMISSIONS
We can't wait to meet you!
KIRSTEN BEARD
Chief Admissions Officer
404.252.3448 x2401 kbeard@mountvernonschool.org
SHAVONNE FLOYD
Associate Director, Lower Campus Admissions
sfloyd@mountvernonschool.org
ERIC CHEEK
Associate Director, Upper Campus Admissions
404.252.3448 x2403 echeek@mountvernonschool.org
GIANNE DEMERITTE
Admissions Process & Database Coordinator
gdemeritte@mountvernonschool.org
We invite you to schedule a call with Admissions via our online calendar scheduler. We look forward to connecting with you and assisting you as you navigate the admissions process.
START YOUR APPLICATION
Log into your Ravenna-hub.com account to submit forms and manage your application.
Shared Applicant Information Form
$100 Nonrefundable Application Fee
Parent Questionnaire
Student Questionnaire (Rising Grades 6 - 12)
Teacher Evaluation Forms (Rising Grades PK3 - 12)
School Records (Rising Grades 1 - 12)
JATP testing (Rising Grades K - 5)
Admissions Visit Day (Rising Grades PK3 - 12)
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
OCT. 1
JAN. 25
FE B. 15
MAR. 1
APR. 5
APR. 17
Application opens in Ravenna
Last date to submit Shared Applicant Information Form and nonrefundable $100 application fee
Last date to submit supplemental forms and school records
Last date for JATP testing (Rising Grades K - 5)
Admissions decisions posted in Ravenna
Last date for enrollment contracts to be submitted to Mount Vernon
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Students of any race, religion, national and/or ethnic origin, and any other protected class under state or federal law may be admitted.
MOUNT VERNON
Our three distinct units, The Mount Vernon School, Mount Vernon School Online, and Ventures, work to fuel and sustain each other creating unique benefits and value for each member of our community.
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