Georgia’s public schools tend to rank low compared to other state schools, so it’s not surprising that private schools have become a popular option, especially for parents looking for programs that are strong in arts education or have an underlying faith-based philosophy. Here’s a brief guide of some of the best private schools in the Atlanta area.
Atlanta Girls School
Our strengths at Atlanta Girls’ School are focused on Innovation in Education. In February of 2009, we were recognized for having one of the first strategic initiatives in the country combining a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program with iPod technology. We are an Apple® environment and the first school in Atlanta to become an Apple 1:1 — student to laptop — school. Starting in middle school, students develop leadership skills through integrated classroom and out-of-school experiences to learn both how to lead and where the community needs this leadership.
Open house: Jan. 10, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.
For more information: Call 404-845-0900, ext. 279, or visit atlantagirlsschool.org.
Epstein School
An award-winning bilingual school for children aged 2 years through 8th grade, the Epstein School in Sandy Springs offers an unparalleled academic learning environment grounded in Conservative Jewish values, but receptive to children of traditional, reform and orthodox families, as well. Educational programs incorporate cutting-edge technology, strong arts education and exceptional instructors who nurture and challenge every child. An intown campus at the Ahavath Achim Synagogue provides care and education for children aged 18 months through Pre-K.
Open house: Call 404-250-5607 to schedule an appointment.
For more information: Visit epsteinatlanta.org.
Galloway School
Dedicated to learning, people, and the cultivation of mature free, fearless thinkers. This commitment to individual freedom within an attentive nurturing environment gives students the place and the space to thrive. From age three to grade 12, students are free to shape their own learning, grounded in a scholastically sound classroom environment.
Open House: December 6, 1p-4p.
For More Information: admission@gallowayschool.org; 404.252.8389 x106; gallowayschool.org.
Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC)
GAC is small enough for students to thrive as individuals, yet large enough to accommodate four school faculties for students in K4 through 12th grade. Mission trips, ministry experiences, notable athletics, debate and math teams, theater and visual arts programs open students’ eyes to future possibilities. Digital Learning at GAC grows to the next level as every student in grades 6-12 is issued a MacBook and iPod Touch, allowing for individual creativity, collaboration and critical expanded thinking in a mobile and global world.
Open house: Jan. 31, 2010
For more information: Call 770-243-2274 or visit greateratlantachristian.org.
Lovett School
The Lovett School is an independent, college-preparatory day school serving students in K through 12th grade. Since Mrs. Eva Edwards Lovett founded the school in her home in 1926, the school has been a leader in progressive education, with an emphasis on developing “the whole child.”
Open house: On Dec. 13, K-5th is from 1p.m.-3p.m.; 6th-12th is 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
For more information: Call 404-262-3032 or visit lovett.org.
Marist
The mission of Marist School, to form the whole person in the image of Christ, is created by blending three distinct traditions: the pursuit of academic excellence, the heritage of Catholic education and the spirit of the Society of Mary. The school offers its students a curriculum that cultivates extensive knowledge and academic skills, intellectual acumen, formation of character, aesthetic appreciation and physical well-being in order to prepare them for college studies, civic leaderships, and the lifelong pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty.
Open house: In February, 90-minute school tours will be offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
For more information: Call 770-936-2214 or visit marist.com.
Mohammed Schools of Atlanta
Mohammed Schools upholds the highest of values and morals for its students and staff. The only independent, accredited, African-American, Islamic-based Pre-K through 12th grade institution in the country, the school has been “Instilling Excellence in Education” for more than 30 years. Although the school primarily consists of Muslim students, families from different nationalities and religious backgrounds diversify and expand the school population every year.
Open house: Held during the first and last quarters of school year. Private tours can be scheduled by appointment between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday-Friday.
For more information: Call 404-378-4219 for Pre-K-8 grades or 404-378-1042 for high school; or visit mohammedschools.org.
Pace Academy
Pace Academy is small enough that students feel comfortable stopping by any teacher’s office, and large enough to field championship sports teams, impressive music programs and acclaimed theater productions. The school prides itself on giving every individual has the opportunity to lead, and ensuring that no student falls through the cracks. For students grades K through 12, the average class size is 15 students and SAT scores have averaged 1300+ for the past five years.
Open house: Call 404-240-9109 to schedule a tour.
For more information: Visit paceacademy.org.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
For more than 100 years, Rabun Gap’s motto has been “Work Study Worship.” With its ties to the Presbyterian church and stunning mountain setting, the school seeks to nurture and challenge students of diverse backgrounds as they prepare for college and a lifetime of service. Students in grades 6-12 may board at the school or attend it as a day school. More than 75 percent of the students are involved in afternoon activities such as athletics, cirque, music, art, drama or dance. Located in Clayton, Ga., near the Georgia/Tennessee border.
Open house: Contact Sherry Richardson for a tour at 706-746-7467 x 226 or srichardson@rabungap.org.
For more information: Visit rabungap.org.
St. Pius High School
In addition to providing a challenging college prep education for grades 9-12, St. Pius X seeks to form students of strong character and deep faith who complete college, serve others and participate actively in the life of the church. The archdiocesan Catholic high school prides itself on a diverse student population that truly “gets involved” in school and community activities and lives up to the motto “We are the Lord’s.”
Open house: Contact Terry Sides for a tour at 404-636-0323 or tsides@spx.org.
For more information: Visit spx.org.
Whitefield Academy
A Christ-centered college preparatory school serving students in grades Pre K-4 through 12, Whitefield Academy is located on a 74-acre campus in the Smyrna/Vinings area of northwest Atlanta. Award-winning academics, fine arts, and 30 athletic teams offer students of all ages an opportunity to exceed their potential and discover new areas of interest. Unique to Whitefield, Upper School students receive individual testing and guidance relating to college selection, collegiate majors, and future vocations through the Life and Career planning course.
Open house: January 23, 2:30 p.m.
For more information: Call Linda Simpson at 678-305-3027 or visit whitefieldacademy.com.
Woodward Academy
Founded in 1900, Woodward Academy is Atlanta area’s oldest independent school and the largest in the continental United States. With the motto “Excellence, Character and Opportunity,” the school seeks to preserve and enhance commitment to the diversity and variety of its student body and faculty and to promote academic excellence while recognizing individual differences in learning styles.
Open Houses: General group tours every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. through February. Call first to make a reservation: 404-765-4001.
For more information: woodward.edu.
Suehyla El-Attar is an actor/writer in Atlanta. Currently, she is directing MacBeth at Shiloh High School, opening Dec. 10. In January, she will appear in Tennis in Nablus at the Alliance Theatre. Please visit suehyla.com for more info.
