Atlanta prep

Greater Atlanta has an abundance of independent schools all dedicated to providing the education needed for students to get into top colleges and universities. Here is a roundup of some of the area’s finest.

Atlanta Country Day School

Atlanta Country Day School targets students in grades seven through 12, who haven’t experienced academic success in traditional, highly structured learning environments. Group or individualized instruction is offered for students with average to extremely above average abilities. Classes meet Monday – Thursday, with a two-hour block assigned to each subject matter. Admission is on a rolling basis. To schedule an informational tour, call 770-998-0311.

Atlanta Girls’ School

Atlanta Girls’ School (AGS) offers a rigorous, nonsectarian college preparatory curriculum for grades six through 12. Focused on instilling leadership, character and confidence, AGS offers an intimate classroom atmosphere, honors and AP courses and mandatory development programs, which, among other things, encourage public service, ethics and philanthropy. For enrollment information, call 404-845-0900.

Atlanta International School

Atlanta International School (AIS) is founded on the joy of learning and hope, and specializes in a well-rounded, global education. An International Baccalaureate program school, AIS offers a diverse atmosphere and bilingual curriculum that prepares students in Pre-K through grade 12 to be intelligent and active participants within the international community. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 404-841-3891.

The Ben Franklin Academy

The Ben Franklin Academy offers a college preparatory curriculum with individualized instruction with regard for each student’s different learning styles and abilities. Set in a non-traditional school environment, enrollment is open for grades nine through 12. For more information, call Dr. Wood Smethurst at 404-633-7404.

The Cliff Valley School

The Cliff Valley School specializes in preschool and elementary education with a tri-fold focus on academic, social and emotional development. Known for its “child-centered curriculum” and active parent community (the school was founded by parents 40 years ago), Cliff Valley offers research-based instruction and programs for students in kindergarten through grade five. Plans to expand into middle school grades are underway, with sixth grade enrollment beginning in the fall of 2011. For more information or to RSVP for an open house, contact Megan Vitale at 678-302-1302.

The Cottage School

The Cottage School (TCS) offers a unique educational environment for students (grades six through 12) with special learning needs. Small, structured classes provide pupils with the tools to achieve their academic goals, develop time management and interpersonal skills and plan for their post secondary futures. TCS also provides afterschool tutoring and high school credit courses for students in area schools. Open houses are every Thursday. For more information, call 770-641-8688.

The Galloway School

Founded in 1969, the Galloway School is a philosophically grounded, learner-focused school for students age 3 through grade 12. Tours are scheduled through February. For more information, call 404-252-8389, extension 181.

Greater Atlanta Christian

The Greater Atlanta Christian School offers a college preparatory as well as spiritual education. Serving pre-K through grade 12, the school is affiliated with, but not owned by the Churches of Christ. Call 770-243-2274 for admissions information.

The Howard School

The Howard School specializes in personalized education for students in grades K-12 who have language learning disabilities and differences. The flexible curriculum encourages greater understanding and helps to maximize each pupil’s educational experience and success. Admission is on a rolling basis. For more information, please contact Anne Beisel at 404-377-7436.

Lovett

Now in its 85th year, the Lovett School is an independent school for grades K-12 and aims to develop the total child — intellectually, physically, spiritually, socially, aesthetically and emotionally. For admissions information, call 404-262-3032.

Marist School

Marist is a co-educational school of over 1,000 students, grades seven through 12, that is dedicated to the pursuit of academic excellence, the heritage of Catholic education, and the spirit of the Society of Mary. Campus tours are every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Feb. 18. For more information, call 770-936-2214 for more information.

Pace Academy

Pace Academy offers intimate classroom settings and a well-rounded curriculum that helps students (grades K-12) become prepared and confident citizens of the world. With a strong focus on the whole child, Pace pupils are developed into academically, culturally, socially, athletically and emotionally strong students. For admissions information, contact Claire Strowd at 404-240-9109 or call 404-262-1345.

Paideia School

The Paideia School’s philosophy is based on the belief that schools can be informal and individualized, yet still educate well. Paideia offers half-day classes for children ages 3 – 5 and kindergarten through grade 12. For information on tour dates, contact Flo Henry at 404-270-2312 or call 404-377-3491.

The Waldorf School of Atlanta

The Waldorf School of Atlanta embraces the natural and eager learning style of children in preschool through grade 12. With a rich academic curriculum, enlivened by the arts and practical skills, the Waldorf education focuses on the individual development of each student. Group tours and informational sessions for parents are held on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., through February 2011, with an extra session in April. Educational sessions by grade level will be held in March. For more information, please contact Stacey Alston, enrollment director, at 404-377-1315.

The Walker School

The Walker School offers a college preparatory education in an environment that values personal integrity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning. Pre-K through grade 12. Open houses are Jan. 9 and Feb. 6. For admissions information, contact Patti Logan at 678-581-6891 or call 770-427-2689.

The Weber School

Formerly the New Atlanta Jewish Community High School, the Weber School integrates an open, critical focus on Jewish tradition with a classical, liberal arts education for grades nine through 12. Student tours are Jan. 13 and 25. For more information, contact Rise Arkin at 404-917-2500, ext. 17.

The Westminster Schools

Westminster is a Christian, independent day school for students in kindergarten through grade 12. The  application deadline is Jan. 28. To arrange a tour, call 404-609-6202 or 404-355-8673.

Woodward Academy

Woodward Academy educates over 2,800 students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in two locations: Woodward North in Johns Creek, pre-K through grade six; and the main campus in College Park with pre-K through grade 12. Group tours are every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., until February. For reservations, call 404-765-4001. For tours of the Woodward North campus, call 404-765-4490.