January Special Section
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
2 | January 2026 | AppenMedia.com
The Cottage School: Different from day one Brought to you by – The Cottage School From the moment students walk through the door, The Cottage School (TCS) creates a place where students who learn differently are understood, supported, and celebrated. As an accredited K–12 school with two campus locations in Roswell, TCS offers small class sizes, a personalized learning approach, and a structured environment that empowers students to succeed. “I know my son is taken care of and will grow at The Cottage School in ways that continue to amaze us. This school has provided the life skills, academics, and a psychosocially rich experience for my son and our family.” – TCS Parent Students thrive in core subjects while also engaging in hands-on opportunities such as STEAM, culinary arts, music, video production, robotics, automechanics, and athletics. Recently launched, The Cottage School Career Center equips all high school students with structured instruction that focuses on real-world life and
career readiness skills. Students gain practical experience and develop essential abilities in communication, independent living, time management, and workplace etiquette, preparing them to confidently navigate life and work beyond the classroom. From kindergarten through graduation, The Cottage School's mission is to prepare students socially, emotionally, and academically to become confident, independent adults. Through our unique approach to an incentivebased learning model and a focus on building executive functioning skills, students continue to strengthen the skills that prepare them for college, careers, and life. Families choose TCS for a school experience where their child is understood, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Choosing the right school is an important decision, and our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way. Submit an inquiry to learn more about The Cottage School and schedule a tour to experience our community firsthand. Inquire today at cottageschool.org.
PROVIDED
DIFFERENT
FROM DAY ONE Serving Students K-12 with Learning Differences Small Class Sizes Personalized Learning Approach Sensory Motor (K-5)/Speech/OT Services Available Year Round Sports Program Postsecondary Planning for High School Students
Now Enrolling for 2026-27 School Year 770.641.8688 www.cottageschool.org 1565 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell (K-5) 700 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell (6-12)
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
AppenMedia.com | January 2026 | 3
Shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators At Woodward Academy, we believe education should prepare students for more than college—it should prepare them to lead with vision, courage, and purpose. To innovate responsibly. To create impact in a complex, ever-changing world. That’s why our mission extends beyond academic excellence. We cultivate character and opportunity, shaping students not just for success, but for significance. For families who care deeply about the kind of people their children will become, Woodward offers something rare: an education designed to spark ambition, nurture integrity, and empower leadership on a global scale. The results speak for themselves Our alumni are innovators, entrepreneurs, and public servants—making their mark in Fortune 500 boardrooms, national politics, scientific research, and the arts. They lead with clarity, confidence, and conscience, often citing Woodward’s balance of challenge and care as the foundation for their success. Programs that anticipate the future We understand that today’s solu-
tions won’t solve tomorrow’s problems. That’s why Woodward invests in forward-thinking programs such as: • Executive Communication—teaching students to present, debate, and lead with confidence. • Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Tech—early exposure to the tools shaping the future. • Global Studies & Exchange—immersive experiences that prepare students for international collaboration. These opportunities don’t just enhance résumés. They cultivate resilient, adaptive thinkers ready for whatever comes next. A community that opens doors Our greatest strength is our people. Alumni, parents, mentors, and thought leaders form a network that creates opportunities far beyond the classroom—from internships and shadowing to partnerships and philanthropy. Woodward is not simply a school. It is a lifelong ecosystem of support and influence. For families who value purpose over prestige, the choice is clear. The world doesn’t just need achievers—it needs leaders. Their journey can begin here.
PROVIDED
EXCEPTIONAL ACADEMICS, A STRONG COMMUNITY, AND LIFELONG SUCCESS. THAT’S
WOODWARD WAY
THE
Brought to you by – Woodward Academy
woodward.edu/inquire
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
4 | January 2026 | AppenMedia.com
Accelerate your nursing career. Impact your community. Brought to you by – Herzing University The healthcare systems of metro Atlanta, including surrounding communities like Sandy Springs, are experiencing the effects of the state-wide nursing shortage. Georgia is on track to be among the top 10 states facing the most urgent nursing shortages, projecting a need for over 18,000 registered nurses locally by 2037. This means more than just a lack of staff. It translates to longer emergency room waits, postponed critical care and increased pressure on already overworked healthcare professionals. This shortage demands an innovative approach to nursing education – one that unlocks the potential of more qualified individuals, including non-traditional students who may be balancing work and family responsibilities. Herzing-Atlanta understands this reality and has developed flexible learning options to cater to the nontraditional student, for whom time is one of the most valuable resources. As the campus celebrates one year in its new Sandy Springs location, Herzing is
setting the standard for what it means to grow a resilient, future-ready nursing community. • No wait lists to start: Begin your Bachelor of Science in Nursing coursework immediately, streamlining you into the workforce career ready. • Flexible, hybrid learning: Balance life’s priorities with education through a mix of online general education coursework and in-person clinical training. • Accelerated pathways: Maximize transfer credits and leverage prior healthcare experience through fasttrack bridge programs. • Local clinical experience: Gain hands-on training at hospitals and clinics across metro Atlanta, building local connections and real-world skills. • Career-ready preparation: Enter the workforce with the confidence and experience needed to meet Atlanta’s growing demand for skilled nurses. With a degree from Herzing University, you can help Georgia meet its growing healthcare needs and ensure that every community, from the heart of Atlanta to its surrounding suburbs, has the nurses it needs to thrive.
ACCELERATE YOUR NURSING CAREER. IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY.
Herzing University offers flexible, hybrid classes, accelerated pathways and hands-on clinical experience across metro Atlanta. Skip the wait list and earn your BSN faster to join Georgia's growing workforce of skilled, compassionate nurses.
PROVIDED
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
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Serving families for 50 years Brought to you by – Saint Francis At Saint Francis, students are seen, heard, and valued. Teachers build on each child’s strengths, address challenges, and respond early so students feel supported from the start. Founded in 1976, Saint Francis has spent nearly 50 years helping students succeed through steady relationships, clear structure, and thoughtful academic support. Families choose Saint Francis because learning feels personal and intentional, not rushed or one-size-fits-all. Saint Francis serves families across two campuses in Roswell and Milton. Our Roswell campus is home to Elementary and Middle School, while our Milton campus serves High School and will welcome Middle School students beginning August 2026. This expansion brings a proven middle school program to Milton, creating a seamless transition to high school for families seeking continuity, structure, and long-term support, with complimentary bus service to the Milton campus.
PROVIDED
In Elementary School, students learn in small, hands-on classrooms where they feel safe, supported, and
excited to learn. One of Georgia’s strongest structured literacy programs is woven into the school day, helping
children build reading, writing, and confidence without being pulled out or labeled. Teachers notice early when something isn’t clicking and provide support before frustration takes hold. Middle School focuses on helping students stay on track during a critical stage of growth. With clear routines, strong academics, and dedicated deans and school counselors throughout grades 6–8, students learn to stay organized, manage their time, and advocate for themselves. High School offers a personalized college-prep experience built around the individual student. Flexible academic pathways, executive-function support in every class, and deans and school counselors who stay with students throughout grades 9–12 help learners take on challenges while staying organized, focused, and confident about what comes next. Saint Francis School helps every child succeed by meeting students where they are, providing structure that builds confidence, support that grows independence, and a community where each student is truly known.
6 | January 2026 | AppenMedia.com
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
Education solutions for every mind, every age Brought to you by – Eaton Academy Eaton Academy offers multiple programs, both in person and online, since a “one size fits all” approach to education is not effective in today’s world. Academic programs The full-day K-12 school with its 5:1 studentto-teacher ratio allows instructors to address the individual learning styles of both neuro-typical and neuro-diverse students. Using STEAM-related activities and multisensory instruction, students of all abilities achieve academic and personal success. The collegeprep curriculum is delivered in a safe, nurturing environment. For students with more significant needs, the Pace Program customizes the curriculum to, not only meet their specific academic needs but also develop life skills and independent living strategies. This approach is perfect for students on the spectrum, those with developmental delays, and individuals with other scholastic challenges. Pace students follow the traditional school day and work to develop greater self-sufficiency and independence, on their way to earning a high school diploma. The Independent Study Program (ISP), tailored to students’ schedules and academic needs, permits individuals to work at their own pace. The tutorial setting enables students who need a more flexible approach, such as aspiring athletes and performers, to work toward graduation while following their dreams. Some students enroll in ISP to accelerate their scholastic
work; others seek academic remediation. ISP arranges the one-to-one sessions on a schedule that accommodates the students’ needs for flexibility in time or delivery. Sessions can be in person or online. Post-graduate programs LEAP is designed to help individuals strengthen their life skills to achieve greater independence. Participants benefit from job readiness training at local businesses and life skill development in our model apartment. The LIFE program works with young adults living in their own apartments. Participants meet with a LIFE coach several times each week for support in areas such as meal-prep, budgeting, hygiene, roommate relations, and housekeeping. Supported employment prepares young adults for the workplace. Assistance is given with resume writing, applying for positions, and keeping a job. A job coach serves as a liaison between the participant and job sites. The College Foundations Program (CFP) is designed for individuals who completed high school but are not ready for college or to live on their own. CFP enhances students’ abilities in academics, social settings, independent living, and employment. Students receive onthe-job experience and academic enrichment to enable them to enter college and live independently. Eaton Academy is the ideal place for families to discover education options and independent living solutions. Whatever students need, Eaton works to create the perfect education solution for them.
EATON ACADEMY NOW ENROLLING A Challenging Approach to Education that Features: • Programs for Traditional & Neurodivergent Learners • Attention to Individual Needs • Customized College-Prep Programs for K-12 • 5:1 Student: Teacher Ratio • Independent Study Classes • Supportive, Nurturing Environment • Post-Graduate Options Available
CALL 770.645.2673 OR VISIT EATONACADEMY.ORG PHOTOS PROVIDED
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
PROVIDED
An exceptional start to an unstoppable future Brought to you by – The Davis Academy The years from Kindergarten Prep through 8th Grade are special, consequential, and deserving of intentional focus. These are the years when children are most open to exploring: as students, athletes, artists, friends, and leaders. It’s when students begin to set great expectations, and when they discover their inner self is as important as their academic development. It’s when children recognize their critical role within their family, their community, and the greater world. These are the formative years, and at The Davis Academy, they mean everything. As both a highly academic independent school and a Reform Jewish Day School, we are intentional about giving children an exceptional start to their school experience, providing students with individualized learning, well-rounded opportunities, and a loving community rooted in inclusive values.
We believe that when children are given an exceptional start to their school experience, they grow up to become: • Undeterred by academic challenge and confident in their abilities. • Understood and valued for both who they are and how they learn. • Unafraid to explore their purpose, try new things, develop their voice, advocate for themselves, and speak up for what is right. • United as part of a strong community built on L.O.V.E.—living our values every day. Our families say we’re a school with a soul. That’s because we’re not just a place for the child but for the generations. When your family joins Davis, you begin a life-changing journey together and find a support system for life. Welcome to The Davis Academy Kindergarten Prep - 8th Grade 8105 Roberts Drive, Atlanta 30350 770-671-0085 davisacademy.org
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EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
8 | January 2026 | AppenMedia.com
‘If a student can’t learn the way we teach… we should teach the way a student can learn.’ Brought to you by – Mill Springs Academy Mill Springs Academy is a 1-12 private school dedicated to helping neurodiverse students (including students with ADHD, learning differences, and Level 1 Autism) discover their strengths and thrive. Mill Springs takes a unique approach to education by combining academic learning with practical skills development through project-based learning. Our hands-on curriculum engages students in real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking, executive functioning skills, and social-emotional intelligence. From the unit-based Lower School program to our Middle and Upper Schools' robust selection of electives that connect students to critical academic skills through subjects and topics that interest them, we empower students to explore, create, and grow at their own pace. Our specialized Communication Arts program ensures that students with Level 1 Autism and those with pragmatic language challenges receive the tailored support they need while
How parents can connect with their teenagers Brought to you by – Shaquanta “Shelley” Danjoint, M.S., The Summit Counseling Center
PROVIDED
remaining fully engaged with the broader school community. Mill Springs’ fine arts program encourages students to explore their creativity through painting, sculpture, set design, music, performance, and more. Our robust athletic programs allow students to play at a competitive level while building teamwork, confidence, and communication skills. At Mill Springs, our mission is to prepare students to be Real World Ready, equipped with the confidence, life skills, and resilience to succeed in whatever path they choose. RSVP for an individual tour at www.millsprings.org/visit.
Mill Springs Academy provides individualized academic and social support in a nurturing environment Where learning differences are understood allowing students to discover their unique talents.
& strengths are discovered. Join us for a February Open House on
millsprings.org/visit
millsprings.org/visit
Serving Students in K-12 with Learning Differences 13660 New Providence Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 • 770-360-1336 • millsprings.org
Serving Neurodiverse Students in Grades 1-12. Rolling Admissions.
13660 New Providence Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 • 770-360-1336 • millsprings.org
The teenage years can be an adjustment for both children and parents. Teenagers are finding their identity and are becoming more aware of themselves. Parents go through a phase of learning about their child, even after knowing them for years. There are phases and stages that parents will witness their child going through that may not be present later. Listed below are some suggestions to help parents continue to connect and build a healthy relationship with their child while still providing parenting and guidance. • Set up quality time. It can be helpful for teens to have time just with mom and time just with dad. These times may look different. Dads may want to take their daughters out for dinner, but may bond with their sons over sports or other events. Moms may go shopping with their daughters or bake with them to learn about their interests and hobbies. The idea is to learn more to see what activity may best suit you to do together. • Practice helpful communication. Avoid name-calling. Helpful communication can include sharing what your teens are doing well and encouraging them to do their best, rather than only telling them what they are not doing well. This can also include not going back and forth with teens, but allowing them to vent, revisiting the conversation later to talk and show love and affection when everyone is calmer. It is important to set boundaries and maintain your household rules here. Avoid going back and forth on topics that lead to escalating arguments.
PROVIDED
Shaquanta “Shelley” Danjoint • Express unconditional love and affection that is not dependent on teens doing things right. An example could be that after establishing a punishment, return and tell your teens how much you love and appreciate them. Typically, at this age, teens need to feel accepted, no matter their behavior or emotions, while still providing correction. Teens are likely to see things logically and reasoning after venting. Once they are calmer, teens tend to be more understanding.
Live Your Best Life Healthy Relationships Positive Coping Skills Balanced Emotions We can help!
www.SummitCounseling.org (678) 893-5300
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
AppenMedia.com | January 2026 | 9
Change lives, change the world Brought to you by – Wesleyan School Wesleyan School believes faith and intellect are great partners with each other. At Wesleyan, it’s not a matter of choosing faith or intellect, but rather using both to create the best possible education for your child. Our leadership and faculty work to provide students with an atmosphere that is challenging, reinforces the value of hard work, and emphasizes character and integrity above accomplishment. Wesleyan prepares students for each stage of life and provides them with the opportunity to see all the possibilities that lie before them. Wesleyan’s school motto is JOY-Jesus, Others, Yourself, and every aspect of school life is oriented to reinforce this philosophy of putting Jesus first and others ahead of ourselves. A college preparatory environment, students have access to a wide range of academic opportunities along with athletics, arts, service and other extracurricular activities. Wesleyan’s 85-acre campus provides state-of-the-art academic facilities along with on-campus practice space for athletics and arts. Located just outside of I-285 in Peachtree Corners, Wesleyan enrolled 1,210 students in grades K-12 for the 2024-2025 school year. Wesleyan offers bus routes throughout the metro Atlanta area. Supervised care before school is included in the cost of tuition and after care is available (K-8) until 6 p.m. at an affordable rate. The Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-7640 https://www.wesleyanschool.org/
PROVIDED
Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive
LEARN MORE
E X P L O R E W E S L E YA N AT W W W. W E S L E YA N S C H O O L . O R G / A D M I S S I O N S
10 | January 2026 | AppenMedia.com
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
18 MONTHS – 8TH GRADE
PROVIDED
Springmont’s authentic Montessori experience balances academic learning with social/emotional well-being. Highly experienced and caring teachers guide individualized learning that inspires students to become creative, independent and globally-minded. EXTRAORDINARY BY DESIGN. Applications due Feb. 1
404.252.3910 • www.springmont.com
ATLANTA’S F I R ST MONTE S SOR I SCHO OL
Applications are due February 1 Brought to you by – Springmont School As the oldest Montessori school in the Southeast, Springmont offers students 18 months through middle school an authentic Montessori experience that is extraordinary by design. Individualized learning inspires our diverse population of students to become creative, independent, and globally minded. Classrooms are large, light-filled, and thoughtfully prepared, while the campus’ many natural areas, class gardens, and farm animals afford rich outdoor life science lessons. Specially designed Montessori materials support children’s developmental needs and offer students a wide variety of hands-on activities that concretely reinforce skills, lessons, and concepts. Highly experienced and caring teachers guide students through an individualized curriculum that develops the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. Multi-aged classes allow younger children to learn from older ones and older students to mentor younger classmates.
Art, Music, Physical Education, Outdoor Science Education, and Spanish are essential parts of the student experience. At Springmont, students are challenged to reach their fullest potential and empowered to help steer their own educations. Children’s innate curiosity grows into a life-long love of learning and a quest for meaningful discoveries and deeper knowledge. Middle School students run microeconomies and compete in regional academic competitions. Opportunities to hone time-management skills, experience active leadership roles, articulate complex ideas, and work both independently and in diverse groups make our Middle School Program a true capstone experience. Springmont graduates are confident, collaborative, engaged learners, prepared for success in Atlanta’s premier high schools as well as life beyond academics. Springmont School—Extraordinary by Design. Applications for the 2026-27 school year are due February 1! For more information or to schedule a tour, call 404-252-3910 or visit springmont.com.
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
PROVIDED
A strong start in faith and learning Brought to you by – Dunwoody Baptist Preschool For over 56 years, Dunwoody Baptist Preschool’s vision has been to inspire the love of learning by nurturing each child within a Christ-centered environment. We are committed to encouraging our early learners to thrive academically, but even more importantly, we want them to grow spiritually. We, as teachers and staff, care deeply that all of our students know who God is and that He loves them unconditionally. We are a fully accredited preschool through COGNIA. At Dunwoody Baptist Preschool, we offer 2, 3 ,4 and 5-day classes for children ages 6 months to 2 years and
5-day classes for children in 3’s, 4’s Pre-K and our unique Young 5’s class. Early Morning drop-off, Extended Day and Enrichment classes in cooking, phonics, science, Spanish, ballet and piano are also offered. All children at DBP not only learn and explore within the classroom, they enjoy music and science classes, gym, playground time and chapel. Please visit our Admissions section on our website at dbc.org/ weekdayschool to register your child for the 2026-2027 school year. Please email Lesley Kammerer, Director at lkammerer@dbc.org for information on school tours. To see all of the fun we are having, check out our Instagram or Facebook @ dunwoodybaptistpreschool!
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12 | January 2026 | AppenMedia.com
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
PROVIDED
Where children develop Building a love of learning, a love of learning and friendships for life. DUNWOODY · SANDY SPRINGS 6 months through Transitional-K Full and half-day options
atlantajcc.org/preschools TAKE A TOUR! REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR 2026-2027
Brought to you by – MJCCA Preschools MJCCA Preschools are where children develop a love of learning and find friendships that last a lifetime. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta has been providing outstanding early childhood education for more than 60 years. The Weinstein School in Dunwoody and The Schiff School at Temple Emanu-El in Sandy Springs both offer full- and half-day options for children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K, and The Weinstein School also has an outstanding Transitional Kindergarten program. MJCCA preschoolers experience our innovative and progressive curriculum, infused with traditional Jewish learning all in a safe and supportive environment. Our warm
and loving teachers focus on four traditional areas of child development: social and emotional growth, literacy, cognition, and movement/physical development. Exceptional enrichment and extracurricular classes allow children to explore their interests and try new things. The Schiff School is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission with Quality. The Weinstein School is a NAEYC-accredited program (National Association for the Education of Young Children) — a distinction awarded to only the top 7% of preschools nationwide and is Cognia and GAC with Quality Accredited. Registration for 2026-27 is now open. To learn more and schedule a tour visit atlantajcc.org/preschool or call 678.812.3834.
EDUCATION • Sponsored Section
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Discover the McGinnis Woods Difference! OPEN
HOUSE
• Private education for infants through 8th grade. • Nurturing environment featuring 1 to 1 iPads, outstanding teachers, small class sizes with assistants, hands-on academics, STEM, Discovery Clubs, frequent field trips, and leadership opportunities.
January 24 1-3pm
• After School, Sports, Science Olympiad, Robotics
and Drama available.
Inspiring students with the passion to excel
5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, GA 30005 • www.McGinnisWoods.org • 770-664-7764
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