While the public schools in East Cobb County do a good job of providing a quality education, many East Cobb parents seek out “a better fit” for their junior scholars. Finding a quality private school can be a daunting task. As a first step, take a look at our eleventh annual list of private schools. Many of these schools will be hosting Open Houses this month, and quite a few have registration deadlines in January or February. So if you are considering private education, now is the time to investigate your options.
ACTON ACADEMY
1515 Johnson Ferry Road
Marietta 30062
770-312-3680
www.actonmarietta.org
Tuition: $10,500
Grades: K-8
Students: 15
Educational Architect: Georgette Dobkin
ALEXSANDER ACADEMY
1090 Powers Place
Alpharetta 30009
770-777-0475
www.alexsanderacademy.org
Tuition: $9,500-$32,500
Grades: K-12
Students: 19
Executive Direcor: Stefanie Smith
ATLANTA ACADEMY, THE 2000 Holcomb Woods Parkway Roswell 30076
678-461-6102
www.atlantaacademy.com
Tuition: $10,985-$23,985
Grades: 6 weeks-8
Students: N/A
Head of School: Shannon Dishman
ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 2890 North Fulton Drive
Atlanta 30305
404-841-3840
www.aischool.org
Tuition: $23,932-$27,320
Grades: 3K-12
Students: 1,220
Headmaster: Kevin Glass
ATLANTA GIRLS’ SCHOOL 3254 Northside Parkway NW Atlanta 30327
404-845-0900
www.atlantagirlsschool.org
Tuition: $26,330 Grades: 6-12
Students: 248
Head of School: Ayanna Hill-Gill
ATLANTA JEWISH ACADEMY 5200 Northland Drive NE Atlanta 30342
404-843-9900
www.atljewishacademy.org
Tuition: $16,000-$24,500 Grades: Infants-12
Students: 460
Associate Head of School: Rabbi Ari Leubitz
BEN FRANKLIN ACADEMY 1585 Clifton Road
Atlanta 30329
404-633-7404
www.benfranklinacademy.org
Tuition: $27,000-$36,500 Grades: 9-12
Students: 125
Head of School: Dr. Martha Burdette
BLESSED TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 11320 Woodstock Road Roswell 30075 678-277-9083
www.btcatholic.org
Tuition: $12,050
Grades: 9-12
Students: 978
Principal: Cathy Lancaster
THE WOOD ACRES SCHOOL INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR 50 YEARS
Wood Acres is the oldest, private independent school in the area and continues to be strong and vibrant. Tens of thousands of students have been a part of the school and its popular summer camp programs. The faculty, students, and families celebrate a love for Wood Acres that is simple, precious, amazing, and lasting.
“Wood Acres is a heartbeat, a shared vision, a common belief in children and learning, and a commitment to educational excellence and achievement. It is a school for all seasons and all the right reasons,” shared Head of School Judy Thigpen.
Kay and Dave Clark, the original owners, nurtured the groundbreaking preschool and expanded to include a grammar school on nine beautiful acres in the
heart of East Cobb where the school thrives today.
In 2002, Judy and John Thigpen, became the visionaries behind Wood Acres success today. They completed a massive renovation and further expansion with a new building to launch the Upper School, teaching children through the 8th grade. The Thigpens and their team thoughtfully innovated while honoring tradition and legacy.
Wood Acres includes an Early School (2-4 year olds), which combines learning with purposeful play opportunities that engage young learners in the world around them. The program follows a unique, nationally recognized curriculum in the areas of early literacy, numeracy, science and social studies. Students also
experience foreign language, art, music, physical education and the biggest sandbox in town.
The Grammar School (Kindergarten through 4th grade) is well known for its accredited and accelerated academic curriculum, integrated STEAM learning experiences and commitment to teaching Spanish. Students also learn to give with their heart and care for the school. They put forth their best effort both in and out of the classroom and are supported by their families and teachers who want what is best for them and their development.
The Upper School (5th through 8th grade) prepares students to apply a rigorous learning mindset and soar in all areas so that they are prepared for a variety of private and/or public magnet
programs upon graduation. Upper School students lead younger students on campus in a variety of ways, including peer mentoring, book buddies and philanthropy. Wood Acres is a member of the International Spanish Academy, enabling students to participate in a capstone trip to Spain each year to study at a renowned university with which Wood Acres has enjoyed a thriving partnership for more than twenty years.
Most importantly, “we focus on what we would like our graduates to know, see, say and do,” shared Principal Laurie Mazor. “We then work backwards from there and nurture those skills and qualities throughout their years at Wood
Acres.” Wood Acres does not subscribe to any one program or educational trend, but rather focuses on what is best for children and what has worked throughout the years while keeping an eye on the future.
Wood Acres proudly honored its 50 years of teaching, learning and caring with families, alumni and community members at a recent anniversary celebration. As they look to the next fifty years, Wood Acres will continue this legacy and its ideals. They will continue to deepen connections within the community and thoughtfully make decisions for the good of their students in these changing times. Everyone at Wood Acres knows
their students can be successful and all work together to achieve that goal. Teaching, learning and caring remains at the heart of the school.
Admissions Director Nicole Hankamer shares, “visitors feel part of the excitement that we see every day.”
The Wood Acres School is located at 1772 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA, 30062. For more information about the school, visit woodacresschool.org or call 770-971-1880. Wood Acres is hosting two open houses for prospective students and family members: November 3, 2019 and January 26, 2020. Additionally, they host private campus tours by appointment.
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE
BRANDON HALL SCHOOL
1701 Brandon Hall Drive
Atlanta 30350
770-394-8177
www.brandonhall.org
Tuition: $29,750 Day School, $52,850 Domestic Boarding School
Grades: 6-12
Students: 200
Head of School: Dean J. Fusto
BROOKWOOD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
4728 Wood Street Acworth 30101
678-401-5855
www.brookwoodchristian.com
Tuition: $17,000
Grades: 1-12
Students: 60
Principal: Kim Wigington
CASA MONTESSORI
150 Powers Ferry Road
Marietta 30067
770-973-2731
www.casamontessori.com
Tuition: $10,880-$13,010
Grades: 18mos-5
Students: 122
Director: Suzanne Johnson
CORNERSTONE
PREPARATORY ACADEMY
3588 Hickory Grove Road NW Acworth 30101
770-529-7077
www.cornerstoneprep.org
Tuition: Kindergarten$3,900
All other grades: $170/ semester hour all other grades
Grades: K-12
Students: 490
Head of School: Marsha Robbins
COTTAGE SCHOOL, THE 700 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell 30075
770-641-8688/770-640-8037
www.cottageschool.org
Tuition: $18,500-$25,450 Grades: 4-12
Students: 190
Executive Director: Dr. Steven T. Palmer
COVENANT CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES ACADEMY
170 Fairground Street North Marietta 30060 770-919-0022
>4820 Long Island Drive Atlanta 30342 (Lower School)
>4465 Northside Drive Atlanta 30327 (Preschool) 678-904-2811/404-255-0900/ 404-252-8008
www.holyspiritprep.org
Tuition: $13,000-$24,780 Grades: 6 mos-12 Students: 570 Head of School: Kyle M. Pietrantonio
HOWARD SCHOOL, THE 1192 Foster Street
Atlanta 30318
404-377-7436
www.howardschool.org
Tuition: N/A
Grades: K-12
Students: N/A
Head of School: Marifred Cilella
JOHNSON FERRY
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 955 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta 30068 678-784-5231
www.jfca.org
Tuition: $4,965-$5,140
Grades: K-12
Students: 415
Head of School: Kimberly Maiocco
LOVETT SCHOOL, THE 4075 Paces Ferry Road NW
Atlanta 30327
404-262-3032
www.lovett.org
Tuition: $25,400-$29,530
Grades: K-12
Students: 1,700
Headmaster: Meredyth Cole
LYNDON ACADEMY 485 Toonigh Road Holly Springs 30188 770-926-0166
www.lyndonacademy.org
Tuition: $10,600-$15,100
Grades: PreK-12
Students: 180
Headmaster: Linda Murdock
MARIST SCHOOL
3790 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE
Atlanta 30319
770-457-7201
www.marist.com
Tuition: $20,030
Grades: 7-12
Students: 1,076
Principal: Mr. Kevin Mullally
President: Rev. William Rowland, S.M.
CHOOSING A PRIVATE SCHOOL
The reasons cited over and over again by families who send their children to private schools include individual attention, small classes, teacher excellence, and high academic standards.
Your decision to consider an independent/private school is just the beginning. While private schools set high standards and emphasize values, they are wonderfully distinct from each other. There are day and boarding schools; coeducational, girls’ and boys’ schools. Enrollment varies from a few dozen to a few thousand students. Some independent schools are progressive, others more traditional in structure. Private schools also serve a varying range of students in terms of abilities and interests. Some schools offer special programs such as intensified instruction in fine and performing arts, experiential learning projects, or travel abroad seminars. Many schools excel at rigorous intellectual preparation; others are dedicated to average learners; and some specialize in teaching bright students with learning disabilities. Since each of these schools has something unique to offer, ideally you are trying to match a student’s needs with the appropriate school. Write or call the admissions office for published information about a school’s philosophy and programs, and then make an appointment to visit.
If you haven’t done so already, contact each potential school for information dealing with philosophy, curriculum, extracurricular offerings, admission process, and financing options. Compare each school’s literature with the items on your list; this should give you a preliminary sense of which schools are a good match. Take into account what type of environment would be best for your child and consider his or her individual strengths as you examine each school’s program.
The best time to apply is in the fall preceding the academic year of the student’s admission; however, applications are considered throughout the school year. Most schools will require a personal interview, admissions testing, and information from your child’s current school. Ask the individual school for the details of its application procedures and testing dates.
In short, choosing the right school for your child is likely the most important single decision you might make in terms of setting the proper path and direction for life. A little preparation and research on the part of parents will go miles toward making the ultimate destination clear at the exit ramp.
Since 1993!
PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE
MASTER’S ACADEMY
ARTS & ACADEMICS
770 Kennesaw Avenue
Marietta 30060
770-364-3774
www. mariettamastersacademy. com
Tuition: $50-350/per course Grades: PreK-12
Students: 150
Head of School: Bekah Hamrick
MILL SPRINGS ACADEMY
13660 New Providence Road
Alpharetta 30004
770-360-1336
www.millsprings.org
Tuition: $20,280-$26,000 Grades: 1-12
Students: 350
Headmaster: Debbie Orr
MOUNT PARAN
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
1275 Stanley Road Kennesaw 30152
770-578-0182
www.mtparanschool.com
Tuition: $3,874-$19,632
Grades: PreK-12
Students: 1,220
Headmaster: Timothy Wiens
MOUNT VERNON
PRESBYTERIAN SCHOOL
471 Mt. Vernon Highway NE (Early Learning-6) 510 Mt. Vernon Highway NE (7-12) Atlanta 30328
404-252-3448
www.mountvernonschool.org
Tuition: $9,260-$25,250 Grades: Early Learning-12
Students: 940
Head of School: Dr. J. Brett Jacobsen
MT. BETHEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
4385 Lower Roswell Road
Marietta 30068 (PreK-8)
2509 Post Oak Tritt Road
Marietta 30062 (9-12)
770-971-0245
www.mtbethelchristian.org
Tuition: $10,731-$15,562
Grades: PreK-12
Students: 650
Head of School (Interim): Keith Castello
NORTH COBB
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
4500 Eagle Drive Kennesaw 30144
770-975-0252
www.ncchristian.org
Tuition: $5,180-$16,620
Grades: K3-12
Students: 915
Head of School: Todd Clingman
PACE ACADEMY
966 W. Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta 30327
404-262-1345
www.paceacademy.org
Tuition: $25,800-$29,715
Grades: Pre-First-12
Students: 1,115
Head of School: Frederick Assaf
PORTER ACADEMY
200 Cox Road Roswell 30075
678-894-8284
www.porteracademy.org
Tuition: $20,476
Grades: PreK-8
Students: 75
Head of School: Lynn Schoeneck
QUEEN OF ANGELS
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
11340 Woodstock Road Roswell 30075
770-518-1804
www.qaschool.org
Tuition: $8,675
Grades: K-8
Students: 502
Principal: Dr. Jamie Arthur
RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
2001 Riverside Drive Gainesville 30501
770-532-6251
www.riversidemilitary.com
Tuition: $18,240-$39,535
Grades: 7-12
Students: 520
Interim President: Dr. Stanley C. Preczewski, Col
SCHENCK SCHOOL, THE 282 Mt. Paran Road NW
Atlanta 30327
404-252-2591
www.schenck.org
Tuition: $35,400
Grades: K-6
Students: 250
Head of School: Josh Clark
SHILOH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
260 Hawkins Store Road NE Kennesaw 30144
770-926-7729
www.shilohhills.com
Tuition: $4,425-$8,900 Grades: K3-12
Students: 175
Principal: Mike Galien
ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA 1618 Ben King Road Kennesaw 30144 770-419-8601
www.scsiena.org
Tuition: $7,990-$8,600 Grades: K-8
Students: 435
Principal: Sister Mary Cecilia, O.P.
ST. FRANCIS DAY SCHOOL
9375 Willeo Road Roswell 30075 770-641-8257
www.saintfrancisschools.com
Tuition: $11,000-$20,500 Grades: 1-8
Students: 450
Elem. Principal: Karen Harrison
Middle. Principal: Kathleen Hasling
ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL 13440 Cogburn Road Milton 30004 678-339-9989
www.saintfrancisschools.com
Tuition: $20,500-$21,500 Grades: 9-12
Students: 279
Principal: Colette Staak
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
81 Lacy Street Marietta 30060 770-428-3328
www.stjosephschool.org
Tuition: $7,099-$9,230
Grades: K-8
Students: 450
Principal: Patricia Allen
ST. JUDE THE APOSTLE SCHOOL 7171 Glenridge Drive NE Atlanta 30328
770-394-2880
www.saintjude.net
Tuition: $8,986-$10,855
Grades: K-8
Students: 492
Principal: Patty Childs
ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
3110-A Ashford Dunwoody Rd. Atlanta 30319
404-237-4260
www.stmartinschool.org
Tuition: $12,700-$23,350
Grades: Toddler-8
Students: 595
Headmaster: Dr. Luis A. Ottley
ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
2674 Johnson Road NE Atlanta 30345
404-636-3023
www.spx.org
Tuition: $13,700-$15,200
Grades: 9-12
Students: 1,100
President: Chad Barwick
Principal: Steve Spellman
STONEHAVEN SCHOOL, THE 505 Atlanta Street SE Marietta 30060 770-874-8885
www.stonehavenschool.org
Tuition: $2,200-$10,600
Grades: K-8
Students: 144
Head of School: Brett Edwards
SWIFT SCHOOL, THE 300 Grimes Bridge Road Roswell 30075 678-205-4988
www.theswiftschool.org
Tuition: $29,470-$30,470
Grades: 1-8
Students: 260
Head of School: Richard J. Wendlek
TRINITY SCHOOL
4301 Northside Parkway Atlanta 30327
404-231-8100
www.trinityatl.org
Tuition: $18,650-$26,650
Grades: 3yrs-6
Students: 561
Head of School: Joseph Marshall
WALKER SCHOOL, THE 700 Cobb Parkway North Marietta 30062
770-427-2689
www.thewalkerschool.org
Tuition: $10,610-$28,330
Grades: Early learners-12
Students: 866
Head of School: Jack Hall
WEBER SCHOOL, THE 6751 Roswell Road Atlanta 30328
404-917-2500
www.weberschool.org
Tuition: $29,760
Grades: 9-12
Students: 228
Head of School: Rabbi Edward Harwitz
WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS, THE 1424 West Paces Ferry Road NW Atlanta 30327
404-355-8673
www.westminster.net
Tuition: $26,370-$30,330
Grades: Pre-First-12
Students: 1873
President: Keith Evans
WHITEFIELD ACADEMY 1 Whitefield Drive SE Mableton 30126 678-305-3000
www.whitefieldacademy.com
Tuition: $10,900-$24,000
Grades: PreK4-12
Students: 850
Headmaster: Dr. Kevin Bracher
WOOD ACRES SCHOOL, THE 1772 Johnson Ferry Road Marietta 30062
770-971-1880
www.woodacresschool.org
Tuition: $4,700-$13,000
Grades: Preschool-8 Students: 375
Head of School: Judy Thigpen
WOODWARD ACADEMY
1662 Rugby Avenue College Park 30337 6565 Boles Road Johns Creek 30097 404-765-4000/404-765-4490
