The last 15 years have seen educators put more emphasis on test performance in basic subjects, particularly reading and math. But the arts are now making a comeback. New studies on the correlation between the arts and academic achievement support a trend to put the arts back into classrooms both here in Atlanta and across the country.
Common Core standards help to ensure that students in the United States are proficient in language arts and mathematics. But what exactly is Common Core, and how is it impacting Georgia students’ educational journey? Georgia is one of 42 states that have embraced the initiative, although some aspects in Georgia have changed, and the standards have a new name.
Without a doubt, academics form the core of any school’s mission, and they’re often the first thing parents analyze when selecting a new school for their child. But at many metro Atlanta schools, studies in such subjects as reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies are just the foundation of a well-rounded curriculum. At these schools, teachers aim to educate the “whole child” by focusing on the development of a student’s mind, body and spirit—teaching him how to interact with the outside world, and instilling the skills and confidence necessary to continue to grow and learn throughout his life.
Here are just a few of the different types of schools and philosophies that aim to educate the whole child, going beyond facts and figures to help students grow into happy, healthy and responsible adults.
We live in a fast-paced world, with many parents struggling to balance the demands of home life and a busy career. And that world is increasingly affecting our children, who are enrolled in extracurricular activities and organized sports in an effort to help them become well-rounded individuals and increase their chances of getting into a good college. On top of that, changing to a new school can bring the added pressures of fitting in and making new friends.
The result can be a crushing weight of activities that keeps students rushing from one to another at breakneck speed. Too often, this hectic approach can backfire, creating stressed-out students who can suffer both academically and socially. Striking the right balance is crucial for kids’ health. So how can parents keep their children from feeling overloaded and overwhelmed with all they have going on?
In decades past, it was common to leave a child at a day care or preschool and expect little more than that the staff keep him or her occupied while the parents were at work. But as educators learn more about what and how children learn in their first few years, early education has come to mean much more than simply dropping a child off at the doorstep of a day care center. Continue reading
It’s a topic on the minds of many high-school students and their parents: college admissions. With an ever growing number of prospective college students—and an average of seven to 10 applications per student—colleges are seeing more competition than ever before. So, how do students stand out in the sea of applicants? According to some of metro Atlanta’s college and admissions counselors, the strongest applications are ones that show a pattern of success—and a little personality.
Enrolling in a new school is an important moment in a child’s life. Whether it’s elementary, middle or high school in a public, independent or religious setting, nding a nurturing and challenging institution is crucial.
Navigating Atlanta’s educational landscape means discovering many types of schools with descriptions that may sound somewhat familiar; magnet, charter and special needs are just a few. One kind of school that’s gaining more popularity in the metro area is Montessori, named for Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator.
Education has moved well beyond basic reading, writing and arithmetic. Global initiatives are a growing trend in many Atlanta schools. These programs introduce students to different cultures and different ways of thinking. They expand their horizons by offering opportunities to travel to other countries. And they immerse students in different languages, which is becoming more and more important in our multilingual world. By doing so, they provide today’s students with the skills they’ll need to thrive as adults in an increasingly global society and marketplace.
For many high school students, deciding on a possible career can be a daunting decision. The options seem almost endless, and it can be hard to successfully translate interests into viable career options. Luckily, Georgia’s public and independent schools are dedicated to helping students wade the sometimes murky waters of career preparation. By implementing special programs, offering enriching co-curricular activities and developing personal connections with students, Georgia’s schools are committed to getting students on the right path to a bright and successful future.
