After 9th grade, when my public school became so violent and overcrowded that it was no longer…read moresafe, I got sent to Paideia. My 3 years here were the best years of my entire educational career - including college and grad school! This place really is the most amazing school ever. I remember my first day just like it was yesterday. I was accompanied by one of my best friends, who was also making the big switch to a more civilized school. We sat in front of the bathrooms for like 10 minutes trying to figure out which one was for boys and which was for girls. Turned out you just use whichever one is open! In addition to just being an awesome environment, where you are accepted for being whoever you are, Paideia has a great curriculum. The year is divided into short and long terms. In the long terms, you take the standard stuff - physics, math, languages, etc. The short term is for classes that are a little more outside the box - Sociology of American Rock & Roll anyone? The teachers here are absolutely outstanding! You can totally tell that they love the school and truly believe in it's mission. And Paul, the headmaster, is just an all around great guy. Graduation was awesome. My graduating class was 57 people and Paul made a short speech about every single one of us! I am so thankful that I was able to go to Paideia on a scholarship. I regularly give them money so that others can do so as well. I am also backing them in their efforts to take over the whole block! Go Paideia!

From the owner: Paideia is an independent pre K-12 school located in Druid Hills. The school has become known for…read morethe individual attention it provides its students, for strong academics, for strong athletics and arts programs, and for a vibrant community spirit. Paideia is recognized nationally as a top college preparatory school.

Some of my siblings and family went to this school. The teachers are very nice and passionate about…read moreteaching. They are patient and they also try to get the parents involved with doing homework assignments due at the end of each school week. They also have a diverse group of students which is nice to see. I would highly recommend this school for families who live in the area.

This is hands down one of the best schools in Atlanta. A National Blue Ribbon School. It is a…read moreschool that focuses not only on academic excellence (and the academics are superior to most any other schools) but also focuses on serving others. The faculty and staff are like family and they truly care for each of the children as if they were their own. All three of our children attend St. Thomas More and our oldest has been there for eight years. I can remember once my son coming home with something he had written about why he loved St. Thomas More and he wrote "St. Thomas More teaches you to be kind." My kids are receiving a top notch education and feel safe and very happy at St. Thomas More and I could not ask for more.

From the owner: From the moment you step on our campus at Saint Thomas More Catholic School in Decatur, Ga., you…read morecan feel the difference. Joy is abundant! We live our school mission as “a joyful learning community reaching out to the world as the hands of Christ.” Affectionately called “STM” and located in Decatur, GA, Saint Thomas More Catholic School offers Pre-K4 - 8th grade students an education for their mind, heart, and soul. At our National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, we provide an academically challenging, innovative learning environment that is Christ-centered and based on Catholic values and traditions. We strive to inspire a global sense of understanding, respect, and compassion for others and the courage to put our faith into action. As an accredited private Catholic Pre-K, elementary and middle school inspired by the Jesuits, we are committed to the Jesuit ideals of academic excellence, the service of faith, the promotion of justice, and the education of the whole child.

If you want your kids to be more than just smart, to be Great human beings, This is your place. The…read morewhole culture puts being caring, honest, upfront, and respectful front and center. I see it in my kids every day. (ok, almost every day. They're still humans! :)) But they really do learn in a much more varied 'landscape' of people, of cultures, family structures and points of view and they are better for it. Plus they are getting all the tools for great conflict management skills, a key predictor of happiness. And that's the icing on the cake of solid academics. My kids are learning, and most importantly, they are happy and confident, they feel loved and like they "belong" at their school. (They beg me to stay at aftercare to play with their friends!)

When it came time to find a kindergarten for my son, I knew that I wanted a setting with small…read moreclass sizes, skillful teachers, and a focus on academics. However, as a psychologist, I also knew that I wanted a school that had a focus on social-emotional development. I feel so lucky to have found the Friends School for my son. They sincerely practice what they preach. My son has ADHD, and the teachers were exceptional in identifying his needs, using targeted strategies to assist him, and communicating with me about ways to support him. Despite his challenges, they never lost sight of his unique strengths. Now that he is in first grade, he is thriving. And, the beauty of it is, because it's a small school, his current teachers already have some familiarity with him and have been able to give me great feedback about his improvement. The focus on ensuring that kids are well-rounded citizens is also a real asset for FSA. My son is courteous, kind, and socially aware. He talks about helping the homeless, eating healthy foods, and caring for the environment. He gets adequate exercise and sunlight during the school day (which research shows is linked to greater energy and concentration). He is learning conflict management skills, mindfulness, empathy, and how to be a good member of a team. As someone who works with business leaders, I know that these lessons will be invaluable in his life. I once told the headmaster that he radiates warmth. His demeanor is so kind, upbeat, and positive - he never looks like he's going through the motions. I believe that he sets a great tone for the rest of the school. I can't rave enough about FSA. I'm so lucky that we found it!

This non-pro Academy is built on such great fundamental ideas that I believe should be in all…read moreschools. Antonieus the founder, is such a passionate individual who truly focuses on the mentorship for the kids. Help provide that confidence that children need in order to succeed. I love how creativity, building on the financial, business and networking knowledge that is forward-thinking and will be of value in their future. Most of these kids see this in themselves through the support of the mentors and team they have.

From the owner: Several factors set Genuine Academy apart from the competition…read more * Blended Learning Environment * Community Development Activities * Emphasis on financial literacy * Nontraditional Classroom Design * Recovery Credits