Bad experience being flat out ignored when I tried to ask for guidance during the admissions process

This school is amazing! It is run on a foundation of offering children a wonderful education in a loving environment.

Great place for a child to learn! Wonderful school for kids to grow and flourish in the lower grades!

We have been at The Children's School for the last five years and it has been a wonderful experience. We joined TCS in the Early Learning Program when our youngest daughter was 3. We originally heard about TCS through a family friend and as we went through the admissions process we really fell in love with the school and the other parents we met. Since being at TCS we have loved the community - it's a wonderfully diverse, down-to-earth, caring community. The teachers at TCS also really make TCS special - they are compassionate, caring, and really focus on knowing and helping your child learn and grow as an individual. As we have moved into early elementary grades we have been very pleased with the curriculum - TCS uses Math in Focus (Singapore math) like most of the other top schools in the area, they have really increased their focus on phonics and follow the Orton-Gillingham approach. It has also been great our youngest daughter has been able to get support for speech right on campus through their Learning Support Services. We are so thankful to have found TCS and believe it is truly a hidden gem in our community! read more

To say that this school set my child up for Spanish would be utterly insane. This school was nice and loving to my child, but the the kids sometime bullied the s*** outta my stupid a** child! read more

Despite the excellent public facing reputation of TCS, a few of the children persistently bully other children; staff members look the other way, and administration takes a very long time to investigate matters. I have personally experienced this with my child and know another family who left because of this type of student-student behavior and organizational disassociation. This is particularly the case in grades 5 and up. The inclusive culture of the school, for which TCS is known, is primarily for queer identifying individuals and their families as well as BIPOCs. This is fantastic, but does not substitute for administration failing to address a child being punched in the face by another child, taunted by other children, or teachers' singling students out because of unrecognized and unaddressed intrinsic bias. The lack of civility in middle and upper school is saddening and less widely reported in public forums. The lack of adult accountability is unfathomable, especially considering the cost of tuition. it appears that the administration is happy to let parents' and children's' discomforts be their discomforts, until the level of tone-deafness becomes painful to students and their families, and they leave. Multiple families experience this, and quietly go on to other schools where vertical curricular alignment and accountability are actionable in safe learning environments. Moreover, there is tremendous work that needs to be done to address the lack of reporting and poor school-to-home communication as it relates to student progress and testing. The head of school and office staff are nice enough, but there seems to be a disconnect between the mission and values of the school and the actual school culture, policies, and practices. read more

This school lacks standardization. They do not use any nationally accepted tests to assess children. Our son tested weeks ago, at a renown and prestigious college preparatory school, above the 80% on the 3rd grade math ITBS( Iowas Test of Basic Skills), CAT( California Achievement Test) and SAT( Stanford Achievement Test) after we were told he wasn't secure at The Children's School in 1 area in measurements ( metric vs inches ) in second grade math ( he tested at 79% on their internal quiz and 85% was their mastery criteria) and was forced to review these principals and 2nd grade addition up to 20 for months along with their own new adaptation of Singapore Math( They had been using Everyday Math which is ironically the system our child learned as well as The Children's School 3rd grade and above levels still would use Everyday Math). His teacher explained learning the Singapore foundation was essential regardless if he had mastered concepts using other approaches. We were very clear about his ability to perform multi-digit multiplication, long division and fractions. An Ipad was the answer to this and we were told he would be challenged on it once a week. This happened a few times in the 4 months and he received single digit facts he had mastered almost a year ago. Our child was very bored in his favorite subject math ( child of an engineer and 2 medical doctors) and we pulled him out mid-year after a string of physical aggression from children in his classroom and outside. This, we were also explained, was an area where they have no real concrete position on aggression or bullying behavior. Most schools, private and public, have very clear language on anti-hate, zero tolerance for bullying and the like. This was completely unacceptable. Specials were extremely strong. Spanish was excellente! with a passionate teacher who challenged the students to speak the language as well as write it. Art was incredible with the children creating masterpieces utilizing a variety of crafts. Physical education was exceptional as well. Children were given key fundamentals and allowed to push themselves as far as they could go. Unfortunately, strong academics based on national standardized norms and effective discipline are prerequisites for an educational system responsible for our children. read more

We have two children at TCS: a rising 5th grader who has been with TCS since kindergarten and a rising 1st grader who has been with TCS since Pre-Primary. To date, we as a family have had a terrific experience. We find that TCS strikes the perfect balance between teacher-centered learning and child-centered learning. Additionally, the building character program is the best we've seen at the elementary school level. Faculty and Staff make good use of Piedmont Park right across the street and play is incorporated into learning. Finally, each teacher our children have had has truly embodied the parent/teacher partnership. read more

I have 4 kids at the school right now, in grades K, 2, 4, and 6, and one who graduated to go on to Westminster, where he started in 7th grade (The Children's School stops at 6th grade currently). My family has nothing but praise for this school. It really does a unique job of fostering confidence and empathy in children. The teacher's respect and love the kids, and guide them in developing that same outlook, resulting in a community where each child gets to be their own unique self. That then allows kids to learn and grow happily. The focus on play and learning-by-doing encourages curiosity and seems effective: the kids here are happy, kind, well rounded, respectful, and prepared when they graduate. The outdoor education program (camping trips starting in 3rd grade) has been a great experience for my kids. As far as outcomes, my one data point is that my TCS grad has done well at Westminster, especially in math, social studies and science. Some nuts and bolts: the school starts in pre-primary ( 3 year olds), goes through 6th grade, is across from Piedmont park in midtown (with a crosswalk to the park), has a good afterschool program with lots of enrichment activities, is transitioning from Everyday Mathematics to Singapore Math, and teaches Spanish as its foreign language. read more

One of the best, most progressive schools in Atlanta. We couldn't be happier with our time there! Nurturing and diverse school-- project classrooms, lots of outdoor time. We have been so blessed to have our son be a part of such an amazing community of people. The teachers bring so much to his life, and it feels more like a family, than a classroom. After touring all the progressive private schools in Atlanta, TCS just had something special. It's a beautiful, unique school that you should definitely tour if you're looking for a place that will not only academically challenge your kid, but inspire them to be a better human too. read more

Our children have been at TCS for the last 3 years, and we love everything about it. Both of our children love going to school, and the play based / project learning format works really well for them. I love seeing their creativity, and their ability at a young age to ask questions, and think about how things work. I love that they spend a lot of time outside, exploring the world, and the grade-wide projects are based on timely, important topics (example: 1st grade - studying water) that can cover every subject - science, writing, math, social studies - and also bring in the Building Character program that is such a huge part of the school - teaching kids to respect themselves and others, and to find solutions for problems by helping others. I couldn't be happier with our choice of TCS. read more

We feel lucky to have discovered The Children's School. We have a graduate of TCS who is now thriving in middle school. We have a 3rd grader who has been at TCS since he was 3. My children are very different, but they both found their place at TCS. The academics are strong, but the true strength of the school lies in the character education. My children have learned how to be compassionate human beings and how to live and thrive in our complex world. I am amazed how they have both learned conflict resolution and tolerance, while gaining academic, social, emotional and physical confidence. We have been at multiple private schools because of moves, and the TCS community is unique. Expect a vibrant, diverse and welcoming community for both your child and your family. read more

My child is currently in a Private Pre-K program due to her birthdate being a couple of days shy of the public-school requirement. A current parent of TCS suggested I apply and mentioned their age requirement was the end of September. I contacted TCS and Ms. Menosky was wonderful helping me through the application process. During the process I specifically asked if my child's birthdate was going to be an issue. Ms. Menosky stated no as long as her birthday was before September 30. Part of the application process was for the parent to meet with the Admission Director (Nicole Victor) and for your child to spend a morning in a classroom to be assessed by a teacher. After my child completed her classroom visit, I asked the teacher how did she do? Any issues? The teacher specifically said she did very well. During my interview I inquired with Ms. Victor what was the process when determining who is accepted and why might a child not be considered. Ms. Victor stated that the committee would review the child's evaluation from her current teacher, the class visit and determine if the child is a good fit for their program. She also stated at times the interview with a parent determines that a partnership with the parents would not work in the best interest of the school. Ms. Victor was nice and informative. She even stated the interview was informal and no need to be nervous. When I left the interview was pleased with the outcome. A couple of days from the school announcing who was accepted, I received a call from Ms. Victor. She wanted to inform me that the admissions committee was strongly recommending my child be placed in the 4's/5's class not Kindergarten for the upcoming school year. I asked why? Ms. Victor stated the decision was based on my child's age and her assessment from her class visit. She wanted to know what I wanted to do. I explained that my child was currently in a prek program and going to their 4's/5's program would be repeating especially since she was excelling currently in prek according to her teacher. I went on and stated I didn't want her to repeat prek therefore I would withdraw my application. Ms. Victor responded I thought you would that is why I called. The following week I sent an email requesting to know specifically what was observed to determine my child was not ready for Kindergarten. I had to send the request a couple of times and got the run around but no answer to my question. Today, Ms. Victor finally responded via email stating it was based on a variety of factors, including how they felt they could best serve my child as a TCS student. She also stated due to the application being withdrawn there was no additional information that could be provided. Again, no specifics and inconsistent to what was communicated during the whole process. If it was based on my child's educational level, why would it be best for her to repeat a class. read more

We have 2 children at TCS and absolutely love it - more importantly, our kids absolutely love it. My 4th grader is not only sad to miss school, but has developed such a love for learning, that we are constantly impressed by the projects she initiates (and has initiated since she joined TCS in kindergarten), such as research projects about endangered animals, creative writing projects, art projects, book reports and more. TCS fosters this love of learning while teaching solid academic and social skills that prepare kids to excel at a wide variety of top private schools in Atlanta in middle and high school (TCS is now extending through 8th grade, and I am confident children will be even better prepared for high school). All children are challenged appropriately to gain skills and knowledge, learn how to solve problems, think critically and communicate effectively in a nurturing, loving environment. Speaking with families who have children who have graduated from TCS and listening to TCS alum talk about their middle school experience, I am confident that the academic approach is optimal for elementary school children. Despite the very different approaches and learning philosophies at schools such as Galloway, Marist, Paideia, Westminster, Woodward etc., TCS children are often at the top of their class. Keep in mind, that TCS does not use standardized testing (e.g., JATP) for admission so there is a nice range of academic ability among students, which benefits all. I firmly believe kids who have exceptionally high IQ's do not need to be surrounded only by kids with similar IQ's to gain the most of out of their education. I have seen both genius kids and kids who are not as strong academically, thrive. In addition, I have heard many stories from multiple middle schools about how schools look to TCS students to mediate and resolve conflicts among their peers. This is a critical life skill that can help kids succeed academically, professionally, and socially. The character development program is truly unique and threads through the entire school experience. Children learn how to be kind, compassionate contributors to society. They learn how to mediate, resolve conflicts and stand up for themselves. They also are involved in age appropriate community service. For example, there are family service days with activities appropriate for the whole family (e.g., making sandwiches for the homeless) and class fundraisers (e.g., kindergartners set up a store to raise money for the Atlanta Mission homeless shelter, while also learning how to market and sell products, count money and make change). The 6th grade, and soon to be 7th/8th grade, curriculum is centered on several long term projects that touch on all the critical academics for that age (history, science, writing, research, etc.), but which also often include developing a deeper knowledge about complex issues such as the refugee crisis and world hunger. Their current project is an Atlanta Human Rights Design Challenge. Learning opportunities also extend outside the classroom via the outdoor education program, which begins in third grade. Children love these multi-night camping trips chaperoned by teachers. The curriculum is tied into these trips, but the kids also learn independence, leadership and teamwork skills. The set up their own tents, cook dinner, clean up, sleep with tent mates, and create talent shows. They also learn resilience. For example, many 4th graders had never done a 5 mile hike before their fall camping trip, sometimes in sub-optimal weather, but they learn they can do it! We have also had amazing teachers throughout our experience - the teachers really love the kids. The environment is a nurturing loving environment. The majority of kids are so happy and love going to school. As impressed as we've been with TCS, I appreciate that the school continues to evaluate opportunities for improvement and evolve. For example, they realized their previous math program was not optimal, so have rolled out Singapore Math over the last 2 years which will prepare our kids even better for higher levels of math. I could go on, but we, and our children absolutely love TCS! read more

I have one child that is a TCS graduate and one that currently attends TCS. Our experience has been exceptional. TCS is a nurturing environment that strikes the right balance of academic excellence, critical thinking, and character building. TCS teachers successfully engage students to make learning fun. The faculty and teachers seem to be leading the way in Atlanta for experiential learning. read more

Both of my daughters started at The Children's School this year, and we could not be happier! They love going to school, and are sad when they wake up on the weekends and realize that it is not a school day. TCS is the most diverse private elementary school that you will find in Atlanta. The education is progressive, utilizing a play-based approach for the younger years, and excellent curricula like Singapore Math, Lucy Calkin's Writer's Workshop, and Explode the Code. TCS places a heavy emphasis on social and emotional development, using Responsive Classroom to guide classroom management. They believe in a lot of outdoor time, field trips, service projects, and project-based learning. The Children's School starts at age 3, and currently goes through 6th grade - but, they are expanding next year and adding 7th and 8th grade! It is a great fit for families with 2 working parents, with before-care starting at 7:30am, and after-care until 6pm. They also help graduating students transition to the top middle schools and high schools in Atlanta. We could not be happier that we found The Children's School! read more