Atlanta Classical Academy

The school administration is impeccable here. The school has fostered a really beautiful sense of community. The environment is rigorous and disciplined, but the kids are happy and get plenty of recess.

The school has been blessed with very passionate teachers. The turnover of teachers feels high likely because they are attracting young and in-demand teachers. I've also seen a teacher leave for a few years and return for a managerial position. Not that you can draw conclusions from one data point, but I'd say that's a good sign. I also would like to point out how creative/innovative the staff and parents are in tackling challenges. The school is on a tiny campus with not a lot of resources, so teachers and parents have stepped up and created clubs for the students to participate in, and they forged a partnership with the local Y for sports. When COVID hit, they extremely quickly devised and implemented a plan with clear communications to ensure continued learning. My oldest needed additional support out of his grade level and after taking additional tests to accurately assess his level, they were ready to shift schedules around but then found a teacher that was willing to open up a new class for students with similar needs. The fact that the school is a charter school may be adding to the flexibility the school has, but then the fact that they can make the most of this given flexibility is amazing. I am forever grateful.
It looks like the school is getting a bad rap about racism and the fact that it is located in Buckhead. From a parent's perspective, I am not of the majority race and do not live a Buckhead lifestyle, and feel we've been invited to the party but don't feel comfortable to dance our own dance. I do think my youngest struggled in kindergarten because possibly some of the other kids that were not exposed much to kids of other races, but as the time passed, they learned to see past the apparent differences and found friends in each other. But what's more important is that my kids love the school and are surprised by the comment that the school is racist. Kids are surprisingly pretty sensitive about whether they are wholeheartedly accepted or not (we've had pretty bad experiences in camps before) and for what it's worth, they both agree that ACA is NOT racist.

Terrible race relations. No effort to be accommodating to families from diverse backgrounds. It is basically a free private school controlled by Buckhead parents. Almost all PTA positions are held by Buckhead parents, and nominated by Buckhead parents who previously held the positions. The board is full of Buckhead parents and parents who’s kids still currently attend the school.

Atlanta Classical Academy practice discrimination against students who are less fortunate and have disabilities.

If you don’t want unreasonable demands on your child that includes verbal attacks, humiliation, degradation, and chronic rejection of your child DO NOT ENROLL!! (unless your family has money) Both of my children came with accomodations from their previous school and student services department refuse to provide the same adequate services. My youngest son was confined to the classroom and threatened by the dean, denied participation in extra curricular activities including the schools field trip. My oldest was harassed, bullied, and called a Nialus by the previous principal. Some of the administration and teachers are unfair, racist, inconsiderate liars.

Staff ignore your emails, calls and barely speak however when a parent or student of a different background they are smiling and having conversations.

When I finally was put on the principal’s calendar and then meeting was canceled later the same evening.

Now I see why 8 staff members and a host of students did not return from last year.

The previous comment is so accurate ACA is a public private school on taxpayers dime. They do not provide assistance or include all students scholarship opportunities for “certain” students.

Atlanta Classical Academy practice discrimination against students who are less fortunate and have disabilities.

If you don’t want unreasonable demands on your child that includes verbal attacks, humiliation, degradation, and chronic rejection of your child DO NOT ENROLL!! (unless your family has money) Both of my children came with accomodations from their previous school and student services department refuse to provide the same adequate services. My youngest son was confined to the classroom and threatened by the dean, denied participation in extra curricular activities including the schools field trip. My oldest was harassed, bullied, and called a Nialus by the previous principal. Some of the administration and teachers are unfair, racist, inconsiderate liars.

Staff ignore your emails, calls and barely speak however when a parent or student of a different background they are smiling and having conversations.

When I finally was put on the principal’s calendar and then meeting was canceled later the same evening.

Now I see why 8 staff members and a host of students did not return from last year.

The previous comment is so accurate ACA is a public private school on taxpayers dime. They do not provide assistance or include all students scholarship opportunities for “certain” students.

Racist

I love this school. My three boys attend ACA. The teachers are amazing and there is a tremendous amount of learning that takes place everyday. There are also many different clubs and sports offered and a great Fine Arts program at the school. The school values good character and uses the virtues to help children grow and learn.