I was a graduate of the TCS class of 2023 and having joined halfway through third grade, spent five and a half years at TCS. I left TCS with a plethora of knowledge and the tools and skills to be successful in high school. TCS fostered my love of learning and was a welcoming and supportive community to grow both as a student and as a person. TCS is a place where students can make mistakes and learn from them to help broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world. It is a place where I learned how to learn and it is why I can be successful.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2024
Our family has been a part of The Children's School community since 2019, with both of our children spending their middle school years there. The Children's School is a truly remarkable learning environment. The teachers are compassionate, creative, and deeply committed to their students' growth. The curriculum perfectly balances academic rigor and fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.The school’s emphasis on community is evident in every aspect—from the inclusive atmosphere to collaborative projects encouraging student teamwork and respect. We would high recommend The Children's School to any family that seeks to see growth within a nurturing environment. I can only say good things about the impact this community has had on our children and our family.
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2024
Our family has been with TCS for a couple of years, and we’re genuinely pleased with the experience, planning to keep our kids here for the foreseeable future. The staff is warm, caring, knowledgeable, and passionate. Some teachers seem more motivated than others, but all show a true love for teaching, the students, and the school.While I’ve found the head of the school polite and well-meaning, there are times when her approach feels a bit performative, and I’ve noticed she isn’t as welcoming to all families as it might appear. However, the lower school director, Elena, is an absolute gem—always ready to help, collaborate with parents, and truly support the kids.TCS brings a fun, hands-on approach to learning, which keeps our children engaged. The downside of this interactive style is that, at times, students focus more on unique topics than on traditional academic skills, like reading and writing. For us, prioritizing our children’s social-emotional growth and well-being over rigid academic benchmarks is a key reason TCS is the right fit.The school offers many opportunities for family involvement and connection, though the volume of activities can be challenging for parents working full-time. TCS also excels in diversity and inclusion, unmatched by other schools in the area.While I’d love to see a stronger academic focus integrated into the curriculum, we value the balance TCS offers and appreciate its unique approach.
Submitted by parent on September 24, 2024
We have two children and TCS, and this is our 7th year there. We’ve now gotten experience the school from the perspective of parents having a child in the youngest age level to having a child in the middle grades level. We have been thrilled with our children’s’ experiences across the board. They are very different learners with different very personalities, and they have both thrived at TCS. We love that TCS values each child’s individual path to lifelong learning. Our children have felt both loved and nurtured by their teachers, while also being challenged to think critically and grow—grow as learners, individuals, and community members. There is an overwhelming display of respect between the students and the teachers/staff. Our eldest child, in middle school, is challenged academically and learning things (and drawing conclusions) that are beyond expectations. I have no doubt that he and his peers will be more than prepared for their next adventure—high school. Not only will they be academically prepared, but they have such a solid social and emotional footing, they will be able to successfully navigate those tricky teenage years. As a parent, I feel always welcome in campus and have made so many wonderful friends. It takes a village, and TCS is an exceptional “village.” Our whole family is grateful to TCS for its steadfast commitment to our children and to creating and sustaining such a special community.
Submitted by parent on June 20, 2024
The Children's School has been a wonderful school for our family. We have two girls and have been at the school for the last four years. There are so many things to love about TCS. (1) Wonderful, caring teachers - we have had passionate teachers who love what they do and love the kids they teach. They have created such a fun learning environment where our kids are excited to go to school and are building a true love of learning. (2) Diverse community - we love that the school is 50%+ non-white. And beyond race, the school has a good mix of individuals from different backgrounds including many families who have moved into Atlanta over the years and bring a diverse set of perspective. (3) Midtown campus - The school is right across from Piedmont Park and we love that our kids get to enjoy the 'outdoor classroom' in the park (while still feeling like the school provides a lot of safety). (4) Focus on project-based learning - Even in the early years, the school teachers children how to be problem solvers and think, not just memorize facts. Our girls love learning because of this. (5) Focus on social-emotional learning - We love that TCS also emphasizes BCC (building culture and community) traits with emphasis on a different BCC trait every month. We also love that TCS has helped build both our girls into confident learners. We are so thankful to be part of the TCS community and couldn't imagine a better K-8 school experience for our girls thus far.
Submitted by parent on May 15, 2024
Cons-TCS does amazing things, but lacks the academic aspects. Many parents feel this way but don't speak up. From my understanding its due to them being on financial aide. -communication is always vague even about your child's abilities and levels. —The head of school talks over you and is Very performative. She always talks to you as of you don't know any better when it comes to your own child or being a parent. She needs to work on listening more and less talking. -due to some kids parents be on the board there appears at times to be favoritism of some of the child. If your overall goal is to just not have your child in the public school system then go for it. But, if your public school is a good or great school I don't recommend paying for a private school unless it's one that has both the fun, diverse, and has the prestige to put your child in positions that will excel beyond school in regard to academics. Although there are good things at TCS the unfavorable stuff is too heavy not to consider. In my opinion many of the parents put there kids in TSC, just to say they are in a private school. Pros-Beautiful campus-great at the fun stuff-larger grant provider than other private schools-very diverse, the other private schools in Atlanta aren't -staff is approachable -safe-fun activities families and students
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2024
Our two children have gone to the Children’s School since preschool and kindergarten - it has been a wonderful place for them to grow academically and socially/ emotionally.The campus is beautiful and unique nestled in midtown just adjacent to Piedmont Park. The security team works hard to make it a very safe environment for the children and their communications with families are timely, thoughtful, and comprehensive.The Head of School Rosalyn Benjamin (or Roz as she goes by) is a treasure. She is approachable and ever present. She embodies the feeling of the school - to learn bravely. The families all feel her support and leadership as she hosts many events at the school in person and virtual. She is often even on the steps during carpool and at other times making informal connections possible.The teachers are excellent and so thoughtful and creative and easy to connect with. It’s a tough world to grow up in and my children’s teachers have helped them develop their self-confidence, empathy, self control, integrity, curiosity, perseverance and optimism. The teachers are supported by many other staff members/ counselors with various areas of expertise.The diversity of the student body is an asset to the school. It’s been the right place for my children to be- they can develop their authentic self and teach and learn from others who are different from them. One of my children had a difficult time and the support from the school was so helpful and appreciated.Both my partner and I work full time to there are programs at the school for early and later hours to drop off and pick up which is so helpful- and the programs for after school include many sports / other clubs so great fun and enriching for the children to stay later on campus.In summary, the Children's School is the best place for my children and is highly recommended for families who would like their children to "learn bravely."
Submitted by parent on May 07, 2024
Our sons have attended The Children's School since they were in preschool and are currently in 6th and 8th grades. Their evolution as learners can be directly attributed to their TCS experience. TCS is the type of diverse learning environment that cultivates the natural curiosity that is inherent in children by using an inquiry and play-based approach. Teaching in this manner is not easy yet TCS teachers do it with ease. Teachers challenge children to dive deep into their studies, not be afraid to push themselves, interrogate their assumptions, and be confident in everything they do. Academically, our boys have THRIVED. We have watched each one's critical thinking and analytical skills deepen at a level that is truly impressive. Socially, their leadership skills have been honed and they understand the power of using their voices to advocate for others. Our 8th grader is extremely prepared for high school and beyond. He is the portrait of a TCS graduate- confident and purpose-driven.
Submitted by parent on April 25, 2024
Moving our child to TCS is the best educational decision we have ever made. Coming into a new school as a middle grades student can be challenging, but the teachers and learning support specialists have given our child the skills and confidence to excel in areas that have traditionally been difficult for her due to dyslexia. The literacy specialist who meets with our child twice a week has gone above and beyond to bolster her reading and writing skill set, and the transformation has been nothing short of amazing. The extracurricular opportunities have been wonderful as well, and what has been most striking is that the same strategies used in the classroom to support social emotional growth are used in extracurriculars as well. We now have a happy, motivated learner in our house, and it is thanks to TCS!
Submitted by parent on February 27, 2024
Our son is in second grade and this is our fourth year as TCS parents. He has loved it- there has only been one day in four years that he complained about going to school. He has good friends and really enjoys the project-based learning curriculum, his art class, coding his robot in STEAM, the variety of clubs available in afterschool, etc. All of his teachers have deeply care about him as a kid and as a student. He is so proud of his school and can't wait for his younger sister to join him later this year.As parents, just some of the things we have appreciated include 1) how well teachers are able to get to know their students given the low student-teacher ratio, which results in in-depth progress reports and rich parent/teacher communications, 2) the diversity and warmth of the school community, 3) the beautiful campus and its urban location next to Piedmont Park, and 4) the extremely competent Head of School Roslyn Benjamin- she joined in 2020 and has built an exceptional team.
Submitted by parent on February 05, 2024
Our child is in her fourth year at TCS, having started at the school in first grade, and she adores her community. We as her parents feel the same! Community is at the center of TCS, for students, faculty and staff, parents/caregivers, and alums. TCS is a nurturing environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, social-emotional connections, and an engaged learning experience. From our first admissions tour to our fourth grade year, TCS has delivered on its progressive, child-centered approach - our child and her community are seen and supported whether in academics, sports, the arts, or wherever their hearts lead them. Most of all, we're grateful that our child is learning to LOVE learning, including the importance of hearing multiple perspectives, finding her own voice, failing forward, and having fun!
Submitted by parent on November 11, 2023
I have been a parent of The Children’s School students for six years now with a 5th grader and a 3/4’s currently attending. I cannot say enough good things about the school community! The friends my kids have made will last their whole life (So will the one’s I’ve made!). The teachers are not just good at teaching the traditional subjects, but they incorporate so many other important life lessons into everything they do with the kids. I feel like this is a school that lives us to what they stand for and am am very lucky to have stumbled across The Children’s School when my son was looking for a pre-school. It is all about the students and their enjoyment of learning and of each other. The emphasis on social-emotional learning and play has had such a positive impact for both kids, now as my son enters his Tween years, I know he is in a supportive environment that will help him face the challenges of being a teen. My 4 year old daughter is already coming home talking about her friends and teachers. She is SO eager to go to school everyday that I know she is being treated as the treasure she is. My family LOVES TCS!
Submitted by parent on November 07, 2023
We love The Children's School! I have two children who have attended TCS since Kindergarten (now 5th and 3rd graders) and they have been excited to go to school every. single. day. from day 1. I know that sounds like an exaggeration but TCS fosters a love of learning, an amazing student environment, and an accompanying community for extended families to take part in their children's education. TCS's motto of 'being your authentic self' truly allows students to express themselves without fear of judgement and connect with teachers and staff in a truly impactful way. There is a strong sense of community amongst the TCS families and there are many fun events where families to interact with each other and see how joyful their kids are within their daily campus life.Both my children have required additional ELA support and the programs set up to provide instruction and parent feedback has been extremely beneficial in allowing us to truly understand how our children learn and how best to support them at home. When other parents say their kids hate school we truly can't relate. TCS has been a wonderful place and we're excited for both our children to continue there throughout their middle grade years.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2023
We have had an amazing experience at TCS with both of our kids. The school focuses on the whole child - academic progress and challenge, social-emotional safety and development, joyful learning, self-advocacy and overall creating amazing humans. They have a full learning services team to support kids that need it (reading, math, speech, occupational therapy, executive functioning). Camping and outdoor ed is part of the curriculum starting in 3rd grade. The school is the right size - the kids are seen and known by the adults on campus. TCS is using effective, current teaching methods - Singapore math, project-based learning, ongoing assessments for reading and literacy progress. And most important my kids love to be there! It's a wonderfully diverse community where kids can be themselves - inclusion is a way of life. TCS graduates get into their top choice high schools and there is support along the entire application process. We feel lucky to be at TCS!
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2023
Both of our children attend The Children’s School and are having an amazing experience that has exceeded our expectations. The Children’s School’s approach to academic learning is always reinforced through real-world applications. Through project-based learning, a student-centered focus, and a diverse student body and staff, children develop real-world skills like critical thinking, creative problem solving, and working in diverse teams—skills that are increasingly important for the world they will be entering beyond school.What is most unique about the school is the sense of community. It’s something that is hard to accurately describe, but it is immediately felt once you step on campus. The Children’s School is well run, has incredible teachers, and is committed to fostering a love of learning in children while also helping them grow into secure, conscientious, and well-rounded individuals who are positioned for future success in school and life.
Submitted by parent on May 16, 2023
Our son had a great experience early on, but as he got older the classes became less challenging and teacher spent the majority of the time working with the behavior issues. My son was constantly waiting for the class to follow directions. This experience was shared with many of our peers who had children at the school. You are paying way too much for kids to be sitting around, not being challenged. It is our opinion that this school is changing its course to be more inclusive of students with behavior and learning issues. Unfortunately, it seems that the staff is not prepared for this new trajectory.
Submitted by other on April 14, 2022
After graduating, I realized that I had an extremely terrible understanding of core concepts. I continue to struggle in science courses due to the horrid science program. My math knowledge is sub-par and I struggle with basic concepts of math. The school's control over students is overbearing and pushes students to a place where they feel undermined by their superiors. Every graduating student I have spoken with says their academic trajectory is generally not increasing because of the lack of knowledge about important topics. On top of the terrible academics, the school does not keep a handle on its teachers. Some were quite fantastic while others would walk out of class and didn't supplement their student's overall well-being. I think the only solidly influencing experience I had academically was having Lucius as my fifth-grade teacher. Overall I think the school has a lot to work on and I regret attending that school.
Submitted by parent on February 22, 2021
We have two children at TCS: a son in 6th grade and a daughter in 1st grade. We joined the TCS community in 2016, and we are thrilled to be part of this diverse, inclusive, intentional community. My kids are receiving a great education. TCS' leadership takes a creative, innovative approach that reflects the most current, best thinking on methods of instruction. The focus on play in earlier grades and on immersive, project-based learning in the middle school makes learning fun and challenging. TCS' teachers are a diverse group of caring, committed educators. TCS is a place where my children are respected, heard, nurtured and challenged.In choosing a school for our children, we wanted a place that reflected our family values, that would develop resilience in our children, along with strengthening their character and compassion. TCS is helping us raise good people.We looked at several schools before choosing TCS. TCS became our first choice because we believe it is the best place for children to receive a progressive elementary school education in Atlanta.
Submitted by parent on February 19, 2019
TCS is way ahead of the curve in its approach to education. This school was embodying “teaching the whole child” and “the importance of play” and “diversity” before they became catch-phrases that Woodward/Lovett/Pace/etc throw around. TCS implemented outdoor education and project-based learning and STEAM decades before other top-tier Atlanta schools were doing so. All this is to say- if you embrace the exhaustive research showing the importance of learning soft-skills *in addition* to high test scores, you will be a good fit. It’s hard for some parents to see “academic rigor” outside of worksheets and test scores. What TCS understands is that the same results can be achieved without soley relying on the traditional methods of memorization, worksheets, etc. and that the students are better suited social/emotionally than their peers...which is what colleges and employers are looking for. Finding smart students/employees is not difficult these days. Finding people with soft-skills is what the marketplace seeks now. The school has a strong culture of inclusion and practices what it preaches in terms of diversity (and not just racial). When you visit private schools and see a majority wealthy, white students, they will tell you they’re “actively working on” improving diversity. Somehow TCS, which is smaller/has fewer resources, has become a nationwide model for that already. It’s because it’s woven into the fabric of the school’s identity/community, which means they actually ensure diversity because of their values, not to check it off a list of “things parents are looking for. We looked at several schools, and out favorites were Trinity, Christ the King, and TCS. That covers a broad range of ideals/teaching methods. I do value traditional academic rigor and structure. But we felt that at TCS there was a higher level of understanding of how childhood and how children learn that goes beyond what we’ve known for years. And we were willing to take the risk with confidence that the outcome will be even greater than the excellence would know we would see from our child at Trinity or CKS.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2016
I have 4 girls at TCS, youngest in K, oldest in 6, and my son graduated to go on to Westminster, where he started in 7th grade (The Children's School stops at 6th grade currently). We love TCS. 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 for the most part 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 best 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.