Onward and Upward- Private Schools in Atlanta 2024 Graduates

Onward and Upward- Private Schools in Atlanta 2024 Graduates

The caps have been tossed in the air, the diplomas have been distributed and the Class of 2024 has high school firmly in its rearview mirror. However, before these now-graduated seniors enter the hallowed halls of higher education this coming fall, KNOWAtlanta would like to celebrate their successes, offering our heartfelt congratulations for the work they completed over the course of four challenging years and our best wishes for the new adventures ahead of them. Here, we look at several metro Atlanta private schools and the impressive accomplishments of the Classes of 2024.

The Walker School

1. How many graduating seniors were in the Class of 2024? 81

2. What are some of the colleges and universities that will see your graduates in the fall? MIT, Oxford College of Emory University, Davidson College, Hampton University, University of Michigan, Spelman College, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Washington and Lee, Texas A&M, University of Alabama, Florida State University, Colorado State University, Eckerd College, Auburn University, Middle Tennessee State University, University of South Carolina, LSU, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Reinhardt University, University of Mississippi, University of Kentucky, Kennesaw State University, Belmont University, Florida Southern University, University of Rhode Island, Berry College, Georgia College and State University, The Ohio State University, George Mason University, Reed College.

3. Please share some information about the scholarships bestowed upon your students. In addition to the Hope Scholarship and the Zell Miller Scholarship, our students received the Washington and Lee’s Johnson Scholarship (recognizing and rewarding students on the basis of academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and integrity, and their potential to contribute to the intellectual and civic life of the W&L campus), the Posse Program (a full-ride scholarship program to various colleges and universities around the country) and the Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship (an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities).

~ Student Spotlight: Ayan Goel (attending Georgia Tech)

How did your school help to prepare you for your upcoming transition to college? “Walker definitely prepared me for the college transition academically. I feel that I have developed strong habits for studying and skills for retaining knowledge. I’ve also learned how to write coherently and concisely because the English classes at Walker are no joke. This is a skill that will help me in pretty much any college class. Additionally, I’ve learned how to approach teachers, communicate with them effectively and develop relationships with them. It’s given me confidence that I will be able to approach my professors and TAs in the right way. Walker has also prepared me outside of the classroom. I feel that I’ve learned how to go outside of my comfort zone and seek opportunities I am interested in. Walker gave me the opportunity to join so many clubs and extracurriculars, so I feel I’ll be able to branch out and explore in college as well. Between balancing rigorous academics and many extracurriculars, Walker has also taught me to be organized and diligent with my time. I believe this is a skill I will use for the rest of my life.”

The Paideia School

1. How many graduating seniors were in the Class of 2024? 119

2. What are some of the colleges and universities that will see your graduates in the fall? Purdue University, Tulane University, Spelman College, Vanderbilt University, University of Georgia. Brown University, George Washington University.

3. Please share some information about the scholarships bestowed upon your students. Our students have received the National Merit Scholarship and the Quest Bridge Scholarship.

~ Student Spotlight: Selam Aman

How did your school help to prepare you for your upcoming transition to college? “Paideia helped me place value in my education and, therefore, the pursuit of it. So, going into this transition to college, I’ve been very motivated by the community. The rigorous academic environment in Paideia’s high school has more than prepared me for college courses.”

Atlanta International School

1. How many graduating seniors were in the Class of 2024? 95 seniors, including students from our AISx program (AISx provides a bespoke academic program for those pursuing passions in sports, arts and other fields or students wanting a flexible academic schedule).

2. What are some of the colleges and universities that will see your graduates in the fall? Boston University, Clemson University, Concordia University (Montreal), Emory University, George Washington University, Georgia Institute of Technology, New York University, Northeastern University, Purdue University, Rutgers University, Savannah College of Art & Design, Texas A&M University, University of California, University of Georgia, University of Michigan, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Carolina, University of Toronto, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Wake Forest University.

3. Please share some information about the scholarships bestowed upon your students. Some of the students’ awards and scholarships included the Coca-Cola Scholar Award, the National Merit Scholar Award and many university-provided scholarships.

~ Student Spotlight: Alejandro Andrade (attending Rice University)

How did your school help to prepare you for your upcoming transition to college? “AIS will always be known for its International Baccalaureate program. This curriculum has done a great job of preparing me for college with things such as the Extended Essay, CAS (Creativity Activity Service) and Theory Of Knowledge, replicating aspects of the college experience. However, what I have appreciated the most about AIS is that it fostered within me the ability to relate to different people. It’s something that persists in everything I do; it has allowed me to connect with my teachers at AIS, bond with people from any background and expand my knowledge and understanding of things that may get overlooked. This is all a product of the freedom that I had to discuss ideas openly at AIS, and it was an opportunity I greatly valued during my time at AIS that I’m sure will continue to help me develop moving on to college.”

Mill Springs Academy

1. How many graduating seniors were in the Class of 2024? 33

2. What are some of the colleges and universities that will see your graduates in the fall? Ole Miss, University of South Carolina, Georgia State, Kennesaw State University, Oglethorpe University, Butler University, Indian University, Wesleyan, Reinhardt University, Savannah College of Art & Design, , University of Montana, Western Carolina University, University of North Georgia, Berry College, Stanford University, Lynn University.

3. Please share some information about the scholarships bestowed upon your students. Many of our students received merit scholarships to a number of schools.

~ Student Spotlight: Isa Stokes

How did your school help to prepare you for your upcoming transition to college? “There are a lot of different ways that MSA helped to prepare me for college, but one of the best things they did was give me the opportunity and confidence to try new things. This started with sports and clubs, and for a small school, we have a lot of them! I’m thankful to have that confidence and desire to try new things in college next year.”

Mount Paran Christian School

1. How many graduating seniors were in the Class of 2024? 114

2. What are some of the colleges and universities that will see your graduates in the fall? Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Auburn University, University of Alabama, Samford University, Liberty University, Baylor University, University of Tennessee, Georgia College, Sewanee: The University of the South, University of Michigan, Berry College, Campbell University, Spelman College, Indiana University, Furman University.

3. Please share some information about the scholarships bestowed upon your students. The numbers for this year’s scholarships are still coming in, but last year’s scholarships totaled over $10 million.

~ Student Spotlight: Ciara Alexander’s (attending Campbell University, committed to play basketball)

How did your school help to prepare you for your upcoming transition to college? “I am very grateful to have had Mount Paran Christian School along my academic journey. The teachers, counselors, coaches and students have all been such a blessing to me academically, athletically, emotionally and spiritually. I think many students may take educational accountability for granted, but after experiencing two years of it, the lessons, disciplines and habits that I have learned have been crucial in my individual growth. Here at MPCS, you have teachers that not only care about you as a student, but also desire to see you thrive individually. I think that is what makes the MPCS community so special.
Additionally, MPCS has given me the opportunity to learn how to balance athletics and academics. Playing a varsity sport while also having a rigorous schedule can be demanding; however, these challenges have taught me to emphasize time management, which I believe will be crucial at the collegiate level. Moreover, this community not only has tools to prepare each student along their journey, but also has an incredible group of people that will support you in all your endeavors. As I reflect on seeing the MPCS family support me from the sidelines and in the classroom, I feel extremely blessed for all the memories made and counsel received.”

North Cobb Christian School

1. How many graduating seniors were in the Class of 2024? 87

2. What are some of the colleges and universities that will see your graduates in the fall? Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Oklahoma, University of Pittsburgh, Berry College, University of Florida, Belmont University, Samford University (over 50 percent of applicants were accepted into UGA or Georgia Tech).

3. Please share some information about the scholarships bestowed upon your students. This graduating class earned $6.8 million in scholarship awards as of April 2024 plus 16 college athletic signings.

~ Student Spotlight: Elizabeth Turnbough

How did your school help to prepare you for your upcoming transition to college? “North Cobb Christian School has been such a blessing to me these past eight years through the various opportunities that I have been given! NCCS’s arts, academic and athletic programs have aided in helping me discover some of my greatest passions and finding out where my interests lie. Getting involved in each of these programs and other extracurriculars has taught me the importance of discipline, boldness and patience—three important traits that I will carry with me throughout my life. Additionally, access to faculty who sincerely care about their students has given me the support I need to feel confident in myself and the path I am taking. NCCS has created an environment where students feel comfortable exploring new opportunities and reaching out for help if they need it.

Most importantly, the Christ-centered atmosphere has strengthened me in my faith and motivated me to continue pursuing a deeper relationship with God. In March, I had the opportunity to go to Cuba through NCCS’s annual missions-based trip called Spring Term. Through this experience, I was greatly inspired by the faithfulness of God’s people and their assurance that He would provide according to His perfect timing. Bearing this truth in mind for my own life, I am confident that North Cobb Christian School has helped me establish an excellent intellectual, social and spiritual foundation to be prepared in moving into the next stage of my life.”

Wesleyan School

1. How many graduating seniors were in the Class of 2024? 128

2. What are some of the colleges and universities that will see your graduates in the fall? Brown University, Duke University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Notre Dame University, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, University of Michigan, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn University, Clemson University

3. Please share some information about the scholarships bestowed upon your students. Our students have received a variety of merit awards.

~ Student Spotlight: Brady O’Shields (attending Notre Dame)

How did your school help to prepare you for your upcoming transition to college? “I am beyond thankful for the tremendous impact that Wesleyan has had on me academically, artistically and spiritually. Wesleyan has provided me with mentors and friends that have consistently encouraged and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I can confidently say that I would not be the person that I am today without the guidance, love and support of the Wesleyan community. Although I am sad to leave this community, I feel ready and excited to embark on this next chapter of my life at the University of Notre Dame, where I know that I will be able to build on the firm foundation that Wesleyan has provided for me.”

Woodward Academy

1. How many graduating seniors were in the Class of 2024? 259

2. What are some of the colleges and universities that will see your graduates in the fall? University of Georgia, Xavier University, Yale University, Vanderbilt University, Morehouse College Auburn University, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest University.

3. Please share some information about the scholarships bestowed upon your students. Our students received over $14.5 million in merit scholarships. Five students were recognized by the College Board National African American Recognition Program; two students were recognized by the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program; 22 students were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (including 10 commended and 12 finalists); 11 received University of Georgia Honors Program offers; and 242 competitive scholarships were awarded, including 41 Presidents Scholarships and 22 Deans Scholarships.

~ Student Spotlight: Hlina Temesgen

How did your school help to prepare you for your upcoming transition to college? “On campus, it’s often said that Woodward Academy is Atlanta at its very best. With the representation of so many backgrounds and walks of life, we pride ourselves on the diversity within our community. In particular, it’s the diversity in student interest and interdisciplinary approach to learning that has prepared me for the next step in my academic journey. While our buildings are divided by academic area, I always find my teachers and classmates bridging gaps between disciplines and expanding my perspectives. From learning how to combat environmental issues in Spanish class to exploring the physics behind choral music, Woodward has made interdisciplinary learning a priority. My time as a Woodward student has taught me valuable lessons in hard work, but, more importantly, I have learned that the essence of knowledge is curiosity. No area of study is off limits or too intimidating because a thirst for learning has been instilled in me from the moment I stepped on campus. As I prepare to transition into college, I’m confident that the immersive educational experience I received will propel me through all of my endeavors. Woodward Academy doesn’t just prepare students for the real world but rather empowers them to build a new world that is constructed on the principles of equity and inclusion. As I move forward in my academic career, I am proud to have been a part of the Woodward community, and I will continue to engage with intellectual curiosity into my college experience and beyond.”