I’m a student at atlanta classical while the school has great curriculums the environment is toxic. The teachers talk down about the students behind our backs and get defensive when we ask about it. The way that most of the teachers have no patience is really sad to see. Mr schepps and Mr andrews have put me down and made me feel horrible about myself, they side with the white kids but when it comes to the hispanic/black community they mean mug, roll eyes, and show fake love. The nurse is the “positivity princess” of the school but as soon as her door shuts it goes straight to eye rolling and talking down on the kids. Dr. Jerdan the school counselor is who kids go to because they think that’s who they can trust but they’re wrong... she goes and tells everyone your child’s business... what’s said in the counselors office should stay there is what I heard but that’s not how she views it. Ms kookogey is one the most irritating teacher there is, she likes to argue with the kids and stay in their conversations. Dr.Roth is the most cold hearted teachers in that school; him and ms kookogey both give no mercy. Dr. Roth is rude and gives a big attitude, he doesn’t hear anyone out and is so entitled to his opinion. The whole school discriminates against each other but claim “we’re one big family” my one wish is that my mom who seems to be brain washed takes me out of this school for the sake of my mental health and well-being.

The school is absolutely horrible, Im one of the students there and its just terrible. The teachers are terrible, they act like they dont know how to teach.they also Gives us tons of homework which takes time out my day.

We have one child at this school and I have to say we have been extremely impressed. Not only are the administrators smart and caring, they are extremely passionate about having the children read classic literature, learn and develop a real appreciation for music and art and actually enjoy and appreciate the learning process in all subjects including math and science. The teachers are fantastic because they are are actually enthusiastic about teaching. They are smart and nurturing and most importantly, they have emotional intelligence. The school is clean and nice. There are portraits of great leaders from our country in the lobby - Lincoln, Kennedy, MLK, Roosevelt, etc... and the kids actually learn about them and can discuss their importance in history. Not bad for a school thats only been around for a couple of years. Is the school building state of the art? No. But thats not really what Im looking for in terms of making sure my child has an outstanding education while learning respect for himself and those around him. A lot of pride has gone into creating an outstanding learning environment for these students and Atlanta Classical Academy has knocked the cover off the ball.Signed, An actual parent at Atlanta Classical Academy

We have two children that currently attend and could not be happier. The faculty are amazing and care about teaching our children to think critically and go beyond testing. I am so thankful to be a part of the school and the value it brings to the community and Atlanta.

Save the time and send your kid somewhere else. I also think it is funny how the teachers and staff at this school bash the surrounding public schools (North Atlanta, Grady, Riverwood) when the kids at those schools are being accepted into top colleges (UGA, Georgia Tech, UNC, UT etc.) and half of the kids in their senior class got denied from colleges like Auburn and Alabama. That says it all...

I agree with one of the other reviews posted. It is great to have choices for our kids when it comes to schooling. The choice is simple - public or private. We looked into this school for our son, and I have to say that this is not a public school. The mere fact that they have a wait list to get in aligns it much more closely to a private school. Throw in school uniforms, no bus transportation, no sports teams, and donations - if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck.......I would be very interested to see who donated, how much, and whether their children were enrolled pre or post donation.

My daughter is currently enrolled at ACA and she LOVES it. The faculty is great. We could not be happier with the curriculum given.

Interesting how the reviews are at both extremes. Looks like you either love it or hate it. Glad that this school is working for our atypical buckhead family. I have two kids here since the start of the school and thankfully they love the school. The teachers are oh so passionate about what they teach and also taking on extra opportunities to interact with the children. I am so so grateful for their big hearts. The school indeed appears to demand a lot from their teachers which may explain the turnover amongst the teachers, but my favorites are still here with us and I hope they stay!! ;-)Just hope that the school continues to be creative in how they provide opportunities to challenge our kids as they move on to upper school.The school campus and buildings are sadly below par which I hope APS will help improve, but the kids are so resilient that they are enjoying school regardless, and the school is figuring out ways to overcome the limitations (e.g., partnership with the local Y).

We are going on our third year at Atlanta Classical Academy and we couldnt be happier. The teachers are thoughtful, caring individuals who want our children to excel, the staff has been a joy, and the administration works hard to ensure the success of every student at the school.We are so fortunate that a tuition-free, public charter like ACA is available to anyone residing in APS. Challenging curriculum, expectations of courtesy and manners, happy students. Its our k-12 dream come true.

This charter school nestled in Buckhead is a top-notch public education. With one year under their belt, theyve made a name for themselves as evidenced by the lengthy wait-list for prospective students. They offer a traditional education that includes Latin and Greek mythology. Students wear uniforms, properly placing emphasis on the academics. A truly impressive program! #Atlanta #School #ClassicalEducation

I go to this school, and it is the worst. The WORST! The parents who have posted positive reviews either have no clue, or are trying to score with the school. I tell my mom every day how bad it is. These people are crazy, and the parents, including mine, see sending their kids here as some sort of status symbol. The only thing that I have learned at this school is that apparently if you tell yourself a lie enough times about how good this school is, you start to believe it. I would give up so much to go back to my old school.Signed, an actual unhappy student of this miserable 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.

Two grands there who are doing very well andAre happy to go to school!

We love Atlanta Classical Academy and the strong academic environment it has provided for both of our daughters.

We couldnt be more thankful for ACA! Our boys love to go to school everyday, and we are grateful for this tuition-free option.

As a family with three students at ACA and having experienced both Dekalb and APS school systems, Atlanta Classical is by far the best school our family has been apart off. Class sizes are smaller than any previous school and the faculty and staff are incredible. The education is equivalent or better than any private school in the city and based on the most recent test scores is also performing at the top of all APS schools. We feel very blessed to have our children attend Atlanta Classical Academy.

I want to respond to respond to the reviewer who questioned whether the parents who donated made their contributions before or after their children were admitted to ACA. We have one child at the school. We donated nothing prior to his admittance to ACA; we were not asked to donate prior and it never came up. After his admittance, we were asked to donate, and did so, as we did for the public schools our children attended prior to ACA. And not all families are able to donate. By the way, the charter model provides that charter schools receive less in taxpayer funding than regular APS schools, and there are several charter schools within APS, not just in Buckhead. We are grateful to have a choice between a small charter school and the large public schools in our zone. We are amazed at the quality of instruction. Its not perfect, but there is important learning going on in every classroom every school day.

As a parent of two current students (K and 2nd), I am very pleased with the education ACA is providing. The teachers are engaging and knowledgable, and they clearly enjoy teaching. I did not experience that at other APS public schools. Charter schools are not for everyone (and judging by some of the less educated comments here, are not understood by everyone either). ACA is a CLASSICAL education, focused on reading, writing, history... Classical subjects. The lottery allows anyone in APS to apply and have the same chance of getting in as anyone else. Donations do NOT move you to the front of the line. The cross section of students is quite broad and, in fact, more diverse than the student body at some other APS schools. Yes, the facility is small. ACA received no financial help from APS to set up the campus and only receives a fraction per student than other public schools. Parent involvement is key and theres lots of it. And to clear up some misperceptions: the facilities have just been expanded, there ARE sports teams and clubs, the uniform is meant to level the playing field (and is quite cute), and the administration is very involved and caring. We love the school!

As a parent with 3 children (currently, 9th, 5th and 3rd grade) at Atlanta Classical Academy, I am absolutely pleased with this school. It is a public school that serves all APS students (not just certain neighborhoods as stated in some of the reviews), admitted by lottery, just like all other APS charter schools. Obviously, some of the other reviewers do not understand the APS charter system.The leadership and curriculum taught here are top notch. Many of the teachers have graduate degrees from schools like Notre Dame, Harvard and other tier 1 institutions. So, yes, ACA is an academically-oriented school, but most nights my children have a maximum of 1 hour of homework. We moved from another public school to be a part of ACA, so it is very reasonable that a student will adjust quickly if they want to and do the work. The teachers teach classes in a way that doesnt equal tons of busy work in the evening.Concerning test scores, our school is just fine in that category, measuring student progress by the nationally renown Iowa Test of Basic Skills standardized tests (which are a proven source of tracking true metrics rather than causing teachers to test prep all year) rather than some of the tests given by other local public schools.Also, my children have multiple extra-curricular outlets through the schools formal offerings such as basketball, soccer, cross country, drama, various clubs, and music. No complaints at all.Finally, a word about the facilities. While they arent comparable to North Atlanta High, we are improving the inherited facilities each year. Our facilities do not hinder excellent teaching/learning in any way.Im very thankful to be a part of ACA and happy that our school contributes to quality educational experiences to Atlanta residents.

Atlanta Classical Academy is an excellent school with a very high standard for learning, in a smaller setting. The lottery is open to ALL students in the APS school district, regardless of socioeconomic background, and the school makeup is diverse. For the high taxes we pay in the city, we now have great choices, which is beneficial to all of us living in the city limits, and will increase our property value and quality of life. Having had children both in our zoned schools and in ACA, I can say firsthand that the quality of education, high expectations, incredibly knowledgeable and kind hearted teachers and mentors, and character development at ACA are unparalleled. You need only glimpse at the current wait list, which is lengthy, to know that after only 2 short years, there is great demand by parents to give their children the opportunity to attend ACA, and receive a top notch classical education, without endless bureaucratic red tape. It is refreshing. To the naysayers who posted here just last week, the 2016 Milestones testing was released, and Atlanta Classical Academy, after their first year as a high school, has outperformed all the other APS high schools in nearly every category taught in 9th grade, some by huge margins. Check it out! CHOICE IS A GREAT THING!! Fantastic neighborhood school and location!

Worst test scores in the district in 2015. Virtually no space for the amount of students projected. Blight on the residential community surrounding the school due to increased traffic and noise pollution. This charter school is a complete waste of taxpayers money. The other schools in this area have excess capacity, and were designed to accommodate the students with parking, ample outdoor space and appropriately sized classrooms. City of Atlanta taxpayers just paid to have many of the schools in the district overhauled; now the district needs to spend even more money developing this quasi-public charter school when there are unused facilities available at existing, newly renovated schools which are performing better than this school? Every empty seat at a school is financial waste, and a burden to the taxpayer. Sutton, Rivers, Brandon, Smith, North Atlanta High.....all of them have excess capacity. This school is just a way for a select few parents to create a publicly funded private school for their children on the taxpayers dime, and impose the curriculum they want to have taught. All of this is at the expense of the constituents and teachers at the public schools. Shameful waste, especially if the test scores continue to reflect that the students at the school are receiving an inferior education comparatively. APS Superintendent Carstarphen just penned a letter asking the president for additional federal funding for her social emotional learning initiative. While I applaud the initiative she is developing, and hope that her ideas regarding social learning works to reduce violence, I don’t think she has to look very hard to find wasteful spending to capture some of that funding she has requested. To recap, bad test scores, bad facility, wasteful spending, and a detriment to both taxpayers and teachers. How is this school in existence?

Classical education at a public school!

We could not be happier