News

It happens every year… despite the obvious happiness and academic successes their children are experiencing at Springmont, some parents get the itch to explore other schools. While I am a firm believer in planning ahead and doing your due diligence, it baffles me to hear chatter among parents who worry that they need to apply to XYZ School because there is an expansion year at 3rd grade (or 5th or 6th). As Springmont’s Director of Admission, I know that the biggest expansion at other Atlanta-area schools happens at 9th grade. It’s a fact.    

How do I know? Springmont is a member of AAAIS (Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools).  This consortium is a goldmine of information for all private school administrators.  I meet regularly with admission professionals from schools all around the Atlanta metro area and have strong connections with the other admission officers.  Not only does this allow me to advocate on behalf of our 8th grade students as they apply to high schools, but I also receive phone calls from time to time about younger students who have “applied out” earlier, and this is what I hear: “We love her, but she needs to apply for 9th grade – we just won’t have space this year”, “Doesn’t his family realize we really only expand our enrollment for high school?”, etc.  Basically, they are telling me that if a student doesn’t get into their school for 3rd, 5th or 6th grade, it usually has nothing to do with how academically prepared that student is.  Quite simply, they don’t have space.  

Additionally, there is plenty of evidence of the advantages of staying in a K-8 (rather than K-12) school.  A Harvard Ed Magazine article cites a study that indicates students who leave early “…lose ground in both reading and math compared to their peers who attend K-8 schools.”  An NYU study argues that K-8 students have “…more positive views of their academic abilities.”  Additionally, mixing middle school with high school students adds social and academic pressures.  Staying in a K-8 program allows students to lead and be role models in an age-appropriate environment. 

Finally, as a parent of a Springmont graduate, I can personally assure you that Springmont’s program (all the way through Middle School) will greatly prepare your student for what’s next….high school.  Each year we encourage parents to attend our Alumni Night in January to see for themselves how well our graduates fare after Springmont.  It’s pretty impressive.  So, if you’re doing your homework about school choices, please learn more about your child’s current school!  Take time to observe in the classroom at both your child’s current level and at the next level.  Come to parent education events.  Attend Alumni Night.  And for now, sit back and relax.  Let your student enjoy his/her Springmont years; then apply out – for high school!