The Galloway School

I find it suspicious that the day Galloway holds its award ceremony is the day the post below is all about awards. Sour grapes?

Graduating from this place was the happiest day of my life, not because I was actually graduating but because I never had to go back to this place ever again. This school epitomizes the "participation trophy generation." For instance, this school has an award ceremony and students who were literally failing school get awards. Meanwhile, top students are heavily discouraged from taking challenging schedules. Mediocrity is often accepted. There is also just not a focus on academics enough at this school. Many teachers think that they can get away with not teaching material relevant to SAT subject tests, AP's, etc. just because they are a private school. When I arrived at college, I was struggling during the first year to catch up with students who received proper college prep educations. Galloway can count on me not to donate a single penny in the future.

Our family loves the Galloway School! How often in life can you say that the promises in the sales pitch were not only met but exceeded? The school promises learning in a socially and emotionally safe environment where the whole community is enthusiastic and supporting of each individual child's interests and creativity. My daughter absolutely loves school. I love that. I also want to comment on the diversity graph on this web page. Although my daughter is one of the children of color that would be counted in this designation, it is important to me to know that our community is supportive of differences, no matter what they are. We have a deep and truly diverse community that is welcoming, cohesive, curious, thoughtful and respectful. This school and community is growing children with more than just factual knowledge we are building human beings that have depth-of-character. That is what I REALLY want for my family.
—Submitted by a parent

Galloway is a fantastic school. My son attended from PreK until 12th grade. He formed many wonderful friendships - with his teachers and classmates, was nurtured and valued as an individual, had a demanding and interesting curriculum, was exposed to a wide variety of extracurriculars, excelled in the performing arts, wrote across the curriculum (research papers in chemistry, original research projects in biology), was challenged in all of his classes, and really found out who he was. He is now a college sophomore, is passionate about his field of study, and was VERY WELL prepared for college. If you want your child to be a robotic test taker/grade grubber this is not the place for you. If you want your child to be passionate, authentic, committed, well read and educated, this is the place for you.
—Submitted by a parent

It is still "Hippies on the Hill". This is where all the different kids/parents go. "Be who you want to be" doesn't matter if you fit into society!
—Submitted by a parent

We have three students at Galloway and the facts speak for themselves: 1. The Galloway School has the right balance - there is focus on academics, accountability, athletics, community, and integrity. It really is an environment created for learning; 2. Galloway's genuinely diverse student body is offered an academically challenging curriculum from a strong and committed faculty in an environment that encourages and fosters collaboration and nurtures individuals learning strengths and styles; 3. The school supports a strong athletic program and is committed to making it even better. Galloway fields competitive teams founded on the principal of participation by all interested athletes; 4. Galloway's new headmaster (began summer 2012) has brought a renewed energy and focus to the school based on the schools' four pillars including fearlessness and individuality.
—Submitted by a parent

Wonderful teachers make learning at Galloway interesting, challenging and fun. Our daughter (now in Upper Learning) is engaged in her classrooms, and has meaningful conversations with her teachers - who encourage her to take on new challenges. There is a strong, accepting community with so many ways to get involved; teachers really get to know each child. The school's philosophy encourages a lifelong love of learning, and there are creative teaching methods that encourage students to think critically and apply what they learn. We are also excited about the inspiring and energetic new head of school!
—Submitted by a parent

There are a lot of great schools with strong academic programs to choose from in Atlanta. What Galloway offers, in addition to strong academics, exceptional arts and a wide variety of outstanding sports teams (including ultimate Frisbee, by the way!) is gentle guidance and instruction in how to be a good person. How to care for yourself, your friends, and your community. How to care for the world. We feel lucky to be a part of such a wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

What an amazing school in every aspect. Its our 5th year at Galloway and each year just gets better and better. The school's philosophy of child centered learning is so beneficial for both of my children, who are very different learners. The teachers and the principal have been so accommodating to my oldest child, who we found out, has some mild learning difficulties. He has overcome those issues thanks to his amazing teachers, who just truly are the best. The Galloway community is very warm and friendly - I tell my children all the time how lucky they are that they go to such an awesome school.
—Submitted by a parent

Every child deserves a school experience like this. I highly recommend Galloway to every family! - Our family has been completely overwhelmed by how much we love Galloway. Our two children are in Early Learning and each classroom we have been in over the last four years has over-delivered on the Galloway promise. We have watched our children learn, grow and thrive well-beyond our expectations. Our children can t wait to go to school each day and feel very connected to this special community. They are inspired to learn, excited to read, fascinated by numbers, hypothesizing about scientific discoveries, considerate of others and confidently making deductions and conclusions that wow us everyday. When you walk through the halls, you will see how special it truly is - children are laughing and smiling at every turn with patient teachers who love each and every one of them and meet them just above where they are to ensure continuous growth. Teachers are really the most important school employee interfacing with the children and Galloway has amazing teachers!
—Submitted by a parent

I have two kids in Middle Learning. I have found Galloway to be an excellent match for our family. The community at Galloway is stronger than any of the other area public schools that I have experienced. This was evident from my first tour of the school - the smiles on the faces of the kids in the hallways and in the classrooms said it all. Academics in middle learning are also very strong, with a large number of "rock star" teachers. It is true that there has been some leadership instability in recent years. That has hopefully been resolved with recent hires in Middle Learning and a new Head of School. I think the current leadership is excellent - experienced administrators with philosophies in line with Galloway's vision and culture. My children have had a great experience at Galloway. They haven't experienced any of the bullying others have referenced. What cases I know of from other parents have been dealt with responsibly by the school. Both of my children have had good experiences with extra-curriculars, and have been challenged in classes. This is especially true for my gifted son. I would recommend Galloway to any family.
—Submitted by a parent

The early learning teachers are phenomenal. There is a real commitment, sophistication, and interest in child development. They understand how to provide structure for children, while allowing them to follow their interests to fuel their excitement to learn. If you walk through the halls, you will see lots of happy children and attentive teachers. Everything about the school is centered around respecting your community and the larger world, which is really inspiring to see in action. Also, the new head of school is hands down one of the most impressive educational leaders in the country (and we have high standards coming from NYC). Our son, who is in kindergarten, has never been happier to go to school. He loves being involved in the soccer team, science and chess clubs. He feels safe, loved, challenged and inspired at Galloway. What more can you ask for as a parent?
—Submitted by a parent

Amazing staff, wonderful family support, creative, fun approach to teaching. I can't say enough about how wonderful our experience has been at Galloway! My kids are always happy to go to school...and are disappointed when there is a day off. They feel respected and independent, which makes all human beings feel good. There is a lot of flexibility at Galloway, and, still, there are high standards to be your best self...a hard balance to strike. We are so grateful that this school exists. It seems to instill all the values we believe in without unduly stressing our kids out.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been very pleased with our selection of Galloway for our children. They have had a great experience socially, athletically and acadmically and people are always amazed at how mature they are. Galloway has a rigorous AP curriculum and great college matriculations, but the journey to getting there does not have the peer pressure, cliques and college counseling directives that are present at many of the other private schools. From Galloway, you can get into a great college and finish high school with confidence and maturity, but also enjoy the path to getting there.
—Submitted by a parent

Galloway is a wonderful place for kids and families. We are a small school where students, faculty and familes are partners in education. Decisions are made based on what is best for the student - this school is flexible and caring in the extreme. The academics are solid, participation in extracurricular activities is open to all - even to the point of high schoolers being able to choose multiple activities that would be mutually exclusive) in other schools, A student's experience at this school depends on the student - there is no cookie cutter approach at Galloway. While not the place for all (for example, if your student needs structure across the board) - a motivated, able student will find unparalled freedom and self expression; Each and every student will be supported by caring teachers and staff. If you like the idea of kids being partners in their own education you will love this place! And a nice relaxed atmosphere too!
—Submitted by a parent

Galloway is what you make of it. I began here as a sophomore in high school after attending another well-known private school. At first, I was fooled by the lenience and lack of rules. I didn't do homework and didn't take all of my classes seriously, but in second semester of that year, the ideals of the school finally sunk in. I was allowed to wear what I wanted, go where I wanted, and do what I wanted so that I could learn responsibility for myself instead of being babied through high school. I began getting E's (A's) in all of my classes and ambitiously began taking dance classes even though Galloway's freedom allowed me to find myself before being on my own in college. There are still students who slack off, don't finish their work, and don't care about their learning but the majority genuinely love coming to school ever day and consider themselves all life-long learners as Elliott Galloway had intended all of us to be. He once said, "When you love yourself, you have the inspiration for your own excellence." I am so thankful that I decided to come to a school that encourages growth in all aspects of the students' lives. My life will never be the same.

Galloway is an incredible school that has provided both a challenging and nurturing enviroment for my children. Among many other things, my children have learned that it is important to have a voice and are comfortable being heard by both peers and adults. We feel so fortunate to have been a part of this caring wonderful community that allows my children to excel.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had an amazing experience so far at Galloway. Our children are currently enrolled in the Early Learning program, and we feel so fortunate to be a part of the amazing community of teachers, students and families. Galloway definitely caters to the individual needs of each child. We have a child who, at a very early age, has shown some amazing academic gifts far exceeding his peers. Galloway is working diligently to accommodate his academic needs while also allowing him the important opportunity to socialize and play with children his own age. In addition, we love the warm and nurturing environment found at Galloway, the interaction among the children across all grades, and the focus that Galloway places on the development of the whole child. We cannot say enough great things!
—Submitted by a parent

For the most part, Galloway simply caters to just the middle of the pack and the lower tier students. I can tell you this from firsthand experience. There are also frivolous restrictions on the amount of AP classes students can take. Teachers overall are hit or miss. Some are outstanding, while others teach poorly and give hard tests on material not covered in class or in textbooks. I think all of this stems from the school's philosophy of anti-academic competitiveness. If you have a run-of-the-mill student, Galloway is probably a great school. However, if you are seriously dreaming of attending Ivies/Stanford/MIT, DO NOT come to Galloway. You will be VERY disappointed when your college decisions come in.

It doesn't get any better than The Galloway School. I have 2 children that have/are attending. One just graduated high school from Galloway after beginning there when he was 3 years old. He is very well prepared for college as a freshman. He knows what he wants to do and is prepared to get there thanks to Galloway. My other child is happily enjoying Early Learning and is receiving a highly challenging education in a non-stressful environment that nurtures him while challenging him to be the best that he can be. Galloway is an exceptional school from age 3 to graduation.
—Submitted by a parent