Academe of the Oaks

AO is a wonderful school. The academics are stellar students acquire a very broad array of knowledge. The school produces wonderful writers, actors, academics and artists who are curious about the world in a way that others sometimes find startling. Waldorf/AO kids tend to be very good with adults. They look them in the eye, converse easily and don t shy away or run off when adults are around. At AO our son has been given a combination of intense and thoughtful work assignments along side caring, loving oversight by his teachers. The teachers don t back off the tough assignments, but give as much support as needed to make sure the material is understood and handled properly. The exchange program is terrific. It is an amazing opportunity to really learn a foreign language, experience that culture and make many new friends. It is something that can really make a lifelong impact on a young adult. No one falls through the cracks at Academe and students at all levels are challenged and encouraged to exceed expectations. We have been extremely happy with the school on many different levels over these past three years and are excited to have it in our lives for another four.
—Submitted by a parent

Yes, they do address the mind, body and spirit of the students but to their way of thinking instead of letting them be independent thinkers. As recently decided, it's thier way or "the highway" if you as a student or parent try to be that independent thinker
—Submitted by a parent

This school has Helped turn my son into a bright, caring, free thinking young man. The school goes above and beyond to make sure each child has their individual talents shine yet makes sure that, as a group, they work on social inclusion. The teachers and leaders of the school truly seem to love and care about their jobs, the kids, the parents and each other. Academe of the Oaks is turning out incredibly forward thinking, thoughtful students whom all seem to go on to their top pick of colleges.
—Submitted by a parent

I wanted my child to go to a public high school. She fought me, and well, she won. I understand now why she wanted to go to Academe. She wants to be in a school where the teachers really care about the students, where she can really explore the material - basically, where she can really learn and be challenged. Her teachers all have advanced degrees and it shows in what they teach. She was able to do an exchange with a student in France, which expanded her life and made her a part of the international community.The arts are really important to her, and the school delivers on that front too. Last year she took an advanced art class from a teacher whose work has been purchased by major museums. And her orchestra is led by a renown violinist in residence at Emory University. She played basketball this year, coached by a retired NBA player. She was in a play directed by a teacher with years of theater experience. Most important to me, they each really care about her. I'm glad she convinced us to let her go to this school. She certainly knew best. It is an amazing place.
—Submitted by a parent

My child just graduated from Academe, and the experience there has been amazing. The school is filled with creative, inspiring students, teachers who care and who have advanced degrees in their areas, and it follows a curriculum that is college-prep, promotes self-responsibility, creativity, respect, and care for the world and others. My child was accepted at the university desired - a very highly rated school that receives far more applications than it has slots, and the administration there specifically sited Academe as one of the reasons for their interest. Can't get better than that!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a recently graduated student who loved this school. The teaching staff is fabulous and the curriculum is diverse and fascinating. In addition, I feel this school not only prepared me for college, but also to move into the world as an adult. If that was not enough, I got in to the college on the top of my list! wonderful school!
—Submitted by a student

Academe of the Oaks has everything you could want in a private school. Its curriculum is rigorous, its teachers are caring experts in their fields, and the students are idealistic human beings who will make great changes in the world. The leadership of the school is unwavering in its determination to educate the whole child, as Rudolf Steiner intended.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so excited to send my children to this amazing school. It is not often in life when you find something so right. But we have with the Academe of the Oaks.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter just graduated from Academe and she had an amazing experience and education. She is leaving a confident young woman with a love of learning. The curriculum was challenging and stimulating. Today she is ready for her next challenge and I know will be able to excel in everything she does. The teachers and administrators of this school always have the best interest of the students and are ready and able to make the tough decisions. A student entering Academe will be prepared in all aspects of their lives from a strong sports program to amazing art, science, math, language and english studies.
—Submitted by a parent

School inexplicably gutted its faculty recently, rendering this education quasi-Waldorf at best. Many teachers are not Waldorf trained or experienced and the most effective elements of the curriculum have been compromised as a result. Governance is highly centralized, making the transition from start-up to stable, long-term institution appear unlikely. School may be good fit for students either coming from Waldorf K-8 or needing fresh approach, but execution of the Waldorf ideal has eroded significantly in the past year.
—Submitted by a parent

The program quality has declined dramatically since our child has attended, which has been the last three years. We are also very discouraged by the school's leadership. We would not recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

They create loving citizens of the world by addressing the mind, body and spirit of the students from pre-k to 12th grade. The inclusion is wholistic of community: parents, student, teacher and community are one.
—Submitted by a parent