Chrysalis Experiential Academy

An alternative school for kids w/issues. If you have no other option, I'm sure it's great. What I saw on the tour did not reflect what we experienced. About 40 kids in the 2012-2013 year; approx. 1 6th grader, 3 7th graders, and 8 or so 8th graders. Mostly boys. Pinning the school down on what curriculum is being taught is impossible. Teachers mostly not certified in what they teach. We didn't have a predictable schedule each day. When teachers were absent, they didn't get substitutes, they moved kids into other classes. A teacher might teach kids of varying grades at the same time; okay for some subjects, but makes math difficult. Electives are things like PInterest, Scrabble, etc. Supervision lacking, my child floated around a lot. I never saw homework, tests, or a completed agenda. Administration disorganized, noncommunicative, often absent and nonresponsive. They will meet with you and promise to change/fix things, implementation doesn't happen. No separation of young kids/older high school kids. You child may be unsupervised with the older kids, in electives w/kids 6-7 years older and of the opposite sex. Huge mistake for us.

Little actual educational value. Advertised as 'for average to gifted', when most of the school is just students with moderate to severe social issues. It does provide a relaxed environment for the student to forget all their issues, but at the cost of an education. For the price, you are better off homeschooling your child, letting them learn all their lessons on tv & the internet, which is essentially what your paying a higher than college level tuition for at this school.
—Submitted by a parent

The school has allowed my student to realize their potential. The curriculum is demanding; however, the students are encouraged and supported so that they can master the content. Is Chrysalis right for every student- No. It is right for the creative, experiential, thoughtful and college bound student.
—Submitted by a parent

Chrysalis is WONDERFUL! It is like no other school in Atlanta and it has changed my son's life! If you are looking for a middle/high school that will meet your child where they are and provide the individual attention and instruction that your child needs and deserves - then Chrysalis is a school you should look at. Your child will be encouraged to push themselves to excel and achieve their full potential while receiving support and direction from a dedicated team of professional educators. Students are also taught to take personal responsibility for their education. This empowers the student and build their confidence and self esteem. Chrysalis develops the WHOLE child and will help your child develop their unique talents to their fullest potential. Chrysalis also instills a love of learning, which is the key to future academic success. You owe it to your child to see what Chrysalis has to offer because it truly is an amazing and unique school.
—Submitted by a parent

We have had our 2 great sons going to Chrysalis for many years and they both really like it (well at least as much as they can really like school). The Principal is great and the environment is casual and relaxed with a strong focus on learning and nurturing children. I wish I could have gone to this school when I was younger. Most of the teachers are outsanding and they are all qualified. Both of our sons are very intelligent but neither liked the the overall experiences they had in public schools after grade 8. I would strongly recommend anyone looking for a private school to look into Chrysalis.
—Submitted by a parent

Bottom line is that Chrysalis failed our son. For kids who can't make it in more traditional school settings, perhaps Chrysalis would work. But it falls short in several areas. School rules are indeed inconsistent and, worse, contradictory. Eg. school expects respect, yet teachers go by first name. In most subjects, our son was not prepared for HS math after his time at Chrysalis. They will value someone's ability to compose a song on guitar over whether a student knows his times tables. Yet it's one of the MOST EXPENSIVE schools in Atlanta. I don't think they have malicious intent, but honestly I think the headmaster is more concerned about helping a child feel good about himself, no matter what, rather than giving him or her a solid education.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has potential for reaching the gifted child who doesn't fit the public-school mode. However, it falls far short because the entire school is disorganized and the same rules don't apply to everyone. The problem is top down. Rules change on whim. Discipline and respect are rare. What is defined as creative freedom is actually chaos and lack of planning and follow through. Many community service activities and outside projects are thought of but never accomplished, yet they're described as reality to potential families. Students are not prepared for any but the least competitive colleges. I am thankful we removed our child in time to get her into a good college.
—Submitted by a parent

My son flourished as a person and developed confidence as a student in the nurturing environment of experiential learning at Chrysalis. I believe in this quote by Confucius describes it best for me "Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand."
—Submitted by a parent

Over 1/2 of the faculty is NOT certified and the school has NO sense of structure. The school misrepresents themselves to be for "average to gifted" students when in reality most students are rejects of public high schools or just out of a rehab situation. Chrysalis needs to create a clear vision of whom they wanted to serve and have a staff that can support those students needs. Also, the director is so busy wearing the hats of principal, admission counselor, PR rep, and school counselor (which the school REALLY needs b/c the kids are mostly aspergers or EBD) that he cannot focus on the students and faculty needs. Bottom line: don't waste your money unless your kid has no other alternative for a diploma.
—Submitted by a parent

It is like a big family - everyone looks out for everyone else. You're free to take risks and be who you are!
—Submitted by a parent

Chrysalis is the only school I know of that truly takes each individual child needs into condideration. My nephew is enrolled here and leaves school everyday with a huge smile on his face. I am considering sending one of my sons to transfer to this school.

What growth I see in my children each and every day! The level of caring and compassion from the faculty reminds each of us of our extended family every time we walk through the doors!
—Submitted by a parent

Ths school is tops. I can't imagine a more positive environment. Children are recognized for their individual giftedness and if they work they'll be rewarded. The director is topnotch, and so are the staff and teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

Chysalis allows kids to learn very hands on. My child has thrived at CEA.
—Submitted by a parent

It has helped our son reach his full potential as a student.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is successful at Chrysalis and he was not doign well in a traditinoal high school. The teachers really care about the students and their success.
—Submitted by a parent

Chrysalis recognizes each student as and individual and strives to meet their needs.
—Submitted by a parent

Chrysalis has helped my son the become self-confident, joyful, and well-rounded. He is onhis way to a butterfly!!!
—Submitted by a parent

They are awesome and so caring. Takes care of all the kids needs and worries
—Submitted by a parent

Chrysalis is a wonderful environment for kids to reach their full potential. My son enjoys his experience at Chrysalis every day.
—Submitted by a parent