Class Format
Our courses follow the university model. Classes meet one or two times per week and last between one hour and two-and-a-half hours each. The humanities courses are taught in a symposium style, stressing discussion and Socratic discovery. Classes in the sciences and mathematics are small so they can be individualized. Instruction is highly visual and hands-on. Our teachers emphasize the importance of testing theories and detailing findings.
.
Many of our classes include a DVD component so students may miss classes without falling behind, and they are able to review classes for which they need further instruction. A great deal of communication transpires over email between students and teachers. Parents are copied on all memos and encouraged to be involved in the learning process.
Tests are usually “take home” on the honor system in order to devote class time to instruction and discussion. End of course exams are proctored.
School Overview
Our academic calendar is divided into two 12 week semesters, two
mini-terms, and a few week-long study breaks which may be used for
out-of-town and
overnight field trips (School
Calendar)
.Our full time student tuition includes as many classes as a student
desires to take during the two semesters and
mini-sessions.(Course
Catalog)
Classes are conducted on Monday through Friday
(Class Schedule).
Each semester, most students are encouraged
to take the
following:
-
two language arts classes (one writing and one literature),
-
one math class,
-
one science class,
-
one social studies/history class,
-
one foreign language class
-
two or more electives such as drama, choir, fencing, etc.
-
encouraged to take a standardized test preparation class
-
attend writing and grammar workshops when needed .
A student who wishes to accelerate their studies may schedule additional
classes. A student who needs extra time, may schedule fewer classes.
During our two mini-sessions, we offer unique and stimulating classes
and activities based on input from our students, parents and faculty.
We anticipate
courses such as environmental field studies,
creating and touring a dramatic production, living, eating and breathing
a foreign language, a Georgia
History course with daily field
trips, Pet training, grooming and the business of showing, physiology,
body building and sports medicine, neighborhoods,
architecture
and food around Atlanta.
Full time students are also encouraged
to design independent studies, schedule internships or work on a special
interest project with an advisor. Clubs
include Thespians,
Honor Society, Newspaper, Debate and others based on student interest.
We will also sponsor several competitive teams such as
Science
Olympiad and Team America Rocket Competition
Accreditation
Pierian Springs is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission as a
non-traditional school. Our graduates are eligible for the Georgia HOPE
scholarship as well as admission to state colleges and universities on
the same basis as public and private school students. This includes
access to state funded college joint enrollment programs.
Full
time Students
Full time Pierian Springs students are automatically accredited through
the Georgia Accrediting Commission and they receive transcript services,
college and apprenticeship counseling, free access to writing and
grammar labs, annual standardized testing, academic tutorials when
needed, and assistance in preparing an academic curriculum.
Part time Students
We are able to take a limited number of part time students in some of
our classes. Students requesting part time status are limited to three
academic classes and pay fees for study sessions and clubs. Part time
students still need to be accepted into the academic program and require
an interview.
Click here for
Registration Information
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"Puss N Boots Finds a New End" Febrary 2009 |
|
Information for 2010 School Year |
