The Epstein School

The Epstein School
Location
Map
Sandy Springs
,
Georgia
United States
Coordinates33°55′44″N 84°23′56″W / 33.92888°N 84.398895°W / 33.92888; -84.398895
Information
TypeIndependent
Motto"Three Languages, One Community"
Established1973
MascotEagle
Websiteepsteinatlanta.org

The Epstein School is an independent Jewish day school located in Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States.[1] It enrolls children from 18 months through eighth grade. The Head of School is Dr. David Abusch-Magder. The school has a summer camp.[2]

History

The Epstein School's mascot is the Eagle.

Founded in 1973,[3] Epstein is a bilingual[4] (English-Hebrew) school.

The school was originally housed in the Ahavath Achim Synagogue. In 1987, it moved to a new location. It later purchased the building and began plans for renovation and expansion.[5] The building that was purchased was originally a Fulton County Elementary School, then called Underwood Hills Elementary.[5]

The school's mascot is the Eagle, as represented by the Epstein Eagle crest.

Middle school

The Epstein Middle School is headed by Principal Susanna Ames[6] The school is ideologically conservative, but teaches cultural diversity, tolerance and acceptance of all. In 2008, Epstein Middle School participated in the Faith on Wheels Project, a cultural and religious exchange with three different schools with different faiths: Jewish, Christian and Muslim.[7][failed verification]

Bilingual curriculum

Epstein's learning lab offers academic support for the bilingual curriculum.

The middle school curriculum is bilingual.[8] Recognizing academic challenges for students of a dual language curriculum, the school also offers additional support in the learning lab and Sha'ar, a special education program.[9]

Each year, the school holds its middle school celebration of Hebrew song and dance, Shiriyah.[10]

At the end of each school year, 8th grade students visit Israel as a culmination of their studies.[11]

Recently, Spanish has been introduced to 7th and 8th graders.

Language arts

In 2009, a book previously published by Epstein Middle School students, Go Where Your Eyes Take You: Creating a New Future after the Holocaust, was archived by the USC Shoah Foundation Institute for Visual History and Education.[12] The book was part of the students' language arts studies, and features stories about 23 survivors of the Holocaust and how they rebuilt their lives.[12]

Technology/video production

Students use technology in all subject areas, and every classroom has internet-linked computers. Elective classes include digital photography, website design and robotics.[8]

Students also produce, write, and direct a weekly TV broadcast for the school. Each year, students visit to Fox 5 News - WAGA-Atlanta.[13]

National recognition

In 2005, Epstein was identified as a U.S. Department of Education Innovator[8] and is one of only three Jewish day schools in the nation to be honored as a 2004 Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.[14]

Athletics

Epstein offers many sports, including tennis, basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, frisbee, baseball, and volleyball. Most sports are offered for both girls and boys.[15]

Accreditation

The Epstein School has dual accreditation from Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).[16]

In 2009 the National Wildlife Federation recognized The Epstein School's Sustainable Educational Garden and Teaching Pond as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.[17]

See also

References

  1. ^ Epstein School ~ Directions and Map
  2. ^ Newcomer Magazine - Relocation, Lifestyle and Living in Atlanta
  3. ^ Epstein School, The (Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta)
  4. ^ Being Bilingual Boosts Brain Power
  5. ^ a b The Epstein School
  6. ^ "Faculty / Staff Directory". The Epstein School.
  7. ^ Diversity in action | ajc.com
  8. ^ a b c The Epstein School Offers Strong Academics to Achieve Derech Eretz
  9. ^ Federation Flash - January/February 2003 - Epstein School
  10. ^ lps2.com
  11. ^ 8th Graders from Epstein School in Atlanta visit Yokneam
  12. ^ a b http://brookhaven.reporternewspapers.net/Articles-c-2009-05-01-155969.113118_Epstein_book_becomes_a_part_of_history.html [dead link‍]
  13. ^ lps2.com
  14. ^ http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2004/2004-schools.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  15. ^ "Athletics Program". The Epstein School.
  16. ^ SAIS Archived 2011-10-09 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ "The Jewish Georgian" (PDF) (May/June 09 ed.). p. 39. Archived from the original on March 4, 2011.