The Howard School

The Howard School is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded by Marian Howard in 1950 to give students alternative approaches to learning. Students with "special learning needs", from grades K-12 are able to attend the school. History: In 1950, one teacher following a dream, helped academically frustrated students experience success through a school she poured her life savings into. From that moment, The Howard School was established. The fulfillment of a dream was launched. The founder, Marian had countless experiences with students, especially students with the inability to learn in a traditional classroom setting. The educational program evolved into a fully accredited elementary, middle and high school curriculum, over the years. The School relocated to a 16-acre campus with one classroom building, a gymnasium and a multi-purpose facility. The initial student population grew to almost three hundred students, these students are dynamic, energetic, and diverse.

In 2004 with the support of the Board of Directors, and a strong parent base, the school embarked on its first major capital campaign and building project. The school raised $18,150,000 and a major overhaul of the campus was completed along with one classroom building, a gymnasium and a multi-purpose facility. These buildings provided classroom space, gym and photography labs, a lunch room and a small meeting center. In January of 2007 the ribbon cutting ceremony occurred and students moved in. Planning began almost immediately for future growth, specifically for the middle school and the enlargement of the lower school and elementary school.

Facilities

The Howard School sits on 16 acres of beautiful woodlands overlooking the Howell Mill. The school currently has one classroom building, a gymnasium and a multi-purpose facility, all of which resemble Atlanta-like styling. Over the past three years, The Howard School has been working on renovating and constructing new buildings to further enhance the students education. In January of 2007, THS cut the ribbon on a brand new state-of-the-art middle school and high school. This provides one, much needed classroom building, a gymnasium with two full sized basketball courts and a multi-purpose facility that houses a black box theater, music room and cafeteria.

Middle School Program

The Howard School, Middle School, follows the Fulton County Curriculum. The small class size of 10 students or less, allows the teacher personal hands-on time making the class time very conducive to learning. As a result, there is little need for the traditional hours of homework that many of the students have experienced in the past. Since homework should ideally be the independent practice of newly acquired educational skills, drill and kill is definitely not part of the curriculum.

In larger classroom settings, lecture is the most efficient way to teach. The smaller class sizes allow the teachers to facilitate hands-on learning. Whether its using manipulatives in math to solve algebraic equations, taking care of the habitat of bearded dragons, or building a waterfall to connect two outdoor ponds, the students are actively involved in their own learning. Since most of our students struggle with issues due to ADD or ADHD, the mental as well as physical strain of staying focused can make for a tiring day. As a result, the academic subjects are only taught in the morning.

In the afternoon, students choose two classes on a Monday/Wednesday, Tuesday/Thursday time frame called electives. Students choose from a wide variety of electives and exploratories, giving them the opportunity to pursue personal interests and explore new opportunities. These courses include Co-op work experiences, Promotional Art, Drama, Culinary Arts, Yearbook, Forensics, Computer Exploration, Carpentry, Multicultural Art, Photography, Ethics/Debate, Drivers Education, Aviation/Space, Cheerleading, Mountain Biking, Jewelry-Making, Fencing, Bowling, Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Cross Country, Swimming, Personal Fitness, and Volleyball.

High School Program

The Howard School, High School curriculum follows the State of Georgia academic graduation requirements. A total of 22 Carnegie Units is required for graduating. Besides the four core academic subjects, areas of Mathematics, English, Social Studies and Science, both Spanish and French are offered as foreign languages. THS places emphasis on organization, time management, study skills, and preparation for a successful future.

Post-Secondary Plan

Based on the individual needs of the students, the academic curriculum prepares students for post-secondary options. These options may include college preparatory, technical, or vocational education--or apprenticeship training for a specialized career. An integral component of this preparation, as well as a graduation requirement, is the completion of an accepted post-secondary plan.

The awarding of the diploma is contingent upon finalization of this plan by any of the following:

Letter of acceptance, on file, with the Academic Counselor to a two or four-year college or university; Letter of acceptance, on file, with the Academic Counselor to a Technical College or Vocational Program; Letter of induction to any branch of the military, on file, with the Academic Counselor indicating the date of induction; Letter of acceptance, on file, with the Academic Counselor indicating; acceptance into a training or apprenticeship program by a company or business.

External links

* [http://www.howardschool.org/ Official website]