The Best Private Schools in Ellenwood, Georgia
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Ellenwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Howard School
The Howard School
The Howard School specializes in serving students with language-based learning differences and attention issues, offering a highly personalized educational approach. Located in Atlanta and serving families throughout the metro area including Ellenwood, the school provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum tailored to diverse learning styles. The campus features specialized learning spaces, technology-integrated classrooms, and therapeutic support services. With a student-teacher ratio of 4:1, the school ensures individualized attention and academic success for students who learn differently.
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Trinity School
Trinity School
Trinity School is a highly-regarded independent school serving students from preschool through sixth grade, with many families commuting from Ellenwood and surrounding areas. The school is renowned for its balanced approach to education, combining academic excellence with social-emotional learning. Trinity's curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, and STEAM education through hands-on, experiential learning. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains strong parent partnerships and focuses on developing character and leadership skills in young learners.
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Woodward Academy
Woodward Academy
Woodward Academy is one of the largest independent schools in the continental United States and the top-rated private school serving the Ellenwood area. Located just minutes from Ellenwood in College Park, this prestigious institution offers a comprehensive college preparatory program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The academy features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. With small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a diverse student body, Woodward provides exceptional academic rigor alongside extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and community service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Ellenwood, Georgia
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Ellenwood, Georgia, and are they located within the city limits?
While Ellenwood itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families in Ellenwood commonly consider several prestigious institutions in the broader metro Atlanta area. The most notable are Woodward Academy (in College Park, just west of Ellenwood), The Howard School (in Atlanta), and Trinity School (in Atlanta). These schools actively draw students from Ellenwood and the surrounding South DeKalb/Henry County region. It's important to note that these are day schools, so commuting is a key consideration. Some local private options may also include smaller faith-based academies. Most Ellenwood families looking for private education will be evaluating schools in adjacent communities.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Ellenwood, GA, compare, and are there Georgia-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for the leading private schools accessible from Ellenwood is significant and varies by grade level. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Woodward Academy's high school tuition exceeds $30,000, while Trinity School and The Howard School are also in a similar competitive range. Georgia offers two important state-sponsored programs that can help offset these costs: the Georgia Tax Credit Scholarship Program (SB 10) and the newer Georgia Promise Scholarship Act. These programs allow donors to receive tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations, which then provide need-based awards to eligible students attending private schools. Families in Ellenwood should investigate their eligibility for these scholarships and each school's own financial aid offerings during the application process.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools serving Ellenwood students offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
The private schools in the Ellenwood orbit provide specialized programs that may not be as readily available in the public district. Woodward Academy, for instance, is renowned for its Center for Advanced STEM Studies, extensive global travel programs, and a 100% college acceptance rate. The Howard School specializes in differentiated learning for students with learning differences, offering tailored curricula and expert support. Trinity School focuses on a progressive, project-based elementary education with a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning. These schools often have lower student-to-teacher ratios, more niche arts and athletics offerings, and distinct educational philosophies (like International Baccalaureate at some campuses) that provide alternatives to the standard public school curriculum in Ellenwood.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Woodward Academy for an Ellenwood family?
The enrollment process for top-tier Atlanta-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For a fall intake, the process typically starts in the preceding summer or early fall (12-18 months in advance for some grades). Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often held in the fall), 2) Submitting an application by a deadline (usually between January and February), 3) Completing student assessments and interviews, and 4) Applying for financial aid concurrently. For Ellenwood families, it's crucial to plan for the logistics of testing and interview days, which will require travel to the school's campus. Admission decisions are commonly released in March. Due to competitive waiting lists, especially for entry grades, starting the process early is strongly advised.
For an Ellenwood resident, what are the major considerations when choosing between a high-performing public school in the DeKalb or Henry County districts and a private school in the Atlanta area?
The decision hinges on several local factors. Ellenwood is served by DeKalb County School District and, in parts, Henry County Schools. Considerations include: **Commute & Community:** A private school may involve a 30-60+ minute daily commute each way to Atlanta or College Park, impacting family time and extracurricular participation. **Cost vs. Investment:** Weighing the substantial financial commitment of private tuition against the free public option, potentially using those funds for tutors, supplements, or college savings. **Educational Fit:** Private schools offer specific pedagogical approaches (like college-prep, IB, or learning support) that may align better with a child's needs than the standardized public approach. **Class Size & Resources:** Private schools generally offer smaller classes, but Georgia's public schools may provide certain specialized magnet or advanced placement programs. Ultimately, Ellenwood parents must assess their child's individual needs, their family's values, and the practical logistics of a metro-Atlanta private school commitment.