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