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It’s that time of year. Graduating seniors are getting ready to take their last exams, put on their caps and gowns and enjoy that long-awaited stroll across the stage to collect their diplomas. Before that happens, though, they have to decide what their next step will be. For many, that step includes college, and for the last several months, those students have been filling out applications and waiting for their letters of acceptance to arrive. To celebrate those graduating students, KNOWAtlanta asked metro Atlanta’s private schools to share the successes of their Classes of 2020. We offer our heartfelt congratulations and wish them well as they reach their high school goals and prepare to set new ones.
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 102
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, Stanford University, University of Michigan, Northeastern University, George Washington University, American University, University of Miami, Bowdoin College, Vassar College, Occidental College
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Business, economics, international relations, engineering, computer science, environmental science, the arts, languages
Student Spotlight:
Sofia Sanchez, attending NYU in Fall 2020
“Through the International Baccalaureate curriculum, I was able to identify subjects I enjoyed the most, which helped me develop an idea of what I wanted to study in college. I was also able to develop time management, organizational skills and also become an independent learner. The International Baccalaureate interdisciplinary approach made me realize how all subjects are connected in one way or another. I am excited to apply these skills in college, and my goal is to combine studies in fashion, business and technology to fulfill the market sector of turning trash into new materials and energy. I also appreciate how I was able to use the skills I learned at AIS and apply them to real-life experiences. For example, I was able to use my Spanish language skills as a translator for AVLF, an organization that provides low-income families access to volunteer attorneys each Saturday. My college counselors at AIS were really helpful in my college search process; they were always there to advise and answer any questions along the way.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 13
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Oglethorpe University, Landmark College, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Reinhardt University, University of Alabama, Brevard College, University of North Georgia, West Georgia College, Lynn University
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Computers and coding
Student Spotlight:
Matthew Nix, attending Georgia State University, majoring in biology
“Cumberland helped prepare me for my college experience by providing college fairs so I could see my choices, through Ms. Wright’s (Director of Student Advancement) college recommendations and by providing ACT prep courses that helped raise my ACT score so I could be accepted in a college program.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 110
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Georgia Institute of Technology, Kennesaw State University, University of Georgia
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Aviation mechanics, criminology, city and urban planning, industrial engineering, microbiology, immunology, nursing, occupational therapy, pre-medicine, pre-law, special education
Student Spotlight:
Olivia Marie Tinsley, attending the United States Naval Academy to study chemistry
“Throughout my high school career at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, I have been challenged with rigorous classes, including 12 honors and 10 Advanced Placement courses. All the teachers at ELCA have helped me become proficient in each area of my studies and have helped instill within me a drive and hunger for learning. Every class I have taken at ELCA has piqued my interest in some way, and over the last four years, I have poured myself into my schoolwork and, along with the help of my teachers, academic advisors and peers, have excelled in high school. When I began my college search, I wanted to select a school that would continue to push me academically, for I knew I had a solid foundation upon which to grow. I was recently blessed to accept an offer of appointment from the United States Naval Academy to continue my studies. For the next four years at the Naval Academy, I know I will be pushed to my limits physically, mentally and academically, but I feel that ELCA has fully prepared me to accept this challenge and flourish as I take this next step in my academic journey.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 71
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Claremont McKenna College, Georgia Institute of Technology, New York University, Reed College, Ringling College of Art & Design, University of Georgia, University of Texas at Austin
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Business, communications, marketing, engineering, film, music, natural sciences, theater
Student Spotlight:
Wyatt Woodbery, will attend Brown University in Fall 2020
“Galloway has given me the freedom to personalize my learning, giving me time to make it my own and take it where I want to. I have been so fortunate to have had teachers who support my independent thinking and an administration that has allowed me to co-create my curriculum. Galloway has taught me to value my individuality but to not forget the importance of community; to focus in on something but to always remember the bigger picture; to recognize that there is always more than one way of looking at something. If it weren’t for Galloway, I don’t know who I would be, but I would certainly not be me.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 171
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, University of Georgia, Savannah College of Art and Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Vanderbilt University, Pepperdine University, Northwestern University, New York University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Samford University, Berklee College of Music, Berry College, University of North Georgia, Abilene Christian University, Harding University, Williams College
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Medicine, science, art and design, technology, music, engineering, business, law
Student Spotlight:
Chloe Fair, will attend Harvard University, majoring in environmental engineering
“GAC has had a major impact on my life and in preparing me for the next step at Harvard. The teachers here have been amazing in helping me to develop as a student and as a person. Specifically, in my Capstone class this year with Derek Wilson, I was pushed to form my own opinion and to stand up for my beliefs, and I think that’s a life lesson that will be really important for the rest of my life. Harvard is intimidating, but I know I’ve been prepared well, and I’m ready.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 80
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Georgia Institute of Technology, Rice University, Clemson University, Purdue University, Southern Methodist University
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Education, engineering, health sciences, business, fine arts, language
Student Spotlight:
Cambri Driskell, accepted to UGA, SMU and UNC Chapel Hill, will major in international policy
“King’s Ridge Christian School has undoubtedly played the greatest role in fostering my foundational desire to be a lifelong learner. Throughout the past 13 years spent there, I have grown academically, mentally and spiritually into the person I am now proud to step into the next stage of my life as. The support I have unwaveringly received from my peers but, even more so, my teachers, created an environment in which I have felt truly known and loved. For this, I could never thank KRCS enough as I walk with confidence into the years of my higher education.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 166
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Lovett seniors have applied to over 200 unique colleges and universities across the U.S., representing a wide range of institutions that reflect diverse selectivity, geography and academic interests.
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Undergraduate research in post-apartheid South Africa, construction management, media and journalism, finance, engineering, political science and public policy, statistics, theater, dance, design and production, geology
Student Spotlight:
Lily Siegel, will attend Washington University in St. Louis, majoring in economics and minoring in statistics
“Lovett has provided me with many resources to help me in my college process, from Naviance to college counselors. At the end of my sophomore year, I met with my college counselor to determine course offerings for my junior and senior years that would best prepare me for my intended field of study. For example, I am interested in economics and statistics; therefore, I pursued coursework in those subject areas. My junior year, I met with my college counselor to discuss potential college options and decision plans while utilizing Naviance to make sure that I applied to a range of organizations. My college counselor and I began meeting during my senior year to brainstorm essays and to finalize my college list and decision plans. After my applications were submitted, I updated my college counselor on admissions decisions. The College Counseling Department has become a great resource for me, and I am grateful for all of the guidance and support that they have provided to me throughout this process.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 6
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Harvard University, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Chicago, Adelphi University, Bentley University
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Education, accounting, computer science, computer engineering, architecture
Student Spotlight:
Erin Cargin, will attend Mercer University, double majoring in computer science and computer engineering
“My school has taught me so much and prepared me in so many countless ways as I head into the next stage of my academic journey. My school has taught me valuable life lessons such as how to be independent and how to be responsible, but I have also learned from the wonderful people at my school and the great environment how to help and care for others. All of my teachers and the other students have been so supportive and have helped me so much along the way, and I am truly grateful to everyone who has been a part of my time at Lyndon.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 112
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Princeton University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, New York University, Pepperdine University, Vanderbilt University, University of Pennsylvania, Rice University, University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Clemson University
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Engineering, pre-med, law, nursing, business
Student Spotlight:
Alison Vaughan, accepted to the University of Georgia, University of South Carolina, University of Virginia, Georgia Institute of Technology, will major in business administration and minor in Spanish and plans to attend law school
“Mount Paran has prepared me for college by providing teachers who genuinely care about my personal success beyond high school and by offering a plethora of Advanced Placement courses so I could engage in college-level classes to challenge myself academically.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 79
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Mercer University, Savannah College of Art and Design, The Citadel, University of North Georgia, University of South Carolina, University of Virginia, Penn State University, University of Massachusetts at Lowell
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Biochemistry, engineering, architecture, biology, accounting, business administration, nursing, computer science, game design, photography
Student Spotlight:
Pablo Yesaki-Serrato, goal is to attend an ivy league school or a smaller, liberal arts college, will study mathematics, science, music, and philosophy.
“While my academics were always strong whether here at RMA or at home in Mexico, I believe that Riverside Military has prepared me for life. Time management, discipline, accountability, ethical decision making, service to others, confidence and carrying myself as a gentleman is who I am today and will continue to be tomorrow. I value other perceptions because they expand my own interpretation. The fact that other people are just as capable of thought as I am justifies not only my need to understand their perspective, but also enlightens me to the perspective that I may not have considered beforehand. Knowledge is not a staircase of climbing to the ultimate truth—rather a bookcase with various volumes of accessible interpretation.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 65
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Auburn University, Samford University, Georgia Southwestern University, University of Mississippi, University of Georgia, University of Richmond, University of Tampa, Georgia Southern University, Georgia College, Lynn University, Georgia State University, Belmont University, University of Alabama, Kennesaw State University, Piedmont College, Oregon State University
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Political science, pre-law, accounting, nursing, psychology, economics, biology, pre-medicine, construction management, education, sports management
Student Spotlight:
Grey Schiwitz, will attend the University of Richmond, majoring in politics, philosophy, economics and law (PPEL)
“St. Francis has enabled me to reach my full academic potential. Small and structured classes have allowed me to stand out and create close relationships with my teachers. The school’s small size has given me the opportunity to involve myself in various leadership opportunities. My counselor helped me find the college best tailored to my interests and the college that gives me the best chance for success. St. Francis has shaped my future for success.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 55
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. University of Georgia, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Purdue University, Auburn University, Indiana University, Mercer University
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Engineering and healthcare are two popular fields.
Student Spotlight:
Will Miller, will attend Georgia Institute of Technology, Duke University or Cornell University, majoring in chemistry and Spanish
“I feel like Strong Rock has prepared me for the next stages of my academic career by offering many rigorous academic classes and also by employing such high-level teachers who are both able and willing to answer any questions I may have in and out of class. Because of the high standards and incredible support of my teachers, I feel confident as I begin the process of furthering my education in college.”
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 206
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. Collectively, this senior class has applied to 230 colleges in 40 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries.
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Business, sciences, engineering, linguistics, architecture, musical theatre, film
How many students are in your Class of 2020? 69
Please name a few schools to which your students have applied and been accepted. University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan, Baylor University, University of Virginia, Georgia Institute of Technology, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
What are some areas of study your students plan to pursue? Aerospace engineering, biology, biochemistry, business, communications, computer science, industrial engineering, interior design, kinesiology, marketing, nursing, religious studies
Student Spotlight:
Devin Wade, will attend Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in industrial engineering
“Whitefield has a culture that challenges its students to take responsibility of their own education. Whitefield is known for its high octane and high intensity curriculum, and this allows students to develop self-discipline and responsibility in dealing with their education, and I think this is the most helpful way in which Whitefield has prepared me for the next stage in my academic journey. Even the sports teams (especially cross country in my case) teach students this culture of discipline and responsibility.”
Georgia Cyber Academy Makes Great StridesIn 2019, the Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA), a web-based, tuition-free public charter school that serves students in kindergarten through high school, graduated an impressive 797 students. The top 10 percent of the graduating class achieved an average GPA of 4.3, while an additional 50 percent of students attained an average 3.6 GPA. And collectively, they earned 3,535 college credits through their work. After graduation, more than 40 percent of the class went on to four-year colleges, and 24 percent attended two-year institutes of higher education. Many of those graduating seniors also directly entered either the military or the workforce. On May 30, GCA’s Class of 2020 will complete their high school education and undoubtedly will make even more great strides. For more information, visit georgiacyber.org.
