The Oaks

Have two kids at Heards Ferry and have been very pleased. Gave it a shot rather than private school and it’s far exceeded all expectations.

The staff at this school are great! The students are very racist. My son had issues with racism the entire school year. It is a predominately Hispanic school, them not liking African Americans is new to us. We dislike no one. I did everything throughout the year to get my son switched out of this school, the board did nothing even with doc notes! My son has never had any issues being in school until he came to this one. This was truly heartbreaking newly moving to this town, and having to deal with this everyday. It was my mistake even moving to this zone not knowing you can’t do anything about it. But this was also my learning experience moving forward in life. Staff done some things to end what was going on, but what honestly can be done when it’s the upbringing of the kids in attendance.

Given the tuition, I find it odd that the high school art teacher lacks a biography, a college degree or a resume. What does this tell you?

Wonderful school. Glad we chose HIES over the other two that we had the option for.Friendly staff and kids.Various sports Welcoming parent group and amazing curriculum.Glad our son is thriving day by day and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for his sucess.

I went to Galloway from K–12, so this comes from a very long firsthand experience. There are definitely positives: it is a kind, supportive environment, the teachers generally care, and the school does a good job making students feel seen as individuals. I understand why a lot of Buckhead families are drawn to it.That said, looking back as an adult, I do not feel like it prepared me especially well for real life. There was a lot of emphasis on “be your best self,” which sounds good on paper, but in my experience there was less emphasis on discipline, toughness, accountability, and the kind of academic rigor that actually helps once you leave a protected school environment. It helped get me into Alabama, but I was not especially well prepared once I got there, and that became obvious pretty quickly.Now I work in residential real estate, and while I do fine, it is not exactly the kind of challenging or deeply fulfilling professional path I once thought a school like Galloway was preparing me for. It is a very relationship-driven job with long hours, and if I am being honest, a lot of where I landed had more to do with family connections than with any real edge the school gave me. That is the part I think prospective families should think about. Galloway was good at making students feel comfortable and affirmed. I am less convinced it was good at pushing them hard enough to thrive on their own later.

Finding a school where your children are not only educated but truly understood is rare, and that is exactly what Springmont Montessori School has been for our family. Both of our children attend Springmont, and the sense of belonging they experience there is immediately evident. The teachers and staff create an atmosphere of warmth, respect, and genuine care that makes children feel safe, confident, and valued from the moment they arrive each day.One of the greatest strengths of Springmont is how deeply the Montessori philosophy is embedded in everyday learning. Children are encouraged to develop independence, take responsibility for their work, and explore subjects that spark their curiosity. Learning is never rushed or forced. Instead, teachers carefully observe each child and guide them at a pace that honors their individual development and interests. This approach has allowed our children to grow academically while also building confidence and intrinsic motivation.What truly sets Springmont apart, however, is its emphasis on character and community. Kindness, empathy, and respect are not treated as add-ons to the curriculum—they are lived values. Teachers model these behaviors consistently, and the children naturally learn to support one another, resolve conflicts thoughtfully, and contribute positively to their classroom environment. We see these lessons carry over into our children’s daily lives in meaningful ways.As parents, nothing is more reassuring than seeing your children happy and excited about school. Our kids genuinely love learning, feel proud of their accomplishments, and take joy in helping others. Springmont is a place where successes are celebrated, challenges are met with patience and understanding, and every child is seen for who they are.We are deeply grateful for the Springmont community and the dedicated educators who make it such a special place. The school has given our children a strong foundation not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well. We wholeheartedly recommend Springmont Montessori School to families seeking a nurturing, intentional, and inspiring learning environment.

This school is back on top. I would highly recommend you visit. They teach in such a unique way that is miles ahead of many schools.