Brandon Elementary School

When we moved we left a good elementary school in Smyrna that was highly rated and regarded. I am so grateful that when we relocated it was to a home that is zoned to a great APS gem- Bolton Academy. Bolton truly feels like a family. The school has amazing and loving teachers, a fantastic DLI program, an involved, engaging, and responsive administrative staff, a wonderfully helpful support staff, a beautifullydiverse group of students, and a bright and welcoming building. I could not have asked for a better place for my child be educated, and as she moves on to middle school, we leave knowing she was loved as she learned and she is well prepared for the next step.

This is the beginning of 2025-2026 school year and fourth year our child has attended E. Rivers (3rd grade now). Our child is happy, likes th teachers and has friends. There is a wonderful cultural mix of students, white, black and Asian. It provides a rich environment. Being white and from Europe we really like the diversity. Parent involvement is very high and there are many ways to get involved - one-of volunteer opportunities to more in-depth involvement - all are welcome. The school staff all appear to be well organized and led by the principal and are all on the same page. No gossiping or complaining, but very professional, hard working and always available to meet with parents. The PTA is active and provides a great deal of communication with the home through twice weekly newsletters, school-wide picnics, car wash, international dinner events and many other events.The facility is modern, well maintained with subject specific classrooms to fully engage the students. There is plenty of outdoor space for recess and recreation. Kiddos, the afterschool program on-site is well loved by the students and always full shortly after registration opens each year. We have been very happy with E. Rivers and feel we have a gem for our local elementary school.

We have had 3 children at the school since 2019 and couldn't be happier. Our son is about to graduate and his IB experience and education has put him at a huge advantage with college applications. The language programs add such a valuable additional dimension to their education and the cultural exposure due to the amazing international community has been uniquely enriching. I don't know another school in Atlanta where they try so hard to be inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The teachers are dedicated to the students and the school is very supportive at all points. It is an innovative and highly creative environment where kids learn in ways the develop their whole selves. As a newer private school in Atlanta, 40 years old rather than 100, there is still a lot of building to be done which means parents and the community are needed to lean in and support the school's growth. This makes it an exciting school to be part of rather than just joining the ATL establishment. It's not perfect, no where is, but it's a great school.