The Epstein School
| The Epstein School | |
|---|---|
|
 Two Languages, One Community | |
| Location | |
| Sandy Springs, Georgia | |
| Coordinates | 33°55′44″N 84°23′56″W / 33.92888°N 84.398895°WCoordinates: 33°55′44″N 84°23′56″W / 33.92888°N 84.398895°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Independent |
| Established | 1973 |
| Mascot | Eagles |
| Website | The Epstein School |
The Epstein School is an independent Jewish day school located in Sandy Springs, Georgia[1] for children from 18 months through eighth grade and is a member of the Solomon Schechter Day School Association.[2] The Head of School is Dr. Bernice Kirzner. The school has has a summer camp.[3]
History
Founded in 1973,[4] Epstein is a bilingual[5] (English-Hebrew) school. The school was originally housed in the Ahavath Achim Synagogue. In 1987, the school moved to a new location. It later purchased the building and began plans for renovation and expansion.[6] The building that was purchased was originally a Fulton County Elementary School, then called Underwood Hills Elementary.[6] The school's mascot is the Eagle, as represented by the Epstein Eagle crest.
The Early Childhood Program
In the Early Childhood Program headed by Principal Cathy Borenstein, exploration plays a major role in the curriculum. Hands-on activities that require children to use senses such as sight, sound, smell and touch define the schools’ early learning programs.[7]
Middle School
The Epstein Middle School is headed by Principal Myrna Rubel. The school is ideologically conservative, but teaches cultural diversity, tolerance and acceptance of all.[8] In 2008, Epstein Middle School participated in the Faith on Wheels Project, a cultural and religious exchange with three different schools with 3 different religious faiths: Jewish, Christian and Muslim.[8]
Bilingual curriculum
The Middle School curriculum is bilingual.[9] 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.[10] Each year, the school holds its annual middle school celebration of Hebrew Song and Dance, Shiriyah.[11] At the end of each school year, 8th grade students visit Israel, as a culmination of their studies.[12] Recently, Spanish has been introduced to 7th and 8th graders.
Language arts
In 2009, a hard bound 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.[13] 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.[13]
Technology/video production
Students use technology in all subject areas, and every classroom has internet-linked computers.[9] Elective classes include digital photography, website design and robotics.[9] The School has the Genz Television Production Studio, in which middle school students produce and direct a weekly TV broadcast for the school.[14] Students are also the featured on-air talent, writers, anchors and camera operators. Each year, students culminate their broadcast studies with a visit to Fox 5 News - WAGA -Atlanta.[14]
National recognition
- In 2005, Epstein was identified as a U.S. Department of Education Innovator[9] 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.[15]
Athletics at Epstein
Epstein offers many sports including tennis, basketball, soccer, track and field, softball, baseball, and volleyball. Most sports are offered for both girls and boys.
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
- Blue Ribbon School
References
- ↑ Epstein School ~ Directions and Map
- ↑ Directory of Schools
- ↑ Newcomer Magazine - Relocation, Lifestyle and Living in Atlanta
- ↑ Epstein School, The (Solomon Schechter School of Atlanta)
- ↑ Being Bilingual Boosts Brain Power
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 The Epstein School
- ↑ Newcomer Magazine - Relocation, Lifestyle and Living in Atlanta
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Diversity in action | ajc.com
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 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
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 http://brookhaven.reporternewspapers.net/Articles-c-2009-05-01-155969.113118_Epstein_book_becomes_a_part_of_history.html
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 lps2.com
- ↑ http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2004/2004-schools.pdf
- ↑ SAIS
- ↑ "The Jewish Georgian" (PDF) (May/June 09 ed.). p. 39.