The Epstein School
| The Epstein School | |
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Two Languages, One Community
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| 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 Stan Beiner.[3] The school has two campuses,[4] and has a summer camp.[5]
Contents |
[edit] History
Founded in 1973,[6] Epstein is a bilingual[7] (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.[8] The building that was purchased was originally a Fulton County Elementary School, then called Underwood Hills Elementary.[8] The school's mascot is the Eagle, as represented by the Epstein Eagle crest.
[edit] 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.[9]
[edit] Middle School
The Epstein Middle School is headed by Principal Myrna Rubel. The school is idealogically conservative, but teaches cultural diversity, tolerance and acceptance of all.[10] 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.[10]
[edit] Bilingual curriculum
The Middle School curriculum is bilingual.[11] 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.[12] Each year, the school holds its annual middle school celebration of Hebrew Song and Dance, Shiriyah.[13] At the end of each school year, 8th grade students visit Israel, as a culmination of their studies.[14] Recently, Spanish has been introduced to 7th and 8th graders.
[edit] 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.[15] 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.[15]
[edit] Technology/video production
Students use technology in all subject areas, and every classroom has internet-linked computers.[11] Elective classes include digital photography, website design and robotics.[11] The School has the Genz Television Production Studio, in which middle school students produce and direct a weekly TV broadcast for the school.[16] 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.[16]
[edit] National recognition
- In 2005, Epstein was identified as a U.S. Department of Education Innovator[11] 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.[17]
[edit] 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.
[edit] Accreditation
The Epstein School has dual accreditation from Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).[18]
- In 2009 the National Wildlife Federation recognized The Epstein School's Sustainable Educational Garden and Teaching Pond as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.[19]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Epstein School ~ Directions and Map
- ^ Directory of Schools
- ^ A Who's Who of AJU Alumni | Volume 4 | American Jewish University ( AJULA )
- ^ The Epstein School - Sandy Springs, Georgia/GA - Private School Profile - Private School Review
- ^ 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
- ^ Newcomer Magazine - Relocation, Lifestyle and Living in Atlanta
- ^ a b Diversity in action | ajc.com
- ^ a b c d 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
- ^ a b lps2.com
- ^ http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2004/2004-schools.pdf
- ^ SAIS
- ^ "The Jewish Georgian". p. 39. http://jewishgeorgian.com/JGAMayJune09.pdf.
