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Independent School Guide 2025-2026
ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL GUIDE
Atlanta magazine’s 2025 directory includes schools that are members of or accredited by Cognia (formerly AdvancED), the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), or the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAAIS). The schools have campuses in metro Atlanta’s 12 core counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, and Rockdale. Researched and compiled by Jennifer Coltrin
EDITOR’S NOTE: Data was compiled in September 2025 from surveys sent to the schools. The “What’s New” question was optional. N/A = not applicable; data N/A = data not available
The Directory
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Meet the President
Woodward Academy began the fall term with the appointment of the eighth president since its founding in 1900. Chris Freer, Ph.D., takes over the top leadership position at the school with campuses in College Park and Johns Creek. Freer has spent 31 years at Woodward as a faculty member, coach, Upper School principal, dean, vice president for advancement, and vice president for student life. On the curriculum side, the school has launched a new Graduation Distinction in Media to recognize Upper School students who complete a rigorous course of study in specialized areas such as digital design, journalism, and broadcast media.
It's the Principal
Atlanta native Evan Phillips has been named principal of Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School. Before taking the helm of the downtown institution, Phillips was middle school principal and high school assistant principal at Boys Town School in Omaha, Nebraska. His career also included positions as classroom instructor, academic advisor, and dean of students at various Catholic schools. Phillips graduated from Morehouse College with a bachelor’s degree in English and holds master’s degrees in both education and educational leadership from the University of Notre Dame. He is completing his doctorate in educational leadership at University of Holy Cross in New Orleans.
Taking the Lead
Pace Academy in Buckhead welcomed Brooke Hight as Head of Lower School. Her two decades of experience began as a fi rst-grade teacher and moved across all elementary grades, with positions as director of the Anne & Jim Kenan Preschool at the Atlanta Speech School, 11 years at The Westminster Schools as the director of teaching and learning for students in pre-first through second grade, and five years at The Lovett School. An Atlanta native, Hight earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and master’s degree in children’s literature from the University of Georgia.
Game Changing Additions
North Cobb Christian School in Kennesaw welcomed two new team leaders for its athletics program, with Chicago native Kyle McVey moving into the director’s role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Bob Jones University and a master’s degree in sports management from Liberty University. His career includes 10 years as athletics director at Schaumburg Christian School in Illinois, where he expanded teams, strengthened coach development, and built a brand that produced college-bound student-athletes. Most recently, he helped launch the New College of Florida’s intercollegiate athletic program. Joining McVey is assistant Rebecca Dyer, a former Division I athlete at UNC and Kentucky who has also worked in sports media, coached at high and prep school levels, and worked in the corporate arena.
It's A Sign
The World Language curriculum at Mount Paran Christian School in Kennesaw expanded its offerings to include American Sign Language (ASL). The course will be a language option for students in the high school and will fully immerse them in ASL’s visual and nonverbal elements, including facial expressions, body language, and spatial awareness. Fifth graders will also have the chance to learn the language as part of an exploratory program. Adding ASL supports the school’s goal of giving students a range of communication skills that enhance their understanding of global and cultural viewpoints.
Leadership in Action
Kings Ridge Christian School in Alpharetta has welcomed Tony Fajardo, Ph.D., as its new head of school. His 20-plus years of experience include headmaster of Ben Lippen School in Columbia, South Carolina; teacher, coach, and dean of students at Dade Christian School in Miami; secondary principal at Florida Bible Christian School; and headmaster of Northside Christian Academy in Charlotte. Along with his varied responsibilities, Fajardo will oversee a number of celebrations to mark the school’s 25 anniversary, including a gala set for March 20, 2026.
Renovations Revealed
Some vibrant new spaces greeted students returning to Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross this fall. The elementary school was renovated to include a new library, complete with swings and round reading nooks, while outside, kids can romp in a new treehouse. The Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program, launched to develop entrepreneurial mindsets through coursework, hands-on experiences, and mentorship, is supported by the Center for Media and Business Innovation that includes a small stage, a media production studio, and a library. It’s also home to the Spartan Cafe, where students are in charge while practicing marketing, sales, leadership, and problemsolving skills. The goal is to expand into additional student-run businesses.
The Search is Over
After an extensive national search, The Lovett School welcomed Alisha Fisher as the new Head of Middle School. The former superintendent at Atlanta Heights Charter School has more than 20 years of teaching experience that includes leadership roles as a principal, middle school dean, and instructional coach. While at Atlanta Heights, she earned awards for exceeding enrollment goals, parent and employee satisfaction, and student attendance and was named a Coca-Cola Teacher of the Year. The Washington, D.C., native earned a bachelor’s degree from Clark Atlanta University, a master’s degree from Kennesaw State University, and an Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction degree from Nova Southeastern University.
Springmont School's Strategy
Atlanta’s fi rst Montessori school, Springmont School, moves into the 2025 academic year with a recently approved strategic plan designed to ensure long-term fi nancial and academic success, as well as sustainability for future generations. The fi nal version was a year in the making and included extensive input from parents, students, employees, and alumni. A planning committee developed four priority statements and strategic objectives; key focus areas include fostering meaningful community engagement, ensuring the sustainability of the school’s fi nances and facilities, deepening the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable environment, and strengthening Springmont’s dedication to authentic, high-quality Montessori education. springmont.com
