Experience EPSTEIN
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experience EPSTEIN. 1 seeEPSTEIN. 2 We’re way more than you imagined. All it takes is one step through our doors to really see us. We are academics. We are character. We are community. We are The Epstein School. For more than 40 years, academic excellence has been at the WE PROVIDE A forefront of our innovative and individualized approach that is SOLID FOUNDATION not only effective, but is also exciting for our students. FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE. Our vision is to immerse students in a blended learning We are proud that each and bilingual environment in which each student is challenged. year our graduates are We prepare our students to become confident, engaged Valedictorians learners, and knowledgeable, committed community leaders. Salutatorians As a member of the Solomon Schechter Day School Network, STAR Students The Epstein School is an inclusive and diverse community (highest SAT score guided by the principles of Conservative Judaism and the at his/her school) timeless values of our people. We welcome families from National Merit all walks of Jewish life. Finalists National Honor Society Members 1 think EPSTEIN. Look beyond our doors and into the bright eyes of our students. Look at the smiles on their faces and the care in their teachers’ instruction. See small groups of children working together and learning in new ways. See the acquisition of lifelong skills happening every moment. Examine the use of technology at every grade level, including preschool. Examine the fluidity of their day—from one task to another, from one language to another, from secular to Judaics—with complete ease. Appreciate the individualized attention each student receives. Appreciate the pride in their Jewish identity that they are developing. Understand that blended learning prepares students for life after Epstein. Understand that language immersion helps children develop analytical skills and nurtures adaptability. “ After 8 years at Epstein, what I am most impressed with in terms of academics is the focus on executive functioning skills. My children have the tools they need to excel at their studies. They approach WE GUIDE STUDENTS projects, tests, etc. with a clear understanding of TO BECOME their goals and expectations. They have a deep • Critical Thinkers • Problem Solvers understanding of how they individually acquire • Independent • Collaborators knowledge. Epstein has nurtured their ability Learners • Leaders to express themselves in writing at such a high • Bilingual • Innovators Communicators level. In addition, each year I am amazed at how • Social Thinkers the teachers really “get” my kids and how they personalize their teaching based on their needs.” —AMY FOX, current parent 2 3 discover4 EPSTEIN. How does this immersion actually fit into a student’s day? GENERAL STUDIES: study the BILINGUAL EDUCATION. At Epstein, we teach seasons of the year and tree Hebrew and English in a way that is uniquely woven into growth cycles secular and Judaic curricula. We incorporate Hebrew SCIENCE CLASS: read about the changing leaves, the harvest into many subjects throughout the day. Our students or photosynthesis are immersed in learning language through experience HEBREW: focus on the names and practical use, as we create simulations and authentic of the parts of the tree, the colors experiences for communication. of the leaves JUDAICS: learn about the holiday of Tu B’Shvat—the birthday for “TheEpsteinSchoolisoneofAmerica’sfinest trees examples of language immersion programs.” THE ARTS: sing Hebrew songs in music and create color-wheel —GREG DUNCAN, Founder & President of InterPrep trees in art and noted bilingual education expert BLENDED LEARNING. Much as language is immersed into each day at Epstein, so is an approach called Blended Learning. Through this approach, our students learn in a variety of ways with each child excelling and learning at an individual pace. One technique frequently used is Flipped Instruction. The lesson begins with homework in which students watch a video prepared by their teacher. Students are able to view the video as often as needed and are also able to control the pace at which it is viewed. The next day, the teacher reviews the concept, and engages the students in deeper learning, using critical thinking and advanced skills to apply what they have learned. DID YOU KNOW? We are the only day school to have a Principal of Digital Learning & Technology leading a professional team devoted to blended education and 21st Century Learning. BLENDED LEARNING TECHNIQUES 1 FLIPPED INSTRUCTION 4 THREADED DISCUSSION 2 GAMIFICATION 5 LANGUAGE LABS 3 GLOBAL EDUCATION 5 feel EPSTEIN. Our Jewish values are our foundation. SELF-ESTEEM (Ha’aracha Atzmit): Epstein students are confident, strong leaders, and embrace their individuality. PRIDE (Ge’ava): Epstein students are proud of their heritage and who they are as people. RESPECT FOR OTHERS (Derech Eretz): Epstein students are kind to others and 6 lead by example. MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE (Tikkun Olam): Epstein students understand the importance of being responsible citizens and helping others. RIGHTEOUSNESS (Tzedakah): Epstein students do the right thing and know that lending a hand to those in need is our responsibility. LOVE OF ISRAEL (Ahavat Yisrael): Epstein students have a love for and commitment to the Jewish people and the land and State of Israel. We make mensches. 7 fast facts HERE ARE 18 OF THE EPSTEIN SCHOOL’S BEST KEPT SECRETS 1. We are recognized as a U.S. Department of Number of Students: Education Blue Ribbon School. AVERAGES 550 STUDENTS 2. In 2014, the valedictorians of 3 Atlanta area high Average Class Size: 18–22 schools were Epstein graduates. Two salutatorians (ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE and the top 5 graduates at North Springs High SCHOOLS) School were also Epstein graduates from our Location: SANDY SPRINGS 8th Grade Class of 2010. Founded: 1973 3. Forty-two percent of all Epstein graduates who are varsity athletes in their high schools are also the Religious Affiliation: JUDAISM peer-elected captains of their teams. Tuition: RANGES FROM $5,195 PER YEAR (EARLY CHILDHOOD) 4. Over the past 5 years, more than half of our TO $19,950 PER YEAR (GRADE 8) 7th graders tested and qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) for Tuition Assistance: AVAILABLE FROM academically gifted and talented youth. In 2013–14, PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE 17 students scored high enough on the ACT test to Uniform: YES, FOR TRANSITIONAL receive State Level recognition. Our standardized KINDERGARTEN THROUGH testing (IOWA Test of Basic Skills) scores for grades 8TH GRADE 3 and 5 are consistently ranked in the top 5th Bus Transportation: NO percentile of schools. Teacher Retention Rate: 95% 5. Each year our graduates are accepted to Atlanta’s premier private high schools, public school magnets Middle School Sports: and honors programs, including Pace Academy, SOCCER, BASKETBALL, TRACK, The Westminster School, Woodward Academy, VOLLEYBALL, TENNIS, BASEBALL, The Paideia School, The Weber School, The Galloway CROSS COUNTRY AND SOFTBALL School, Riverwood International Charter School, After School Care and Clubs: North Springs Charter High School, Walton High AVAILABLE FOR ALL STUDENTS School, and Wheeler High School (Science/Math magnet program). 8 experience EPSTEIN. 6. Over the past 3 years, 90 Epstein students have placed in the top 3 at the North Atlanta Jewish SCHOOL ACCREDITATION Students Technology Fair and 12 have placed in AND AFFILIATION the top 3 in the statewide Georgia Educational n Southern Association of Colleges Technology Fair. and Schools (SACS) 7. We have over 600 electronic devices entering our n Southern Association of Independent school daily and connecting to our WiFi network. Schools (SAIS) 8. More than half of our teachers have been at n Solomon Schechter Day School Epstein for at least 5 years. Network n 9. All Kindergarten-3rd grade teachers have received AAAIS (Atlanta Area Association advanced Orton-Gillingham training in reading of Independent Schools) instruction. n Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference 10. All of our faculty and staff are CPR certified. 11. 100% of our Hebrew language teachers are 16. Multi-age peer groups occur regularly with book native speakers. buddies, holiday celebrations, community service projects, and mentor programs; all of which build 12. Our integrated bilingual academic program has leadership skills and enhance relationships between been recognized by the U.S. Department of our students. Education as an Education Innovator. 17. We enjoy homemade healthy food. We are the 13. We offer high school credit math and Spanish only Jewish day school with a full Kosher cafeteria, classes in 8th grade. and a commitment to accommodate for allergies 14. The Epstein School’s Sustainable Educational and special dietary needs. Garden and Pond was awarded Certified Wildlife 18. We care about each and every student, not just Habitat status by the National Wildlife Federation. their academics, but their social, emotional, and 15. Our sports teams have been Metro Atlanta spiritual well-being, too. Athletic Conference Champions 5 times in the past 6 years. 9 knowEPSTEIN. The Epstein School works to create well-rounded individuals with healthy minds, bodies and souls. Our academics are unmatched and so are our other opportunities. ODYSSEYS. These Middle School enrichment develops motor skills, sportsmanship, teamwork academies are extended learning opportunities and an enjoyment and appreciation of healthy taught in elective mini-courses developed lifestyles and fitness. according to student interest, input, and talents. THE ARTS. We offer performing arts, music ENRICHMENT. Based on student ability, and visual arts opportunities that promote differentiated instruction, including challenging development of creativity, self-expression and and above grade level activities, are provided to student talent. our students on a daily basis. This is accomplished AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS. From art and through small group instruction in Elementary ballet to chess, science and tennis, our clubs School and ability groups in Middle School.