The Children's School Photo #5 - Project-based learning at TCS, not only engages students, it teaches them the skills they'll need to thrive in high school through to the future jobs market. Using project-based learning, our students start imagining how they can transform information into practical solutions using their knowledge in science, social studies, math, social justice, and other subjects to illuminate the problem.

The Children's School

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The Children's School Photo #1 - The Children's School's founder, Lila McDill, had one vision: Children learn by doing. Today, our students live out her vision through play- and project-based learning. By embedding challenging academics within a nurturing learning environment, our teachers stretch our students so they reach their full learning potential.
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The Children's School Photo #1 - The Children's School's founder, Lila McDill, had one vision: Children learn by doing. Today, our students live out her vision through play- and project-based learning. By embedding challenging academics within a nurturing learning environment, our teachers stretch our students so they reach their full learning potential.
The Children's School Photo #2 - TCS students leave here not just academically prepared, but brimming with a love for learning that fuels their journey throughout high school and beyond. They're lifelong learners, empowered advocates, and future leaders, ready to chase their dreams and thrive in their right-fit high school.
The Children's School Photo #3 - Learning at TCS is never boring. Wonderful learning happens when inventive teachers help our youngest students connect their play with blocks to lessons about sorting or language. Through structured play, children naturally begin to comprehend and apply math, science, engineering and language concepts.
The Children's School Photo #4 - Our 2.7 acre campus has a dedicated art studio, STEAM lab, gymnasium, media lab, library, music room and six playgrounds, including Piedmont Park!
The Children's School Photo #5 - Our diversity is our strength, and it's baked into our DNA. Our founder, Lila McDill, was determined that TCS would serve "all elementary children whose emotional and intellectual endowment will enable them to work within this group-regardless of race, ethnic or religious background."
The Children's School Photo #6 - Project-based learning at TCS, not only engages students, it teaches them the skills they'll need to thrive in high school through to the future jobs market. Using project-based learning, our students start imagining how they can transform information into practical solutions using their knowledge in science, social studies, math, social justice, and other subjects to illuminate the problem.
At The Children's School, we don't just educate minds, we ignite a lifelong love of learning.
Nestled in Atlanta's vibrant Midtown, our school is a progressive, child-centered learning community for curious minds from preschool to grade 8.
The years between 3 and 14 are a child's most formative years and hold the potential to spark a passion for exploration and discovery.
Instead of rote memorization, we craft engaging, play-based experiences that ignite your child's natural curiosity.
This isn't just about acquiring knowledge, it's about understanding the world around them and embracing the joy of learning.
Through hands-on projects and tailored learning journeys, your child won't simply be prepared for high school, they'll be equipped with a thirst for knowledge that propels them throughout life.
Imagine a place where learning feels like an adventure, a playground for the mind.
That's The Children's School.  Here, your child will discover their strengths and be empowered to reach their full potential.
Join us and watch curiosity grow into a lifelong love of learning.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked GA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 313 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $24,897
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Dec. 13 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

The Children's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for:

Category
Attribute
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Mild learning differences
Year Founded
1970
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
313 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
37%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade
The Children's School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
50 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
14 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
No dress code

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 31 / Dec. 13 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Preschool program: $22,435 per year Elementary program (K-grade 5): $25,238 Middle School (grades 6-8): $27,019
Summer Program Cost
$285
Summer Program Cost Notes
$285 per week
Admissions Director
Pauline Jennett
Admissions Associate
Alison Schers

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Art Club, Baking & Cooking, Extended Day, Minecraft, Reading Club, Robotics, Sports Club, STEAM Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Study Hall, Urban Farming

Arts and Music Programs:
Enrichment Programs, TCS Jr. Players, TCS Players, TCS Players (Theater), TCS Voices, TCS Voices (Chorus)

School Notes

  • At The Children's School, we don't just educate minds, we ignite a lifelong love of learning. Nestled in Atlanta's vibrant Midtown, our school is a progressive, child-centered learning community for curious minds from preschool to grade 8. The years between 3 and 14 are a child's most formative years and hold the potential to spark a passion for exploration and discovery.
  • Instead of rote memorization, we craft engaging, play-based experiences that ignite your child's natural curiosity. This isn't just about acquiring knowledge, it's about understanding the world around them and embracing the joy of learning. Through hands-on projects and tailored learning journeys, your child won't simply be prepared for high school, they'll be equipped with a thirst for knowledge that propels them throughout life.
  • Imagine a place where learning feels like an adventure, a playground for the mind. That's The Children's School. Here, your child will discover their strengths and be empowered to reach their full potential. Join us and watch curiosity grow into a lifelong love of learning.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Sen. Jon Ossoff '99 - US Senator from Georgia (2021-present)
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Children's School cost?
The Children's School's tuition is approximately $24,897 for private students and $285 for summer students.
Who are famous alumni from The Children's School?
The Children's School famous alumni include: Sen. Jon Ossoff '99.
Does The Children's School offer a summer program?
Yes, The Children's School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The Children's School offer?
The Children's School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball.
What is The Children's School's ranking?
The Children's School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Georgia for: Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for The Children's School?
The application deadline for The Children's School is Jan. 31 / Dec. 13 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 31 / Dec. 13 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is The Children's School located?
The Children's School is located in the Midtown Atlanta neighborhood of Atlanta, GA. There are 2 other private schools located in Midtown Atlanta.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (5 reviews)
5  
I have two children enrolled at TCS. They're getting a great education, making friends, and really enjoying school. They're learning how they learn best. They're working with great teachers who care about them and see them for who they are. They're encouraged to be themselves. I see my children developing a strong sense of self, empathy, and leadership skills. We visited several other schools before picking TCS. TCS' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is foundational - not a nod to prevailing trends. We wanted an education that developed our children's character as much as their minds, and in TCS we found a place that does both and reflects our values.
- Posted by
5  
TCS is a wonderful environment, they really live their slogan "amplify childhood." My two kids have grown beyond my expectations, both intellectually and emotionally. The academics are set up in a way for students to challenge themselves without feeling competitive or discouraged by being compared to their classmates. The students at the school are bright, curious, and self-assured. The teachers are a great balance of nurturing and demanding. Outside of the academics, I feel TCS is laying the groundwork for my children to be emotionally prepared to enter high school, college, and the workplace through their BCC curriculum. This is woven through day-to-day life on campus, which cultivates EI (emotional intelligence) in a very intentional way.
- Posted by
5  
We have 2 kids at TCS and love it. More importantly, our kids absolutely love it. My 4th grader has developed such a love for learning, that we are constantly impressed by the projects she initiates such as research projects about endangered animals, creative writing projects, book reports, etc.TCS fosters this love of learning while teaching solid academic and social skills that prepare kids to excel in upper school at a wide variety of top private schools. All children are challenged appropriately to gain skills and knowledge, learn how to solve problems, think critically and communicate effectively in a nurturing, loving environment.Speaking to parents of alum and listening to TCS alum talk about their post TCS experience, I am confident that the academic approach is optimal for elementary school children. Despite the unique learning philosophies at Galloway, Marist, Paideia, Westminster, Woodward etc., TCS alum are often at the top of their class despite the fact that the JATP is not used for admission to TCS. I firmly believe kids who have exceptionally high IQ`s do not need to be surrounded only by kids with similar IQ`s to gain the most of out of their education. I have seen both genius kids and kids who are not as strong academically, thrive. In addition, I have heard stories from multiple middle schools about how schools look to TCS students to mediate and resolve conflicts among their peers. This is a critical life skill that can help kids succeed academically, professionally, and socially.The character development program is truly unique and threads through the entire school experience. Children learn how to be kind and compassionate contributors to society. They learn how to mediate, resolve conflicts and stand up for themselves.They also are involved in age appropriate and increasingly complex community service projects. Kindergartners set up a store to raise money for a homeless shelter (and learn how to market products, count money and make change). The 6th grade curriculum is centered on long term projects that touch on the critical academics (history, science, writing, research, etc.), but which also include developing a deeper knowledge about complex issues such as the refugee crisis, world hunger and human rights.The teachers are amazing and love the kids. The administration constantly evaluates strengths and weaknesses and makes changes when needed to best support our kids (e.g., switching to Singapore Math this year to enhance math skills, taking project based learning to the next level).
- Posted by
5  
We have two children at TCS: a rising 5th grader who has been with TCS since kindergarten and a rising 1st grader who has been with TCS since Pre-Primary. To date, we as a family have had a terrific experience. We find that TCS strikes the perfect balance between teacher-centered learning and child-centered learning. Additionally, the building character program is the best we've seen at the elementary school level. Faculty and Staff make good use of Piedmont Park right across the street and play is incorporated into learning. Finally, each teacher our children have had has truly embodied the parent/teacher partnership and are consistently available and willing to share ideas about how to continue learning at home.
- Posted by
5  
My husband and I could not have asked for a better educational environment for our 3 year old and five year old. The teachers are dedicated to each student and are truly masters in the art of teaching. We love how children are taught to be independent, collaborative, and self-aware. TCS's approach to learning uses a hands-on, project-based approach that teaches and develops necessary skills rather than focusing on content. This is not a school that is traditional in their approach. They are innovative and intentionally in their approach. We also love how character education is not an add on but an infused part of the daily curricula. There is never a day that our sons do not look forward to going to school!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Top Ranked GA School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
  • Enrollment: 313 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $24,897
  • Average class size: 14 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 31 / Dec. 13 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Atlanta, GA is $18,311 for elementary schools and $21,609 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Atlanta, GA is 71% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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