North Fulton Private Schools

Public Education In Cobb

Cobb is served by two separate school districts: the Cobb County School District (CCSD) and Marietta City Schools (MCS). CCSD is the second largest school system in the state and educates more than 108,000 students each year. With two special education centers, one adult education center and one performance learning center—CCSD employs more than 13,000 teachers, counselors and administrators. Since 1984, CCSD has had 56 schools named Georgia Schools of Excellence and 22 named National Blue Ribbon Schools. Marietta City Schools teaches nearly 9,000 students in the district’s eight elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Though it is a small system, it has garnered more than its share of accolades over the years. U.S. News & World Report has named Marietta High School one of the best high schools in the country for four years running. The Washington Post bestowed a similar honor in 2013 by naming Marietta High to its list of the country’s most challenging high schools. MCS students consistently score in the top percentiles of the state’s standardized Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), as well as SAT and ACT.

With so many great schools across the county, Cobb students are sure to be prepared for their college and professional careers. Here is a quick look at just some of the county’s top schools; for additional information, including zoning, be sure to check out the systems’ websites (www.cobb.k12.ga.us; www.marietta-city.k12.ga.us).

Cobb County Schools cobbk12.org
(770) 426-3300
Number of Schools:
68 Elementary
25 Middle
16 High
12 Special Programs
Charter School System
Total # of Students: 112,708

Shallowford Falls Elementary
Reading is a high priority at Shallowford Falls: In 2012 (the most recent year for which data is available), 100 percent of students met or exceeded the CRCT standards for reading. The school’s reading bowl team recently placed fourth in a divisional competition.

Timber Ridge Elementary
East Cobb’s Timber Ridge Elementary enrolls approximately 600 students in grades K through 5. In 2012 (the most recent year for which data is available), 100 percent of students met or exceeded the CRCT standards for reading.

Hightower Trail Middle
In 2003, the school was named a Georgia School of Excellence. Hightower also participates in the Partners for Education Program, which pairs local business leaders with students for one-on-one reading and tutoring.

Mabry Middle
Mabry Middle recently received the designation of No Place for Hate from the Anti-Defamation League’s Southeast Region for its efforts to promote acceptance among students and staff. It is the first middle school in the county to receive this designation.

Lassiter High
A Georgia School of Excellence four times over, Lassiter enrolls nearly 2,000 students. The school has been awarded AP Merit School status because more than 20 percent of its student body takes advanced placement exams each year, with 50 percent scoring a 3 or higher.

Walton High (charter)
This charter school consistently tops the charts for standardized test scores and AP exam scores. In 2010, Walton students earned the highest ACT scores in the state. Walton is also the only school in the county to offer a nationally certified pre-engineering program.

Marietta City Schools Marietta-city.org
(770) 422-3500
Number of Schools: 7 Elementary 1 Sixth Grade1 Middle
1 High
1 Magnet
Charter School System
Total # of Students: 8,800

Marietta Center for Advanced Academics
As the state’s first certified science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) school, the Center gives students an accelerated, technology-based education. All students must meet strict academic requirements in order to be admitted to and remain in the program.

Marietta Middle
The school moved into a new, renovated facility in 2002 that includes two gymnasiums, five computer labs and three science labs for its 1,200 students.

Marietta High
Marietta High was established in 1892 and now has a student population of nearly 2,000. Nearly 80 percent of its teachers have master’s degrees or higher, and the school recently earned recognition from the Georgia Department of Education for its AP classes and exams for the fifth year in a row.

Sports in North Fulton

In addition to the many parks and recreational facilities around the county, North Fulton also has myriad other ways for residents to stay active. From adult and children’s organized sports leagues run by the county Department of Parks and Recreation to chain fitness gyms and the country’s largest recreational tennis league, the options are limitless.

ALTA
www.altatennis.org
Multiple locations
With 82,000 members, ALTA is the country’s largest recreational tennis league. Visit the website for league and season information.

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games
11000 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell
(770) 992-5688
Enjoy go-karts, food and games at this facility named after racing legend Mario Andretti.

Anytime Fitness
270 Rucker Road, Alpharetta
(770) 751-1837
5905 Atlanta Highway, Alpharetta
(678) 513-2448
670 N. Main St., Alpharetta
(678) 513-2448
9420 Willeo Road, Roswell
(770) 241-1086
In addition to being open 24 hours, a membership at Anytime Fitness allows patrons access to all of the gym’s locations.

Atlanta National Golf Club
350 Tournament Players Drive, Milton
(770) 442-8801
Membership at this private club also includes access to White Columns Country Club and The Manor Golf & Country Club.

Brunswick Zone Roswell
785 Old Roswell Road, Roswell
(770) 998-9437
Enjoy bowling, laser tag, arcade games and party space all in one location.

Curves
653 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell
(770) 657-0351
6305 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta
(404) 705-9025
The world’s largest women-only fitness center also includes nutrition and weight management solutions.

Dynamo
5075 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek
(770) 772-6007
The metro area’s go-to facility for competitive swimming lessons, meets and competitions.

Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA
3655 Preston Ridge Road, Alpharetta
(770) 664-1220
Enjoy summer camps, a swimming pool, workout facility and a variety of fitness classes and other family-friendly activities.

Golf Club of Georgia
1 Golf Club Drive, Alpharetta
(770) 664-8644
Founded in 1990, this club has hosted a wide range of tournaments and events, including the Senior PGA Tour’s Nationwide Championship.

LA Fitness
5530 Windward Parkway, Suite H, Alpharetta
(678) 393-2733
1475 Holcomb Bridge Road, Suite 189, Roswell
(770) 640-8137
4905 Alabama Road, Roswell
(678) 494-6464
6690 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
(404) 478-4161
Enjoy state-of-the-art facilities in convenient locations.

Martin’s Landing River Club
1221 Riverside Road, Roswell
(770) 642-2123
This private swim and tennis club sits on 8.5 acres of pine forest in Roswell and has been in operation for more than 40 years.


Morgan Falls Athletic Complex

450 Morgan Falls Place, Sandy Springs
This complex has baseball fields, T-ball fields, football fields, picnic pavilions, playgrounds and a concessions stand, and hosts youth baseball and football leagues.

Orangetheory Fitness
3450 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 210, Alpharetta
(770) 686-5352
625 W. Crossville Road, Suite 108, Roswell
(770) 625-6122
5975 Roswell Road, Suite A113, Sandy Springs
(770) 905-2600
This innovative workout uses the science of heart-rate-based treadmill interval training in a group setting for maximum weight loss.

River Pines Golf
4775 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek
(770) 442-5960
Located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, this championship course was founded in 1990.

Sandy Springs Tennis Center
500 Abernathy Road, Sandy Springs
(404) 303-6182
This recently-renovated facility includes a clubhouse, pro shop, 24 lighted tennis courts and jogging trail.

Seaventures
2880 Holcomb Bridge Road, No. 136, Alpharetta
(770) 992-3772
It’s a one-stop shop for swimming lessons, scuba and snorkel instruction and gear.

24/7 Workout
9945 Jones Bridge Road, Alpharetta
(678) 205-2667
13800 Highway 9 N., Milton
(678) 566-3080
4401 Shallowford Road, Suite 144, Roswell
(678) 277-8119
Fit in a workout any time at this 24/7 exercise facility.

Windward Soccer Complex
6435 Windward Parkway, Alpharetta
Youth soccer leagues play at this complex.

Cobb Schools

Cornerstone Preparatory Academy (K–12)
www.cornerstoneprep.org
(770) 529-7077

Founded in 2004, Cornerstone Preparatory Academy is a certified University-Model School, which means students attend classes both on campus and in their homes. This helps them develop the study skills and work ethic necessary to succeed in a college environment. Current student enrollment at CPA is 380. In their junior and senior years, students who qualify may participate in the school’s dual enrollment program with Kennesaw State University; currently more than 10 percent of CPA’s students take advantage of this opportunity. Graduating seniors recently earned more than $700,000 in college scholarships. Extracurricular activities include entrepreneur classes, drama, engineering and newspaper.

Cumberland Christian Academy (PreK-3–12)
www.cumberlandchristian.org
(770) 819-5040

Cumberland Christian Academy has been providing students an education steeped in biblical philosophy since 1989. Class sizes average about 20 students, with a low student/teacher ratio. CCA is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International. High school students have access to college and career counseling to help with applications. Between 2011 and 2013, 100 percent of the school’s graduating seniors had received acceptance to an institute of higher learning. Fine Arts electives help students become a part of worship-centered music programs and private lessons are also available in the visual and performing arts.

East Cobb Christian School (K–8)
www.eccs.org
(770) 565-0881

In addition to its emphasis on biblical teachings and prayer, East Cobb Christian School also involves students’ families in the educational process. Parents of first- and second-grade students teach a class four to six times a year. Parents of students in other grade levels assist with classroom projects and chaperoning field trips throughout the year. Class sizes throughout the school top out at 16 students, with most classes in the lower school having between eight and 12 students. The program for grades four through eight is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission.

The Wood Acres School (PreK-2–8)
www.woodacresschool.org
(770) 971-1880

Originally known as the Wood Acres Country Day School, Wood Acres was founded in 1969 and moved to its present location in 1983. It is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission and also the Foreign Language Association of Georgia. The Embassy of Spain, Office of Education, has designated the school as an International Spanish Academy—one of the few schools in Georgia to be so honored—and students can begin their foreign language studies at the age of 3. Wood Acres’ low student/teacher ratio and rigorous academics make it one of the metro area’s best values for independent education.

Dining Out in North Fulton

Over the past few years, the Atlanta metro area has become a foodie paradise. Chef-driven concepts are taking center stage and using locally grown seasonal ingredients, which means diners can find any type of cuisine they may desire, from comfort food at the local diner to a wide range of ethnic cuisine and established chain restaurants. To celebrate the best and brightest, many of North Fulton’s cities have their own restaurant weeks throughout the year, where diners can sample some of the area’s best food from a fixed-price menu. Here are just a few of North Fulton’s best culinary options:

5 Seasons Brewing Company
5600 Roswell Road (The Prado), Sandy Springs
5seasonsbrewing.com •(404) 255-5911
5  Seasons  has  three  locations  across  Atlanta  and brews more than 70,000 gallons of beer each year. Locally sourced ingredients come together to create unique dishes like rabbit enchiladas and goat cheese cheesecake.

Altobeli’s Italian Restaurant & Piano Bar
3000 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek
altobelis.com •(770) 664-8055
This restaurant and piano bar has been serving authentic Italian food since 1988. Altobeli’s features live music Tuesday through Sunday.

Atlantic Seafood Company
2345 Mansell Road, Alpharetta
atlanticseafoodco.com •(770) 640-0488
For  more  than  10  years,  the  Atlantic  Seafood Company has been flying in fresh foods every day to be prepared by its master fish cutters and chefs. From prawns and tuna to sushi and shellfish, the menu will not disappoint.

Bistro VG
70 West Crossville Road, Roswell
www.sedgwickrestaurantgroup.com/bistroVG.html
(770) 993-1156
This European-style bistro serves small plates and classic French dishes in a relaxed environment.

Bite Bistro & Bar
11500 Webb Bridge Way, Ste A9, Alpharetta
biteatl.com •(770) 754-5500
Owner and chef Leif Johnson started Bite as a catering company based in Dunwoody before expanding it into a restaurant. The menu features Latin, Asian and Southern flavors.

Cibo e Beve
4969 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
ciboatlanta.com •(404) 250-8988
Translating  as  “Eat  and  Drink,”  Cibo  e  Beve  pays homage to classic Italian dishes like fresh pasta and pizza.

Erawan Organic Thai
7537 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs
besterawan.com •(770) 399-3033
For more than 10 years, diners have flocked to the area’s  only  Thai  restaurant  that  uses  all  organic ingredients in everything from curries and stir-fry to wine and beer. Be sure to sample the wild rice.

Greenwood’s Restaurant
1087 Green St., Roswell
greenwoodsongreenstreet.com •(770) 992 -5383
One of the best restaurants in the metro area for old- fashioned Southern comfort food, Greenwood’s has been open since 1986 and uses fresh local ingredients.

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails
800 Mayfield Road, Milton
miltonscuisine.com •(770) 817-0161
Occupying a 150-year-old farmhouse and a 1930s cottage, this classic restaurant in the heart of the Crabapple Historic District features a bar, patio and fireplace.

Osteria Mattone
1095 Canton St., Roswell
osteriamattone.com •(678) 878-3378
Owner  and  Roswell  native  Ryan  Pernice  opened Canton  Street’s  only  Italian  restaurant  after  an extensive eating tour of Italy with his business partner and the restaurant’s executive chef Ted Lahey.

Ray’s on the Creek
1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta
raysrestaurants.com/raysonthecreek •(770) 649-0064
A recently renovated interior designed by renowned architects ai3 and a revamped menu that features small plates, fresh seafood and specialties like veal meatloaf, Ray’s is one of Alpharetta’s best restaurants.

Rumi’s Kitchen
6112 Roswell Road, Atlanta
rumiskitchen.com •(404) 477-2100
Rumi’s is a mainstay on Atlanta magazine’s list of best local restaurants. Flavors and dishes like saffron, kebabs and freshly baked bread bring the authentic Persian cuisine to life.

Sage Woodfire Tavern
11405 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta
(770) 569-9199
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Sandy Springs
(770) 804-8880
sagewoodfiretavern.com
The phrase “chic yet casual” accurately describes the two locations of this local favorite, which feature American cuisine with global influences.

Salt Factory
952 Canton St., Roswell
(770) 998-4850
102 South Main St., Alpharetta
(770) 752-1888
fhfoodtradinggroup.com
This upscale gastropub features a menu full of comfort food cooked with local and organic ingredients and a beer menu of more than 50 different brews. The Alpharetta location also has a bocce ball court.

Satay House
281 S Main St., Alpharetta
satayhouseatlanta.com •(770) 663-8666
While  Atlanta’s  Buford  Highway  is  widely  known as the best place to find authentic ethnic cuisine, Satay House brings some of the area’s best Thai and Malaysian dishes to Alpharetta.

Spice Brick Oven Kitchen
10800 Haynes Bridge Road, Alpharetta
spicebrickovenkitchen.com •(770) 777-0778
Live  music,  an  inviting  patio  and  a  laid-back atmosphere  accompany  a  tapas  and  hand-crafted pizza menu.

Table & Main
1028 Canton St., Roswell
tableandmain.com •(678) 869-5178
Earning accolades on everything from its fried chicken (Zagat)  and  shrimp  and  grits  (Atlanta  magazine) to its location and interior (HGTV’s FrontDoor, “6 Restaurants That Were Once Private Homes”), Table & Main is a great addition to Roswell’s dining scene.

Trattoria 141
9810 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite A, Johns Creek
trattoria141.com •(770) 497-0021
Executive chef Marc Sublette made a name for himself at some of Atlanta’s most prestigious restaurants. His passion for Italian cuisine shines through at this boutique neighborhood restaurant.

Wildflour
5815 Windward Parkway, Suite 210, Alpharetta
wildflouratlanta.com • (678) 822-9453
This family-owned cafe serves breakfast and lunch and many of its dishes feature its delicious homemade bread.

Cobb County Private Schools

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, Marietta (K–9)
www.mtbethelchristian.org
(770) 971-0245

As part of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, Mt. Bethel Christian Academy has been serving the community’s students since 1998. Now dually accredited through the Southern Association of Independent Schools and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Mt. Bethel enrolls approximately 500 students and enrolled its first 9th grade class in fall 2014 on a new 33-acre upper school campus. The campus includes three soccer fields, three baseball fields, an outdoor nature area and more than 200,000 square feet of learning space. Mt. Bethel enhances its classroom instruction with the latest technology, and students in 5th grade and above can take advantage of the school’s one-to-one laptop program.

Mount Paran Christian School, Kennesaw (preK–12)
www.mtparanschool.com
(770) 578-0182

Since 1976, Mount Paran has been leading the way in Christian education in Cobb County. Its impressive 65-acre campus near Kennesaw Mountain boasts two libraries, two gymnasiums, a state-of-the-art performing arts center that includes a recording studio and multiple playgrounds. Total enrollment across all grades is almost 1,200, with class sizes ranging from 14 to 20; the student-teacher ratio stands at 10:1 for the high school. Students can begin learning Spanish in preschool and K through 5 students attend a weekly critical thinking skills class to build skills that will enhance their academic careers. Mount Paran has earned dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools.

North Cobb Christian School, Kennesaw (K–12)
www.ncchristian.org
(770) 975-0252

North Cobb Christian (NCCS) was founded in 1983 by four local families who were seeking an alternative to public education, and is now one of the largest independent schools in the metro area, with a K through 12 enrollment of approximately 890 students. In addition to overall rigorous academics, students can also apply for one of several distinctive academy programs. The non-denominational Christian school promotes the core values of love, integrity, respect, responsibility and service, and high school students are required to complete 46 hours of community service prior to graduation. NCCS is accredited by AdvancEd, the Association of Christian Schools International and Accredited with Quality by the Georgia Accrediting Commission.

Shreiner Academy, Marietta (preK–8)
www.shreiner.com
(770) 953-1340

Opened in the early 1980s, the Shreiner Academy was the second independent school founded by members of the Shreiner family. The first school, the Church Farm School in Paoli, Pa., opened in 1918. The school’s total enrollment is around 200 students, so the average class size is only about 15. With its stellar academics and options for before and after school extracurricular activities, Shreiner students have many opportunities to thrive. The school’s 8-acre campus includes playgrounds, swimming pools, a performing arts center, athletic fields and more. Shreiner has earned the highest level of accreditation by the Georgia Accrediting Commission as well as the National Independent Private Schools Association and the National Council for Private School Accreditation.

The Walker School, Marietta (preK–12)
www.thewalkerschool.org
(770) 427-2689

As one of the oldest independent schools in the metro area, Walker has a well-established academic reputation. In 2013, 100 percent of its graduating high school seniors had been accepted into a college or university. With less than 1,000 students enrolled, Walker prides itself on providing individual attention for all students. One of the many unique programs Walker offers is an exchange program with France, Germany and Argentina. Every year, the school welcomes students from each of these countries, while host students subsequently travel abroad later in the year. Technology is fully integrated at Walker, with anywhere from one to eight computers in each classroom and campus-wide wireless Internet access.

Whitefield Academy, Smyrna/Vinings (preK–12)
www.whitefieldacademy.com
(678) 305-3000

Whitefield Academy is a Christ-centered, PreK4 through 12th college preparatory school located on a beautiful 80-acre campus in the Smyrna/Vinings area. Whitefield provides students with a rigorous academic curriculum, including 31 AP and Honors courses. The school offers a well-rounded extracurricular program with 12 after school programs in the Lower School, 39 clubs and organizations, and 53 athletic teams. Whitefield has earned five athletic state championships, and has an award-winning arts program. In 2015, Whitefield graduates were offered $7.7 million in scholarships and grants, and were admitted to acclaimed colleges and universities across the United States such as Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Georgia Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and Washington and Lee University.