Cool School Programs: Awesome School Programs in Metro Atlanta
North Cobb Christian
Enriching opportunities that are fun! These schools go the extra mile with innovative programs and special events their students love.
STEAM on Parade
With balloons, artwork, instruments and floats engineered and created by K3-fourth grade students, North Cobb Christian’s Storybook STEAM Parade is a moving display of creativity! The annual pre-Thanksgiving parade brings storybook characters to life while teaching STEAM concepts.
Russell Elementary School
A Journey to Space
Students at Russell Elementary School in Marietta had fun exploring all things flight during STEM night in November. Guests from NASA, the Civil Air Patrol, Delta Airlines and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Flying Club helped students learn about careers in aviation. In addition to a flight simulator, space challenges and drone demonstrations, students experimented with 3D printing, coding and robotics.
Cedar Grove High School
Half-Cap Celebration
The journey toward graduation can seem long, but Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood keeps students’ momentum going with a “half cap” ceremony for juniors. The event celebrates their entry into the final half of high school and encourages them to keep pursuing their goal. “This ceremony motivates me to keep going, get good grades, and pass all my classes so I can graduate and walk across the stage,” said junior Keith Bass, who will graduate in 2025.
St. Martin’s School
Working in Wood
Students at St. Martin’s School in Atlanta get lots of hands-on experience in the school’s woodworking studio. Starting with basic hand tools in PreK, the program progresses to power tools and shop machines for older students. While they build problem-solving and engineering skills, they’re also learning perseverance and patience.
East Cobb Middle School
Cars for Kids With Differences
East Cobb Middle School’s Go Baby Go Club provides customized ride-on cars for kids with mobility challenges. Students modify cars based on the individual student’s needs and likes, adding personalized graphics and vanity plates, and features like joysticks, modified switches, safety harnesses, and supports. The cars give kids the chance to play and participate with other kids. The Go Baby Go Club isn’t putting the brakes on their creativity – more cars are already being planned.
The Mount Vernon School
Arts in Action
From hip-hop dance to Djembe drumming, elementary students at The Mount Vernon School experience art outside the classroom during Arts in Action Day. During the event, students rotate through experiential art stations featuring puppetry, percussion, improv, music, large-scale pixilation and more. It’s a hands-on exercise in learning about new cultures, new techniques, and having fun with art.
Greater Atlanta Christian School
A Mother-Son Celebration
A special dance at Greater Atlanta Christian School has a twist – everyone wears sneakers with their semi-formal attire. The Mother and Son Sneaker Ball, an annual tradition at the school, has a red-carpet walk, photo booth, games, sneaker competition a live DJ and plenty of ways for moms and sons to create fun memories.
The Lovett School
Lessons in Conservation
A grant from the Georgia DNR allowed fifth grade students at Lovett to learn about native Georgia birds, and conservation efforts to help them thrive. The students designed and built birdhouses, which were installed in Standing Peachtree Park along the Chattahoochee River. The program was conceived by Vanessa Boone, who is the Georgia DNR’s 2023 ConservationTeacher of the Year.
World Religions Up Close
Seventh graders at Westminster School get a real-life look at world religions by spending a day visiting places of worship around Atlanta. The annual field trip includes Suwanee Masjid, Drepung Loseling Monastery and The Temple, helping the students learn similarities between the five major religions practiced around the world, and by their classmates.
Music and Creativity
The “Community for Creativity” initiative at Fayette County Public Schools focuses on new and original ideas created by students. At Rising Starr Middle School, students create and record their own songs, podcasts, videos and more, which are then released on school’s recording label, Hall Pass Entertainment. The program is also used at Flat Rock Middle School and Peeples Elementary School.
The Show Must Go On
Students at Sutton Middle School recently played to a sold-out crowd – their show, “The Descendants,” was produced and directed by students at North Atlanta High School. The unique partnership was started in 2012 by two North Atlanta High students. Each year, high school students direct and produce a full-length musical starring middle school actors.
