MCAA or private school? (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: renter, how much, neighborhood)

[rahul_singh23]

We visited to mcaa Marietta school (Marietta Center for Advanced Academics - Index) for 3rd grade admission. It's a STEM school with selective admission process, have lot of platinum awards and good CRCT score.

It's located near polytechnic so school location does not seem in good neighborhood, old school building and 30%-35% African American student population, 40%-45% white, some Hispanic and remaining Asian. I heard that 30% kids qualify for free lunch in MCAA because of poverty in Marietta area.

I talked with many parents about MCAA school and few send their kids to private school (Pace, Lovett) but they never heard about this school. It was a big surprise to me. They heard about other good public school like Heard Ferry Elementary, Sandy Springs.

1. Just wondering, am I missing something about MCAA?

2. For academics focus kids/parents which is better option MCAA or private (Pace, Lovett).

3. Which one (Pace and Lovett) is more focus on Academics specially in STEM area?

Thanks.

[lastminutemom]

Do you live in the city of Marietta? I believe that is a city of Marietta school, so the vast majority of families in metro Atlanta wouldn't really have reason to be knowledgeable about it. I see that they take tuition students, though. Do you know how much the tuition is?

Regardless of which is better, unless you already have applications into private schools, like Pace, and Lovett, the deadlines have long passed. (They wouldn't have many openings for 3rd grade anyway.)

Most private schools, at the elementary level anyway, focus on offer a strong well-rounded curriculum.

Are you currently a renter or an owner (how much flexibility do you have?)

[rahul_singh23]

Originally Posted by lastminutemom

Do you live in the city of Marietta? I believe that is a city of Marietta school, so the vast majority of families in metro Atlanta wouldn't really have reason to be knowledgeable about it. I see that they take tuition students, though. Do you know how much the tuition is?

Regardless of which is better, unless you already have applications into private schools, like Pace, and Lovett, the deadlines have long passed. (They wouldn't have many openings for 3rd grade anyway.)

Most private schools, at the elementary level anyway, focus on offer a strong well-rounded curriculum.

Are you currently a renter or an owner (how much flexibility do you have?)

We are renting and lease till June 2012.
MCAA is free if you live in Marietta city limit otherwise $350/month for outsiders.
We are also waiting for private school's result in April. But not easy to get in Grade 3.

More information or academics comparison between MCAA or private (Lovett/Pace/Westminster) school are welcome.

[rahul_singh23]

Any thoughts about MCAA and other private school at Elementary level?

[tandons2374]

My daughter has attended MCAA. This is her last yr as she is in 5th grade. I LOVE THIS SCHOOL. I would not pay even a penny to send to any private school, because I am not missing anything. The magnet program goes till grade 8 & I am continuing in that. Many peers have moved to this school from Shreiner's, Walker to be here. That says enough in itself. They have a lot focus on Academics. Its a technology driven school. Many of my friends are paying to attend this school.

[Lauren099]

i may look into woodward next year for our daughter

[tandons2374]

Recently GA dept of Education has certified MCAA as the first STEM school of GA